Middle East Programs

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.

Meet our blogs

All commentary & analysis

Transcript

Dec 8, 2023

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on the Israel-Hamas war and the future of the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Shoukry spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event about the war in Gaza and Egypt’s regional leadership.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Dec 7, 2023

Does the Resistance Axis believe its propaganda about Israel? The October 7 attack seems to suggest so.

By David Daoud

For the Resistance Axis, portraying Israel as a temporary entity that will inevitably melt away has an obvious utility, and is one that furthers the goal of destroying the Jewish state.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Dec 7, 2023

President Sisi’s third term will be his biggest challenge—not the upcoming Egyptian election 

By Shahira Amin

While it is certain that Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will win a third term, it is uncertain what will happen after the vote and when the Gaza war is over.

Elections Middle East

MENASource

Dec 6, 2023

The Israeli right-wing is determined to prevent any discussion of a future Palestinian state

By Ksenia Svetlova

Uri Israel is not the only right-wing movement that speaks and acts against the Palestinian Authority and warns about the possible menace of its return to the Gaza Strip. 

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 1, 2023

What to expect in the next phase of Israel’s war against Hamas 

By Alex Plitsas

After a pause in fighting ended Friday, Israel will press ahead with a southern Gaza campaign that will face new challenges.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Nov 30, 2023

COP28 is here. These are the Global South’s demands and expectations.

By Lama El Hatow

The COP28 negotiations will prove to be challenging given all the demands and expectations on the table in this COP.

Civil Society Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Nov 30, 2023

Kissinger was the model for national security adviser as strategist

By Matthew Kroenig

Kissinger’s influence may owe less to any single foreign policy accomplishment and more to the endurance and density of his contributions.

Politics & Diplomacy

Testimony

Nov 30, 2023

Alissa Pavia testifies to Canada’s Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights

By Alissa Pavia

Alissa Pavia highlights the issue of major refugee and migration flows affecting the Middle East and North Africa region.

Human Rights Middle East

Podcast

Nov 30, 2023

What’s Charlie Sheen got to do with it?

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with Russia analyst Sergey Sukhankin about the arrest in Libya of the Wagner Group operative Maksim Shugaley.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Nov 28, 2023

Why Morocco will not cut ties with Israel

By Sarah Zaaimi

Will mounting pro-Palestinian sentiment pressure Moroccan leadership to reverse the December 2020 normalization agreement with Israel? The short answer is no.

Conflict Economy & Business