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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Dec 19, 2025

Employment needs to take center stage in Gaza security plans

By Melanie Robbins 

The best way to undermine Hamas’s power in Gaza is to employ the people Hamas pays today.

Civil Society
Economy & Business

MENASource

Dec 18, 2025

Russia’s most important Middle East base is not where you think

By Frank Talbot

Before its future in post-Assad Syria was determined, Russia was actively searching for alternative strategic relationships in the region.

Defense Policy
Libya

MENASource

Dec 17, 2025

Is Iran’s Axis of Resistance turning toward Tunisia?

By Alissa Pavia

Tunisian President Kais Saied sees clear political advantage in drawing closer to Tehran.

Iran
Middle East
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.

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Content

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2025

Experts react: Trump just announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts provide their insights on how the removal of US sanctions on Syria would affect the country and the wider region.

Civil Society
Economic Sanctions

EnergySource

May 13, 2025

Four energy deals Trump will look to make on his Middle East trip 

By Ellen Wald

Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East will focus on advancing energy and commercial agreements, including securing Gulf investments in US manufacturing, increasing US LNG imports, deepening nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and locking in oil production commitments. These efforts are ultimately aimed at advancing broader geopolitical objectives—countering Russian influence and strengthening US energy dominance.

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

The India-Pakistan crisis shows Washington that it must stop Iran’s nuclear rise

By Alex Plitsas

The fighting in South Asia reminded Washington of the global stakes of nuclear crises. Those stakes are why the United States must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Crisis Management
Iran

In the News

May 12, 2025

Charai in The National Interest: The Last Chance for a Durable Peace in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

From A to F, here’s how to grade a possible nuclear deal with Iran

By Jonathan Panikoff

Trump may well be on his way to getting a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. But whether it passes the test will depend on its details.

Arms Control
Economic Sanctions

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Gazans fear famine amid Israel aid block: ‘I don’t want to be a number’

By Arwa Damon

For Palestinians, time is running out— a warning that has been echoed at some of the highest ranks of international organizations, including the World Health Organization.

Conflict
Human Rights

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Landmark UAE visit highlights President Aoun’s catch twenty-two

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Modest outcomes from the Lebanese president's visit reflects that Abu Dhabi remains cautious towards Beirut.

Lebanon
Middle East

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are the Abraham Accords’ new frontier

By Joseph Epstein

Joining the Accords could benefit Baku and Astana, while also helping Israel and the US strengthen engagement with the Turkic world.

Europe & Eurasia
Israel

Transcript

May 9, 2025

Press call: Our experts outline what to expect from Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad during his second presidency

By Atlantic Council

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, the Atlantic Council held a press call on May 9, where experts discussed what to expect from the president's first trip abroad.

Iran
Israel

MENASource

May 9, 2025

Why Trump’s Middle East trip should set sights beyond business deals

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By all accounts, US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Gulf will not prioritize major diplomatic breakthroughs.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy
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Experts

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Millennium fellow

Mohamad Sakr

Head of Commercial Operations, Crescent Petroleum

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Middle East

Fellow

Thomas Storch

Distinguished fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Brett McGurk

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English Middle East

Fellow

Nathan Freier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Conflict Defense Policy

Millennium fellow

Saeed Al Nazari

Secretary General, Great Arab Minds

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Middle East
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