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The latest pieces from MENASource:

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.

Content

Issue Brief

Jun 9, 2026

How global authoritarians sustain inequality

By Deng Liu

Authoritarian leaders across the world use targeted strategies to sustain inequality. But developing countries should instead pull from a variety of existing development models to create societal prosperity.

East Asia Freedom and Prosperity

EnergySource

Jun 9, 2026

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright: It will take ‘many months’ to get back to normal after this energy crisis

By Katherine Golden

At the tenth annual Global Energy Forum, Wright said that “the price” of this crisis “will be wildly worth paying,” if it means that Iran eventually ceases to be “a constant threat to its neighbors."

Conflict Crisis Management

Global Energy Agenda

Jun 8, 2026

2026 Global Energy Agenda full survey results

The Global Energy Agenda takes the pulse of the energy community, revealing expert views on global energy security, access, and sustainability.

Africa Americas

In the News

Jun 8, 2026

Saab published in the Financial Times on Gulf support for Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

On June 4, Forward Defense non-resident senior fellow Bilal Saab published an article in the Financial Times, discussing the benefit of a counter-drone defense partnership between the Gulf states and Ukraine. He argues this partnership would benefit Gulf states by integrating advanced Ukrainian drone defense technology into existing systems and provide Ukraine with much-needed capital.  

Defense Policy Security & Defense

In the News

Jun 7, 2026

Charai for Newsmax: No Trust, No Illusions, No Nuclear Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

Report

Jun 5, 2026

The global energy crisis and its impacts on Asian emerging economies

By Phillip Cornell

The Strait of Hormuz energy crisis poses a stress test for import-dependent, emerging economies in Asia, forcing difficult trade-offs.

East Asia Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

تفتت الفصائل المسلحة العراقية بعد تحول النظام الإيراني من الثيوقراطية الى الجنتوقراطية

By Munqith Dagher

كيف يؤثر تغيير القيادة في ايران على الميليشيات العراقية؟ د. منقذ داغر يبدو اننا بتنا ، بعد 28 فبراير 2026 ،امام نظام مختلف وظيفياً، بل وحتى هيكلياً عما عرفناه طوال السنوات السبعة وأربعين من عمر النظام الايراني. فقد اتسم نظام الحكم في ايران بنسخته الخمينية الأولى 1979-1989  بأحادية قطبية لا مكان فيها سوى للمرشد الأعلى(الخميني). […]

Arabic Conflict

EnergySource

Jun 4, 2026

A US oil export ban could raise pump prices

By Ben Cahill

If the Strait of Hormuz closure continues and gasoline prices increase further, US policymakers might consider banning oil exports. But instead of lowering prices, it could have the opposite effect.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

Iraq’s militias are fracturing as Iran turns from theocracy to juntocracy

By Munqith Dagher

Iraq’s militias face a spiritual and organizational dilemma that gravely endangers their existence, in the wake of Iran's leadership change.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jun 4, 2026

Charai for The National Interest: Iran’s Mafia State Understands Only Law Backed by Power

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

Experts