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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Jun 23, 2025

Pakistan is maintaining strategic clarity amid the Israel-Iran war

By Sahar Khan

Pakistan officials were quick to deny Iranian claims that Islamabad would engage in a nuclear response to a nuclear Israeli strike on Iran.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Jun 20, 2025

Inside Cairo’s ‘security first’ calculus on the March to Gaza

By Shahira Amin

Egypt’s deterrence of the march are baffling to many, because the international initiative is in line with Egypt’s declared position on Gaza.

Human Rights Israel

MENASource

Jun 20, 2025

On World Refugee Day, complexities persist for Syrian returnees

By Sinan Hatahet

While Syria’s political shift brings new hope, it also highlights the complex realities that still define the Syrian landscape.

Middle East Migration
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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

IranSource

Aug 2, 2021

The ‘Balkanization’ of Iran is a fantasy. Here’s why.

By Raz Zimmt

Despite the profound differences between the various ethnic groups, Iran has existed as a separate political and cultural entity with a unique national identity for centuries, unlike most Arab nation-states, whose borders were shaped by Western powers after World War I.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Aug 2, 2021

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are economic frenemies. And that’s a good thing.

By Amjad Ahmad

Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have wisely made the economy the focal point of their strategies for the future, as evidenced by national policy changes and a reduction in foreign adventures. Ending the Qatar blockade, and opening a dialogue with adversarial neighbors like Iran and Turkey is linked to long-term economic ambitions.

Economy & Business Middle East

In the News

Jul 31, 2021

Dagres joins the Monocle for a historical podcast series on the Iran hostage crisis

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Human Rights

In the News

Jul 30, 2021

Melcangi quoted in Formiche reacting to the political turmoil in Tunisia

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

Jul 30, 2021

Melcangi quoted in Formiche reacting to the political turmoil in Tunisia

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

IranSource

Jul 30, 2021

The grapes of Khuzestan’s wrath

By Nasser Karami

After decades of poor environmental governance and mismanagement of water resources in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, it’s not surprising that people have taken to the streets once again since July 15, prompting a violent crackdown by security forces and near total internet shutdown.

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Jul 29, 2021

Mezran quoted in L’Express on Tunisia’s economic crisis

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2021

The US needs better tools to fight transnational repression. Here’s where to start.

By Gissou Nia

As autocrats reach beyond their borders to punish their opponents, the United States must meet the challenge by preparing effective, forward-thinking policy.

Human Rights International Organizations

In the News

Jul 28, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in The Manoment Current on the withdrawal of US troops in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Iraq

In the News

Jul 28, 2021

Slavin quoted in The National on US support for Iran protests

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights International Norms
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Experts

Staff

Joze Pelayo

Associate Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Arabic Intelligence

Fellow

C. Anthony Pfaff

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Alex Plitsas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Afghanistan Crisis Management

Fellow

Marc Polymeropoulos

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Daryl G. Press

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Arms Control Defense Policy

Fellow

Elizabeth H. Prodromou

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Civil Society Human Rights
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