Middle East

US Efforts in Yemen Must Expand Beyond Counterterrorism

By Jason Harmala

Now is the right time to reevaluate US policies in Yemen as President Barack Obama begins his second term and while Yemen is at a critical juncture in its political transition. On March 26, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED) hosted an event […]

Syria: Is Iraq the Wrong Lesson?

By Frederic C. Hof

Cautionary tales related to the US invasion and occupation of Iraq are often cited to justify the Obama administration’s reluctance to intervene militarily in Syria, even in ways falling far short of boots on the ground.

Iranian Economic System Bending, not Breaking Under Sanctions

On March 26, 2013, the South Asia Center hosted a briefing with Bijan Khajehpour, cofounder and managing partner at Atieh Internationa; Reza Marashi, research director, National Iranian American Council; and Trita Parsi, founder and president, National Iranian American Council on “The Impact of Sanctions on Tehran’s Nuclear Calculations.”

The United States, Europe, and the Case of Syria*

By Frederic C. Hof

How can Europe and the United States effectively work together to try to end Syria’s nightmare, bringing about a comprehensive political transition from corrupt and incompetent family rule to a modern, representative, and nonsectarian government? 

A Thawing of Libyan Politics?

By Karim Mezran and Eric Knecht

Recent developments in Libya suggest an opening in the country’s otherwise deadlocked political process, increasing the likelihood of resolving several key issues holding back the country’s transition. The Muslim Brotherhood, led by Mohamed Sawan, and the National Forces Alliance (NFA), led by Mahmoud Jibril, met on March 14 for what appears to be the start […]