Middle East

The relentless assault on Idlib

By Reema Hibrawi

The relentless airstrikes campaign on Idlib by the Syrian regime and Russia air forces predicted by many analysts, including this author, remains a defining battlefield to the regime in the Syrian conflict, nine years later. Seen as a last opposition stronghold populated by extremists and a millions of civilians and internally displaced people (IDP), Idlib province and its surroundings are a deadly place.

Conflict Corruption

New Atlanticist

Saudi failure to convict Saud al-Qahtani is glaring

By Kirsten Fontenrose

For a purported lack of sufficient evidence, Saud al-Qahtani was not even brought to trial. This tells us one of three things: One, Saudi Arabia no longer values its relationship with the United States; two, the US intelligence community sees greater value in monitoring al-Qahtani’s activities than in seeing him imprisoned; or three, the Saudi court system is, impressively, more evidence-based than we knew.

Saudi Arabia

SyriaSource

Looking back at 2019: Our top five blogs

By Reema Hibrawi

It was an especially bleak year for Syria as displacement across the country continued especially in Idlib province. Below are our top five blogs in 2019 that touched on these important issues that captured the attention of our readers.

Corruption Political Reform

IranSource

Japan balances Tehran and Washington

By Sachi Sakanashi

On December 19, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani visited Japan. The two-day visit was the first by an Iranian president since 2000. It also marked the third meeting between Rouhani and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this year. The Tokyo meeting covered an array of issues. The talks ranged from finding a means to utilize Iran’s […]

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Top Five of 2019

By Reema Hibrawi

The Middle East continued to be a tumultuous region this year, as protest movements expanded across Iran, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, and Lebanon. As we have reported and provided analysis on these ongoing issues, it is clear that much remains to be resolved in 2020. Below are the top five blog pieces of 2019 that touched a nerve with our audiences and were the most viewed of the year.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Israel and the Gulf states continue a tepid dance to improve relations

By Seth Frantzman

There is interest from both the Gulf states and Israel to develop better relations especially concerning the threat of Iran, but neither side has a vision for the next major public step.

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Dec 23, 2019

US-Palestinian relations and aid cuts, impact Israel’s security

By Carmiel Arbit

The consequences of deteriorating US-Palestinian relations and aid cuts are likely to continue to negatively impact security in Israel.

Crisis Management Israel

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2019

2019: A year in the world

By Om Arvind and David A. Wemer

2019 was a year full of diplomatic breakthroughs, dramatic elections, and daunting new challenges on the global stage. Here is a look back at the biggest moments of 2019 and what our Atlantic Council experts had to say about them:

Africa Americas

In the News

Dec 20, 2019

Lipner in The American Interest: No way to run a country

By Atlantic Council

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

Experts

Fellow

Jennifer Gavito

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

Arabic French

Fellow

Priya Pillai

Africa Conflict

Fellow

Perrihan Al-Riffai

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Amany Qaddour

Assistant Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Arabic Civil Society

Staff

Britt Gronemeyer

Nonresident Fellow, Syria Project

Human Rights International Organizations

Fellow

Diana Rayes