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.

Meet our blogs

All commentary & analysis

MENASource

Mar 31, 2023

Can Italy play an effective role in helping stabilize the Mediterranean region?

By Karim Mezran, Alessia Melcangi

Thanks to its central geographical position in the Mediterranean Sea and the advanced technological skills of Italian energy companies, Italy is playing a key role in the region through their strong energy diplomacy.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Mar 30, 2023

Israel and the international community have deep gaps on the Iran nuclear issue. It’s time the Israeli government adopts fresh thinking.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The Israeli government must understand that there is a need to dissociate between the nuclear issue, which has only a diplomatic solution, and Iranian malign activities.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Mar 30, 2023

I was part of the Israeli National Security Council. Climate change has been an important security challenge for years.

By Efrat Minivitzki Thein

Israel’s experience of addressing climate change as a national security challenge is also an approach that bears sharing with its regional partners.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

China-MENA Podcast

Mar 30, 2023

US Perceptions of China’s Middle East Presence

By Atlantic Council

Dr. Julian Gewirtz and Chris Backemeyer join us to provide unique insights from a US perspective on the potential implications of China’s growing presence in the Middle East and its efforts to replace US dominance on global governance, as well as the priorities of the US in the MENA region.

China East Asia

New Atlanticist

Mar 27, 2023

Experts react: Netanyahu just delayed his judicial overhaul after mass protests. What’s next for Israel’s democracy?

By Atlantic Council experts

What’s next for Israel and its relations with the world? Our experts offer their insight.

Israel Middle East

Event Recap

Mar 24, 2023

Trajectories of Iraqi youth two decades after the 2003 invasion: Between aspirations and reality

By Britt Gronemeyer

On March 20, 2023, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative hosted a discussion with a number of young Iraqi civil society activists and prospective leaders to reflect on the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Iraq invasion.

Economy & Business Education

MENASource

Mar 24, 2023

Black Iraqis have been invisible for a long time. Their vibrant culture and struggle must be recognized.

By Sarah Zaaimi

Black Iraqis are not only living on the geographical margins of urban agglomerations but also on the margins of society and its structures.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Mar 23, 2023

Qahwa with Saudi women entrepreneurs from the WIn fellowship

By Nour Dabboussi and Mahnaz Vahdati

On March 2, 2023, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative hosted a Twitter Space conversation with the WIn Fellows cohort.

Middle East Resilience & Society

Podcast

Mar 23, 2023

Defeating the Wagner Group

By Alia Brahimi

Host and nonresident senior fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with author and former mercenary Dr. Sean McFate about his three-pronged strategy for defeating the Wagner Group.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Mar 22, 2023

Was Hezbollah behind the Megiddo bombing in Israel? If yes, it’s a new escalation.

By Nicholas Blanford

The suspect was shot dead when Israeli security forces intercepted him in a vehicle traveling close to the border with Lebanon.

Lebanon Middle East