2022: A year in the Middle East

Dispatches Jan 28, 2026

The expert conversation: Should Trump strike Iran? What happens next if he does?

By Jason M. Brodsky and Danny Citrinowicz

As the USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in the Middle East, two experts debate the opportunities, uncertainties, and risks of a US strike on Iran.
Iran Middle East
2022: A year in the Middle East

Dispatches Jan 23, 2026

What Trump could do next in Iran

By Nate Swanson

As a US carrier strike group nears the Persian Gulf, what options does US President Donald Trump have to strike against the Iranian regime?
Iran Middle East
2022: A year in the Middle East

MENASource Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.
Civil Society Crisis Management

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Content

MENASource

Dec 23, 2022

2022: A year in the Middle East

By Nour Alhajjeh and Madeline Hart 

2022 was a year full of unprecedented protests, groundbreaking state visits, historical elections, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran
Iraq

SouthAsiaSource

Dec 22, 2022

Afghanistan and regional realignments since August 2021

By South Asia Center

When looking towards future solutions, there is no easy fix for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan
Central Asia

IranSource

Dec 22, 2022

I’m a former Syrian civil society activist. Syrians can’t tell Iranians how to win, but we can share lessons we learned the hard way.

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

Be the Iran you want to see.

Iran
Middle East

IranSource

Dec 21, 2022

Khamenei appears to be pushing for subtle reforms in Iran, but it’s all just a ruse

By Anonymous

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appears to be willing to risk the disintegration of Iran as long as he remains in power.

Iran
Middle East

In the News

Dec 19, 2022

Shaffer in De Gruyter: Iran is More than Persia: Ethnic Politics in Iran
Energy & Environment
Iran

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

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia quoted in Reuters on protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia joins BBC to discuss protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Nia joins CNN to discuss protests in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2022

Dagres quoted in NBC News on her Iranians on #SocialMedia Report

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Carmiel Arbit

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Danny Citrinowicz  

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Cybersecurity

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

China Chinese
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Events

Public Event Fri, February 27, 2026 • 1:00 pm ET

Reporters at risk: Navigating Iran’s internet blackout
Iran Middle East Resilience Resilience & Society