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

Oct 24, 2024

Tragic death of aid worker underscores Gaza’s postwar challenge

By Alicia Nieves

The international community has long been criticized for its inaction as Hamas gradually tightened its control over NGOs and civil institutions.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 23, 2024

Balancing a culture of secrecy and collaboration: Information sharing with hostage families

By Liz Cathcart

US policies enshrine a requirement for intelligence sharing between the US government and hostage families.

China Conflict

Podcast

Oct 23, 2024

Sledgehammer: The Wagner cult in Syria

By Alia Brahimi

In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi chats with defense researcher Jack Margolin about his new book on the Wagner Group. They focus on its operations in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the country’s central place within the Wagner subculture. They also discuss the ever-present profit motive […]

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Oct 22, 2024

Israel versus Hezbollah: Not a full-scale war—yet

By Nicholas Blanford

The Israeli army appears to have absorbed some of the lessons of its troubled 2006 experience fighting against Hezbollah.

Conflict Lebanon

New Atlanticist

Oct 17, 2024

Experts react: Yahya Sinwar is dead. Here’s what’s next for Hamas, Gaza, Israel, and the Middle East.

By Atlantic Council experts

Israel confirmed on Thursday that it had killed the Hamas leader. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what this means for the immediate conflict and beyond.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 16, 2024

Vision 2030 has done wonders for women. But there’s still room to enhance their economic roles in Saudi Arabia.

By Beata Polok and Maha Akeel

Saudi Arabia’s progress under Vision 2030 is impressive, but the journey is not yet over.

Civil Society Economy & Business

MENASource

Oct 15, 2024

Beijing is making inroads in North Africa

By Jonathan Fulton

There has been serious momentum in China’s Maghreb relations in areas that indicate long-term regional ambitions. 

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

Oct 11, 2024

The Nasrallah killing is upending Iran’s security strategy. Here’s what to expect next.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Tehran needs to decide whether it is ready to change its policy since October 7, 2023.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Oct 10, 2024

As the threat of conflict grows, Khamenei’s son is back in the spotlight

By Marjan Keypour

Mojtaba Khamenei’s silence was broken in what was described as an unprecedented event.

Political Reform Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 10, 2024

From Dushanbe to Berlin: The emerging ISIS-K threat

By Morgan Tadych

Addressing some of these systemic issues may reduce ISIS-K’s ability to recruit from Tajikistan and ultimately decrease the group’s ability to conduct external operations.

Central Asia Conflict
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