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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Aug 19, 2025

For enduring normalization, Israel must back democracy in Sudan

By Nasredeen Abdulbari

Israel should align itself with Sudan’s genuine pro-democracy civilian forces—not its military elites.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Aug 19, 2025

Boulos’s North Africa trip reinforces US ‘deals, not aid’ strategy

By Alissa Pavia

The US senior advisor for Africa’s visit to the region showcases that Washington still considers North Africa to be central to its foreign policy.

North & West Africa Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 13, 2025

What to know about the history (and future) of the Hezbollah disarmament question

By Kristian Patrick Alexander

Domestic opposition and international demands have brought the question of Hezbollah’s arms to the fore, placing the group in an increasingly precarious position.

Arms Control Conflict
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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

IranSource

Jan 22, 2024

A thirsty reality: Iran’s dire water situation

By Nik Kowsar

Iran's uneven water rights approach disproportionately impacts citizens in marginalized provinces, causing severe water scarcity.

Civil Society Climate Change & Climate Action

Inflection Points

Jan 21, 2024

Davos Dispatch: The case for optimism amid global upheaval

By Frederick Kempe

For the case for optimism to succeed, those faced with the weightiest decisions must recognize the long-term consequences of inaction.

Economy & Business Elections

In the News

Jan 20, 2024

Ellinas in Finacial Mirror: No end in sight for fossil fuels
Americas China

IranSource

Jan 19, 2024

Yes, I’m ‘Trash,’ but I love Iran

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Listening to Shervin Hajipour's "Trash," I’ve forged a new heart from the parts of Iran I’ve taken with me.

Human Rights Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2024

Experts react: What’s really going on with Pakistan and Iran exchanging attacks?

By Atlantic Council experts

Pakistan just conducted airstrikes in southeastern Iran, two days after Iran used missiles and drones to strike western Pakistan. Atlantic Council experts explain what’s going on.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 18, 2024

Mohseni-Cheraghlou quoted in Al-Monitor on Red Sea shipping and China’s auto industry

Read the full article here.

China Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 18, 2024

Braw featured in the Wall Street Journal on the global challenges to maritime commerce and security

By Elisabeth Braw

On January 17, Transatlantic Security Initiative senior fellow Elisabeth Braw was featured in the Wall Street Journal where she discussed the impact of the Houthi’s recent attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea within the broader geopolitical context of malign actors that seek to erode the global maritime order.

English Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Jan 18, 2024

The real reason the Saudi government is investing in sports. Hint: It’s not to impress you.

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Jaime Stansbury

Saudi Arabia’s big financial bets in the sports world are part of its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

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
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Experts

Fellow

Barbara C. Matthews

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Americas China

Fellow

Mary McCord

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Extremism Intelligence

Staff

Cassidy McGoldrick

Assistant Director, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

French Hebrew

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Chama Mechtaly

Co-Founder, The Emma Lazarus Institute for Liberty and Tolerance

Millennium Leadership Program

Americas Civil Society

Fellow

Alessia Melcangi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society English

Fellow

Michelle Melendez

2022-23 Senior US Marine Corps Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Iraq National Security
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Events

Public Event Thu, August 28, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Understanding IMEC: A pathway to connectivity amid global uncertainty
Economy & Business India International Markets Middle East
Public Event Thu, September 11, 2025 • 12:00 pm ET

US-Iraq security partnership after Operation Inherent Resolve
Iraq Security & Defense