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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

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jul 12, 2022

The rise of complex ‘intermediate zones’: the Ukraine War and China’s opportunity and dilemma in the Middle East

By She Gangzheng

Middle Eastern leaders are closely watching the United States’ strategic rivalry with China and Russia, worrying the region would remain vulnerable to the spillover effects of extra-regional great-power politics.

China
Economy & Business

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jul 12, 2022

A pivot point for Europe’s role in the Middle East

By Julien Barnes-Dacey

Amid an increasingly competitive and multipolar regional order—one in which longstanding European reliance on the United States can no longer be counted on—the bloc needs to grapple with how it can become a more relevant actor to help cement positive openings and forestall new dangers

Crisis Management
Europe & Eurasia

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jul 12, 2022

Shifting priorities: The US and the Middle East in a multipolar world

By Jonathan Panikoff

Middle Eastern leaders view the bipartisan progression of US disengagement across the region as an abandonment of its allies and security commitments. However, in Washington’s view, deprioritizing the Middle East is not the same as declining to prioritize it.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

Uncategorized

Jul 11, 2022

Shapiro quoted in The National on Biden’s trip to Israel and what that means for Palestinians

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 11, 2022

Shapiro quoted in Washington Examiner on Biden’s Middle East trip

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Middle East

In the News

Jul 10, 2022

Shapiro quoted in Jerusalem Post on the I2U2 summit

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Middle East

Insights & Impact

Jul 10, 2022

Lipner in Jerusalem Post: Does Biden have moves like Jagger?

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Middle East

In the News

Jul 8, 2022

Slavin quoted in Stripes on Biden’s potential discussion about a future air defense alliance during his Middle East trip

By Atlantic Council

Iran
Middle East

Press and members call

Jul 8, 2022

What to expect from President Biden’s Middle East trip

As President Biden embarks on his first trip to the Middle East as president, experts are watching closely to see how the visit will shape and define the Biden Administration’s policies in the region.  What will the impact be of US-Saudi engagement, both bilaterally and for the wider Gulf? How will it impact oil prices and […]

Middle East

In the News

Jul 8, 2022

Cooper quoted in Middle East Eye on Israeli military officials recent move to Qatar to bolster security ties

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Len Khodorkovsky

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Millennium fellow

Lima Halima-Khalil

Co-Founder & Program Director, ArtLords

Millennium Leadership Program

Afghanistan Middle East

Fellow

Nadia Farra

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Cybersecurity Defense Technologies

Staff

Wendy Villalta

Assistant Director

Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense​ Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Middle East National Security
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