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

Jun 7, 2023

The US should pay close attention to Saudi Arabia’s domestic policy

By Jonathan Panikoff

Riyadh’s foreign priorities today are little more than a shadow of its plans at home. US officials should factor this reality into their plans to stabilize relations with the kingdom.

Politics & Diplomacy Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jun 6, 2023

The US has learned to work with governments that the president isn’t close to. Saudi Arabia is no different.

By David Mack

Given their different historical experiences, relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States will always be a work in progress.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jun 2, 2023

In an endless series of Israeli operations, Operation Shield and Arrow in Gaza was yet another name on the list

By Ksenia Svetlova

The current Israeli government is just as unable as previous ones to produce a solution to stop PIJ and Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jun 1, 2023

Is Egypt planning a full-scale invasion of Sudan? 

By Shahira Amin

With the evacuation of foreigners from Sudan nearly complete, expectations are that an Egyptian military invasion of Sudan is imminent.

East Africa Middle East

MENASource

May 31, 2023

Time to double down: ICC arrest warrants in Libya are a great start but Libyans deserve more

By Christopher “Kip” Hale

While these ICC arrest warrants may be the accountability spark Libya desperately needs, the country will require more to be uprooted.

Libya Middle East

Podcast

May 31, 2023

What’s so bad about mercenaries?

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with the philosopher Professor Tony Coady about the key characteristics of mercenaries, the Geneva Conventions, and more.

Conflict Defense Industry

MENASource

May 30, 2023

Cross-border cooperation between Israel and MENA region is key to addressing climate change

By Tamara Sharon Ross and Rony Erez

There are many opportunities to meet climate-related challenges through cooperation, expertise sharing, and the exchange of ideas in MENA.

Middle East North Africa

New Atlanticist

May 25, 2023

How to hold the Assad regime accountable, even as countries normalize relations with Syria

By Elise Baker

There remains a slate of accountability tools for Syria, and certain avenues for seeking accountability may even be expanding with normalization.

Corruption Human Rights

MENASource

May 25, 2023

Developing countries need a loss and damage fund for climate change. How can COP28 make it happen?

By Lama El Hatow

A L&D fund is the last lifeboat for these countries after decades of struggle to achieve some form of global climate justice.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

IranSource

May 24, 2023

Iran is using its cyber capabilities to kidnap its foes in the real world

By Borzou Daragahi

This new form of transnational repression by Iran has alarmed security professionals and governments worldwide. 

Cybersecurity Iran
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