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

Feb 14, 2024

The ‘day after’ is today: An evasive Netanyahu is abdicating his responsibility for Israel’s fate

By Shalom Lipner

Trapped between two cabinets with conflicting outlooks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resorted to stonewalling.

Elections
Israel

MENASource

Feb 13, 2024

Lebanon is using Hezbollah to blackmail Israel on border talks 

By David Daoud

The Lebanese government seems to believe that it will get better terms as international desperation to stop Hezbollah’s attacks grows.

Conflict
Israel

Event Recap

Feb 8, 2024

Transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape through empowering women entrepreneurs

By Charles Johnson

Event recap for the Transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape through empowering women entrepreneurs

Economy & Business
Middle East

MENASource

Feb 8, 2024

Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea add to Egypt’s economic troubles

By Shahira Amin

The decline in Suez Canal revenues has put further strain on Egypt’s already faltering economy at a time when the country faces a severe foreign currency shortage.

Conflict
Economy & Business

Experts react

Feb 5, 2024

Experts react: US retaliation for the deadly attack in Jordan has begun. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts interpret the United States’ ongoing strikes against Iran-linked targets—and how Tehran and its proxies might view this response.

Conflict
Crisis Management

IranSource

Feb 2, 2024

Iran is on its way to replacing Russia as a leading arms exporter. The US needs a strategy to counter this trend.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The US must understand the seriousness of the situation: without active measures, it will be extremely tough to stop Iran from becoming a world leader in arms sales

Arms Control
Conflict

MENASource

Feb 2, 2024

Arab-Israelis are facing a crisis. But there’s a way out.

By Rachel Friedman

Arab-Israelis, Arab citizens of Israel living within the country’s official borders, have struggled relative to Jewish communities for decades. The causes are many

Civil Society
Conflict

MENASource

Feb 1, 2024

China doesn’t have as much leverage in the Middle East as one thinks—at least when it comes to Iran

By Jonathan Fulton

China is more likely to continue to be the regional actor it has been over the past decade—one that comes to the Middle East to trade and build, not lead. 

China
Conflict

New Atlanticist

Feb 1, 2024

The hard truth about Biden’s coming retaliation for the killing of US troops

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Most options fall short of achieving the objective of halting Iran-backed attacks on US personnel, friends, and interests. Expectations should be managed accordingly.

Conflict
Iran

IranSource

Jan 31, 2024

To challenge the Islamic Republic’s propaganda agenda, the UN deputy high commissioner must delay her visit

By Rose Parris Richter

Civil society advocates aren’t pushing for non-engagement but for a strategic reassessment of the deputy high commissioner’s visit’s timing and scope.

Civil Society
Human Rights
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