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

Jul 3, 2025

How the war in Gaza diminished dreams of political reform in Egypt

By Amr Salah Mohamed

Egypt’s national debate has shifted from reform to national security with just weeks ahead of parliamentary elections.

Elections Middle East

MENASource

Jul 3, 2025

Three Abraham Accords goals Trump should raise with Netanyahu

By Allison Minor

Between Iran and Gaza, Trump and Netanyahu will have a full agenda during the latter’s visit to Washington.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Jul 2, 2025

Why al-Sharaa’s success in Syria is good for Israel and the US

By Itai Melchior and Nir Boms

Israel will be wise to align its policy with those who seek to integrate Syria rather than with those who seek to fragment it.

Democratic Transitions Israel

MENASource

Jun 30, 2025

Balancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The future of US–Iraq relations is neither as dim as it may first appear, nor as promising as one might hope.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 26, 2025

What really happened to Fordow? Three possible futures for Iran’s nuclear program after US strikes.

By Amir Asmar

The condition of Fordow will have a direct impact on the likelihood of Iran giving up its nuclear program versus resuming its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jun 26, 2025

Dispatch from Damascus: Church attack shows transition’s fragility

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

The bombing at Mar Elias Church is more than an isolated tragedy. It is a signal that Syria’s transition remains vulnerable to sabotage.

Democratic Transitions Middle East

MENASource

Jun 25, 2025

Why King Abdullah’s rule in Jordan has endured despite turbulence

By Aaron Magid

With a struggling economy, little oil, and surrounded by wars, how has Abdullah remained in power for more than a quarter century?

Extremism Middle East

MENASource

Jun 24, 2025

Dispatch from the Gulf: Finding middle ground amid Israel-Iran war

By Allison Minor

Congressional delegation visit coincided with Israel and Iran squaring off in a direct military confrontation.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Jun 23, 2025

Pakistan is maintaining strategic clarity amid the Israel-Iran war

By Sahar Khan

Pakistan officials were quick to deny Iranian claims that Islamabad would engage in a nuclear response to a nuclear Israeli strike on Iran.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Jun 22, 2025

Trump made the right call. Will Khamenei do the same?

By William F. Wechsler

The Iranian regime is in a fundamentally weak position, and it should leap at this last opportunity to save itself.

Conflict Iran
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