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.

Learn more

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

IranSource

Mar 13, 2024

For meaningful change in Iran, Khamenei has got to go

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

The supreme leader’s death will provide people inside Iran and the diaspora with a historic chance to make a foray into fundamental change in the country.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Mar 8, 2024

Journalist Arwa Damon on conflict reporting: ‘You will leave a part of yourself behind’

By Holly Dagres

The multi-award-winning journalist was interviewed by our MENASource editor to discuss her recent projects, mental health in journalism, and the importance of effective storytelling.

Human Rights Middle East

Experts react

Mar 7, 2024

Experts react: The big takeaways from Biden’s ‘no ordinary moment’ State of the Union

By Atlantic Council experts

The US president kicked off his address with a message for Putin and spoke about the crisis in Gaza, illegal immigration, his economic record, and more. Our experts break it all down.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Mar 7, 2024

While wars rage on, women wage peace in the Middle East

By Marcy Grossman

On International Women’s Day this year, the world needs more voices echoing the resounding calls for peace and justice in the face of ongoing conflicts.

Conflict Iraq

IranSource

Mar 6, 2024

A year ago, Beijing brokered an Iran-Saudi deal. How does détente look today?

By Giorgio Cafiero

Tehran and Riyadh saw dialogue as the only viable way to reduce tensions, and realized that further escalating hostilities would not advance either’s national interest. 

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 6, 2024

Netanyahu might be losing ground, but his politics still resonate with most Israelis

By Ksenia Svetlova

Polls show that the Israeli public is torn on many issues, but trust in Netanyahu’s government is not one of them.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 4, 2024

The lost humanity of the crisis in Gaza

By Jonathan Panikoff

Supporters of Israel and of the Palestinians should work to acknowledge the pain, fear, and legitimate moral convictions of those with whom they so vehemently disagree.

Conflict Crisis Management

Event Recap

Mar 1, 2024

Integrating AI innovations into the SME industry in the UAE 

By JP Reppeto

Event Recap for the Win Fellowship discussion on the potential of AI-driven business solutions for SME businesswomen in the UAE and the MENA region more broadly.

Artificial Intelligence Education

MENASource

Mar 1, 2024

As fighting along the Lebanon-Israel border escalates, diplomats scramble to head off a war

By Nicholas Blanford

The chances of calming the Lebanon-Israel border will be that much greater if a temporary ceasefire in Gaza evolves into a permanent ceasefire.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Feb 28, 2024

March 1 is the upcoming Iranian elections. The terrain looks more divided than ever.

By Arash Azizi

With widespread disillusionment with the Islamic Republic and its unrepresentative institutions, few people care to take part in these elections.

Elections Human Rights
Load More