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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Sep 17, 2025

In landmark Syria elections, women still face electoral hurdles

By Marie Forestier 

As the indirect electoral process begins, Syrian officials could take several steps to increase women’s chances in this process.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

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
READ More from MENASOURCE

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

IranSource

Oct 10, 2019

Don’t expect regime change in Iran

By Jack A. Goldstone

There are half a dozen reasons why the Islamic Republic has been so resilient in the face of extraordinary internal and external pressures.

Iran

New Atlanticist

Oct 10, 2019

Turkey has legitimate security concerns, but must keep military incursion into Syria limited

By Matthew Bryza

Ankara is justified in trying to secure its border, Matthew Bryza argues, but must not get bogged down in a major military campaign.

Syria Turkey

In the News

Oct 9, 2019

El-Gamal quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Trump’s Middle East strategy

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense

In the News

Oct 9, 2019

El-Gamal quoted in Middle East Eye on potential Turkish offensive on Syrian border

By Atlantic Council

Security & Defense Syria
US Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 8, 2019

The United States needs Middle East partnerships, former US commander argues

By David A. Wemer

The United States must continue to build its systems of alliances and partnerships across the Middle East, but Washington's change of policy toward the Syrian Kurds "will make it more difficult to build partnership in the future," General Joseph Votel said.

Maritime Security Middle East

Press and members call

Oct 8, 2019

Atlantic Council press call: Trump’s Syria withdrawal

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council experts respond to the withdrawal of US troops from northeastern Syria, Turkish military action, and the road ahead on a members and press call.

Middle East Syria

In the News

Oct 8, 2019

El-Gamal quoted in The Atlantic on US strategy for the Syrian conflict

By Atlantic Council

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

Report

Oct 8, 2019

The MENA region: A great power competition

By Karim Mezran and Arturo Varvelli

The idea of a ‘Russian resurgence' in the Middle East set against a perceived American withdrawal has captured the attention of policymakers and scholars alike, warranting further examination.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 7, 2019

Trump withdraws US troops from northern Syria

By Middle East experts

An October 6 phone call between US President Donald J. Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan resulted in a partial withdrawal of US troops from northern Syria and Trump’s endorsement of Turkish plans to send their own military forces into the region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Oct 7, 2019

El-Gamal joins France 24 to discuss Turkey and Syrian Kurds

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Alexandra Hubbard-Gourlay

Senior Director, Laurel Strategies

Millennium Leadership Program

Economy & Business Media

Staff

Kate Springs

Program Assistant, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms

Fellow

Afaq Hussain

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Millennium fellow

Bushra Shammout

Head of Energy Security Winter Preparedness Strategy and Ministerial Briefing, Department of Energy Security and Net Zero

Millennium Leadership Program

Europe & Eurasia Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow

Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Hany Ghanem

Nonresident senior fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East

Americas Arabic
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