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

Apr 11, 2025

The Iran nuclear talks are Trump’s decisive moment on military strikes

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Within a relatively short time, Donald Trump is likely to face the decision point on whether or not to pursue a military strike against Iran.

Defense Policy Middle East

MENASource

Apr 10, 2025

Iran is at an unprecedented crossroads over its nuclear program

By Alex Plitsas

The Middle East is experiencing a rare realignment that puts Iran in an unprecedently vulnerable position. The convergence of US military and advanced weapons systems deployments, public sentiment in the United States and Israel, the weakening of Iran’s regional proxies, the dismantling of its S-300 air defense network, and US President Donald Trump’s explicit time-bound […]

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Apr 10, 2025

No, Iran didn’t abandon the Houthis. It just wants Trump to think so. 

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Instead of interpreting Iran’s narrative shift as a break from the Houthis, we might see it as tactical storytelling. And the story’s working.

Defense Policy Iran

MENASource

Apr 9, 2025

Why it’s time to terminate the UN’s dysfunctional mission in Western Sahara

By Sarah Zaaimi

Only way out of fifty-year colonial impasse may be outside the United Nations and its legacy of failure for the Sahraoui people.

International Norms International Organizations

MENASource

Apr 8, 2025

Legalizing child marriage in Iraq: Stepping back from the brink

By Sareta Ashraph

While there have been some elements of relief that the Iraq parliament has pulled back from legalizing child marriage, the situation remains dynamic.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 7, 2025

Can Donald Trump “completely annihilate” the Houthis in Yemen?

By Emily Milliken

The Trump administration’s Houthi strategy will require a more nuanced approach that deepens these non-military components.

Defense Policy Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Experts React: No MENA ally or adversary unscathed by Trump tariffs

By Atlantic Council experts

A “Liberation Day” for the White House, an upset for global markets. President Donald Trump on Wednesday made good on a campaign promise, slapping tariffs spanning between 10 percent and 50 percent on countries across the globe. Almost no ally or adversary has been left unscathed in the sweeping move, and the Middle East and […]

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

In the thorny world of intra-Afghan talks, new challenges and opportunities emerge

By Omar Samad

Even with Taliban rule, Afghan dialogues have seen a boom in recent months. Their focus are as expansive as the diverse range of perspectives participating in them.

Afghanistan Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Washington halted the Iraq-Iran electricity waiver. Here is how it’s perceived by Washington and Baghdad. 

By Ahmed Tabaqchali, C. Anthony Pfaff

By making Iranian energy more costly, the United States hopes to incentivize Iraq to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependency on Iran.

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

MENASource

Apr 1, 2025

The only viable solution: an independent Syria, not a Turkish protectorate

By Gallia Lindenstrauss

After a risky bet on the Syrian opposition, Turkey is weighing where to place its bets between dueling visions for the new Syria.

Middle East Security & Defense
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