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

Jun 13, 2024

Sanctioning the ICC over Israel is a strategic misstep for the US

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

The possibility of sanctioning the ICC is strategically futile and undermines long-term US interest in an increasingly uncertain and multipolar world.

Conflict
Human Rights

IranSource

Jun 12, 2024

Will Bahrain and Iran turn a new page? There’s been talk of it.

By Giorgio Cafiero

For Bahrain, which takes its foreign policy directives from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, following in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi’s footsteps vis-à-vis the Islamic Republic is logical.

Conflict
Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 12, 2024

Gantz’s exit has further empowered Israel’s far right. Here’s what to expect now.

By Carmiel Arbit

With the centrist Gantz’s departure, Netanyahu and his extreme right coalition government are left to manage Israel’s crises on their own.

Conflict
Crisis Management

MENASource

Jun 11, 2024

Hezbollah escalates in the shadow of US-Israel tensions over Rafah

By David Daoud and Ahmad Sharawi

Hezbollah intensified its attacks against Israel since early May—shifting from pulling its punches on causing Israeli casualties to noticeably seeking to draw blood.

Conflict
Israel

IranSource

Jun 10, 2024

The high price of dissident art in Iran: Silence or exile

By Shekufe Bar

Many independent artists who remain in Iran have suspended their activities due to working bans or personal reluctance to engage in the current oppressive political climate.

Human Rights
Iran

MENASource

Jun 10, 2024

ISIS fell, but the conditions that created the terrorist group still exist in Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

The pervasive culture of corruption and a poor economy have been among the leading conditions that contributed to the rise of ISIS in Iraq.

Corruption
Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jun 6, 2024

Algeria’s Morocco obsession has killed reconciliation prospects

By Samir Bennis

For nearly five decades, Algeria has used the dispute over Western Sahara as a front for its antagonization of Morocco.

Africa
Conflict

MENASource

Jun 4, 2024

Economic recovery in opposition-held Syria is challenging but still possible

By Sinan Hatahet

The United States and its allies can foster an early recovery in opposition-held areas without undermining the UN-led political resolution efforts.

Conflict
Middle East

MENASource

Jun 3, 2024

Five impacts of the Gaza war to watch 

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

It would be a strategic error for the United States and companies operating in the region to ignore the potential impact of Arab public opinion.

Conflict
Economy & Business

IranSource

Jun 3, 2024

Shia Afghans are being brought to Iran to make up for the lack of religious Iranians

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The mass participation of Shia Afghans at regime-organized events sheds light on how the Islamic Republic is proactively using Afghan migrants to foster a loyal constituency and fill the widening gap between the state and Iranian society.

Afghanistan
Conflict
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