Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Meet our blogs

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

All commentary & analysis

MENASource

Oct 4, 2024

One year after Hamas’s October 7 terrorist attacks, here’s how the region has changed

By Atlantic Council experts

A year into the Gaza war, the conflict has left deep political, security, and societal scars across the Middle East and North Africa. The war was ignited by an unprecedented terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023 in which militants killed some 1,200 people and took 251 hostages—97 of whom are still […]

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Oct 4, 2024

As Saied increases his grip on power, Tunisia’s democracy is being squeezed

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

Tunisia’s president has cleared the field for his reelection on October 6. His increasing hold on power is raising critical questions about the country’s future.

Democratic Transitions Elections

MENASource

Oct 4, 2024

Israel has lost its patience

By Nicholas Blanford

Since September 16, Israel has removed the gloves to stage a massive aerial bombing campaign targeting Hezbollah’s top political and military leadership and weapons sites to force the Iran-backed group to yield and redeploy its forces away from Lebanon’s southern border.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 3, 2024

How American diplomacy can stabilize Lebanon—and the Middle East

By Daniel E. Mouton

As Israeli military operations focus on clearing Hezbollah fighters and weapons in southern Lebanon and Iran weighs additional attacks, US diplomacy must work to define the end point for the current escalation.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Oct 2, 2024

Iran has a strategy for Israel. Now Israel needs one for Iran.

By Alan Pino

Israel needs a long-term plan that can secure regional cooperation, rehabilitate its international image, maintain the support of the United States, and give the Israeli people hope of a future without endless war.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Oct 2, 2024

It’s time Iran’s artists be considered as human rights defenders

By Sanjay Sethi and Johanna Bankston

International recognition of the acute risk creatives face in Iran is necessary to ensure their vital role in advocating for human rights continues.

Civil Society Iran

MENASource

Oct 2, 2024

After Operation Inherent Resolve: How to not mess up US-Iraq security relations again

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The importance of broadening US relations with Iraq beyond counter-terror operations cannot be overstated.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Oct 1, 2024

Hezbollah c’est moi: The Party of God without Hassan Nasrallah

By David Daoud

The person and the position became synonymous.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 1, 2024

Four questions (and expert answers) about Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon

By Shalom Lipner

Shalom Lipner, a former advisor to seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers, answers the burning questions about Israel’s strategy and what the US should do.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2024

After Nasrallah, three quandaries shape the future of the war—and the Middle East

By Jonathan Panikoff

Hassan Nasrallah’s death creates interrelated quandaries for Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel that will determine if the region erupts in conflict and shape what it looks like for years to come.

Conflict Crisis Management
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