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.

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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

IranSource

Apr 26, 2024

Everything you need to know about Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi and his death sentence

By Khosro Kalbasi Isfahani and Andrea Alice Richardson

On April 24, a revolutionary court in Iran sentenced dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi to death on charges of “spreading corruption on the Earth.”

Civil Society Human Rights

MENASource

Apr 25, 2024

The Syrian parliamentary elections are coming up. Should anyone care?

By Vladimir Pran and Maroun Sfeir

The polls will be held again against a backdrop of massive displacement, unresolved conflict, partial occupation, and an intransigent regime.

Conflict Elections

Podcast

Apr 24, 2024

American Hit Squad in Yemen

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with BBC investigative journalist Nawal Al-Maghafi about her film on American mercenaries in Yemen.

Conflict Defense Industry

IranSource

Apr 23, 2024

This round of Iran-Israel escalation is over, but the next could be just around the corner

By Raz Zimmt

The continuous campaign between Iran and Israel is unlikely to end, and the precedent set by their direct military engagement has become another option on the confrontation table.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Apr 22, 2024

Iraq’s prime minister on how to elevate US-Iraqi relations beyond just security

By Daniel Hojnacki

Sudani discussed his visit to the United States, an upcoming meeting with the Turkish president, and regional security.

Conflict Crisis Management

Testimony

Apr 19, 2024

Jonathan Fulton testifies to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission

By Jonathan Fulton

Jonathan Fulton, nonresident senior fellow for Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs and the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, testifies before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing on “China and the Middle East.” Video from the hearings and other testimonies can be found below. Below are his prepared remarks. The Middle East – North […]

China Economy & Business

IranSource

Apr 19, 2024

Iran once had air inferiority. After its attack on Israel, it flies high.

By Borzou Daragahi

While much of the discussion of the Iran-Israel conflict has been focused on proxy ground attacks, clandestine operations, and cyberwarfare, April 14 marks a new and dangerous escalation in the skies. 

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Apr 19, 2024

Experts react: Israel just conducted a limited strike in Iran. Is this the end of the tit for tat?

By Atlantic Council experts

The strike early Friday near the Isfahan air base and nuclear site is an apparent retaliation against Iran’s attack on Israel on April 13.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Apr 18, 2024

Jordan took out Iranian munitions over its airspace. Now it has tensions with its people and Iran.

By Aaron Magid

A full-scale Iran-Israel war would likely harm the Hashemite Kingdom, which is squeezed between the two more powerful adversaries.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Apr 18, 2024

The KDP is boycotting the upcoming elections. Iraqi Kurdistan may get stuck in an electoral impasse.

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

As the June election deadline looms, the future of Kurdistan’s political stability hangs in the balance.

Elections Iraq
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