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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Jan 12, 2026

The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

By Joze Pelayo, Kirsten Fontenrose, Ellie Sennett 

Our experts break down Iran’s ties to Venezuela and the impact Maduro’s capture could have on Tehran’s interests in and outside of its own borders. 

Iran
Oil and Gas

MENASource

Jan 8, 2026

As Iran protests continue, policymakers should apply these key lessons

By Abram Paley and Nate Swanson

The Iranian people are bravely leading the current protests. It is essential to keep the focus on them.

Civil Society
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

MENASource

Jan 8, 2026

Iraq’s pathway to stability relies on transfers of power

By Yerevan Saeed

The key question is not whether Sudani is like al-Maliki but whether a second term would reduce competition and weaken institutions.

Elections
Iraq
READ More from MENASOURCE

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.

Learn more

Content

MENASource

Oct 16, 2023

Is captagon going to halt the Arab normalization deal with Syria? An expert weighs-in

By Holly Dagres

New Lines Institute’s Caroline Rose was interviewed by our MENASource editor about the captagon crisis plaguing the region and what can be done to curb the illicit trade of the popular drug.

Economy & Business
Middle East

In the News

Oct 16, 2023

Elnagdy in The National Interest: Is South America A New Persian Gulf?

By Atlantic Council

Climate Change & Climate Action
Economy & Business
Israeli soldiers stand in a tank near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel October 15, 2023. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

New Atlanticist

Oct 16, 2023

Live expertise: The latest insight as Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts are analyzing the Israel-Hamas conflict as it enters its second week.

Conflict
Extremism

New Atlanticist

Oct 16, 2023

What was Hamas thinking? And what is it thinking now?

By Alan Pino

Ahead of the October 7 attacks, Hamas may have believed Israel was weakened, distracted, and divided by its internal political turmoil. But it also may have misjudged both the international support it will enjoy and Israeli determination to sustain the fight now.

Conflict
Crisis Management

In the News

Oct 16, 2023

Rich Outzen joins WION (India) to discuss Gaza fighting
Conflict
Middle East

In the News

Oct 15, 2023

Ellinas in Cyprus Mail: Energy security in the East Med
Energy & Environment
Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Oct 14, 2023

Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley on BBC: US working to release hostages.

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 14, 2023

Samaan for The Straits Times: Israel-Hamas war: Fallout beyond Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 14, 2023

Egypt cornered over Israel’s war on Hamas

By Shahira Amin

Whether Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will bow under US and Israeli pressure remains to be seen.

Israel
Middle East

In the News

Oct 14, 2023

Rich Outzen joins Al Jazeera for a panel on Gaza
Conflict
Middle East
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Alexandra Hubbard-Gourlay

Senior Director, Laurel Strategies

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Media

Expert bio

Matthew Williams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East National Security

Fellow

Rob Macaire

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Iran Middle East

Staff

Kate Springs

Program Assistant, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Afaq Hussain

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Millennium fellow

Bushra Shammout

Head of Energy Security Winter Preparedness Strategy and Ministerial Briefing, Department of Energy Security and Net Zero

Millennium Leadership Program

Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security
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Events

Online Event Thu, January 15, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

How to lose friends and alienate allies: Russia’s foreign policy losing streak
Africa Democratic Transitions Disinformation Europe & Eurasia