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

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

MENASource

Mar 10, 2025

Syria’s women face a new chapter. Here’s how to amplify their voices.

By Diana Rayes , Hind Kabawat

It is critical for women to be involved in transitional justice and constitutional reform processes in Syria.

Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Syria

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2025

The Egyptian plan for postwar Gaza is a good starting point—but it needs changes

By Thomas S. Warrick

While many obstacles remain, the Egyptian proposal could form the starting point for negotiations over a workable plan for postwar Gaza.

Conflict
Crisis Management

MENASource

Mar 4, 2025

The stage is set for a US-Iran showdown—not a deal

By Jason M. Brodsky

Right now, signs indicate that the United States and Iran are headed towards confrontation, not a successful diplomatic outcome.

Crisis Management
Intelligence

Podcast

Mar 3, 2025

Mercenaries in DRC: “Do not come for adventure here”

By Alia Brahimi

After 300 Romanian mercenaries were cornered by M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January, Ben reflects on the reasons behind the rebels’ advance, as well as the perennial need for DRC’s government to look to external security providers for help with managing threats.

Africa
Arms Control

MENASource

Feb 28, 2025

Trump’s Gaza plan presents Jordan’s king with an opportunity—but it’s fleeting

By Aaron Magid

Abdullah enjoying a surge of popularity would be no insignificant development, Aaron Magid argues.

Economy & Business
Media

MENASource

Feb 26, 2025

Why post-Assad Syria complicates the Iran-Turkey rivalry

By Giorgio Cafiero

Depending on what unfolds after Assad’s fall, there could be reason to expect a degree of Iran-Turkey alignment in Syria.

Crisis Management
Democratic Transitions
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