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

Dec 5, 2024

A ceasefire happened in Lebanon, but Israel seems to have missed the memo

By Nicholas Blanford

Within hours of the 4 a.m. ceasefire coming into force, Israeli troops inside Lebanon opened fire at vehicles as tens of thousands of Lebanese who had earlier fled the fighting attempted to return to their homes.

Conflict
Israel

MENASource

Dec 5, 2024

What does Turkey gain from the rebel offensive in Syria?

By Ömer Özkizilcik

The rebel offensive took many by surprise, but analysts familiar with the situation in Syria were aware that the rebels were prepared to launch it by mid-October.

Conflict
Crisis Management

Podcast

Dec 3, 2024

Air force for hire

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi chats with mercenaries expert Alessandro Arduino, a top China analyst.

Arms Control
Artificial Intelligence

MENASource

Dec 3, 2024

With Trump back, King Abdullah is thinking about ‘Jordan First’

By Aaron Magid

The Hashemite king is again looking to adopt a “Jordan First” policy despite domestic outrage over US support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

Economy & Business
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 2, 2024

In its final days, the Biden administration should take this step to support Syrian victims

By Mohamad Katoub, Alana Mitias

The outgoing administration could direct up to $600 million in forfeited funds to support victims in Syria—but time is running out.

Conflict
Human Rights

MENASource

Nov 27, 2024

What Congress has in mind for the future of the Abraham Accords

By Adam Kozloski

The National Defense Authorization Act has become one of the most potent legislative vehicles for policy related to national security.

Defense Policy
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2024

The ICC has issued arrest warrants in the Israel-Hamas war. Now what?

By Elise Baker

On November 21, the International Criminal Court issued warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with the likely deceased Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif. Here’s what to know.

Israel
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2024

What Russia, Iran, and the Houthis get out of Moscow recruiting Yemeni mercenaries

By Emily Milliken

Cooperation between the Houthis and Moscow is deepening, but what does that mean for the group’s position in Iran’s network of allies and Tehran’s relations with Russia?

Iran
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 26, 2024

Experts react: Israel and Lebanon have struck a ceasefire deal. Is the Israel-Hezbollah war really over?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the deal, which US President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday and already faces questions about its durability.

Conflict
Iran

MENASource

Nov 25, 2024

Sinwar is dead, but Hamas finally got its victory

By Anonymous

The rebranding of Yahya Sinwar’s death as “heroic martyrdom,” combined with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, has paved the way for Hamas to evolve into an even more extreme and dangerous entity.

Conflict
Israel
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