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

May 9, 2024

The nuclear fatwa that wasn’t—how Iran sold the world a false narrative

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Tracking the supreme leader’s comments over the past two decades demonstrates that he never issued a fatwa against building a nuclear weapon.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

May 9, 2024

Syria holds the key to improved US-Turkey ties

By Ömer Özkizilcik

It is crucial that the United States and Turkey overcome their differences because the governments need to strengthen their alliance—especially as it concerns Syria. 

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2024

Seven questions (and answers) if the ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli officials

By Mark Klamberg

Israel’s government has voiced its concern in recent days that the International Criminal Court will soon issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials in connection with the war in Gaza.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

May 3, 2024

The UN Libya envoy’s resignation shows why the political transition is failing

By Karim Mezran

Regardless of who replaces Abdoulaye Bathily, the next special envoy will not be able to solve Libya’s political impasse as long as the leaders of the country’s factions remain unwilling to meaningfully engage.

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

Event Recap

Apr 30, 2024

MENA’s economic outlook from the Atlantic Council’s IMF/World Bank Week

By Charles Johnson and JP Reppeto

Highlights from empowerME’s week of events during this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring meetings.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

MENASource

Apr 29, 2024

An Iron Curtain may fall again—this time in Libya

By Karim Mezran

The US and its allies cannot ignore anymore the importance of stabilizing Libya through a constant, inclusive, and transparent political process accompanied by a forceful action of resistance and pushback against the Russian infiltration.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Apr 29, 2024

The double costs of conflict-driven climate change in MENA and beyond

By Ariel Ezrahi

With the ongoing wars, it’s easy to dismiss the notions of climate change cooperation across borders as detached from reality. Unfortunately, the devastating impacts of climate change are not going away

Climate Change & Climate Action Conflict

IranSource

Apr 26, 2024

Everything you need to know about Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi and his death sentence

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani and Andrea Alice Richardson

On April 24, a revolutionary court in Iran sentenced dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi to death on charges of “spreading corruption on the Earth.”

Civil Society Human Rights

MENASource

Apr 25, 2024

The Syrian parliamentary elections are coming up. Should anyone care?

By Vladimir Pran and Maroun Sfeir

The polls will be held again against a backdrop of massive displacement, unresolved conflict, partial occupation, and an intransigent regime.

Conflict Elections

Podcast

Apr 24, 2024

American Hit Squad in Yemen

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with BBC investigative journalist Nawal Al-Maghafi about her film on American mercenaries in Yemen.

Conflict Defense Industry
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