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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

In the News

Feb 27, 2020

Max Brooks in the Washington Post: China barred my dystopian novel about how its system enables epidemics

By Atlantic Council

China Civil Society

In the News

Feb 26, 2020

Dagres quoted in Middle Easy Eye on Iran’s ability to address the coronavirus spread

By Atlantic Council

Economic Sanctions Iran

MENASource

Feb 26, 2020

What comes next for Oman?

By Rumaitha Al Busaidi

Sultan Qaboos' legacy will continue as we embark on a new chapter in our history: an outward-looking nation that does not needlessly provoke others or jeopardize stability.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Feb 26, 2020

Factbox: The outcome of Iran’s 2020 parliamentary elections

By Arash Azizi

Now that the elections are over, this guide aims to illuminate its outcome and why there was a low turnout.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 25, 2020

Cover-ups and incompetence: Iran as the Middle East’s coronavirus epicenter

By Brendon Hong

For now, Iran has not banned its citizens from traveling to China, which as of midnight on February 25 has confirmed nearly 65,000 infections within its border.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 24, 2020

Wechsler and Fontenrose in The Washington Post: How US allies in the Gulf can help prevent an Iranian October surprise

As the 2020 US presidential election ramps up, the Atlantic Council's Kirsten Fontenrose and William Wechsler write in The Washington Post on the threat of an October surprise from Iran.

Elections Iran

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2020

Iraqi MP: Continued protests provide opportunity for real reform

By Kyle Thetford

The massive protests that have rocked Iraq since October 2019 and have brought down one government have also given the new prime minister designee a unique opportunity to overcome vested interests and deliver meaningful reform, according to Iraqi Council of Representatives Member Sarkawt Shamsulddin.

Democratic Transitions Iraq

In the News

Feb 24, 2020

Frandrup quoted in the National on naval operations in the Gulf area

By Atlantic Council

Maritime Security Security & Defense

IranSource

Feb 24, 2020

FATF blacklists Iran, but does it matter?

By Brian O’Toole

The decision to impose counter-measures by the Paris-based body signals something of an end to the group’s patience with Iran, especially by the European Union, after Tehran failed to follow through on the action plan it agreed upon with the FATF to address its deficiencies.

Economic Sanctions Iran

In the News

Feb 23, 2020

Mezran and Cristiani in The National Interest: Trouble in Tripoli: Why Europe must respond to the ambitions of Libyan warlord Khalifa Haftar

Every time there is a European conference on Libya, the dominant feeling is the same: the Europeans seem to be more interested in the process—the mere act of bringing stakeholders together to talk—than the outcome. It is less clear whether this talk is actually conducive to any solution that can stop the spiral of violence […]

Libya
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Experts

Fellow

Nathan Freier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Conflict

Millennium fellow

Saeed Al Nazari

Secretary General, Great Arab Minds

Millennium Leadership Program

Education Middle East

Fellow

Alan Pino

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Iran

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

Said El Khoury

Senior Piping Engineer, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Middle East
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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