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

Aug 31, 2022

Climate vulnerability and food insecurity in MENA should be priorities for US policymakers

By Amal Kandeel

Food security conditions in MENA could become perilously worse as the Russian war increases stress and shortages in the global food supply chains that the region heavily depends on.

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Aug 30, 2022

Experts react: Muqtada al-Sadr withdraws from politics. What’s next for Iraq amid a deep political rupture?

By Abbas Kadhim, C. Anthony Pfaff, Barbara Slavin, Andrew L. Peek, Masoud Mostajabi

Atlantic Council experts react to the news of Muqtada aSadr’s resignation and offer their thoughts on how the international community will deal with the conflict moving forward.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Aug 25, 2022

Brown-to-green subsidy swaps in MENA are long overdue. Here’s why.

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

Reforms in fossil fuel subsidies can help address many challenges and could result in many benefits for the MENA region.

Energy & Environment Middle East

IranSource

Aug 25, 2022

The Ukraine war has made Iran and Russia allies in economic isolation. Here’s how.

By Alam Saleh and Zakiyeh Yazdanshenas

A now heavily-sanctioned Russia may seem a weakened strategic partner for Iran; however, the imposition of western sanctions and the demonization of Russia may bring Moscow and Tehran closer as mutual enemies of the United States and NATO-led international framework.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Aug 23, 2022

Middle Eastern nations should learn from history and back Sudan’s democratic forces

By Nasredeen Abdulbari and Mutasim Ali

The Middle Eastern countries that are interested in establishing political relations with Sudan, such as Israel, and those that are interested in investing, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, should stand on the side of pro-democracy civilian forces.

Israel Middle East

China-MENA Podcast

Aug 17, 2022

Managing US-China Competition: The View from Singapore

By Atlantic Council

Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan discusses the influence of the US-China Competition in the Southeast Asia region and much more!

China East Asia

IranSource

Aug 16, 2022

Tehran always wanted Salman Rushdie dead. Now it hopes to profit from his stabbing.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

In 1989, only months away from his deathbed, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini captured the raging waves of hatred against Rushdie engulfing the Muslim world. The Islamic Republic under his successor appears to be trying to surf the same waves once again.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Aug 16, 2022

Iran needs to cooperate with the IAEA. That isn’t negotiable.

By Kelsey Davenport

The IAEA investigation into Iran’s undeclared nuclear materials and activities is not going away. There are broader nonproliferation norms and obligations at stake.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Aug 16, 2022

Under Macron’s leadership, France is leading a middle power strategy in the Gulf. Here’s how.

By Jean-Loup Samaan

France is positioning itself as a Western partner that, although may not be a substitute to Washington, is one that provides a “convenient and credible” option to those Gulf leaders eager to diversify their partnerships.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Aug 11, 2022

Iran and the US face obstacles in their goals in the Middle East

By Ebrahim Meraji

The long rivalry between the United States and Iran reflects their differing views of an ideal regional order and contrasting methods of expanding influence.

Iran Middle East
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