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The latest pieces from MENASource:

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

MENASource

Jun 18, 2025

Dispatch from Jerusalem: Inside Israel’s bunkers as Iran war erupts

By Sarah Zaaimi

The stakes are higher as two opposing rhetorics about the region’s future are at play: Pan-Abrahamism and Revolutionary Islamism.

Civil Society Iran
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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

Issue Brief

Jun 24, 2021

No, the US shouldn’t withdraw from the Middle East

By William F. Wechsler

Wechsler responds to the New American Engagement Initiative's latest publication. Read his recommendations and analysis on why the US should not withdraw from the Middle East.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 24, 2021

Slavin joins Gallup to discuss Iran’s recent presidential elections
Elections Iran

IranSource

Jun 24, 2021

A look at Iran’s new First Lady

By Fatemeh Haghighatjoo

It’s important to take a close look at President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's wife, Jamileh Alamolhoda, and, more importantly, how the couple will impact women’s rights in Iran.

Iran Middle East

Reality Check

Jun 24, 2021

Reality Check #8: Rethinking US military policy in the Greater Middle East

By Robert A. Manning, Christopher Preble

The core assumptions underpinning US policy in the Middle East—ensuring oil flows, maintaining Israel’s security, preventing the rise of a dominant hegemon, and countering terrorism—have been upended by new realities.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Jun 24, 2021

US-Russia summit: Much ado about nothing in the Middle East

By Li-Chen Sim, Daniel Rakov, and Joze Pelayo

In this brief reaction piece, two experts from our working group on Chinese and Russian power projection in the Middle East offer their views on the potential implications of the US-Russia summit for the Middle East.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 23, 2021

Brahimi quoted in Asia Times on Libya’s peace conference hopes and General Haftar

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Security & Defense

IranSource

Jun 23, 2021

What will Raisi’s cabinet look like? Hardline and full of war vets.

By Mehrzad Boroujerdi

Considering Ebrahim Raisi’s lack of experience in foreign policy and economic affairs, the success of his administration will depend to some extent on who he will pick for his cabinet.

Elections Iran

In the News

Jun 23, 2021

Slavin joins World Affairs with Chuck Hagel to discuss the US strategy in Iran
Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jun 23, 2021

Predicting the predictable: What do pre-election polls tell us about Iran’s election?

By Dara Conduit

Why were pre-election polls conducted throughout Iran's presidential campaign period if there was never any doubt of the election result? The answer lies in the election process itself.

Elections Iran

IranSource

Jun 22, 2021

An uncertain future for Iran under a minority president

By Hezha Barzani

On June 21, 2021, the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative hosted an event to discuss the implications of Iran’s June 18 presidential elections for US-Iran relations. Read the key takeaways.

Iran Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Kyle Atwell

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Colombia

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Ilker Baburoglu

CEO, MedTrade Energy & Commodities

Millennium Leadership Program

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Emadeddin Badi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict

Staff

Elise Baker

Senior Staff Lawyer, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Civil Society Extremism

Staff

Hezha Barzani

Associate Director, empowerME Initiative

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Education Human Rights
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