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

Podcast

Jun 27, 2024

Mercenary meatgrinder: The price of Bakhmut

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi is joined by the Russian photographer and journalist, David Frenkel, to consider the staggering toll of the “Bakhmut meatgrinder.”

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Jun 27, 2024

The pardoning and release of a convicted Iranian war criminal is a crime

By Lawdan Bazargan

Hamid Noury’s return to Iran in a political exchange undermines international justice, and potentially emboldens other rogue regimes globally.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jun 27, 2024

Sweden released an Iranian war criminal. Here’s how activists and rights defenders reacted.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

World powers will continue negotiating with the Islamic Republic and make shortsighted concessions that will endanger not only the future of Iran but also global security. However, the fight for the liberation of Iran is not over—at least for Iranians.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Jun 25, 2024

A world in crisis is good news for North Africa’s political elites

By Alia Brahimi, Karim Mezran

Europe should not assume that increasing transactional dealings with these elites will produce stability on its southern frontier.

Conflict Libya

MENASource

Jun 24, 2024

The Syrian electoral system guarantees inequality

By Vladimir Pran and Maroun Sfeir

The framework of the block vote is so advantageous to the Baath Party that opposition parties would not stand a chance to win a significant number of seats.

Democratic Transitions Elections

IranSource

Jun 21, 2024

Don’t be fooled by the ‘reformist.’ Iran’s presidential election won’t bring fundamental change.

By Holly Dagres

The only way out of this conundrum is if Iranians take their destiny into their own hands.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

IranSource

Jun 21, 2024

There are several Iranian presidential candidates, but only one Khamenei might want

By Shay Khatiri

Whoever becomes president will be a hint as to which of these crises the supreme leader believes to be the most urgent.

Democratic Transitions Elections

IranSource

Jun 19, 2024

Masoud Pezeshkian is a possible game changer in the upcoming Iranian presidential election

By Saeid Jafari

Masoud Pezeshkian has the potential to be a game changer in the upcoming presidential election, but he faces significant hurdles.

Elections Iran

MENASource

Jun 18, 2024

From rebel factions to an army: Efforts to tame the Syrian National Army

By Levent Kemal

The ultimate goal of reforming the SNA is to create space for a self-sufficient political actor that organizes public policies.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

IranSource

Jun 17, 2024

Everything you need to know about the six candidates in Iran’s presidential election

By Mehrzad Boroujerdi

Due to the unexpected death of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, the Islamic Republic of Iran will hold presidential elections on June 28.

Elections Politics & Diplomacy
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