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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Nov 4, 2025

Twelve questions (and expert answers) on the Iraq elections

By Atlantic Council experts

Iraq is set to hold elections on November 11. Our experts unpack the key questions looming over the landmark vote.

Elections Iraq

MENASource

Oct 31, 2025

Inside the divides of Iraq’s Coordination Framework—and why they matter ahead of landmark elections 

By Rend Al-Rahim

The November election will not necessarily determine who the next prime minister will be, but it will provide an opportunity to shift power dynamics within the fractious Shia bloc.

Elections Iraq

MENASource

Oct 28, 2025

US energy firms are returning to Iraq—but politics could undo their fortunes

By Raad Alkadiri

Al-Sudani’s rush to sign deals with US firms over the past few months is fundamentally about political survival, both his own and Iraq’s.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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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

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

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Revitalizing Qualified Industrial Zones can help revive Middle East integration

By Amir Hayek and Samantha Sutton

Revitalized QIZs can transition from political instruments into dynamic engines of inclusive growth, resilience, and regional stability.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Can Iraq’s partial crackdown on a powerful militia weaken Iran’s proxies?

By Akeel Abbas

The prime minister's willingness to face down Kataib Hezbollah is a rare and daring move.

Iran Iraq

In the News

Sep 8, 2025

Charai in The National Interest: Jerusalem in Blood: The War Against Radical Islamism

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Security & Defense

MENASource

Sep 4, 2025

Dispatch from Basra: Glimpses of hope in Iraq’s forgotten south

By Jon Wilks

Basra is proving to be part of a broader trend: improved security and visible reconstruction, despite persistent corruption and dysfunction.

Iraq Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 4, 2025

Dispatches from Damascus: The state of Syria’s postwar transition nine months after Assad’s fall

By Atlantic Council experts

On a recent trip to the Syrian capital, Atlantic Council experts took note of how far the country has come since the Assad regime’s fall and what still needs to happen to secure peace and prosperity.

Conflict Economy & Business

MENASource

Aug 29, 2025

Is the cautious China-Iran military cooperation at a turning point?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

With a new war between Iran and Israel still an immediate threat, China might need to ask itself: Is cooperation with Iran worth risking its diplomacy model in the Gulf?

China Iran

Fast Thinking

Aug 28, 2025

Will European pressure bring Iran back to the table for nuclear talks?

By Atlantic Council

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are threatening economic measures against Iran to pressure it into rejoining talks aimed at placing limits on its nuclear program.

France Iran

MENASource

Aug 28, 2025

The Gulf’s dark horse: Why Oman can seize a global trade realignment

By Nic Adams

While economic uncertainty is gripping many countries around the world, Oman has remained a steadfast defense and economic partner of the United States.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Report

Aug 27, 2025

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: Connectivity in an era of geopolitical uncertainty

By Afaq Hussain and Nicholas Shafer

Weeks before the war in Gaza broke out, India, Europe, the US, and Gulf nations announced plans for an economic corridor linking the EU and India through the Gulf via rail, fiber optic cable, and pipelines. We ran the cost-benefit numbers and they’re clear: Washington should put the IMEC back on the global agenda this year.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
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Experts

Fellow

Amir Asmar

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Intelligence Israel

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

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Staff

Alexander Young

Project Assistant

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia
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