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

Feb 5, 2025

How the US can benefit from deepening Azerbaijani-Israeli ties

By Joseph Epstein

Washington should learn from Israel’s diplomatic and security collaboration with Azerbaijan to bolster its own ties with Baku.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 3, 2025

If the MENA region wants to unlock its youth potential, it should look to sports

By Hezha Barzani

As a golden era of sports takes shape in the Middle East and North Africa, the region has a unique opportunity to seize on this positive momentum to set up the young generation for success through sports.

Economy & Business Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 3, 2025

The green gold rush: Why renewable energy is Egypt’s next big opportunity

By Jonathan R. Cohen, Racha Helwa

Egypt’s abundant solar irradiance, strong wind corridors, and significant potential for cost-effective green hydrogen production give the country a competitive edge.

Africa Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 3, 2025

Waiting on a friend: Will Netanyahu get a sweet deal—or a raw deal—from Trump?

By Shalom Lipner

With Netanyahu visiting the White House on February 4, the world will be watching to see whether Trump offers him a deal that he can’t refuse.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Jan 31, 2025

What the Gaza war reveals about the limitations of missile defense

By Jean-Loup Samaan

The Gaza War serves as a cautionary tale about what missile defense can achieve, what it should achieve, and where it falls short.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jan 31, 2025

Libya’s de facto partition demands a solution designed for it—not for outside contenders

By Hani Shennib

Libya needs new ideas and a national and international will to reset a realistic path toward a modern state.

Democratic Transitions Elections

MENASource

Jan 30, 2025

The roots of recent Algeria-France tensions are deeper than it may seem

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

Algeria’s fear of growing international isolation, coupled with growing internal tensions in French domestic politics, risk aggravating misunderstandings between the two countries.

Freedom and Prosperity Human Rights

Podcast

Jan 30, 2025

“No, really”: American PMCs in Gaza

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi chats with modern warfare expert Andreas Krieg about the sudden deployment of three private military companies to the Netzarim corridor in the Gaza Strip.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2025

Syria’s post-Assad honeymoon is over. Now the hard work of state-building begins.

By Sinan Hatahet

The coming months will determine whether Syria’s new era will be a story of renewal or yet another missed opportunity.

Conflict Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 21, 2025

What a Secretary of State Rubio means for the Middle East: Getting tougher on Iran and tighter with allies 

By Joze Pelayo

By straddling the Ronald Reagan-era and Trump-era Republican foreign policy worldviews, Rubio is now well-positioned to counterbalance isolationist voices within the president’s circle.  

Conflict Democratic Transitions
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