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

Aug 16, 2024

Syrian elections ended. What have we learned from the results?

By Vladimir Pran and Maroun Sfeir

The new parliament might be rejuvenated with significant turnover, but will likely remain in the service of the top Baath leadership.

Conflict Elections

MENASource

Aug 15, 2024

Red lines and reconciliation: Turkey and Syria’s diplomatic gamble

By Sinan Hatahet, Ömer Özkizilcik

The ongoing situation in Syria presents risks for Turkish security, prompting a search for viable solutions to its multifaceted challenges.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

IranSource

Aug 15, 2024

Russian-Iranian military cooperation: How much can they depend on each other?

By Mark N. Katz

While the expansion of Russian-Iranian military cooperation might have already been in the works, these setbacks that Moscow and Tehran have experienced at the hands of US-backed Ukraine and Israel may only serve to increase it.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Aug 8, 2024

Summer isn’t over. Here’s our recommended reading list.

By William F. Wechsler, Sarah Zaaimi, Emilia Pierce, Masoud Mostajabi, Manal Fatima, David Maloney

Our team has you covered with their recommended reads related to the Middle East and North Africa for the dog days of summer.

Civil Society Middle East

IranSource

Aug 7, 2024

Understanding Nasrallah’s speech: How will Hezbollah avenge Shukr?

By David Daoud

Hezbollah must now respond to Israel, but a routine retaliation will not suffice, given Fuad Shukr’s stature and the location of his killing.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Aug 6, 2024

Can northeast Syria delink from the PKK?

By JP Reppeto

The United States needs effective allies in the northeast to stabilize the area and block an ISIS resurgence, while Turkey must prevent the entrenchment of a PKK-led statelet on its border.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Aug 5, 2024

Imane Khelif is a woman, contrary to what the internet says

By Yaseen Rashed

By denying Khelif’s womanhood and leveraging her win to disseminate miseducated narratives that fuel anti-LGBTQI sentiments, critics are essentializing the definition of gender and perpetuating the stigma surrounding hyperandrogenism

Middle East North Africa

IranSource

Aug 2, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: What is ‘beneficial ownership’ and how does it relate to targeted sanctions?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Increased transparency over beneficial ownership, as well as leaked documents, have yielded examples that highlight why beneficial ownership information is critical for sanctions enforcement.

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 1, 2024

France has sided with Morocco on the Western Sahara. How might Algeria respond?

By Sarah Zaaimi

France’s endorsement of a Moroccan autonomy plan follows similar positions expressed by the United States in 2020 and Israel in 2023, along with a growing list of Arab and African nations.

Africa France

Experts react

Jul 31, 2024

Experts react: Two top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders have been killed. What’s next for Israel, Iran, and the war in Gaza?

By Atlantic Council experts

What will these two assassinations mean for the broader regional conflict in the Middle East? Our experts delve into the possibilities.

Crisis Management Defense Policy
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