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

New Atlanticist

Sep 18, 2025

Are Arab nations going to impose real costs on Israel?

By Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley

Arab and Islamic leaders recently met in Doha to discuss Israel’s strike against Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital. It might mark a turning point in regional diplomacy toward Israel.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Sep 18, 2025

How AI with ‘nurtured consciousness’ could transform warfare

By John James and Alia Brahimi

New technologies have the potential to turn an information advantage into a conscious advantage, helping determine who has strategic dominance in the twenty-first century.

Artificial Intelligence Defense Technologies

MENASource

Sep 18, 2025

Insights from Israel and the Gulf: An evolving regional integration

By Emily Milliken and Gershom Sacks

At a moment when the Abraham Accords is in question, we witnessed how the region moves quietly, sometimes boldly, towards cooperation.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Sep 17, 2025

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

By Marie Forestier 

As the indirect electoral process begins, Syrian officials could take several steps to increase women’s chances in this process.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

This new frontier in the US-Iraq relationship leaves many opportunities, challenges and unknowns. Our experts unpack it all.

Defense Policy Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Jordan is building scalable startups—without chasing unicorns

By Rajae Sahouri

Despite challenges, in the world of privately held startups valued at $1 billion plus—the country has produced several resilient companies.

Economy & Business Future of Work

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Haftar’s long game: Dynastic power and diplomatic leverage in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

Haftar may be shaping not only the current political landscape, but is also positioning himself—and his family—for long-term influence.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Revitalizing Qualified Industrial Zones can help revive Middle East integration

By Amir Hayek and Samantha Sutton

Revitalized QIZs can transition from political instruments into dynamic engines of inclusive growth, resilience, and regional stability.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Can Iraq’s partial crackdown on a powerful militia weaken Iran’s proxies?

By Akeel Abbas

The prime minister’s willingness to face down Kataib Hezbollah is a rare and daring move.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Sep 4, 2025

Dispatch from Basra: Glimpses of hope in Iraq’s forgotten south

By Jon Wilks

Basra is proving to be part of a broader trend: improved security and visible reconstruction, despite persistent corruption and dysfunction.

Iraq Middle East
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