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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Jun 4, 2025

Why Iraq should build bridges with its ‘new’ neighbor, Syria

By Shermine Serbest

Iraq’s position on the Syria transition is split between two camps: the official government, and that of the powerful non-state actors.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Jun 4, 2025

What Lebanon’s municipal election results mean for Hezbollah

By David Daoud

Municipal election results did not demonstrate the militant group’s dominance over Lebanon’s Shiites, but Hezbollah nevertheless retains popularity.

Elections Lebanon

MENASource

Jun 3, 2025

India-Gulf relations are muted—but mobilizing

By Jonathan Fulton

The depth of Indian-Gulf relations creates a strong foundation for increased India-Middle East integration over the coming decades.

India 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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Content

New Atlanticist

Jan 17, 2024

The Houthis are again ‘specially designated global terrorists.’ Here’s what that means. 

By Atlantic Council experts

The Biden administration just returned the Iran-backed group in Yemen to the US terrorist list, but it did not designate the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization. Atlantic Council experts explain what the decision means.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Jan 17, 2024

Hamas hostage-taking must not go unpunished. The ICC must make a case against the terrorist group.

By Brandon Silver and Irwin Cotler

If Hamas hostage-taking is left unaddressed and its victims go without redress, international norms will be severely eroded.

Conflict Human Rights

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Jan 17, 2024

The top risks and opportunities for 2024

By Peter Engelke, Paul Saffo

2023 was marked by war in the Middle East and in Europe. What else looms on the horizon? The Atlantic Council’s top experts brought their globe-spanning expertise to the task of forecasting the near future.

Artificial Intelligence China

MENASource

Jan 16, 2024

Experts react: What to expect after Iranian attacks on Erbil

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights about the attack and what to expect next.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Jan 15, 2024

Bhusari, Graham, and Nikoladze acknowledged in UNICEF’s 2024 Global Outlook

Read the full report here.

Africa Americas

MENASource

Jan 13, 2024

In Yemen and elsewhere, manageable local issues are driving an unmanageable regional crisis

By Borzou Daragahi

The United States and international response should remain otherwise measured so as not to play into the hands of the Houthis.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jan 13, 2024

Iraq’s prime minister is sending mixed messages on whether US forces should withdraw or not

By Abbas Kadhim

It would not be an exaggeration to state that US-Iraqi relations are rapidly approaching the dynamics observed under the Trump administration in 2020.

Defense Policy Iraq

MENASource

Jan 12, 2024

Six big questions about US-led strikes against the Houthis, answered

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Ahead of authorizing the strikes, Biden had to carefully consider arguments for and against conducting strikes to limit the Houthis’ capacity to continue waging war on international shipping.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2024

What it took to rescue a US soldier’s mother from Gaza

By Alex Plitsas

Read a first-hand account of the recent rescue from northern Gaza told by a member of the group that organized the daring operation.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 12, 2024

Five questions and answers about South Africa’s genocide case against Israel

By Lisandra Novo

A former judicial fellow at the ICJ explains what you need to know about the case and what to expect going forward.

Conflict Israel
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Experts

Staff

Kate Springs

Program Assistant, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Hany Ghanem

Nonresident senior fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Americas Arabic

Expert bio

Newton Howard

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Artificial Intelligence English

Fellow

Len Khodorkovsky

Nonresident senior fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Thomas Storch

Distinguished fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance
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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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