Middle East Programs Research & Reports

Our reports feature policy-relevant analysis that focuses on transatlantic priorities while centering the concerns of citizens in the Middle East.

All in-depth research & reports

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2026

The strategic rationale for closer investment ties between Europe and the Gulf

By Jeffrey Lightfoot

Europe and the Gulf both stand to benefit from investing more in each region. Which projects make the most sense?

Economy & Business Europe

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2026

Trade and connectivity in the Europe-Gulf strategic partnership

By Valbona Zeneli

Boosting trade between European and Gulf states requires progress on two key projects planned to connect the regions: the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and a free trade agreement. Can the disruption caused by the Iran war provide an impetus to move these stalled projects forward?

Economy & Business Europe

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2026

Three principles to guide European-Gulf defense cooperation

By Jean-Loup Samaan

How can Europe and Gulf cooperate more effectively on defense?

Defense Industry Europe

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2026

How Europe and the Gulf can unite behind an energy-transition agenda

By Ariel Ezrahi

European and Gulf states share a strong interest in restoring the free flow of energy cut off by the Iran war, and in reducing their economies' exposure to chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. What's their best path forward?

Energy Transitions Europe

Issue Brief

Sep 24, 2026

The Saudi economy can hold out through year’s end—even if oil exports drop to zero

By Khalid Azim

First the Strait of Hormuz closed, so Saudi Arabia started sending more oil over land through its East-West Pipeline. Then drone strikes damaged the pipeline, and the Iran-backed Houthis fired missiles near the pipeline’s Red Sea terminus. Does Saudi Arabia need to plan for a near term without meaningful oil exports?

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In-Depth Research & Reports

Sep 11, 2026

Submission to the UN: Advancing the just repatriation of illicit funds 

By Britt Gronemeyer, Celeste Kmiotek

How can the UN and the international community ensure that when illicit funds are seized, victims of the illicit activity benefit? The Atlantic Council's Strategic Litigation Program contributed a brief to the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights with six key recommendations on the subject.

Corruption Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade

Issue Brief

Sep 1, 2026

What it will take to rebuild Gaza’s remote-work sector

By Avia Liberman, Melanie Robbins

Remote work could offer Gazans a path to income and economic recovery—but only if access to electricity, connectivity, and equipment improves.

Civil Society Digital Policy

Issue Brief

Aug 26, 2026

Could a stablecoin jumpstart postwar reconstruction?

By Avia Liberman, Melanie Robbins

A stablecoin could give the Palestinian economy a secure, fast, and cost-effective pathway toward greater financial stability and autonomy.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

Issue Brief

Aug 21, 2026

Currency policy options for the Palestinian economy

By Avia Liberman

The Palestinian economy conducts much of its daily interactions in a currency it does not issue or control. Is there a viable alternative?

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Report

Aug 21, 2026

The future of money in Palestine

By Atlantic Council experts

Gaza needs more than billions in reconstruction funding. It needs a financial system that can move that money securely to households, businesses, and public institutions—and keep it from being lost, diverted, or blocked.

Civil Society Digital Currencies