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

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

MENASource

Jan 21, 2025

How the Gaza war brought Morocco and Israel closer

By Sarah Zaaimi

Security cooperation between Israel and Morocco is flourishing and has never been stronger, driven by a common Iranian threat and a shared vision for regional integration.

Defense Policy
Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 21, 2025

The quest ahead for Lebanon’s new president: Secure a modern statehood

By Frederic C. Hof

Aoun knows what must be done to stabilize the Lebanon-Israel frontier. But the long game he wishes to contest and win centers on Lebanese statehood.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

MENASource

Jan 18, 2025

Why Saudi Arabia is so keen on the Turkish KAAN

By Ali Bakir

With Saudi Arabia previously keen on acquiring F-35 fighter jets from the United States, what has steered Riyadh toward Turkish technology?

Defense Industry
Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Jan 15, 2025

Experts react: Everything you need to know about the Israel-Hamas cease-fire and hostage deal

By Atlantic Council experts

Does this deal really mark the end of the war? What’s next for Gaza’s reconstruction, for Israel’s security, and for wider regional efforts, such as Israeli-Saudi normalization? Atlantic Council experts share their answers to these and other pressing questions.

Conflict
Israel

MENASource

Jan 15, 2025

As a new Syria takes shape, Iraq will need to recalibrate its role in the Middle East

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government must navigate several challenges, recalibrate its role in the region, and balance its foreign relations—including with the United States

Crisis Management
Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Jan 14, 2025

US intervention against Mexican cartels carries major risks. Here’s how to mitigate them.

By Doug Livermore

Cartels have a significant capability to retaliate, but there are ways that the United States can prepare for such risks.

Crisis Management
Mexico
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