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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

IranSource

Jul 2, 2020

How to fix the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran

By Colonel Udi Evental

The Trump administration’s strategy suffers from internal tensions and inherent contradictions that have undermined its effectiveness from the beginning.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jun 30, 2020

Lipner in the American Interest: Annexation and the dubious doctrine of wishful thinking
Israel Middle East

In the News

Jun 30, 2020

Fayyad in TIME: How Palestinians can reunite under a new agenda to counter Israel’s annexation
Israel Middle East

MENASource

Jun 30, 2020

Amid the coronavirus, where are US-Gulf counterterrorism efforts headed?

By Joze Pelayo

As governments of the Gulf Arab states seek to meet the extraordinary challenges posed by COVID-19, extremists have hastened to find ways to exploit the crisis.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 26, 2020

Ferziger in Foreign Policy: Why Israel’s Warming Gulf Ties Will Survive Annexation
Israel Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jun 26, 2020

Kroenig and Ashford Discuss Iran Nuclear Deal in Foreign Policy

By Atlantic Council

On June 26, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center Deputy Director Matthew Kroenig and the Cato Institute’s Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they discuss former national security advisor John Bolton’s impact on the Trump administration’s Iran policy and the consequences of pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal.

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

IranSource

Jun 26, 2020

Just how happy are Iranians with their lives?

By Nadereh Chamlou

Iran ranks 118 out of 153 countries on the UN’s 2020 World Happiness Index (WHI), slightly above the lowest quintile—the least happy.

Iran Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 25, 2020

Mapping Russia’s soft power efforts in Syria through humanitarian aid

By Marika Sosnowski and Jonathan Robinson

By mapping where Russia’s Center for Reconciliation of Conflicting Sides in Syria has delivered aid over an 18-month period (between 2018 and 2020), a picture of Russia’s soft power tactics in Syria can be formed.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

EnergySource

Jun 24, 2020

Rapid response: The SABIC-Aramco merger

By Private: Jean-François Seznec

Saudi Aramco’s acquisition of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) finalized on June 16, 2020, provides a window into the Saudi strategy to become a world-scale chemicals producer. However, the structure of the deal also offers an interesting look into the Saudi financial position amid low oil prices and a global pandemic.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

IranSource

Jun 24, 2020

Pressed by sanctions and coronavirus, can Iranian businesses bounce back?

By Mohsen Tavakol

During the past four decades, Iranian entrepreneurs have always found ways of reviving business activities and productivity in times of crisis. However, current challenges are undermining those efforts and driving many Iranians into further poverty.

Iran Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Newton Howard

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Artificial Intelligence English

Fellow

Len Khodorkovsky

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

Millennium fellow

Lima Halima-Khalil

Co-Founder & Program Director, ArtLords

Millennium Leadership Program

Afghanistan Middle East

Fellow

Thomas Storch

Distinguished fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Ibrahim Al-Assil

Lead of the Syria Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Conflict
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Events

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