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The latest pieces from MENASource:

MENASource

Jun 13, 2025

China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

While the Gulf remains central to China’s long-term maritime aspirations, its near-term military footprint is likely to stay limited.

China Maritime Security

New Atlanticist

Jun 12, 2025

Experts react: Israel just attacked Iran’s military and nuclear sites. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts shed light on Israel’s major attack against Iran targeting its nuclear facilities and its implications for the region.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Jun 10, 2025

Why DDR programs are the missing link to Syrian stability

By Muhsen al-Mustafa

With the end of Western sanctions, Syria faces a rare opportunity to address the imbalances of the post-conflict period.

Middle East Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
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.

Learn more

Content

New Atlanticist

May 23, 2024

General CQ Brown, Jr., on the US role in Gaza, Ukraine, and other crises around the world

By Katherine Golden

It’s time to plan for the long term in the Middle East, the general said at an Atlantic Council event.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

May 23, 2024

Is the Assad regime finally facing some justice? What to know about the trial of Syrian officials in Paris.

By Atlantic Council

A landmark trial has begun in Paris of three former Syrian intelligence officials charged with torture, murder, and other crimes. 

Conflict France

IranSource

May 23, 2024

The ‘Butcher of Tehran’ is dead. It won’t change a thing.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Despite his role in crimes against humanity, Ebrahim Raisi’s celebrated death will have no bearing on the Islamic Republic’s policy.

Civil Society Human Rights

MENASource

May 21, 2024

A Rafah invasion might kill peace between Israel and Egypt

By Shahira Amin

Egypt’s intention to pull out of hostage deal mediation efforts and the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing are alarm bells for Israel.

Conflict Israel

Econographics

May 21, 2024

Russia Sanctions Database: May 2024

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze, Ryan Murphy, and Alessandra Magazzino

The Atlantic Council’s Russia Sanctions Database tracks the restrictive economic measures Western allies have placed on Russia and evaluates whether these measures are successful in achieving the stated objectives.

China East Asia

Inflection Points

May 21, 2024

Netanyahu’s political survival rests on a strategic awakening

By Frederick Kempe

Growing threats to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival may have a greater immediate impact on the Middle East than the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

May 20, 2024

Experts react: The ICC prosecutor wants Netanyahu and Hamas leaders arrested for war crimes. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan just applied for arrest warrants for Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others.

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

May 20, 2024

Vinograd for CBS News about the helicopter crash that killed the Iranian President and Foreign Minister

On May 20, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Samantha Vinograd spoke on CBS about the helicopter crash that killed Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister and the potential ramifications for global and regional security.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

May 20, 2024

Parliament was dissolved in Kuwait and hardly anyone noticed

By Richard LeBaron

The conflict between the opposition-dominated parliament and the appointed cabinet is not new, and this is not the first time the parliament has been suspended.

Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

May 20, 2024

Dagres joins CNN to discuss what could come next for Iran after President Ebrahim Raisi’s death

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Owen J. Daniels

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Defense Policy

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

Alexander Young

Project Assistant

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Defense Industry Europe & Eurasia

Fellow

Rza Aliyev

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Azerbaijani Central Asia

Fellow

Amina Mohamed

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Africa Economy & Business
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Events

Flagship Event Tue, June 17, 2025 • 9:00 am ET

2025 Global Energy Forum

The ninth Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum will be held June 17 and 18 in Washington, DC.
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment