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

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2019

Talks in Riyadh on Iran: What happens next?

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Trump is more than likely hoping that Saudi officials agree to economic pressure on Iran, but oppose an all-out war.

Iran
Saudi Arabia
Putin Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2019

He’s serious: Putin offers to sell air defense missiles to Saudi Arabia

By Mark N. Katz

While Iran’s president and foreign minister laughed at the Russian president’s statement, Putin offer should been seen as a serious one.

Iran
Missile Defense

Press and members call

Sep 16, 2019

Press call: Expert analysis on the Saudi Aramco attack

By Atlantic Council

Following the September 14 attack on two Saudi Aramco facilities, Atlantic Council experts Kirsten Fontenrose, Phillip Cornell, Ellen Wald, Jean-Francois Seznec, and Randolph Bell unpack the latest developments and offer insight into the ramifications for global energy markets, regional security, and the anticipated Aramco IPO. The Council regularly holds press and members calls on breaking news stories. To be invited […]

Infrastructure Protection
Oil and Gas

New Atlanticist

Sep 16, 2019

Can global energy markets withstand the attack on Saudi oil?

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts react to the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities and what it means for global energy markets and the wider region.

Geopolitics & Energy Security
Iran

IranSource

Sep 16, 2019

From overtures for US talks to threats of war with Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Rejected again and embarrassed by the escalation in the Persian Gulf his policies have incentivized, Trump is likely to make similar belligerent comments this year and US-Iran relations will only worsen.

Iran
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Sep 14, 2019

After Houthi drone attack, everyone should take a deep breath

By Kirsten Fontenrose

The ten-drone attack on Aramco’s Abqaiq facility in Saudi Arabia on September 14 is a sign that the Houthis suffer from false confidence. Snubbing talks and launching attacks is not a way to garner sympathy from the United States or the international community.

Geopolitics & Energy Security
Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Sep 12, 2019

Factbox: Tunisia’s precarious 2019 presidential election

By Adam Aluzri and Christiana Haynes

Voting booths open for the Tunisian presidential election this Sunday, September 15, in one of the world’s youngest democracies. Tunisians will be selecting their second president from among twenty-six candidates, including two women, with hopes of a new vision for addressing pressing issues about the economy, security, and political reform.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

SyriaSource

Sep 12, 2019

War and art: The graffiti movement in Syria

By Rana Riziq

A local Syrian civil society organization, Kesh Malek, is focused on supplying humanitarian aid and services to Syrians throughout Syria. One of its successful media campaigns this year is the Syria Banksy project.

Civil Society
Syria

MENASource

Sep 5, 2019

Is the early presidential election a political turning point for Tunisia?

By Haykel Ben Mahfoudh

The results of the next Tunisian presidential election may change the political spectrum for the subsequent legislative elections too. During the last eights years, the political paranoia has been the rule, leading public opinion to discredit politicians and political parties.

Middle East
North Africa

MENASource

Aug 30, 2019

Climate-resilient small farming communities vital to MENA food security

By Amal A. Kandeel

Small farmers play a major role in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s food security. They produce the bulk of the region’s domestic supply of staples. However, small farm holders are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in the region.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Middle East
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