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New Atlanticist

May 13, 2025

Experts react: Trump just announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts provide their insights on how the removal of US sanctions on Syria would affect the country and the wider region.

Civil Society Economic Sanctions

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Gazans fear famine amid Israel aid block: ‘I don’t want to be a number’

By Arwa Damon

For Palestinians, time is running out— a warning that has been echoed at some of the highest ranks of international organizations, including the World Health Organization.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Landmark UAE visit highlights President Aoun’s catch twenty-two

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Modest outcomes from the Lebanese president’s visit reflects that Abu Dhabi remains cautious towards Beirut.

Lebanon Middle East
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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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New Atlanticist

May 13, 2025

Experts react: Trump just announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts provide their insights on how the removal of US sanctions on Syria would affect the country and the wider region.

Civil Society Economic Sanctions

EnergySource

May 13, 2025

Four energy deals Trump will look to make on his Middle East trip 

By Ellen Wald

President Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East will focus on advancing energy and commercial agreements, including securing Gulf investments in US manufacturing, increasing US LNG imports, deepening nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and locking in oil production commitments. These efforts are ultimately aimed at advancing broader geopolitical objectives—countering Russian influence and strengthening US energy dominance.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

The India-Pakistan crisis shows Washington that it must stop Iran’s nuclear rise

By Alex Plitsas

The fighting in South Asia reminded Washington of the global stakes of nuclear crises. Those stakes are why the United States must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Crisis Management Iran

In the News

May 12, 2025

Charai in The National Interest: The Last Chance for a Durable Peace in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

From A to F, here’s how to grade a possible nuclear deal with Iran

By Jonathan Panikoff

Trump may well be on his way to getting a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. But whether it passes the test will depend on its details.

Arms Control Economic Sanctions

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Gazans fear famine amid Israel aid block: ‘I don’t want to be a number’

By Arwa Damon

For Palestinians, time is running out— a warning that has been echoed at some of the highest ranks of international organizations, including the World Health Organization.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Landmark UAE visit highlights President Aoun’s catch twenty-two

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Modest outcomes from the Lebanese president's visit reflects that Abu Dhabi remains cautious towards Beirut.

Lebanon Middle East

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are the Abraham Accords’ new frontier

By Joseph Epstein

Joining the Accords could benefit Baku and Astana, while also helping Israel and the US strengthen engagement with the Turkic world.

Europe & Eurasia Israel

Transcript

May 9, 2025

Press call: Our experts outline what to expect from Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad during his second presidency

By Atlantic Council

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, the Atlantic Council held a press call on May 9, where experts discussed what to expect from the president's first trip abroad.

Iran Israel

MENASource

May 9, 2025

Why Trump’s Middle East trip should set sights beyond business deals

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By all accounts, US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Gulf will not prioritize major diplomatic breakthroughs.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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Experts

Staff

Nibras Basitkey

Associate Director, empowerME

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Hussein Al Baya

Partner, Wildcard

Millennium Leadership Program

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Fellow

Nicholas Blanford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society
Graham Brookie

Staff

Graham Brookie

Vice President and Senior Director

Atlantic Council Technology Programs

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Disinformation National Security

Millennium fellow

Rumaitha Al Busaidi

Edward S. Mason Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School

Millennium Leadership Program

Climate Change & Climate Action Middle East
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Events

Flagship Event Tue, June 17, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

2025 Global Energy Forum

The ninth Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum will be held June 17 and 18 in Washington, DC.
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