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

Sep 26, 2022

‘Women, life, liberty’: Iran’s future is female

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Women, young and old, have been at the forefront of the uprising, just like every other protest in Iran over the past decades.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Sep 22, 2022

Egypt is hosting COP27. What are the expectations?

By Lama El Hatow

As the host country for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Egypt has a huge role to play during its presidency of the event, as all eyes will be geared towards how the country can lead by example.

Energy & Environment Middle East

IranSource

Sep 20, 2022

The Supreme Leader is still alive. But when he does eventually die, how will succession play out?

By Barbara Slavin

Whoever succeeds Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that person will have been thoroughly vetted for loyalty to the Islamic Republic and its practices.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Sep 15, 2022

Iran’s president let it slip that inflation is at least 60 percent. Here’s how it happened.

By Anonymous

President Ebrahim Raisi is not known for making news in his comments to the press. But on August 28, Raisi accidentally did so when he spoke in detail about the Iranian economy.

Economy & Business Iran

IranSource

Sep 14, 2022

Britain is mourning Queen Elizabeth II. But for many Iranians, she was the ‘Queen of Coups.’

By Holly Dagres

While Queen Elizabeth II did not play a direct role in British imperialism and actually reigned as the empire declined, Iranians inside and outside Iran will never forget the role Britain once played in exploiting their country’s wealth and controlling their destiny.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Sep 9, 2022

Iran helped Turkey and Israel mend ties. Here’s how.

By Ksenia Svetlova

Ankara and Jerusalem will continue to work jointly to prevent terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens in Turkey and explore the possibility of pursuing common goals vis-à-vis the Islamic Republic and its many regional proxies. 

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2022

Why US allies in the Middle East aren’t taking sides in the Ukraine war

By Mark N. Katz

Staying neutral, or balancing between the two sides, may be the best that Washington can expect.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Sep 8, 2022

A revived nuclear deal doesn’t stop Iran’s backing of Houthis in Yemen. More must be done.

By Muammar Al-Eryani

The international community seems indifferent to the risks of Iranian hostile behavior and intrusion through its support of Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Sep 8, 2022

In Syria, cutting and running is not on the cards for Turkey

By Malik al-Abdeh and Lars Hauch

If diplomacy fails, the military option is always on the table, as President Recep Tayyip reiterated in a speech on August 25.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Sep 7, 2022

Rumors of Mojtaba Khamenei being crowned with the Supreme Leader’s turban have been circulating for years. Now it may happen.

By Anonymous

As President Ebrahim Raisi has stumbled, the prospects of the only other likely candidate for Supreme Leader have advanced. Attention is now focused on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s second son Mojtaba, who seemed from the outset to be orchestrating Raisi’s presidency.

Iran Middle East
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