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

Nov 3, 2023

As the Gaza war continues, Egypt is facing pressure to act     

By Shahira Amin

As Israel expands its ground raids in the Gaza Strip, Egypt is witnessing the ripple effects of the war and faces growing pressure to act in regard to Palestinian refugees.  

Conflict Israel

China-MENA Podcast

Nov 3, 2023

10 Years On: China’s Belt & Road Initiative and its Future in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

David O. Shullman and Yun Sun join us to delve into the current state of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the Middle East’s development agendas.

China East Asia

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Nov 2, 2023

Panikoff on AC TV: “US key goal right now is to try to prevent the conflict from broadening into a regional war”

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 31, 2023

Israel claims it is no longer occupying the Gaza Strip. What does international law say?

By Celeste Kmiotek

The laws of occupation codify a basic principle of humanity: those with effective control over a population have obligations to protect it.

Israel Middle East

Event Recap

Oct 30, 2023

Addressing the captagon crisis in MENA: Strategies & Challenges

By Diane Mohamed and Rachel Friedman

The Syria Program hosted a panel discussion taking stock of current captagon landscape in Syria and captagon’s place within the global illicit supply chain.

Corruption Crisis Management

Event Recap

Oct 30, 2023

Navigating the future of women’s healthcare in Saudi Arabia: Insights and challenges

By Lynn Monzer

Event recap for Women’s economic participation and its impact on healthcare in Saudi Arabia

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Oct 30, 2023

Erdogan leans on Israel, pushes for post-war role in Gaza 

By Rich Outzen

The Turkish president’s ultimate goal is to be present and influential in the post-war settlement regarding Gaza and to be a key player in the mediation and reconstruction process.

Europe & Eurasia Israel

Fast Thinking

Oct 28, 2023

Israel’s ground war in Gaza has started. How will it end?

By Atlantic Council

On October 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a “second stage” in Israel’s war is intended to destroy Hamas in Gaza. Atlantic Council experts share their insights.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 27, 2023

Experts react: What to know about Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza

By Atlantic Council experts

In what could signal the initial steps of a larger invasion, Israel has announced that it is “expanding” ground operations in Gaza, with the goal of eradicating Hamas.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 27, 2023

A humanitarian corridor in the Israeli Negev could save Gazans

By Alan Pino and Casimir Yost

There is no perfect solution to alleviate the death and destruction that awaits in the Gaza Strip, but getting women, children, and the elderly out of harm’s way would be a positive step.

Israel Middle East
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