Middle East
Stretching from the Western Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the Middle East continues to be a region struggling with violent conflict, political repression, and poor development. Numerous pro-democracy protest movements, a burgeoning youth population, and efforts to reform governments and lessen economic dependence on oil, however, are causes for optimism. The United States and the international community must remain engaged with the region to provide support for these positive moves and to address the many remaining challenges.
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The latest pieces from MENASource:
MENASource
Sep 3, 2026
Bahrain’s opportunity for AI leadership lies under water
By
Minwa Alkhalifa
Bahrain could test the possibility of placing AI infrastructure, specifically data centers, under water.
MENASource
Aug 31, 2026
The Iran war is no Vietnam. But it may become an economic quagmire for the Gulf.
By
Kurt Davis Jr.
Five costs related to the Iran war are compounding across the Gulf and its trading partners, and none will be eliminated soon.
Related program
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.
