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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Nov 25, 2025

Mali is at a turning point that risks a ‘disastrous domino effect’

By Haleigh Bartos and John Chin

A JNIM seizure of power, though less likely, is possible—and threatens to turn Mali into Africa’s Afghanistan.

Africa
North & West Africa

MENASource

Nov 21, 2025

Syria joining the anti-ISIS coalition is a westward pivot—with opportunities and risks

By Merissa Khurma and Giorgio Cafiero

The decision is a shift in the country’s alignment—from Russian and Iranian spheres of influence to one in NATO and GCC regional orbits.

Democratic Transitions
Middle East

MENASource

Nov 20, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s next horizon: Building human capital beyond Vision 2030

By Khalid Azim

Riyadh still needs to take fully support small and medium-sized enterprises—the true engines of job creation.

Economy & Business
Middle East
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

MENASource

Oct 23, 2025

Why Washington’s anti-PMF moves are testing the Iraq partnership

By Mohammed A. Salih

The US campaign against the PMF groups will likely have significant implications for Iraq’s political process moving forward.

Iraq
Middle East

MENASource

Oct 21, 2025

The Indonesia-Israel visit that didn’t happen—and why it still matters

By Amit Yarom

Careful engagement between Israel and Indonesia could blossom. But both must navigate a narrow path between opportunity and overreach.

Indo-Pacific
Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 20, 2025

How Trump can apply his Middle East success to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine

By John E. Herbst

Several lessons learned from the recent US-brokered cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas can be applied to ending Russia’s assault on Ukraine.

Conflict
Israel

MENASource

Oct 20, 2025

Will the US achieve a ‘big, beautiful’ Iran deal or stall in homeostasis?

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Cranston Kline

The Gaza cease-fire showcased how when the US president gets personally involved, the seemingly impossible can become possible.

Iran
Israel

In the News

Oct 20, 2025

Gray on Fox News ‘America Reports’ on the Gaza ceasefire deal

On October 20, Alexander B. Gray, nonresident senior fellow of the GeoStrategy Initiative of the Scowcroft Center, appeared on Fox News to discuss the terms and implications of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Conflict
Israel

MENASource

Oct 16, 2025

After the Gaza cease-fire, what’s next for the Houthis?

By Osamah Al Rawhani

Will the Houthis cease their regional hostilities? The brief response is yes—but likely, only for the time being.

Maritime Security
Middle East

UkraineAlert

Oct 16, 2025

Putin seeks more foreign fighters amid mounting Russian losses in Ukraine

By David Kirichenko

With fewer and fewer Russians ready to volunteer for the war in Ukraine, Putin is seeking to recruit more foreign fighters from across Africa, Asia, and beyond, writes David Kirichenko.

Africa
Americas

New Atlanticist

Oct 15, 2025

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the next phase of an Israel-Hamas deal

By Atlantic Council experts

What will follow part one of the cease-fire deal brokered by the Trump administration? Atlantic Council experts share their answers.

Conflict
Israel

In the News

Oct 14, 2025

Charai in Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Jared Kushner: The Quiet Architect of Courage

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Democratic Transitions

In the News

Oct 14, 2025

Charai in National Interest: The Nobel Committee Turns Its Back on Peace

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Freedom and Prosperity
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Experts

Fellow

Samir Altaqi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Middle East

Fellow

Alan Pino

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Intelligence Iran

Fellow

Owen J. Daniels

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Fellow

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Millennium fellow

Said El Khoury

Senior Piping Engineer, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Middle East

Fellow

Frank Talbot

Nonresident Senior Fellow, North Africa Program

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business
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