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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

Issue Brief

Sep 29, 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on either shore of the Mediterranean

By Karim Mezran, Emily Burchfield, Paolo Alli, Emadeddin Badi, Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, Alessia Melcangi

This report draws on case studies of Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, and migration to the EU to illuminate the key challenges faced in the Mediterranean community, and warns of the undesirable outcomes ahead if international inaction toward the region persists.

Coronavirus North Africa

Elections 2020

Sep 29, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Middle East

By Middle East Programs

In every US presidential election since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Middle East and North Africa has been a top foreign policy issue. The 2020 presidential election is no different.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Sep 26, 2020

Dagres quoted in Financial Times on “Tehran”
Iran Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Sep 25, 2020

The ‘big three’ now rule the global energy market, says Daniel Yergin

By Katherine Golden

Pulitzer Prize winner and energy expert Daniel Yergin's insights into the progress of the energy transition worldwide are pivotal with the 2020 elections around the corner and the pandemic that has disrupted the energy industry.

China Coronavirus

In the News

Sep 24, 2020

Slavin quoted in Jewish News Syndicate US relations with Iran
Economy & Business Iran

In the News

Sep 24, 2020

Lipner in The Hill: Peace is great. Now, about that virus…
Israel Middle East

Elections 2020

Sep 24, 2020

If Trump wins, he needs a new approach to Iran

By Barbara Slavin

If US President Donald Trump wins re-election, he will have an opportunity to review his failed approach toward Iran.

Elections Iran

In the News

Sep 24, 2020

Ferziger in Foreign Policy: Israeli TV Spy Thriller ‘Tehran’ Flouts Stereotypes About Iran
Iran Israel

Issue Brief

Sep 24, 2020

The chosen people vs. their chosen people

By Shalom Lipner

As Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s court trial and the Knesset’s deadline to negotiate a fiscal deal draw near, the Israeli government faces a crisis of accountability. A bloated bureaucracy and constant competition have impaired the government’s ability to formulate and implement sound diplomatic, security, and economic decisions. A new Atlantic Council issue brief, “The Chosen […]

Israel Middle East

In the News

Sep 23, 2020

Shaffer in The Brown Journal of World Affairs: In the era of US energy abundance: the role of the Caspian Region in US policy
Eastern Europe Energy & Environment
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Experts

Fellow

Owen J. Daniels

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Millennium fellow

Saeed Al Nazari

Secretary General, Great Arab Minds

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Middle East

Fellow

Amir Asmar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Israel

Fellow

David H. Young

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Afghanistan Conflict

Staff

Kayra Sener 

Program Assistant, Realign for Palestine

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Realign For Palestine

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
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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