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

Aug 11, 2021

Rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel again. Another game of brinkmanship?

By Nicholas Blanford

While Lebanon descends into ever greater political, economic, and social turmoil, a new dynamic appears to be emerging along Lebanon’s simmering southern border with Israel. It potentially threatens the balance of deterrence that has helped prevent a major escalation of hostilities for fifteen years.

Israel
Lebanon

MENASource

Aug 10, 2021

This organization is working with armed groups to protect Syrian civilians. Here’s how they do it.

By Francois Zankih

While international efforts have not succeeded in ending the civil war in Syria, the humanitarian organization, Geneva Call aims to reduce violations committed by armed non-state actors against civilians.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 7, 2021

The situation in Daraa is dire. Here’s how it might play out.

By Navvar Saban and Manaf Kuman

Daraa province hasn’t witnessed a military campaign like this since the Bashar al-Assad regime took control of the province in July 2018.

Conflict
Middle East

MENASource

Aug 4, 2021

It’s been a year since the Beirut blast. Now the unemployed are turning to tech.

By Sarah Page

The tech sector may be one of the only fields of employment that has been relatively unaffected by Lebanon’s political and socio-economic crisis.

Lebanon
Middle East

Event Recap

Aug 3, 2021

Event Recap: A conversation with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ali Allawi

By Hezha Barzani

On July 28, the Iraq Initiative hosted an event with H.E. Ali Allawi, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, to discuss the Iraqi delegation visit to the United States, the White Paper for Economic Reforms, and Iraqi economic and political developments.

Iraq
Middle East

IranSource

Aug 2, 2021

The ‘Balkanization’ of Iran is a fantasy. Here’s why.

By Raz Zimmt

Despite the profound differences between the various ethnic groups, Iran has existed as a separate political and cultural entity with a unique national identity for centuries, unlike most Arab nation-states, whose borders were shaped by Western powers after World War I.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Aug 2, 2021

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are economic frenemies. And that’s a good thing.

By Amjad Ahmad

Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have wisely made the economy the focal point of their strategies for the future, as evidenced by national policy changes and a reduction in foreign adventures. Ending the Qatar blockade, and opening a dialogue with adversarial neighbors like Iran and Turkey is linked to long-term economic ambitions.

Economy & Business
Middle East

IranSource

Jul 30, 2021

The grapes of Khuzestan’s wrath

By Nasser Karami

After decades of poor environmental governance and mismanagement of water resources in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, it’s not surprising that people have taken to the streets once again since July 15, prompting a violent crackdown by security forces and near total internet shutdown.

Energy & Environment
Iran

MENASource

Jul 28, 2021

Tunisia was the only democracy to blossom from the Arab Spring. Now it’s a mess.

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

The main issue is not whether the actions of the president are legitimate or not according to the constitution, but the fact that these actions were taken at the worst possible moment for the country, one in which the fragile economy and political system may not survive the blow inflicted by this decision, thus, underscoring how President Saied does not have Tunisia’s best interests at heart.

Middle East
North Africa

MENASource

Jul 27, 2021

Experts react: What’s next after Tunisian president’s parliamentary freeze?

By Atlantic Council

On July 25, President Kais Saied invoked Article 80 of Tunisia’s constitution to sack Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and dissolve parliament. Atlantic Council experts react to the events, assess the impact on the fledgling democracy, and offer their thoughts on how the international community may respond.

Middle East
North Africa
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