Middle East

Middle East

Stretching from the Western Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the Middle East continues to be a region struggling with violent conflict, political repression, and poor development. Numerous pro-democracy protest movements, a burgeoning youth population, and efforts to reform governments and lessen economic dependence on oil, however, are causes for optimism. The United States and the international community must remain engaged with the region to provide support for these positive moves and to address the many remaining challenges.

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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Jul 6, 2026

New Middle East corridors are about more than just bypassing the Strait of Hormuz

By Allison Minor

A recent Atlantic Council gathering reveals how initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) must evolve.

Economy & Business Infrastructure

MENASource

Jul 1, 2026

Libya doesn’t need another elite bargain

By Karim Mezran

The US blessing of a power-sharing arrangement for Libya preserves a fragile stability today while increasing the risk of a much larger crisis tomorrow.

Libya Political Reform

MENASource

Jul 1, 2026

The US is sending Syrian asylees back. Syria isn’t ready.

By Diana Rayes 

The US Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold the Trump administration's decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status programs crates a troubling global precedent.

Migration Syria
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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

MENASource

Oct 4, 2017

A way forward for devolving local power in Libya?

By Elissa Miller and Andrea Taylor

Despite the signing of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) in Skhirat in 2015, the political situation in Libya appears no closer to being resolved. Indeed, there is now a widening consensus within Libya and among concerned states that the LPA must be amended. Over the last two years, cleavages within Libya deepened amid exacerbating interference […]

Democratic Transitions Libya

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Oct 4, 2017

US strategy toward China’s belt and road initiative

By Gal Luft

The balance in Eurasia is shifting. China’s President Xi Jinping has ambitious visions for Asia, while the rest of the world reshuffles to find its place in the rapidly changing global order. The United States would be better off engaging with the BRI and trying to influence its design and mechanics from within, rather than staying on the sidelines and witnessing its allies gravitating toward China.

Africa China

In the News

Oct 3, 2017

Slavin in Al-Monitor: Trump Threats Loom Over Iran-EU Business Summit

By Barbara Slavin

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Oct 3, 2017

Haid Quoted in New York Times on Syrian War Crime

Read the full article here.

Syria

Issue Brief

Oct 2, 2017

The roots and evolution of Iran’s regional strategy

By Suzanne Maloney

Understanding what drives Iran’s regional policies is crucial to confronting its challenges. In her new paper, entitled The Roots and Evolution of Iran’s Regional Strategy, Suzanne Maloney, deputy director of foreign policy and senior fellow for Middle East policy at the Brookings Institution, explores how the Islamic Republic operates throughout the Middle East, and the […]

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

SyriaSource

Oct 2, 2017

Dealing with Depression

By Frederic C. Hof

It is hard to have a conversation about Syria without speaking or hearing the words “how depressing.” This has, in fact, been true for years. The Obama administration observed, unopposed, a relentless, multi-year campaign of civilian mass homicide by a larcenous, incompetent, and brutal regime, one fully enabled and encouraged by Russia and Iran. The […]

Syria

In the News

Oct 1, 2017

Alfoneh in Arab Weekly: Rohani’s Futile Fight Against Corruption

By Ali Alfoneh

Read the full article here.

Iran

In the News

Oct 1, 2017

Miller in The Arab Weekly: Challenges Face Salame’s New Blueprint for Libya

By Elissa Miller

Read the full article here.

Libya

In the News

Oct 1, 2017

Alyahya Quoted in LA Times on Saudi Female Driving Decree

By Mohammed Alyahya

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2017

The Taste of Freedom, But at What Cost for the Kurds?

By Bina Hussein

While the Kurdistani people may have voted for independence, the practical application of the referendum, which was rejected by the Kurdistan region’s neighbors, remains uncertain. Depending on the fallout in the days, weeks, and months to come, the referendum could either prove an opportunity to improve regional relations, or leave a bitter aftertaste for all […]

Iran Iraq
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Experts

Fellow

Owen J. Daniels

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Staff

Nina Dannaoui-Johnson

Deputy Director

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Africa Human Rights

Fellow

Kurt Davis Jr.

Nonresident senior fellow

Millennium Leadership Program Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Landon Derentz

Vice President, Energy and Infrastructure

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Haydee Dijkstal

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Corruption

Millennium fellow

Mark Donig

Head of US, Blue Laurel Advisors

Millennium Leadership Program

Entrepreneurship Middle East
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