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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Nov 25, 2025

Mali is at a turning point that risks a ‘disastrous domino effect’

By Haleigh Bartos and John Chin

A JNIM seizure of power, though less likely, is possible—and threatens to turn Mali into Africa’s Afghanistan.

Africa
North & West Africa

MENASource

Nov 21, 2025

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

By Merissa Khurma and Giorgio Cafiero

The decision is a shift in the country’s alignment—from Russian and Iranian spheres of influence to one in NATO and GCC regional orbits.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 20, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s next horizon: Building human capital beyond Vision 2030

By Khalid Azim

Riyadh still needs to take fully support small and medium-sized enterprises—the true engines of job creation.

Economy & Business
Middle East
READ More 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.

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Content

MENASource

Aug 7, 2025

Why Gaza’s post-Hamas future depends on its Arab neighbors—not just Israel

By Maayan Dagan

The international community is likely to support—both ideologically and financially—a local or Arab-led post-war solution for Gaza.

Conflict
Middle East

Issue Brief

Aug 7, 2025

Regenerative farming in Iraq: Challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Despite the challenges and limitations in the current agricultural policies in Iraq, there are significant opportunities for policy intervention to promote regenerative agriculture.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Economy & Business

MENASource

Aug 5, 2025

Did the Israel-Iran war expose China’s Middle East policy?

By Andrea Ghiselli

The region’s importance in Beijing’s foreign policy is limited and, thus, not much energy and resources are invested in long-term planning.

China
Iran

MENASource

Aug 4, 2025

What could NATO’s commercial space strategy mean for the Gulf?  

By Manal Fatima

The United States is well positioned to help extend NATO’s emerging commercial space ecosystem to the Gulf.

Europe & Eurasia
Space

MENASource

Aug 1, 2025

Where does the Gulf stand on Russia’s recognition of the Taliban?

By Giorgio Cafiero

While maintaining close ties with the West, the GCC has increasingly strengthened its ties with Russia and China.

Afghanistan
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 1, 2025

Diplomatic momentum for recognizing a State of Palestine is growing. Here’s what to know.

By Atlantic Council experts

France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Portugal, and several other countries have said they may recognize a State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Gateways to the Red Sea: The case for Israel–Somaliland normalization

By Amit Yarom

Expanding the Abraham Accords to Somaliland could quietly anchor a more stable and cooperative Red Sea region.

East Africa
Israel

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Beyond tariffs: Building a win-win relationship between the US and Iraq

By Ahmed Tabaqchali

Iraq is among the countries to face a 30 percent tariff starting August 1 on its exports to the United States.

Energy Markets & Governance
Iraq

MENASource

Jul 31, 2025

Djibouti is the next arena for US-China competition in the Red Sea

By Emily Milliken

Washington could upgrade its Djibouti relationship and secure its foothold along some of the world’s most important waterways.

Africa
China

MENASource

Jul 30, 2025

After Swaida: How Syria’s periphery is shaping its future

By Ibrahim Al-Assil

What comes next in Syria will not be determined by battlefield victories or summit declarations, but by the evolving realities on the ground.

Conflict
Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Fellow

Robert Fardi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Israel

Fellow

Mark Mowrey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council Turkey Program

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Omer Niazi

President and Founder, Council on International Law Order and Security (CILOS)

Middle East Rule of Law

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Staff

Ellie Sennett 

Editor

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East
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