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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Jun 9, 2025

Armenia’s ‘crossroads’ offers the US and Israel a rare opportunity

By Sheila Paylan

Clinching peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan offers the US and Israel a rare chance to tilt the balance of power in the South Caucuses.

Europe & Eurasia Israel

MENASource

Jun 4, 2025

Why Iraq should build bridges with its ‘new’ neighbor, Syria

By Shermine Serbest

Iraq’s position on the Syria transition is split between two camps: the official government, and that of the powerful non-state actors.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Jun 4, 2025

What Lebanon’s municipal election results mean for Hezbollah

By David Daoud

Municipal election results did not demonstrate the militant group’s dominance over Lebanon’s Shiites, but Hezbollah nevertheless retains popularity.

Elections Lebanon
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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

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2024

Policy memo: What will it take to make the MENA region a renewable energy powerhouse?

By Shihab Elborai, Anthony Yammine, and Pavel Popikov

The Middle East and North Africa region is well placed to become not just a major source of renewable energy, but also a central and indispensable player in the global energy transition, uniquely able to balance supply and demand for all types of energy, both hydrocarbons and renewables.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Jun 5, 2024

Lipsky quoted and CBDC Tracker cited by US News on Saudi Arabia decision to join China-led CBDC project

Read the full article here.

China Digital Currencies

In the News

Jun 5, 2024

Lipsky quoted and CBDC Tracker cited by Reuters on Saudi Arabia decision to join China-led CBDC project

Read the full article here.

China Digital Currencies

MENASource

Jun 4, 2024

Economic recovery in opposition-held Syria is challenging but still possible

By Sinan Hatahet

The United States and its allies can foster an early recovery in opposition-held areas without undermining the UN-led political resolution efforts.

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Jun 3, 2024

Five impacts of the Gaza war to watch 

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

It would be a strategic error for the United States and companies operating in the region to ignore the potential impact of Arab public opinion.

Conflict Economy & Business

IranSource

Jun 3, 2024

Shia Afghans are being brought to Iran to make up for the lack of religious Iranians

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The mass participation of Shia Afghans at regime-organized events sheds light on how the Islamic Republic is proactively using Afghan migrants to foster a loyal constituency and fill the widening gap between the state and Iranian society.

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Jun 1, 2024

Donovan quoted and Nikoladze cited by El Nuevo Siglo on Russia-China-Iran oil trade

Read the full article here.

China Economic Sanctions

In the News

Jun 1, 2024

Svetlova in Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Hidden Discord in the Russia-Iran Alliance

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 31, 2024

Partial government reshuffle in Tunisia as protests continue against its president

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

The reshuffle comes at the height of an upsurge in the securitarian clampdown imposed by the president on opposition and civil society organizations.

Democratic Transitions Elections

IranSource

May 31, 2024

A nuclear negotiator takes the helm of Iran’s foreign ministry. So what’s next?

By Arash Azizi

Speaking at the funeral of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Ali Bagheri Kani affirmed that he would follow the policies of his predecessor.

Iran Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Amina Mohamed

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Reem Goussous

Nonresident senior fellow

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

Americas Arabic

Fellow

Itai Melchior

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Artificial Intelligence Economy & Business

Active affiliation

Nic Adams

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment Middle East

Fellow

Robert Fardi

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Israel

Fellow

Mark Mowrey

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Atlantic Council in Turkey

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia
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The ninth Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum will be held June 17 and 18 in Washington, DC.
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