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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Jan 26, 2026

Amid Arab competition, the war in Sudan requires a US balancing act

By Giorgio Cafiero

For US policymakers, the path forward in achieving a resolution in Sudan demands more than reactive diplomacy.

Africa
Conflict

MENASource

Jan 22, 2026

Wang Yi’s MENA tour was long on messaging, short on outcomes

By Jonathan Fulton

Wang worked to position China as a defender of free trade and a reliable partner for the Middle East region.

China
Geopolitics & Energy Security

MENASource

Jan 21, 2026

Why US markets are betting on Saudi Arabia 

By Khalid Azim

Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy is coherent, ambitious, and increasingly credible. US debt capital markets, for now, appear to agree.

Economy & Business
Energy Markets & Governance
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Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, 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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Content

Report

Jan 26, 2026

In Iraq, China’s long game unfolds

By Sardar Aziz and Mohammed A. Salih

As China seeks new markets abroad and energy security at home, Iraq has become integral to Beijing’s plans in the Middle East. Baghdad finds itself caught between its security needs, for which it depends on the United States, and the economic needs of its growing population.

China
Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Jan 26, 2026

Amid Arab competition, the war in Sudan requires a US balancing act

By Giorgio Cafiero

For US policymakers, the path forward in achieving a resolution in Sudan demands more than reactive diplomacy.

Africa
Conflict

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

MENASource

Jan 22, 2026

Wang Yi’s MENA tour was long on messaging, short on outcomes

By Jonathan Fulton

Wang worked to position China as a defender of free trade and a reliable partner for the Middle East region.

China
Geopolitics & Energy Security

MENASource

Jan 21, 2026

Why US markets are betting on Saudi Arabia 

By Khalid Azim

Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy is coherent, ambitious, and increasingly credible. US debt capital markets, for now, appear to agree.

Economy & Business
Energy Markets & Governance

Dispatches

Jan 20, 2026

How Trump’s ‘TRIPP’ triumph can advance US interests in the South Caucasus

By Andrew D’Anieri and Joseph Epstein

The recently announced Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity promises to become a vital connectivity link between Europe and Asia.

Iran
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 19, 2026

Charai for The National Interest: Iran’s Strategy of Delay

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East

Dispatches

Jan 16, 2026

Why Israel is responding to protests in Iran with caution

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Israel might find itself in danger if the current regime survives and stabilizes, or if the regime is replaced by hardliners.

Conflict
Iran

MENASource

Jan 15, 2026

After Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, what comes next?

By Amit Yarom

Recognition reshapes the scope of bilateral engagement but does not eliminate the constraints tied to Somaliland’s contested status.

Africa
East Africa

In the News

Jan 14, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: A Father’s Cry, a Nation’s Future

By Atlantic Council

Freedom and Prosperity
Iran
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Experts

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Amina Mohamed

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Reem Goussous

Nonresident senior fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Americas Arabic

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment
Jonathan Green is a nonresident senior fellow at the GeoStrategy Initiative in the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

Fellow

Jonathan Green

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Industry

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Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Iran Middle East

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Itai Melchior

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Artificial Intelligence Economy & Business
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