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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Nov 4, 2025

Twelve questions (and expert answers) on the Iraq elections

By Atlantic Council experts

Iraq is set to hold elections on November 11. Our experts unpack the key questions looming over the landmark vote.

Elections Iraq

MENASource

Oct 31, 2025

Inside the divides of Iraq’s Coordination Framework—and why they matter ahead of landmark elections 

By Rend Al-Rahim

The November election will not necessarily determine who the next prime minister will be, but it will provide an opportunity to shift power dynamics within the fractious Shia bloc.

Elections Iraq

MENASource

Oct 28, 2025

US energy firms are returning to Iraq—but politics could undo their fortunes

By Raad Alkadiri

Al-Sudani’s rush to sign deals with US firms over the past few months is fundamentally about political survival, both his own and Iraq’s.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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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

New Atlanticist

Oct 20, 2025

How Trump can apply his Middle East success to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine

By John E. Herbst

Several lessons learned from the recent US-brokered cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas can be applied to ending Russia’s assault on Ukraine.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 20, 2025

Will the US achieve a ‘big, beautiful’ Iran deal or stall in homeostasis?

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Cranston Kline

The Gaza cease-fire showcased how when the US president gets personally involved, the seemingly impossible can become possible.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Oct 16, 2025

After the Gaza cease-fire, what’s next for the Houthis?

By Osamah Al Rawhani

Will the Houthis cease their regional hostilities? The brief response is yes—but likely, only for the time being.

Maritime Security Middle East

UkraineAlert

Oct 16, 2025

Putin seeks more foreign fighters amid mounting Russian losses in Ukraine

By David Kirichenko

With fewer and fewer Russians ready to volunteer for the war in Ukraine, Putin is seeking to recruit more foreign fighters from across Africa, Asia, and beyond, writes David Kirichenko.

Africa Americas

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2025

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the next phase of an Israel-Hamas deal

By Atlantic Council experts

What will follow part one of the cease-fire deal brokered by the Trump administration? Atlantic Council experts share their answers.

Conflict Israel

In the News

Oct 14, 2025

Charai in Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Jared Kushner: The Quiet Architect of Courage

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Democratic Transitions

In the News

Oct 14, 2025

Charai in National Interest: The Nobel Committee Turns Its Back on Peace

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Freedom and Prosperity

In the News

Oct 14, 2025

Charai in The Jerusalem Post: A moment of forgiveness and vision: What Trump’s words really meant for Israel

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

In the News

Oct 14, 2025

Charai in The National Interest: The Nobel Committee Turns Its Back on Peace

By Atlantic Council

International Organizations Middle East

MENASource

Oct 10, 2025

Why Lebanon is stuck in the middle on Hezbollah disarmament

By Nicholas Blanford

Lebanon finds itself caught between the rock of US pressure for Hezbollah’s disarmament and the hard place of Hezbollah refusing to do so.

Arms Control Extremism
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Aina Monfort

COO, Airbus Helicopters Spain

Millennium Leadership Program

Indo-Pacific North Africa

Fellow

Paul Klimos

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Entrepreneurship G20

Fellow

Elizabeth Shortino

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Fellow

Christopher Aw

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Intelligence

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
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