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

New Atlanticist

Feb 14, 2025

A plan for postwar Gaza: Instead of removing Palestinian civilians, remove Hamas

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Drawing inspiration from an approach that worked in 1982, US President Donald Trump should put forward a landmark plan to rid Gaza of the terrorist organization.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Feb 14, 2025

A plan for postwar Gaza: Reconstruction will fail unless these two challenges are addressed

By Ahmed F. Alkhatib

Gaza’s reconstruction will require creativity and an understanding that there is no simple US real-estate solution for the strip.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Feb 13, 2025

Dispatch from Syria: ‘Syrians cannot focus on their future if they are still drowning in their past’

By Arwa Damon

The pain felt by those searching for clues in the dark void of the former regime’s detention system is palpable, Arwa Damon reports from Syria.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Feb 11, 2025

How Modi can make the most of his meeting with Trump

By Srujan Palkar

Modi’s top priorities will be avoiding US tariffs against India, setting the stage for trade and defense deals, and making progress on immigration policy.

India Migration

New Atlanticist

Feb 10, 2025

The continent-spanning win Trump can secure with Modi

By William F. Wechsler

When the Indian prime minister visits the White House this week, high on the agenda should be the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Economy & Business India

MENASource

Feb 10, 2025

What to know about Jordanian King Abdullah’s visit to Washington

By Ahmad Sharawi

During his visit, King Abdullah will likely warn Trump that his resettlement idea will destabilize the Middle East, jeopardize Jordan’s peace with Israel, and even threaten the kingdom’s stability.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 7, 2025

Is Israel laying the groundwork to stay in Lebanon and defy a second withdrawal deadline?

By Nicholas Blanford

After missing one deadline to pull its forces out of south Lebanon following a ceasefire, there are signs that Israel is establishing a more permanent presence.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Feb 7, 2025

The aftermath of the Gaza war will determine the trajectory of US-Egypt relations

By Shahira Amin

The direction of US-Egypt relations will be determined by how US policymakers address the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war—and how Sisi responds to Trump’s idea to “take over” Gaza.

Conflict Extremism

New Atlanticist

Feb 5, 2025

Trump is serious about shaking up the Middle East, even if his Gaza plan isn’t

By Jonathan Panikoff

It’s almost impossible to imagine Trump’s plan for Gaza coming to fruition. But it would be a mistake to think that he was anything but serious with the proposal he laid out Tuesday night.

Human Rights International Norms

New Atlanticist

Feb 5, 2025

Experts react: Is the US really going to ‘take over’ the Gaza Strip?

By Atlantic Council experts

With his comments this week, the US president appears to be taking US policy toward Gaza in the direction of direct involvement—or is he?

Conflict Human Rights
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