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 4, 2024

Here’s how Hezbollah will likely respond to Israel’s assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri

By David Daoud

What Hezbollah has not been seeking is opening a full-scale war with Israel. However, Hezbollah has other indirect options that it may activate.

Israel Lebanon

MENASource

Jan 3, 2024

Gulf states are vying for sports fans’ hearts and minds—one sovereign wealth fund at a time

By Joze Pelayo

In 2023, the annual tennis tournament colloquially called the Washington Open was renamed the Mubadala Citi DC Open thanks to a sponsorship from Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company—an unknown name to most Washington sports fans, but one they may see again. The Gulf Arab states have been turning their efforts and attention to Beltway sports amid […]

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Dec 21, 2023

Need a book on the Middle East to read during the holidays? Here’s our recommendations

By William F. Wechsler, Nadereh Chamlou, Mark N. Katz, Marcy Grossman, Nour Dabboussi, Sarah Zaaimi, Masoud Mostajabi

Our team of experts and staff have you covered with their recommended reads related to the Middle East and North Africa for the holidays.

Civil Society Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 21, 2023

Opposition to Israel’s war for survival fails to understand Hamas’s goals

By Jonathan Panikoff

Calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, beyond humanitarian pauses, are implicitly advocating for a Hamas victory.

Conflict Israel

China-MENA Podcast

Dec 21, 2023

Performative or Substantive Engagement? China & Russia in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Li-Chen Sim and Mark Katz join us to explore the growing collaboration between China and Russia and its impact on the Middle East, including the amplification of influence through media collaboration as a force multiplier.

China East Asia

New Atlanticist

Dec 20, 2023

A Swedish court just upheld the conviction of a former Iranian official. It’s a warning to all perpetrators of atrocity crimes.

By Mark Klamberg

The court upheld in all major regards the conviction of Hamid Noury for mass executions of political prisoners in Iran in 1988.

Human Rights Iran

New Atlanticist

Dec 20, 2023

The Atlantic Council’s greatest hits of 2023

By Frederick Kempe

Here’s the best of our efforts to further our mission to shape the global future together with allies and partners in 2023.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Dec 19, 2023

Israeli President Herzog: ‘An amalgamation of forces’ will likely govern post-conflict Gaza

By Nick Fouriezos

The Israeli president also confirmed that Israel would be willing to pause fighting in Gaza again in exchange for hostages.

Conflict Israel

Transcript

Dec 19, 2023

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the Israel-Hamas war and the future of the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Herzog spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event about the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 and the ongoing war in Gaza.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Dec 18, 2023

2023: A year in the Middle East

By Rachel Friedman

2023 was a tumultuous and tragic year for the Middle East and North Africa. It also produced moments of hope and diplomatic feats.

Iran Iraq
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