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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Sep 4, 2025

Dispatch from Basra: Glimpses of hope in Iraq’s forgotten south

By Jon Wilks

Basra is proving to be part of a broader trend: improved security and visible reconstruction, despite persistent corruption and dysfunction.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Aug 29, 2025

Is the cautious China-Iran military cooperation at a turning point?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

With a new war between Iran and Israel still an immediate threat, China might need to ask itself: Is cooperation with Iran worth risking its diplomacy model in the Gulf?

China Iran

MENASource

Aug 28, 2025

The Gulf’s dark horse: Why Oman can seize a global trade realignment

By Nic Adams

While economic uncertainty is gripping many countries around the world, Oman has remained a steadfast defense and economic partner of the United States.

Defense Industry Defense Policy
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

MENASource

Nov 24, 2020

UNRWA—and the Palestine refugees it serves—remains an investment worth protecting

By Mara Kronenfeld

UNRWA is one of the only entities standing between a tragic COVID-19 outbreak among Palestine refugees and safe passage to the other side of this global crisis. Though the agency has the expertise to help Palestine refugees, it can only continue doing so with adequate and reliable funding.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Nov 23, 2020

Regional stability is in the interest of both Saudi Arabia and Iran

By Mohsen Tavakol

Contrary to common stereotypes, Riyadh and Tehran actually share a number of common interests.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Nov 20, 2020

Kroenig and Ashford discuss US policy toward Afghanistan and Iran

By Atlantic Council

On November 20, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they discuss President Trump’s desire to pull US troops out of Afghanistan, as well as a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear programs in […]

Afghanistan Iran

In the News

Nov 20, 2020

Nia joins BBC News World Service Newsday to discuss the mysterious case of fugitive Iranian judge Gholamreza Mansouri
Europe & Eurasia European Union

MENASource

Nov 20, 2020

Stormy waters: Israel and Lebanon negotiate their maritime border

By Udi Evental

After a decade of United States-led mediation, on October 14, delegations on behalf of Israel and Lebanon entered negotiations on the demarcation of their disputed maritime borderline.

Israel Lebanon

Events

Nov 19, 2020

Fontenrose joins the National Council on US-Arab Relations to discuss the future of MENA policy under the Biden administration
Elections Middle East

In the News

Nov 19, 2020

Slavin in Foreign Policy: U.S. Hostility With Iran Only Serves Hardliners on Both Sides
Iran Middle East

IranSource

Nov 19, 2020

The risk of a too comprehensive deal with Iran

By Raz Zimmt

Any attempt to enforce restrictions on Iran's regional activities under a new and more comprehensive JCPOA is likely to encounter several significant challenges.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Nov 18, 2020

Warrick in Houston Chronicle on the dangers of Trump’s planned troop withdrawals

By Atlantic Council

On November 18, Forward Defense and Hariri Center non-resident senior fellow Thomas Warrick wrote an op-ed for the Houston Chronicle titled “Trump gambles with national security by removing troops.”

Afghanistan Defense Policy

In the News

Nov 18, 2020

Wechsler quoted in AFP on Trump’s announcement to pull troops from Afghanistan
Afghanistan Elections
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Experts

Fellow

Haydee Dijkstal

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Corruption

Staff

Kimberly Donovan

Director, Economic Statecraft Initiative

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Digital Currencies Economic Sanctions

Fellow

Michel Duclos

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Crisis Management

Fellow

Lama El Hatow

Nonresident Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

Millennium fellow

Hamzeh El Jerbi

Estimation Engineer, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Australia Economy & Business

Staff

Alex Elnagdy

Associate Director, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

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

Arabic Energy & Environment
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Events

Public Event Thu, September 11, 2025 • 12:00 pm ET

US-Iraq security partnership after Operation Inherent Resolve
Iraq Security & Defense
Public Event Wed, September 17, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

Implications of Middle East security trends for Latin America and the Caribbean
Conflict Latin America Middle East Non-Traditional Threats