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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Dec 9, 2025

Is India losing clout in the Gulf?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Until recently, Indian officials were careful not to pressure their Gulf partners on policies that ran counter to Delhi’s interests.

India
Middle East

MENASource

Dec 9, 2025

Western policy must include Iran’s neglected peripheries

By Rob Macaire

Now is the time for Western and regional policymakers to form a clear-eyed view of how they should engage with Iran’s minorities.

Iran
Middle East

MENASource

Dec 8, 2025

States shouldn’t waste the chance to establish a Syria Victims Fund

By Kate Springs, Celeste Kmiotek

A centralized fund would better support victims of international law violations in Syria, who face unique challenges.

Democratic Transitions
International Norms
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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

Dispatches

Dec 12, 2025

Iran poses challenges to a National Security Strategy ready to move on

By Nathanael Swanson

If, as its new strategy suggests, the White House wants to spend less time on Iran, then it has three options—and one is better than the others.

Iran
Middle East

Issue Brief

Dec 12, 2025

It’s all about Hamas’s disarmament

By Daniel B. Shapiro

A US-brokered cease-fire ended the Israel-Hamas war, but the next phase depends on the group’s disarmament. Until that happens, Gaza’s reconstruction, regional diplomacy, and political future hang in the balance.

Israel
Middle East

Report

Dec 12, 2025

Inside Trump’s peace plans  

By Atlantic Council experts

From Rwanda to Cambodia, US President Donald Trump’s peace efforts mix economic pressure, trade deals, and high-profile ceremonies. His unorthodox style produces rapid results—but can it achieve lasting peace?

Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo

Podcast

Dec 11, 2025

“Youth as merchandise”: Iraqi mercenaries in Ukraine

By Alia Brahimi

In Season 2, Episode 13 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi is joined by the Iraqi political analyst Mohammed Salih to discuss the legion of Iraqi men turning up on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

Iraq
Middle East

Dispatches

Dec 10, 2025

Dispatch from Iraq: The biggest challenge awaiting the country’s next prime minister

By Victoria J. Taylor 

A recent visit to Iraq following parliamentary elections reveals a growing divide between the political elite and the people.

Elections
Iraq

Issue Brief

Dec 10, 2025

Middle powers’ game-changing rivalries in Africa

By Rama Yade

As traditional powers retreat, middle powers like Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Indonesia are stepping into Africa with ambitious investments and strategic outreach. Their growing presence is transforming alliances, competition, and development across the continent.

Africa
Middle East

Inflection Points

Dec 9, 2025

Dispatch from Doha: A tale of two Trumps (constrained vs. unleashed)

By Frederick Kempe

The Trump administration's recently released National Security Strategy is a stark departure from its predecessor during Trump's first term.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Dec 9, 2025

Is India losing clout in the Gulf?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Until recently, Indian officials were careful not to pressure their Gulf partners on policies that ran counter to Delhi’s interests.

India
Middle East

MENASource

Dec 9, 2025

Western policy must include Iran’s neglected peripheries

By Rob Macaire

Now is the time for Western and regional policymakers to form a clear-eyed view of how they should engage with Iran’s minorities.

Iran
Middle East

In the News

Dec 8, 2025

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: No Stabilization in Gaza Without Dismantling Hamas

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
International Security Assistance Force
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Experts

Fellow

Richard LeBaron

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business French

Fellow

Keir Lieber

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Fellow

Shalom Lipner

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Crisis Management English

Fellow

Sabeen Malik

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Staff

David Maloney

Assistant Director

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Millennium fellow

Hanar Marouf

Political Officer, British Consulate General Erbil

Millennium Leadership Program

Civil Society Iraq
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Events

Online Event Wed, December 17, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

European and US approaches to MENA: Convergences and divergences
Europe & Eurasia Middle East