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

Dec 13, 2024

To solve the climate crisis, the world doesn’t just need a new international framework. It needs a new economic model.

By Mohamed Khalil

To combat climate change, the global economy must prioritize the well-being of people and the planet over profit generation.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Dec 12, 2024

The benefits of Indonesia in the Abraham Accords

By Daniel J. Samet

Given Israel’s current predicaments, it’s easy to overlook its opportunities. Not least, normalization with Indonesia will redound to the advantage of all parties involved. 

Economy & Business Indo-Pacific

New Atlanticist

Dec 10, 2024

A blueprint for bringing about a new Syria

By Kirsten Fontenrose

For a reconstruction strategy in Syria to be effective, all parties must adopt a unified approach that is clear-eyed about the country’s new leaders.

Crisis Management International Organizations

MENASource

Dec 10, 2024

Where Syria goes next after the fall of Assad

By Frederic C. Hof

With the Assad family agone, Syria, at long last, has a chance to achieve the kind of political transition envisioned by the 2012 Geneva Final Communique and UNSCR 2254.

Conflict Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 9, 2024

Dispatch from Doha: Assad’s fall, Iran’s weakness, and the impact of unintended consequences

By Jonathan Panikoff

In just six months, Iran has slid from a position of strength to perhaps the weakest it has been since 1979.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Dec 9, 2024

Advancing US national security through Middle East AI negotiations 

By Akash Wasil

Leading negotiations around global AI standards can help the United States manage security risks and ensure that emerging frameworks align with its values and interests.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

Fast Thinking

Dec 8, 2024

Assad has fallen. Now what?

By Atlantic Council

The power shift in Syria will reverberate across the Middle East and the world. Our experts explain what’s next.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Dec 6, 2024

What lies ahead for the Israel-Hamas war—and what the United States should do about it 

By Doug Livermore

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to evolve, the incoming Donald Trump administration will need to adopt a nuanced and forward-looking approach that builds upon prior efforts to avoid further destabilization.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2024

Could Syria’s rebels take Damascus?

By Qutaiba Idlbi

Controlling Aleppo was a big deal for the Syrian rebels, and taking Hama was an even bigger achievement. But Damascus remains the real prize.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 5, 2024

A ceasefire happened in Lebanon, but Israel seems to have missed the memo

By Nicholas Blanford

Within hours of the 4 a.m. ceasefire coming into force, Israeli troops inside Lebanon opened fire at vehicles as tens of thousands of Lebanese who had earlier fled the fighting attempted to return to their homes.

Conflict Israel
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