Middle East

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

May 26, 2026

An oil windfall will not fix Libya’s economy

By Ahmed Shalghoum and Frank Talbot

Libya's new unified budget needs transparency, accountability, and oversight to deliver for the people.

Economy & Business Libya

MENASource

May 19, 2026

After the Iran war, the Gulf’s next economic phase awaits

By Khalid Azim

The region is no longer defined by a single economic model based on energy extraction, but by a set of diverging strategies shaped by common constraints.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

May 18, 2026

How Gulf investments are responding to the US-China critical minerals competition

By Chenjie Song and Jonathan Fulton

Gulf sovereign wealth funds are seeking to maximize return on investment while maintaining strategic optionality.

China Critical Minerals
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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

In the News

Mar 16, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on CNN on US action in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 13, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on CNN on US action in Iran, arguing that President Trump is weakening the axis of aggressors and has clear strategic vision.

Iran Maritime Security

In the News

Mar 13, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: JD Vance and the Strategic Logic of Trump’s Foreign Policy

By Atlantic Council

Americas Middle East

UkraineAlert

Mar 12, 2026

Iran war highlights Ukraine’s rapid rise to drone superpower status

By David Kirichenko

The Iran war has sparked a sudden surge in international demand for Kyiv’s unique anti-drone expertise and highlighted Ukraine's rapid emergence as one of the world's leading drone warfare superpowers, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Technologies

Econographics

Mar 12, 2026

By threatening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran turns geography into a global economic weapon

By Alex Mills

Iran’s threat to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz has effectively shut down one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, turning geography into a powerful economic weapon.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Dispatches

Mar 12, 2026

Energy under attack: What the Gulf can learn from Ukraine and Iraq

By Matthew Keating

In their successes and shortcomings, Iraq and Ukraine are cases worth studying by countries currently under attack from Iran.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Mar 12, 2026

Costa quoted in AFP article on US interceptor stocks in the conflict with Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 2, Forward Defense director Joe Costa was quoted in an AFP article on US air defense interceptor stocks. Costa cautioned that a sustained conflict with Iran could impact the availability of these capabilities for other global priorities.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

TURKEYSource

Mar 12, 2026

Turkey has weathered regional instability before. But the war in Iran poses greater risks to Ankara than past conflicts.

By Grady Wilson

Turkey is seeking to limit fallout from the US and Israeli war against Iran but threats to national security increasingly threaten its position.

Conflict Iran

EnergySource

Mar 12, 2026

Why Gulf security is critical to global security

By Omran Al-Kuwari

The world depends on Gulf stability. It is time to govern it that way.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Mar 12, 2026

Kroenig in NPR on Straight of Hormuz and global shipping

By Atlantic Council

On March 12, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on NPR about how Iran's offensive actions in the Straight of Hormuz impact global shipping.

Iran Maritime Security

EnergySource

Mar 12, 2026

The United States and OPEC in a polarized oil order

By Mahmoud Rashed

Oil price intervention in the form of SPR releases may lower prices in the short term, but the strategy could have unintended consequences down the road.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Experts

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Eric Alter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic French

Millennium fellow

Luis Alvarado

Senior Climate Advisor at the Mission Possible Partnership, World Economic Forum

Millennium Leadership Program

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Fellow

Khaled H. Alyemany

Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Wa’el Alzayat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Shahira Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic Economy & Business
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Events

Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals