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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

MENASource

Aug 25, 2025

Dispatch from Syria’s Christian strongholds: A new government, a full political spectrum

By Gregory Waters

The conditions of Christian communities across the country remain varied, with the opinions of religious and community leaders deeply mixed.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions
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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

MENASource

Oct 8, 2020

The Shia are a black hole for US policy in the Middle East

By Andrew L. Peek

The US government's public engagement work has not caught up with the new focus on Iran. In other words, the US lacks virtually any engagement with the Shia body politic.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Slavin joins BBC to discuss US sanctions on Iran
Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Slavin quoted in USA Today on US sanctions on Iran
Iran Middle East
Mediterranean

Report

Oct 7, 2020

Value beyond price: Prioritizing political stability and regional integration when financing Mediterranean gas

By Olgu Okumuş

A comprehensive overview of the tensions surrounding natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean which argues that development projects must take into account geopolitical rivalries as a reality in determining how to leverage East Med gas by mobilizing the power of multilateral dialogue platforms and international development banks.

Europe & Eurasia European Union

IranElections2021

Oct 7, 2020

Hossein Dehghan and other military vets vie for Iran’s presidency

By Sina Azodi

Given the extraordinary circumstances that Iran is currently facing, it appears that the establishment is pondering elevating a former high-level military officer to head the executive branch.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 6, 2020

Fontenrose in The National: Iran could lose out if the US closes its Baghdad embassy
Iran Iraq

MENASource

Oct 6, 2020

I survived Assad’s torture—here’s why I’m a proud advocate of the Caesar Act

By Omar Alshogre

The Caesar Act is not the solution, but an important tool that the US and the international community must use alongside others to end the killing in my homeland.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 5, 2020

Can Kadhimi curb the influence of Iran-backed militias in Iraq?

By Hamdi Malik

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi needs to be more resolute about imposing non-military solutions to reduce the influence of rogue militias, a process he has already started.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 1, 2020

Dagres quoted in BBC News on Iranian accounts disrupting US presidential debate
Elections Iran

MENASource

Oct 1, 2020

A reform scenario for Lebanon

By Nabeel Khoury

The Lebanese system is defined in a formal constitutional document and an informal, though equally binding, National Pact. Both will need to be radically altered for genuine reform to take place.

Lebanon Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Robert Fardi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Israel

Fellow

Mark Mowrey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council in Turkey

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Beth Van Schaack

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Staff

Ellie Sennett 

Editor

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Dan Rothem

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Hebrew

Fellow

Alina L. Romanowski

Distinguished Fellow

Iraq Initiative Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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