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

China-MENA Podcast

Dec 21, 2022

China-Global South Relations

By Atlantic Council

Lina Benabdallah joins us to discuss China’s influence in the Global South, why China is viewed positively by African countries, how it gained positive impressions from Africans, and the implications on the global stage.

China East Asia

MENASource

Dec 15, 2022

No, Xi’s visit to Riyadh wasn’t because of bad US-Saudi relations. It’s about much more.

By Jonathan Fulton

Given the bad state of US-Saudi relations, it is natural to see Xi’s visit in the context of geopolitical competition between Washington and Beijing, but that framework misses the bigger picture.

China East Asia

MENASource

Dec 15, 2022

Cultural exchange can foster a peaceful coexistence in the Middle East

By Nureldin Satti

Cultural exchange is based on the will of individuals, groups, and nations to reach out to each other and better learn, or re-learn, to live together.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Dec 14, 2022

Iran’s protests intensify calls for Shia clerics to step back from politics

By Fardad

Even before the outbreak of nationwide protests following the beating death of Mahsa Jina Amini, voices within the seminaries have been calling for a reduction of the role of the clergy in political affairs.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Dec 14, 2022

Morocco’s World Cup victories are historical revenge for subaltern dreamers from the global south

By Sarah Zaaimi

The defeat-free journey of the Moroccan soccer national team, the Atlas Lions, is more than a simple sports score.

Africa Middle East

Event Recap

Dec 12, 2022

Societal norms in Saudi Arabia clearing the way for more women to start and lead businesses

By Nour Alhajjeh

On December 5, 2022 the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a panel event on the impact of societal norms and structures on women’s economic empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

Civil Society Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 9, 2022

What Xi Jinping’s Saudi Arabia visit means for the Middle East

By Atlantic Council experts

The Chinese leader’s trip for a series of summits with countries from around the Middle East cemented dozens of deals with a good bit of pageantry. Our experts lay out what comes next.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 6, 2022

How Ukraine’s proposed special tribunal for Russian aggression would work

By Celeste Kmiotek

A special tribunal on Russian aggression would raise questions around jurisdiction, legal details, and the role of the US. Here’s how they can be addressed.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Dec 3, 2022

How an organization is promoting non-violence, tolerance, and peace in school education across the Middle East

By Marcus Sheff

The Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se) brings a practical approach to the field of educational research and policymaking.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Dec 2, 2022

Saudi Arabia lost at the 2022 World Cup. But its sports sector is winning.

By Lujain Alotaibi

The sports sector is one of the vital pillars of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Sport’s dedication is tangible in Saudi Arabia, where one can witness the enhanced facilities and increased citizen participation in sports.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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