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

MENASource

Mar 29, 2022

Europe needs a new energy option that isn’t Russia. It should turn to North Africa.

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

North Africa has the potential to play an even more substantial role in Europe’s energy mix, especially because of its massive solar resources.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Mar 25, 2022

The Ukraine crisis is a reminder of why conflict-driven carbon emissions matter in MENA and beyond

By Ariel Ezrahi

The current Ukraine crisis is an alarming reminder that, as senseless wars continue to rage in the twenty-first century, the uphill struggle to combat climate change just got steeper. 

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Mar 24, 2022

Action must be taken to award reparations to victims of Russian war crimes

By Jomana Qaddour, Celeste Kmiotek

The international community is overdue for an overhaul of the legal tools accessible to victims of state-sponsored crimes in the twenty-first century. Perhaps justice mechanisms for Ukraine and Syria can stymie such impunity once and for all.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Mar 21, 2022

Israel and Iran need to turn down the heat. The UAE could be the best choice as conduit.

By Danny Citrinowicz

The UAE could help defuse tension with Iran at a time when Israeli military activity in Syria continues against Iran.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 18, 2022

ISIS has a new leader. It’s important to understand their operational capacity.

By Orwa Ajjoub

The attack on al-Sina’a prison and other similar attacks reflect its operational capacity and the future threat it will pose to the region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Mar 17, 2022

Promoting tolerance: How can education counter decades of mistrust?

By Salwa Balla

Peace and stability are fragile, and the best way to build sustainable relationships between Israel and the Middle East is through tolerance-building and educational reforms initiatives.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2022

Iran deal or not, Gulf nations need integrated air and missile defense 

By the Atlantic Council’s Gulf Security Task Force

Nuclear talks aside, a US-backed missile defense system is key in deterring Iran’s regional armed network while advancing US and Gulf security aims.

Defense Technologies Iran

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2022

Punish Putin for past and present crimes

By Gissou Nia, Jomana Qaddour

Justice will remain incomplete if the dots aren’t connected among Putin’s crimes in Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine.

Conflict Human Rights

China-MENA Podcast

Mar 15, 2022

Chinese Community Building in the Middle East: Chinese in Dubai

By Atlantic Council

Yuting Wang joins the China-MENA podcast to discuss Chinese Community Building in the Middle East: Chinese in Dubai

China Economy & Business

IranSource

Mar 11, 2022

I was once conscripted into the Iranian armed forces. Here’s why the IRGC designation is punishing conscripts.

By Sina Azodi

It’s unclear yet whether a US decision to lift the FTO designation of the IRGC will erase the stigma of having served in the organization as far as US immigration is concerned.

Iran Middle East
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