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

Nov 5, 2021

Iran’s Middle East influence may actually be declining

By Saeid Jafari

Growing global dissatisfaction with Tehran’s approach to its nuclear program and delays in returning to the negotiations, as well as developments in Iran’s backyard, are undermining Iranian claims to successful “resistance” and rising influence.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Nov 4, 2021

What will the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue look like? Here’s a preview.

By Allison Nour

The US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue is one of the longest-standing in the region. Though primarily symbolic, the dialogue serves as an opportunity for senior-level engagement across a broad swath of bilateral priorities.

Middle East North Africa

IranSource

Nov 3, 2021

Throwing gas on the fire of Iranian internet suppression

By Amir Rashidi and Mani Mostofi

The October 26 cyberattack against gas stations across Iran is already being used as an excuse to push forward the repeatedly stalled Cyberspace Users Rights Protection and Regulation of Key Online Services which conservative politicians have been railroading through parliament since July.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Nov 2, 2021

Democrats can sanction Iran’s oil without tanking negotiations—and they should

By Andrew L. Peek

The Joe Biden administration can negotiate and sanction at the same time, and it should take advantage of the flexibility of US sanctions policy to drive down Iran’s oil exports, which have crept up over the past year.

Iran Middle East

Article

Nov 1, 2021

The consequences of a US overreaction to the perceived threat of terrorism

By Christopher Preble

In the twenty years since 9/11, for example, favorable attitudes toward the United States have declined globally, with some of the sharpest declines in key US allies like Germany and the United Kingdom.

Nationalism Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Oct 29, 2021

FinTech in MENA: How to build an ecosystem that promotes innovation and regulation

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

The Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative in partnership with ABANA is convening a virtual event series to shed light on the changing FinTech landscape in the MENA region, identify challenges and opportunities, and explore policy recommendations.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Oct 29, 2021

What does Russia get out of Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?

By Li-Chen Sim and Nicole Grajewski

Russia and Iran’s acrimonious relationship with the United States has brought the countries closer together.

China Iran

MENASource

Oct 28, 2021

Iran’s drones are a buzzing menace for Saudi Arabia

By Ilan Zalayat

The small but sophisticated Iranian-made armed drones have undercut the security balance in the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula over the past few years, ushering in a novel asymmetrical menace.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Oct 27, 2021

Iranians give ‘Squid Game’ the green light

By Holly Dagres

With “Squid Game” becoming a global phenomenon, it’s no surprise that it’s also gaining popularity in Iran. But the Iranian fascination with the show comes at a time when Iran and South Korea are having their own drama.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2021

How Colin Powell was ahead of his time

By Andrew L. Peek

The Powell Doctrine would have been more at home in the next Republican administration than his own.

Defense Policy Security & Defense
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