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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.

Learn more

Content

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Hausheer Ali joins Alghad TV (Arabic) to discuss Trump’s confrontation with Iran

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Conflict

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Wechsler quoted in Yahoo on Trump’s authority to wage war against Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Slavin quoted in JNS on Trump’s address on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Economic Sanctions Iran

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Lipner quoted in The New York Times on the Israeli response to the Soleimani killing

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2020

De-escalation still possible after Iran’s missile retaliation

By Atlantic Council

Iran avoided a central US red line, and "therefore, the Trump administration will have the opportunity to test Iranian claims that they truly do not seek any further escalation," Will Wechsler says.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2020

Iran’s missiles may have avoided the worst outcome

By Thomas S. Warrick

If there had been significant US casualties, the world would have awoken to the dawn of a regional war, because the Trump administration would have been compelled to attack the launch sites in Iran—and probably other targets in Iran, also. If the present news holds, the situation is slightly less dangerous, if still perilous.

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2020

Washington and Tehran can step back – if they want to

By William F. Wechsler

After the January 8 Iranian missile attacks on Iraq, a successful tactical de-escalation requires both that the Iranian leadership intends for its military actions not to be escalatory and that the Trump administration perceives those actions as they were intended. In the absence of direct communications between the United States and Iran, however, the potential for misunderstanding and thus the risk of miscalculation remains high.

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jan 7, 2020

Carpenter speaks to BBC World News on strike against Soleimani

By Atlantic Council

Conflict English

New Atlanticist

Jan 7, 2020

US-Iran in crisis: Strategic ambiguity and loud weapons in cyberspace

By Simon Handler, Katherine Wolff, Will Loomis

Iran’s government will feel the need to retaliate against the United States, but it does not wish to ignite a prolonged war with the United States. The regime’s near-term aim is to demonstrate to its domestic and regional constituencies that it has the capability and the resolve to avenge Soleimani’s killing and, more strategically, to drum up support for hardliners ahead of legislative elections next month. While Iran has a number of options available, its cyber toolkit not one to be overlooked.

Cybersecurity Iran

In the News

Jan 7, 2020

Wechsler quoted in Bloomberg on Iran’s retaliation against US in Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Iran Iraq
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Experts

Fellow

Dan Minnocci

Senior US Air Force Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Sofronis Papageorgiou 

Head, Cyprus Trade Center, Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to the State of Israel

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy Markets & Governance Middle East

Fellow

Peter Mandaville

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity

Fellow

Tom Mancinelli

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Martin Zuber

Senior US Navy Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity

Fellow

Andrea Rigoni

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Cybersecurity Digital Policy
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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