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

Event Recap

Nov 21, 2023

Balancing global engagement and domestic growth: Iraq’s future in and evolving landscape

By Diane Mohamed

The Iraq Initiative’s second annual conference explored key challenges and opportunities confronting Iraq’s future generations

Climate Change & Climate Action Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Nov 17, 2023

Iraq’s parliamentary speaker was removed. What’s next for the country?

By Abbas Kadhim

The current crisis dates back to May 2022, when Mohamed al-Halbousi removed one of his bloc’s members from parliament.

Elections Iraq

IranSource

Nov 17, 2023

The Gaza war is a reminder that the US needs to reevaluate its Iran policy

By Shukriya Bradost

Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to prevent a further escalation and the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war in the region, Iran-backed militia groups continue to challenge US forces.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Nov 15, 2023

I covered the battle against ISIS in Mosul. Gaza’s challenges will make it look like child’s play.

By Arwa Damon

If there is something to be drawn from those lessons, it is that what Israel is doing right now will secure anything but peace and stability.

Iraq Israel

Event Recap

Nov 13, 2023

Fostering Growth: Women in Bahrain’s fintech sector

By Nibras Basitkey

Event recap for Bahrain second workshop, focused on Bahrain’s booming fintech industry and the growing role of women in the sector.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Nov 13, 2023

On a knife’s edge: How the conflict in Gaza could tip the scales in North Africa

By Karim Mezran

Western countries should take into consideration the ongoing tensions in North Africa to make their decision-making process regarding the events in Gaza more precise and holistic.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Nov 9, 2023

The Gaza war probably won’t change Iran’s nuclear strategy. It’ll make it difficult to reach a long-term agreement, though.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

For now, Iranian deterrence is working, since Tehran is not paying any price for its proxy activity.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Nov 8, 2023

The Gaza war raises questions about the future of Iran’s Resistance Axis

By Raz Zimmt

The Gaza war presents the first significant test of the level of cooperation present among the elements of the Iran-led Resistance Axis.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Nov 7, 2023

Iraq is at a crossroads. Will it choose its Shia militias or relations with the US?

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Iraq is facing a high-stakes balancing act that carries profound implications for its relations with the United States and regional stability.

Iraq Israel

MENASource

Nov 6, 2023

The mouth of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah hath spoken—and nothing useful came out

By David Daoud

To avoid appearing weak against Israel to its supporters, Hezbollah is falling back on a pattern of using propaganda to cover its inaction against the Jewish state.

Israel Lebanon
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