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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

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

New Atlanticist

Jul 30, 2025

What the Israel-Iran conflict revealed about wartime cyber operations

By Nikita Shah

The cyber operations on display during the recent twelve-day conflict appear to have offered an incremental edge in warfare, rather than a revolutionary one.

Conflict Cybersecurity
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Experts

Fellow

Mir Sadat

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Dari

Fellow

Ali Bakir

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Conflict Defense Industry

Fellow

Khaled Sakr

Nonresident Senior Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Active affiliation

Reem Salahi

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Nathan Sales

Distinguished fellow, Middle East Programs

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

Extremism Human Rights

Staff

Nushin Sarkarati

Deputy Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Corruption Human Rights
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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