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

Mar 11, 2020

How Iran’s new Quds Force commander could hurt the US in Afghanistan

By Obaidullah Obaid

A US-Taliban peace deal leaves the possibility of Iran-sponsored proxy groups such as the Fatemiyoun Brigade or Taliban breakaway factions to go after the downsized US troop presence or other American targets in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan
Iran

MENASource

Mar 9, 2020

Pseudo diplomacy in Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

For nine years the West has chosen, in the context of Syria, to deny real power to its diplomats and its diplomacy.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Mar 6, 2020

Allawi withdraws PM nomination: Opportunities in Iraq despite the dysfunction

By C. Anthony Pfaff

As dysfunctional as Iraq’s democracy can be, it is still a democracy and even the Iranian-backed political parties have to pay attention to the will of their various constituencies. This point means that an energized protest movement can help bring about conditions more favorable to Iraq’s recovery.

Democratic Transitions
Iraq

MENASource

Mar 6, 2020

Why Algeria is suddenly more interested in Libya

By Alia Brahimi and Akram Kharief

Foreign military interference in Libya has overwhelmed local dynamics, taking on an escalatory logic of its own and marginalizing the inclusive, negotiated solution advanced by Algeria.

Libya
North Africa

MENASource

Mar 5, 2020

The impact of coronavirus on Gulf economies

By Jonathan Fulton

Beyond the obvious public health crisis, the coronavirus has had a significant impact on Gulf economies, as it has with other countries around the world. What sets the GCC states apart is the damage that can be done by a Chinese slowdown.

Coronavirus
Middle East

IranSource

Mar 3, 2020

Ayatollah Mike and the IRGC’s growing credibility gap

By Emily Blout

The IRGC’s attempts to fudge the facts and manipulate the news is creating a credibility gap: a breach in trust between the people and the government.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Mar 2, 2020

Factbox: The Syrian regime’s push in Idlib province

By Kyle Thetford

This factbox aims to shed light on the latest developments, the humanitarian consequences, and the key actors involved.

Conflict
Middle East

IranSource

Feb 28, 2020

Trump fights Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ in Latin America

By Giorgio Cafiero

With President Donald Trump in the White House and Mike Pompeo as his Secretary of State, the US is determined to eject Iranian influence from Latin America.

Iran
Latin America

MENASource

Feb 28, 2020

Israel’s new prime minister must reckon with the Democratic Party

By Carmiel Arbit

By March 3, the new Israeli prime minister will have a preview of one of the first challenges he’ll have to address: a reckoning with the Democratic Party.

Israel
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2020

Tensions mount in Syria after strike on Turkish troops

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts respond to the airstrikes against Turkish soldiers in Idlib, as Russia and the Assad regime continue their collision course with Turkey in Syria.

Conflict
Syria
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