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

May 11, 2023

Experts react: Sudan at the crossroads—where the conflict goes from here

By Benjamin Mossberg, Alia Brahimi, Thomas S. Warrick, Shahira Amin, R. Clarke Cooper

Atlantic Council experts react to the conflict in Sudan and discuss how it will impact the region and beyond.

Africa East Africa

IranSource

May 10, 2023

After a failed coalition effort, where is the Iranian opposition headed?

By Arash Azizi

Cracks within the Iranian opposition coalition were visible from the outset, with much of the division revolving around former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s persona.

Civil Society Iran

MENASource

May 10, 2023

Saudi Arabia should consider the ‘Just Do It’ strategy for normalizing ties with Israel

By Richard LeBaron

Acting on one’s terms when pursuing national interests is always a better strategy. Saudi Arabia is completely capable of dealing with Israel on its own.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

May 9, 2023

Experts react: Israel strikes Gaza. How far will this conflict go, and how will it impact the region?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their insights on the prospects for escalation and what it all means for Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other regional players.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

May 9, 2023

When it comes to great power competition in Africa, one competitor is missing: Iran

By Danny Citrinowicz  

One area the United States completely ignores is Iran’s growing influence on the African continent and the need to formulate a policy that will work to limit Tehran’s freedom of action there.

Africa East Africa

Event Recap

May 9, 2023

Reimagining a way forward: Iraq’s economy and energy sector in the post-invasion era

By Amna Haider and Mahnaz Vahdati

On April 24, 2023, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative convened a hybrid panel discussion to examine Iraq’s current economic and energy landscape, and their future trajectory. The panel discussed Iraq’s significant progress in rebuilding its economy and energy sectors that have suffered since the 2003 US invasion of the country, despite facing various challenges such […]

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

May 5, 2023

There’s a gendered brain drain in MENA. It’s because women are unrecognized and underestimated.

By Britt Gronemeyer

The feminization of migration flowing out of MENA can be attributed to the limited career opportunities available to women at home.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

May 3, 2023

Modernizing MENA education: How to close the career success gap

By Nibras Basitkey

The education systems in the MENA region are failing to keep pace with the rapidly evolving labor market, which is increasingly characterized by emerging technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Civil Society Middle East

New Atlanticist

May 3, 2023

It’s broken: The humanitarian response is keeping Syrians in a loop of helplessness

By Arwa Damon

The Atlantic Council’s Arwa Damon shares insights from a recent visit to Idlib province in northwestern Syria, where the humanitarian situation remains dire.

Crisis Management Human Rights

IranSource

May 2, 2023

Schoolgirl poisonings are persisting in Iran. So should the international reaction to them.

By Mahnaz Vahdati

The international community must take decisive and expeditious measures to ensure accountability and safeguard the human rights of Iranian citizens, especially women and girls.

Human Rights Iran
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