Middle East

Experts react: Everything you need to know about the Israel-Hamas cease-fire and hostage deal

By Atlantic Council experts

Does this deal really mark the end of the war? What’s next for Gaza’s reconstruction, for Israel’s security, and for wider regional efforts, such as Israeli-Saudi normalization? Atlantic Council experts share their answers to these and other pressing questions.

As a new Syria takes shape, Iraq will need to recalibrate its role in the Middle East

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government must navigate several challenges, recalibrate its role in the region, and balance its foreign relations—including with the United States

Representatives Brian Mast and Gregory Meeks on the role of Congress in US foreign policy as Trump takes office

By Daniel Hojnacki

Mast and Meeks outlined their respective visions for promoting US interests as members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Blinken’s audacious final message for the Middle East

By Frederick Kempe

The outgoing US secretary of state spoke at the Atlantic Council on January 14, carrying an important message for would-be pessimists about the Middle East.

China is supporting the Houthis. Here’s how the Trump administration can respond.

By Tuvia Gering and Jason M. Brodsky

From buying up Iranian oil to sending dual-use parts, Beijing’s actions are indirectly and directly helping the rebel group in Yemen that is disrupting Red Sea shipping.

‘The ball is now in Hamas’s court’ for a ceasefire in Gaza, says US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

By Katherine Golden

The US secretary of state spoke at the Atlantic Council on January 14, just as reports from the Middle East indicated an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release could come soon.

The Biden administration’s vision for postwar Gaza

By Antony J. Blinken

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered remarks on the Biden administration’s Middle East policy and the prospects for peace in the region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Biden record in the Middle East—and what comes next

At an Atlantic Council event, the US secretary of state delivered remarks on the Middle East and the future of US leadership.

The next decade of strategic competition: How the Pentagon can use special operations forces to better compete

By Clementine G. Starling-Daniels, Theresa Luetkefend

Clementine G. Starling and Theresa Luetkefend discuss how the Department of Defense and Joint force should more effectively leverage Special Operations forces in strategic competition.