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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

This new frontier in the US-Iraq relationship leaves many opportunities, challenges and unknowns. Our experts unpack it all.

Defense Policy Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 10, 2025

Jordan is building scalable startups—without chasing unicorns

By Rajae Sahouri

Despite challenges, in the world of privately held startups valued at $1 billion plus—the country has produced several resilient companies.

Economy & Business Future of Work

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Haftar’s long game: Dynastic power and diplomatic leverage in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

Haftar may be shaping not only the current political landscape, but is also positioning himself—and his family—for long-term influence.

Libya Middle East
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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

Jul 31, 2020

The Syrian parliamentary elections were a mockery

By Michel Duclos

All in all, the July 19 result was not great for the Bashar al-Assad regime, but the veneer of a normal election was achieved, especially given that the low turnout could be excused by the pandemic.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jul 31, 2020

Pavel proposes steps for United States, allies in response to prospective China-Iran partnership

By Atlantic Council

On July 31, The National Interest published a piece by Barry Pavel in which he considers the strategic implications of closer China-Iran relations and outlines steps for the United States and its allies to take in response to a burgeoning China-Iran partnership.

China Iran

MENASource

Jul 30, 2020

Syria’s inconsequential 2021 presidential elections must be ignored

By Jomana Qaddour and Danny al-Baaj

Russia and the United States will still have to contend with Iranian influence and its far more substantial ground presence in Syria.

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

IranSource

Jul 30, 2020

When it comes to Iran, not everything that goes boom in the night is sabotage

By Raz Zimmt

Even though it is tempting to attribute these current events to foreign sabotage, it is important not to assume that all of these incidents have the same cause.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 30, 2020

Iran-Syria air defense pact could cause Russian-Iranian friction

By Mark N. Katz

Neither Damascus nor Tehran has been happy about Moscow’s unwillingness to enable themselves or Syria to halt Israeli attacks. The signing of the Iran-Syria air defense pact, though, may change this.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jul 29, 2020

Mezran quoted in TRT World on the politics behind Haftar’s devolution of power in Libya
Libya North Africa

In the News

Jul 29, 2020

Iraq Initiative featured in The New York Times Magazine
Iraq Middle East

In the News

Jul 29, 2020

Lipner in Haaretz: Baseless hatred? The assault on the Wexner Foundation as a case study
Hebrew Israel

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2020

The 5×5—Fighting COVID-19 with surveillance: Perspectives from across the globe

By Simon Handler and Lily Liu

As more countries rely on digital tools to contain the spread of COVID-19, how will enhanced surveillance challenge privacy norms in the future? According to the World Health Organization, public health surveillance is critical to containing the pandemic. However, can enhanced surveillance during a public health crisis set precedents for digital surveillance in the future?

Africa Coronavirus

IranSource

Jul 29, 2020

The tale of an Iranian foreign minister’s rise and fall from grace

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni

Mohammad Javad Zarif's fall from grace cannot be considered apart from the Rouhani administration’s and the larger moderate camp’s loss of credibility in the eyes of many Iranians.

Iran Middle East
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Experts

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

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Olivia Azadegan

Senior Energy Manager, Global Methane Hub

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Rabah Arezki

Distinguished Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Samantha Sutton

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict Israel
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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