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

IranElections2021

Mar 5, 2021

Multiple elections could boost hardline victories in Iran

By Anonymous

There are no definite candidates yet in the reformist-moderate camp for obvious reasons—they are likely to lose. Unless there is a drastic change in the political or economic atmosphere that can guarantee a bigger turnout, the candidates of this camp do not have any chance of winning.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Mar 3, 2021

How to normalize the Iraq-Iran relationship

By Andrew L. Peek

Of course, no country exists in a vacuum, but there are certain clarifications of the relationship between the two countries that every Iraqi should support—and Americans should insist upon.

Iran
Iraq

empowerME Conversations

Mar 2, 2021

Must see (Saudi) TV

By Atlantic Council

On episode 6 of empowerME Conversations podcast, host and Atlantic Council empowerME Director Amjad Ahmad speaks with Telfaz 11 and C3 Films CEO Alaa Fadan about his trailblazing efforts to produce TV and media content with Saudi talent, the recent Netflix deal, and the culture change that is boosting entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

Economy & Business
Middle East

Seizing the advantage

Mar 1, 2021

How should the next National Defense Strategy balance terrorism, rogue regimes, and great-power competition?

By Matthew R. Crouch, Ronald C. Fairbanks

Our experts explore how the United States can tackle terrorism, address the advances of rogue regimes, and establish a balance between competition and cooperation with other global powers.

China
Conflict

IranElections2021

Mar 1, 2021

Saeed Mohammad: The young face of the IRGC weighing his political options

By Sina Azodi

Even if Saeed Mohammad does not run in the June elections, he will still remain an influential figure and a rising star within the IRGC cadre, who is likely to play a larger role within the Islamic Republic’s political establishment.

Iran
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Feb 26, 2021

After the Khashoggi report: How the US can respond and avoid blowback

By Kirsten Fontenrose

There is a wide array of options available to the United States as a response to the Khashoggi report. But some carry more potential for blowback than others. When assessing the range of options, the Biden administration should choose those that mitigate the negative impact on long-term US interests.

Middle East
Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Feb 26, 2021

Experts React: US airstrike in Syria targets Iran-backed militias

By Atlantic Council

On February 25, the US military carried out airstrikes in eastern Syria that targeted Iran-backed Shia militias. The move is the first military action under the Joe Biden Administration. The retaliatory strike comes after a rocket attack on February 15 near the Erbil Airport that killed a US military contractor and injured several, including a US service member. With nuclear negotiations on the horizon, what will this mean for the Biden administration’s ongoing effort to re-engage Iran?

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Feb 26, 2021

Senior State Department official says US is committed to supporting entrepreneurship in the Middle East

By Allison Holle

The Biden Administration is committed to supporting entrepreneurship in the Middle East and deepening economic cooperation between the United States and the region

Economy & Business
Middle East
Forward Defense and Seizing the Advantage

Fast Thinking

Feb 26, 2021

FAST THINKING: Biden’s first bombing

By Atlantic Council

What does the strike signal about Joe Biden’s simultaneous efforts to re-engage Iran in talks to revive their nuclear deal? And what does it suggest about how the president will approach military action and the American presence in the Middle East?

Iran
Nuclear Nonproliferation

IranSource

Feb 25, 2021

With Iran, nuclear diplomacy comes first

By Mehran Haghirian

Iranian officials at all levels have shifted their talking points regarding the US. They have been clear that they are willing to reengage the US despite the bitter experience of the past four years. It is past time that the Biden foreign policy team implements what they have been preaching and reaches out to Iran in a constructive manner.

Iran
Politics & Diplomacy
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