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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

Oct 16, 2019

Katz quoted in Radio Svoboda (RFE/RL) on U.S. response to Turkey

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Oct 16, 2019

Winning the humanitarian war in Yemen

By Hadi Fathallah

While Saudi Arabia came into Yemen very sensitive of the regional Iranian challenge and Houthi threat, its war strategy and foreign policy lacks any awareness of the looming and ongoing environmental and humanitarian war that will affect the overall outcome of the peace in Yemen.

Conflict Middle East

SyriaSource

Oct 15, 2019

Syria: Is anything salvageable?

By Frederic C. Hof

The importance of Syria to the West generally and to the United States specifically dictates that something of value be salvaged from the wreckage. Facilitating the resurrection of ISIS and the restoration of a terrorism-abetting Assad regime to all of Syria should be unthinkable.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

Trump vs Erdoğan: It’s hard to bluff when your cards are on the table

By Brian O'Toole

It is hard to take seriously threats by the US government to ruin the Turkish economy when Trump himself gave this green light in the first place. Under such circumstances, sanctions have almost no chance of succeeding in putting this genie back in the bottle.

Economic Sanctions Syria
US/UK flags

In the News

Oct 15, 2019

Manning in The Hill: The beginning of the end of a US role in the Middle East?

By Atlantic Council

Senior Fellow Robert A. Manning writes on President Trump’s withdrawal of troops in Syria. He likens the occasion to Great Britain’s “East of Suez” retreat in 1968. One of the differences is that there is no country with the power to which to pass the baton. Meet the author

International Norms Middle East

In the News

Oct 15, 2019

Itani joins NPR’s All Things Considered to discuss Syrian regime’s new deal with the Kurds and President Assad’s goals

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

The true costs of withdrawing forces from Syria

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Getting the United States out of “endless wars” is an admirable goal. But military forces, trust among our partners, and standing firm in the face of adversaries play critical roles in reaching that goal. Getting those functions back in balance will be necessary in moving forward.

Conflict Syria

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2019

How can the United States pick up the pieces of its Syria policy?

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts detail how Washington can manage the situation in Syria and prevent the US-Turkish relationship from spiraling out of control.

Conflict Syria

IranSource

Oct 15, 2019

Iranian women fans rejoice at stadium access

By Tahereh Hadian-Jazy

A combination of domestic and international pressure resulted in the decision by the Iranian government to finally allow women to attend soccer matches at Iranian stadiums.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 14, 2019

Warrick joins KCBS Radio to discuss Turkish and Kurdish troops continuing to battle in Syria

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Security & Defense
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Experts

Fellow

David H. Young

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Afghanistan Conflict

Staff

Kayra Sener 

Program Assistant, Realign for Palestine

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Realign For Palestine

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Fellow

Omer Rafiq

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Hindi

Staff

Alexander Young

Project Assistant

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Rza Aliyev

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Azerbaijani Central Asia

Expert

Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management
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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