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

May 13, 2025

Experts react: Trump just announced the removal of all US sanctions on Syria. What’s next? 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts provide their insights on how the removal of US sanctions on Syria would affect the country and the wider region.

Civil Society Economic Sanctions

EnergySource

May 13, 2025

Four energy deals Trump will look to make on his Middle East trip 

By Ellen Wald

President Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East will focus on advancing energy and commercial agreements, including securing Gulf investments in US manufacturing, increasing US LNG imports, deepening nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and locking in oil production commitments. These efforts are ultimately aimed at advancing broader geopolitical objectives—countering Russian influence and strengthening US energy dominance.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

May 12, 2025

Landmark UAE visit highlights President Aoun’s catch twenty-two

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Modest outcomes from the Lebanese president's visit reflects that Abu Dhabi remains cautious towards Beirut.

Lebanon Middle East

Transcript

May 9, 2025

Press call: Our experts outline what to expect from Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad during his second presidency

By Atlantic Council

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, the Atlantic Council held a press call on May 9, where experts discussed what to expect from the president's first trip abroad.

Iran Israel

MENASource

May 9, 2025

Why Trump’s Middle East trip should set sights beyond business deals

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By all accounts, US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Gulf will not prioritize major diplomatic breakthroughs.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

May 8, 2025

Trump’s Gulf gamble: Oil, conflicts, and opportunities in a high-stakes visit

By Racha Helwa

Trump’s trip to the Middle East is a pivotal opportunity to reimagine US–Gulf relations for a new era.

Macroeconomics Oil and Gas

In the News

May 7, 2025

Arnold Punaro on Fox Business on India-Pakistan tensions

By Atlantic Council

On May 7, Arnold Punaro was interviewed on Fox Business network regarding India-Pakistan tensions and the cessation of US bombing of Houthi sites in Yemen.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

May 6, 2025

Bakir in Amwaj Media: Deep Dive: How Qatar and Turkey will shape post-Assad Syria

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 5, 2025

How China turned the Red Sea into a strategic trap for the US

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Beijing’s proxy warfare turns global trade routes into battlefields that the United States struggles to defend.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Apr 26, 2025

In a normalization agreement with Israel, Saudi Arabia should settle for nothing less than Palestinian statehood

By Amir Asmar

Saudi Arabia should make full Palestinian statehood part of the asking price for normalizing relations with Israel.

International Norms Israel

Experts