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 19, 2025

Inside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s diplomatic offensive with Syria’s Christians and Ismailis

By Gregory Waters

HTS’s diplomatic offensive demonstrates the leadership’s political approach, which evolved over years of engaging with the Christian and Druze communities in Idlib.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Why the United States must bridge the Iraq-Syria divide

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

With leverage over both capitals, the United States emerges as the linchpin in delicate diplomatic moment between Baghdad and Damascus.

English Iraq

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Trump’s military cudgel in Yemen will not achieve US regional objectives

By Jacob Ware and Amir Asmar

Donald Trump risks falling into US pattern of short-sighted military action at the expense of constructing a sustainable plan for Yemen.

Defense Policy Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2025

The Gaza cease-fire is over. What’s next from Israel, Hamas, and the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

In the early hours of March 18, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, ending the two-month cease-fire. Atlantic Council experts answer pressing questions about the resumed conflict.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2025

Beyond the Houthis: The US needs a comprehensive Yemen policy

By Osamah Al Rawhani

Recent air strikes mark a new chapter in the US approach toward the Houthis. But to be successful in reducing threats in the region, Washington will need policies that address Yemen as a whole.

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Mar 18, 2025

Landmark SDF-Damascus deal presents opportunity, and uncertainty, for Turkey

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Despite positive signals, critical ambiguities remain in agreement between Syrian President Ahmed Shara and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi.

English Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 15, 2025

Experts react: Trump just ordered major strikes against the Houthis. What does this mean for Yemen, Iran, and beyond?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts break down the biggest military campaign of the second Trump administration.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 14, 2025

The United States’ Houthi terrorist designation unmasks Russia’s Yemen strategy

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have become a tool of foreign powers, shifting from an Iran proxy to a Russian asset.

English Maritime Security

MENASource

Mar 13, 2025

Why now is the right time for ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran’s oil exports

By Scott Modell

Iran is more vulnerable than it has been in decades; the United States can deliver a decisive blow to Tehran and set the stage for a more stable and secure future.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Mar 10, 2025

Trump should embrace the Egyptian Gaza plan. It’s his best chance to secure peace.

By Ahmed Nabil

The Egyptian plan offers a base to secure many parties’ interests and create the required regional stability to buy time for diplomacy.

Crisis Management Israel
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