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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Feb 13, 2025

Dispatch from Syria: ‘Syrians cannot focus on their future if they are still drowning in their past’

By Arwa Damon

The pain felt by those searching for clues in the dark void of the former regime’s detention system is palpable, Arwa Damon reports from Syria.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Feb 10, 2025

What to know about Jordanian King Abdullah’s visit to Washington

By Ahmad Sharawi

During his visit, King Abdullah will likely warn Trump that his resettlement idea will destabilize the Middle East, jeopardize Jordan’s peace with Israel, and even threaten the kingdom’s stability.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 7, 2025

Is Israel laying the groundwork to stay in Lebanon and defy a second withdrawal deadline?

By Nicholas Blanford

After missing one deadline to pull its forces out of south Lebanon following a ceasefire, there are signs that Israel is establishing a more permanent presence.

Conflict Crisis Management
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Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, 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

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 11, 2025

Monopolization is stifling Kuwait’s economy—it’s time to rethink top-down policies

By Rabah Arezki

Since Emir Mishal dissolved parliament in May 2024, Kuwait has faced a political crisis. Meanwhile, economic challenges loom as the oil era wanes. To remain competitive, Kuwait must break up monopolies, foster innovation, and transition from top-down planning to a market-driven approach. In doing so, following regional models while empowering entrepreneurs and diversifying its economy will be crucial.

Corruption Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Feb 10, 2025

The continent-spanning win Trump can secure with Modi

By William F. Wechsler

When the Indian prime minister visits the White House this week, high on the agenda should be the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Economy & Business India

MENASource

Feb 10, 2025

What to know about Jordanian King Abdullah’s visit to Washington

By Ahmad Sharawi

During his visit, King Abdullah will likely warn Trump that his resettlement idea will destabilize the Middle East, jeopardize Jordan’s peace with Israel, and even threaten the kingdom’s stability.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 7, 2025

Is Israel laying the groundwork to stay in Lebanon and defy a second withdrawal deadline?

By Nicholas Blanford

After missing one deadline to pull its forces out of south Lebanon following a ceasefire, there are signs that Israel is establishing a more permanent presence.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Feb 7, 2025

The aftermath of the Gaza war will determine the trajectory of US-Egypt relations

By Shahira Amin

The direction of US-Egypt relations will be determined by how US policymakers address the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war—and how Sisi responds to Trump's idea to "take over" Gaza.

Conflict Extremism

New Atlanticist

Feb 5, 2025

Trump is serious about shaking up the Middle East, even if his Gaza plan isn’t

By Jonathan Panikoff

It’s almost impossible to imagine Trump’s plan for Gaza coming to fruition. But it would be a mistake to think that he was anything but serious with the proposal he laid out Tuesday night.

Human Rights International Norms

New Atlanticist

Feb 5, 2025

Experts react: Is the US really going to ‘take over’ the Gaza Strip?

By Atlantic Council experts

With his comments this week, the US president appears to be taking US policy toward Gaza in the direction of direct involvement—or is he?

Conflict Human Rights

In the News

Feb 5, 2025

Charai in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: President Trump: Kuwait Should Be Next!

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Feb 5, 2025

How the US can benefit from deepening Azerbaijani-Israeli ties

By Joseph Epstein

Washington should learn from Israel’s diplomatic and security collaboration with Azerbaijan to bolster its own ties with Baku.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 3, 2025

If the MENA region wants to unlock its youth potential, it should look to sports

By Hezha Barzani

As a golden era of sports takes shape in the Middle East and North Africa, the region has a unique opportunity to seize on this positive momentum to set up the young generation for success through sports.

Economy & Business Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Andrei Covatariu

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

Fellow

Amir Hayek

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic French

Fellow

Perrihan Al-Riffai

Nonresident Senior Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Amany Qaddour 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Civil Society

Staff

Britt Gronemeyer

Program Assistant, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Organizations
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Events

Public Event Tue, February 18, 2025 • 11:00 am ET

The role of AI in transforming Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape
Economy & Business Entrepreneurship International Markets Middle East