Featured commentary & analysis


Counterterrorism Study Group

The Counterterrorism Study Group is a forum for former counterterrorism officials to review the latest threats, to understand emerging trends and future predictions, and to explore creative new proposals for improving the effectiveness of current policies and operations.


Podcast series

Listen to the latest episode of the China-MENA podcast, featuring conversations with academics, government leaders, and the policy community on China’s role in the Middle East.


Gulf Security Task Force

The Gulf Security Task Force is revisiting the question of how to best protect US interests in this sensitive, always relevant region. Our goal is to provide US decision-makers with an updated, fact-based strategy for protecting US interests in the air and maritime domain from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea, and ensuring Gulf partners’ ability to assume this responsibility, with the assistance and leadership of the United States.

Content

New Atlanticist

Mar 21, 2025

Trump’s Middle East strategy is all about striking an Iran deal. Gaza could get in the way.

By Alan Pino

Recent US actions in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon fit together in supporting the central objective of a deal with Iran.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Trump’s military cudgel in Yemen will not achieve US regional objectives

By Jacob Ware and Amir Asmar

Donald Trump risks falling into US pattern of short-sighted military action at the expense of constructing a sustainable plan for Yemen.

Defense Policy Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2025

Beyond the Houthis: The US needs a comprehensive Yemen policy

By Osamah Al Rawhani

Recent air strikes mark a new chapter in the US approach toward the Houthis. But to be successful in reducing threats in the region, Washington will need policies that address Yemen as a whole.

Conflict Middle East

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Dijkstal quoted in Middle East Eye on the treatment of Ahmed al-Doush

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 15, 2025

Experts react: Trump just ordered major strikes against the Houthis. What does this mean for Yemen, Iran, and beyond?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts break down the biggest military campaign of the second Trump administration.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 14, 2025

The United States’ Houthi terrorist designation unmasks Russia’s Yemen strategy

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Yemen's Houthi rebels have become a tool of foreign powers, shifting from an Iran proxy to a Russian asset.

English Maritime Security

In the News

Mar 11, 2025

Warrick joins Al-Araby to discuss the Trump-Putin summit meeting propose for Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Mar 11, 2025

Milliken joins i24 News to discuss the UN staff member who died in Houthi custody

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 5, 2025

The Egyptian plan for postwar Gaza is a good starting point—but it needs changes

By Thomas S. Warrick

While many obstacles remain, the Egyptian proposal could form the starting point for negotiations over a workable plan for postwar Gaza.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Feb 26, 2025

How the Houthis’ strikes on US MQ-9 Reaper drones serve a wider regional agenda

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

The United States needs to adjust its drone deployment strategy to ensure that MQ-9 Reapers are less vulnerable to the militant group’s attacks. 

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

Experts

Events