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

Jun 3, 2024

Shia Afghans are being brought to Iran to make up for the lack of religious Iranians

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The mass participation of Shia Afghans at regime-organized events sheds light on how the Islamic Republic is proactively using Afghan migrants to foster a loyal constituency and fill the widening gap between the state and Iranian society.

Afghanistan Conflict

MENASource

May 31, 2024

Partial government reshuffle in Tunisia as protests continue against its president

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

The reshuffle comes at the height of an upsurge in the securitarian clampdown imposed by the president on opposition and civil society organizations.

Democratic Transitions Elections

IranSource

May 31, 2024

A nuclear negotiator takes the helm of Iran’s foreign ministry. So what’s next?

By Arash Azizi

Speaking at the funeral of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Ali Bagheri Kani affirmed that he would follow the policies of his predecessor.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 30, 2024

A war is raging between Algeria and Morocco. It is being fought in the heritage arena.

By Sarah Zaaimi

As political tensions between Algiers and Rabat have continued to mount since 2020, another front is being fought with no possible détente in sight.

Africa Conflict

Podcast

May 29, 2024

What makes Colombian mercenaries so interesting?

By Alia Brahimi

Coming up this Thursday, in Season 2, Episode 2 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi is joined by Dr. Andrés Macías, a Bogota-based expert on Colombian mercenaries. They begin by looking at the explosive case of 26 Colombians arrested for their part in the 2021 assassination of the Haitian president, as well […]

Colombia Conflict

AfricaSource

May 28, 2024

Sudan is an abject disaster. Is anyone listening?

By Benjamin Mossberg

US efforts in Sudan are not working. Additional visibility and attention can hopefully bring about solutions.

Africa Conflict

MENASource

May 24, 2024

Libya’s special envoy resigned. What’s next for the country?

By Tahani Elmogrbi

Tahani Elmogrbi interviewed the High National Election Commission chairman to get his perspective on the elections in the current environment after Abdullah Batili’s resignation.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

May 23, 2024

Is the Assad regime finally facing some justice? What to know about the trial of Syrian officials in Paris.

By Atlantic Council

A landmark trial has begun in Paris of three former Syrian intelligence officials charged with torture, murder, and other crimes. 

Conflict France

IranSource

May 23, 2024

The ‘Butcher of Tehran’ is dead. It won’t change a thing.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Despite his role in crimes against humanity, Ebrahim Raisi’s celebrated death will have no bearing on the Islamic Republic’s policy.

Civil Society Human Rights

MENASource

May 21, 2024

A Rafah invasion might kill peace between Israel and Egypt

By Shahira Amin

Egypt’s intention to pull out of hostage deal mediation efforts and the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing are alarm bells for Israel.

Conflict Israel
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