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

IranSource

Jul 16, 2018

Iran’s Renewable Energy Outlook Dims after US Withdrawal from the Nuclear Deal

By Omid Shokri Kalehsar

Countries across the world are planning to increase the share of renewables in their national energy baskets, particularly for electricity generation. Iran, as a major oil producer, has only recently begun to stress the role of renewables with the coming into force of its Fourth Development Plan (2004-2009). Iran has high potential for progress in […]

IranSource

Jul 13, 2018

Expect Russia to Do Little on Iranian Presence in Syria

By Holly Dagres

Israel’s prime minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Iranian presence in Syria, on the same day the Supreme Leader’s senior advisor arrived in Moscow with a message. Benjamin Netanyahu told Russia’s president on June 11, “Our opinion is known that Iran needs to leave Syria—that is not something new,” hours after a […]

Iran
Israel

IranSource

Jul 8, 2018

Why Iran’s Water Problems Aren’t Going Away Anytime Soon

By Holly Dagres

A drinking water shortage set off this week’s round of protests in oil-rich Khuzestan province, home to much of Iran’s ethnic Arab minority. Protesters in cities including Abadan and Khorramshahr damaged property and clashed with police, leaving at least one demonstrator injured. Protests over water are not unprecedented in Iran. Similar protests have popped up […]

Iran

New Atlanticist

Jul 5, 2018

The Gulf’s Soccer Showdown

By Owen Daniels

The World Cup’s knockout rounds are in full swing, and followers of Middle East soccer will now have to root for teams outside the region. Despite some compelling narratives – the dramatic politicization of Egyptian star Mo Salah, Iran’s rags-to-riches goalkeeper saving a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shrugging off his […]

Saudi Arabia
The Gulf

IranSource

Jul 2, 2018

Filmmakers Explore Changing Mores of Iranian Women

By Tahereh Hadian-Jazy

Films are a window through which one can glimpse cultural, social and political dynamics in societies and gain a better understanding of underlying cultural traits, traditions, beliefs and aspirations. Several recent films provide such insights about the changing mores of women in Iran. Tahmineh Milani, a feminist Iranian filmmaker, has been addressing women’s issues rooted […]

New Atlanticist

Jun 29, 2018

Saudi Arabia Puts Women in the Driver’s Seat

By Phoebe Amend

On June 4, Saudi Arabia issued driver’s licenses to ten women for the first times in their lives. This followed a repeal—announced by royal decree last September—of the female driving ban, which officially ended on June 24. In what is one among a number of ambitious socioeconomic reforms driven by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin […]

Saudi Arabia

IranSource

Jun 28, 2018

Hardliners Again Exploit Unrest

By Holly Dagres

“Leave Syria, think about us” and “death to the dictator” were some of the popular chants during the nationwide protests that shook Iran last December and January. It took the Iranian government slowing the internet, temporarily blocking Instagram as well as the popular messaging app Telegram, and massively cracking down on the demonstrations. But far from […]

Iran

IranSource

Jun 27, 2018

As Iran’s Currency Collapses, What Can Stop the Panic?

By Farhad Rezaei

Iran’s currency, the rial, has experienced a historic low record crashing through 90,000 rials against one US dollar on the unofficial market and continuing its slide amid economic uncertainty caused by corruption, mismanagement and fear of returning US sanctions. The drop in the value of the currency is having serious polictical repercussions. The development has […]

Iran

IranSource

Jun 27, 2018

Doctor, Minister, Soldier, Spy: Tehran’s Man in Tel-Aviv

By Ehud Eiran

On June 15, the Israeli state prosecution indicted a former minister, Dr. Gonen Segev, for spying for Iran. Israeli authorities arrested him about a month earlier. His arrest and indictment were kept secret until a gag order was partially lifted on June 18.  If found guilty, Dr. Segev would be the most senior Israeli political […]

Iran
Israel

IranSource

Jun 27, 2018

Doctor, Minister, Soldier, Spy: Tehran’s Man in Tel-Aviv

By Ehud Eiran

On June 15, the Israeli state prosecution indicted a former minister, Dr. Gonen Segev, for spying for Iran. Israeli authorities arrested him about a month earlier. His arrest and indictment were kept secret until a gag order was partially lifted on June 18.  If found guilty, Dr. Segev would be the most senior Israeli political […]

Iran
Israel
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