Middle East

The Arab League thinks readmitting Syria will push out Iran. They’re wrong.

By David Daoud

The logic of drawing Bashar al-Assad back into the Arab League is unsound, founded on the faulty premise that there remains such a thing as an independent Syrian regime to woo back from Tehran.

Syrian refugees fear normalization with Assad. Because it means they will have to return—and not by choice.

By Arwa Damon

Syrian refugees fear that “normalization” of ties will boost the narrative that “Syria is safe now,” giving further justification to rid Syrian refugee populations.

State of the Order: Assessing April 2023

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Eight months into anti-regime protests, Iran’s women show creativity as they press on ‘full of anger’

By Nick Fouriezos

Three leading figures from the Iranian women's protest movement spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event about how their struggle has attracted global attention and what's next.

The 2023 Distinguished Leadership Awards: Honoring the women shaping the global future

By Katherine Golden, Daniel Malloy

Women play a leading role in problem solving, making a historic difference on battlefields, in protests, and in boardrooms. Our annual awards honored awardees embodying this role.

Full transcript: 2023 Distinguished Leadership Awards celebrate the game-changing role of women in the world

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council celebrated its first all-female honoree slate, inspired by the past year of remarkable accomplishments by women around the world.

How the women and girls of Iran have fueled their ‘unprecedented’ protests: Bravery, solidarity, and innovation

By Atlantic Council

Three recipients of the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award examined the antigovernment protests in Iran and the decades-long fight for gender equality and social justice in the country.

After a failed coalition effort, where is the Iranian opposition headed?

By Arash Azizi

Cracks within the Iranian opposition coalition were visible from the outset, with much of the division revolving around former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s persona.

Saudi Arabia should consider the ‘Just Do It’ strategy for normalizing ties with Israel

By Richard LeBaron

Acting on one’s terms when pursuing national interests is always a better strategy. Saudi Arabia is completely capable of dealing with Israel on its own.