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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

Sep 19, 2019

Bechev in Foreign Policy: Putin is trolling the United States in the Persian Gulf

By Dimitar Bechev

In the wake of the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Russian president has positioned himself as a peacemaker. But continued conflict is his friend.

Conflict Russia

Issue Brief

Sep 19, 2019

Secondary sanctions’ implications and the transatlantic relationship

By Samantha Sultoon & Justine Walker

The term secondary sanctions provokes strong reactions from allies and markets. Due to the power of the US dollar, breadth of the US market, and dominance of the US financial system, even the threat of secondary sanctions prompts many non-US companies to change their behavior to avoid the risk of such sanctions. Although this approach has furthered US policies, it has resulted in transatlantic political divergence and enhanced compliance uncertainty among private sector actors.

China Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2019

The logic of Iran’s attack on Saudi Arabia

By Henry Rome and Robert Johnston

While previously mere threats against the safety of shipping were enough to send tremors through oil markets and spook past US presidents, Iranian leaders have seemed powerless to respond to the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin joins NPR to discuss US-Iran relations
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Lipner quoted in Vice News on the Israeli elections
Elections Israel

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on Saudi oil attack and Trump Administration

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Sep 18, 2019

What the Abqaiq attack should teach us about critical infrastructure

By Thomas S. Warrick

The precision of the aerial attack on Abqaiq, whether it originated in Iran or outside it, shows both a willingness to target strategic critical infrastructure and a capability for extreme precision.

Crisis Management Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on attacks on Saudi oil field

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Middle East

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss surgical strikes and Iran

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen joins Al Jazeera to discuss the Abqaiq-Khurais attacks and oil price volatility

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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Experts

Fellow

Elizabeth Shortino

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Fellow

Christopher Aw

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Intelligence

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
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