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

Oct 1, 2024

Four questions (and expert answers) about Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon

By Shalom Lipner

Shalom Lipner, a former advisor to seven consecutive Israeli prime ministers, answers the burning questions about Israel’s strategy and what the US should do.

Conflict
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2024

After Nasrallah, three quandaries shape the future of the war—and the Middle East

By Jonathan Panikoff

Hassan Nasrallah’s death creates interrelated quandaries for Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel that will determine if the region erupts in conflict and shape what it looks like for years to come.

Conflict
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Sep 28, 2024

Experts react: Hassan Nasrallah is dead. What’s next for Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

On Saturday, Hezbollah confirmed that its leader had been killed in an Israeli air strike. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what might come next for the already war-torn region.

Iran
Israel

MENASource

Sep 26, 2024

Member states can and should refer the situation of Syria to the ICC

By Yaser Tabbara and Nick Leddy

Until a few years ago, Syria’s pathway to the ICC was closed. But in 2018 and 2019, two historic ICC decisions re-opened the door for Syria’s situation.

Conflict
Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2024

France’s new government aims to calm the political storm. What will it mean for foreign policy?

By Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

Prime Minister Michel Barnier is likely to follow the path of President Emmanuel Macron, but the big question is whether the delicate political context in Paris will allow ministers to focus on crises in Ukraine and Lebanon.

Europe & Eurasia
France

Podcast

Sep 26, 2024

“Borrowed servants”? Private military companies and sadism in Abu Ghraib

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi is joined by international lawyer Katherine Gallagher to explore her litigation against a prominent PMC for war crimes at Abu Ghraib.

Conflict
Crisis Management

MENASource

Sep 25, 2024

Sudan has a famine. The gridlock on peace and security must end.

By Maha Tambal

The international community’s continued fumbles to establish a durable solution to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan mirror its long-standing miscalculations in addressing its internal and regional geopolitics.

Africa
Conflict

MENASource

Sep 24, 2024

Do the Houthis really have a hypersonic missile?

By Emily Milliken

The claim is concerning for more than just the high speeds; Hypersonic missiles are difficult for missile-defense systems to intercept.

Conflict
Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 23, 2024

The Third Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah has begun. What’s next?

By Alex Plitsas

Israel’s massive aerial bombardment campaign on Monday targeting Hezbollah stockpiles, depots, and launchers in southern Lebanon could be a prelude to a ground invasion.

Conflict
Iran

MENASource

Sep 20, 2024

The end of Libya’s false stability period

By Karim Mezran

The international community must act rapidly and effectively to prevent an all-out war between the various Libyan militias and their foreign backers.

Conflict
Libya
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