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MENASource

Jun 23, 2026

The Middle East’s greatest killer is not what you think

By Daniel E. Zoughbie

When considering the forces claiming lives across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), minds inevitably turn to warfare and terrorism. Yet the region’s most prolific killer does not carry a weapon. Its methods are salt, sugar, and sitting. The numbers are staggering. Cardiovascular disease kills approximately 1.4 million people in the region every year; […]

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jun 11, 2026

The Iran war is a game of liar’s poker

By Khalid Azim

The central question has not simply been who possesses power, but who is willing to absorb pain, tolerate risk, and continue escalating when conventional logic suggests restraint.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

تفتت الفصائل المسلحة العراقية بعد تحول النظام الإيراني من الثيوقراطية الى الجنتوقراطية

By Munqith Dagher

كيف يؤثر تغيير القيادة في ايران على الميليشيات العراقية؟ د. منقذ داغر يبدو اننا بتنا ، بعد 28 فبراير 2026 ،امام نظام مختلف وظيفياً، بل وحتى هيكلياً عما عرفناه طوال السنوات السبعة وأربعين من عمر النظام الايراني. فقد اتسم نظام الحكم في ايران بنسخته الخمينية الأولى 1979-1989  بأحادية قطبية لا مكان فيها سوى للمرشد الأعلى(الخميني). […]

Arabic Conflict

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.

Content

In the News

Oct 20, 2020

Slavin joins CGTN America to discuss the expiration of the arms embargo

Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 20, 2020

Duclos in Institut Montaigne: Trump or Biden: Rebuilding the Transatlantic Relationship

Democratic Transitions Elections

Issue briefs and reports

Oct 20, 2020

Improving counterterrorism and law enforcement cooperation between the United States and the Arab Gulf States

By Thomas S. Warrick, Joze Pelayo

Thomas S. Warrick and Joze Pelayo present recommendations to improve and increase cooperation in civilian counterterrorism, law enforcement, border security, and aviation security between the United States and the Arab countries of the Gulf.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

MENASource

Oct 20, 2020

Renewed calls for demonstrations on October 25 in Iraq come with hurdles

By Raghad Kasim

Over the course of the coming weeks, protests will break out with calls for reform. This mass mobilization may witness higher incidents of violence than in October of last year.

Iraq Middle East

Events

Oct 20, 2020

Fontenrose speaks at the US-UAE Business Council’s videoconference on the UAE’s defense sector.

Middle East Security & Defense

In the News

Oct 19, 2020

Fontenrose quoted in CNBC on Iran’s weapons capability

Arms Control Defense Industry

In the News

Oct 19, 2020

Hudson quoted in Foreign Policy on the announcement of Sudan’s removal from US state sponsors of terrorism list

By Atlantic Council

Africa Democratic Transitions

In the News

Oct 19, 2020

Daragahi in the Independent: The world can now sell weapons to Iran. Here’s why you shouldn’t expect an arms rush

Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 19, 2020

Azodi quoted in the Independent on the expiration of the arms embargo

Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 19, 2020

Fulton quoted in the Financial Times on economic crisis threatens Oman’s neutrality

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Experts