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 6, 2024

Can northeast Syria delink from the PKK?

By JP Reppeto

The United States needs effective allies in the northeast to stabilize the area and block an ISIS resurgence, while Turkey must prevent the entrenchment of a PKK-led statelet on its border.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Aug 5, 2024

Imane Khelif is a woman, contrary to what the internet says

By Yaseen Rashed

By denying Khelif’s womanhood and leveraging her win to disseminate miseducated narratives that fuel anti-LGBTQI sentiments, critics are essentializing the definition of gender and perpetuating the stigma surrounding hyperandrogenism

Middle East North Africa

IranSource

Aug 2, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: What is ‘beneficial ownership’ and how does it relate to targeted sanctions?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Increased transparency over beneficial ownership, as well as leaked documents, have yielded examples that highlight why beneficial ownership information is critical for sanctions enforcement.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 1, 2024

France has sided with Morocco on the Western Sahara. How might Algeria respond?

By Sarah Zaaimi

France’s endorsement of a Moroccan autonomy plan follows similar positions expressed by the United States in 2020 and Israel in 2023, along with a growing list of Arab and African nations.

Africa France

Experts react

Jul 31, 2024

Experts react: Two top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have been killed. What’s next for Israel, Iran, and the war in Gaza?

By Atlantic Council experts

What will these two assassinations mean for the broader regional conflict in the Middle East? Our experts delve into the possibilities.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Jul 31, 2024

Will the killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders lead to a wider war?

By Atlantic Council

The recent killings of Hamas’s Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s Fouad Shukur, both reportedly by Israel, raise new questions about what’s next for the region. Atlantic Council experts share their answers.

Conflict Iran

Podcast

Jul 30, 2024

‘I was a Blackwater mercenary in Iraq’

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi is joined by former Blackwater contractor Morgan Lerette to reflect on Loretta’s experience a private military contractor in Iraq.

Conflict Defense Industry

MENASource

Jul 29, 2024

The Mattei Plan is an opportunity for North Africa

By Karim Mezran

North Africa is particularly vulnerable, and the Mattei Plan can positively defuse regional tensions.

Africa Civil Society

MENASource

Jul 26, 2024

Unpacking the UN findings of war crimes by Hamas and Israel since October 7

By Elise Baker

While investigations and prosecutions may take years, legal accountability is essential to recovering and healing from the conflict.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jul 26, 2024

Netanyahu comes to Washington on a ‘wing’ and a prayer

By Shalom Lipner

In his face-to-face encounter with President Joe Biden, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu had a pivotal opportunity to synchronize Israeli and American objectives for the remaining six months of the Biden presidency.

Conflict Elections
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