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.

Learn more

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

IranSource

Feb 3, 2023

The Islamic Republic is on the path to committing a mass atrocity. The world should pay attention.

By Anthony Vance

The persistent and systematic nature of the Baha’i experience strongly suggests that it would be worthwhile to freshly examination the community’s vulnerability in the current context to determine whether this already beleaguered community is at increased risk of larger-scale abuses.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Feb 2, 2023

Egypt just seized part of Libya’s maritime zone. What’s the story behind the Egyptian decree no one is talking about?

By Ali Bakir

On December 13, 2022, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued a presidential decree demarcating the country’s maritime borders with Libya.

Libya Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 2, 2023

What to make of the strikes in Iran? Watch these three indicators.

By Jonathan Panikoff

As more details about the attack emerge, the biggest unknown is how Iran views the impact of this incident and how it will respond.

Defense Technologies Drones

New Atlanticist

Feb 2, 2023

What did Blinken accomplish in Israel? More stealth progress on Israeli-Arab normalization.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

During his visit, the US secretary of state pressed the need and opportunity for expanding and deepening the process of regional integration represented by the Abraham Accords and the Negev Forum.

Crisis Management Israel

MENASource

Feb 1, 2023

Libya’s political impasse and the $6 billion question

By Alia Brahimi

On January 5, after months of talks brokered in Egypt, Libya’s rival legislative bodies finally agreed to begin discussions to develop the constitutional basis for elections.

Libya Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 31, 2023

Escalating violence and right-wing provocations are threatening Netanyahu’s Abraham Accords agenda

By Alissa Pavia

If Israel’s prime minister wants to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, he will have to find a way to end the bloodshed—and keep a lid on his far-right ministers.

Extremism Israel

MENASource

Jan 30, 2023

Ben-Gvir’s controversial new position angered the Arab world. But how will it impact a potential peace deal with Saudi Arabia?

By Ksenia Svetlova

Will PM Benjamin Netanyahu find the desired equilibrium between the radical politics of his coalition partner and diplomacy with Arab capitals?

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 30, 2023

Experts react: What’s behind the drone strike on an Iranian military facility?

By Atlantic Council experts

We turned to our experts on Iran, Israel, and the region to help explain the dynamics at play—and what’s coming next.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 27, 2023

What will it take to deter Iran from targeting opponents inside the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

The US Department of Justice unsealed charges Friday in an alleged assassination plot directed by Iran against a US journalist. Our experts unpack the ongoing threat.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Jan 26, 2023

People-to-people exchanges matter. They’re integral to nurturing the Abraham Accords.

By Richard LeBaron

This piece identifies some of the issues involved in creating a strong framework for a vital “Abraham Exchanges” program and proposes a few ideas on how to get it off the ground.

Israel Middle East
Load More