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

Testimony

Mar 9, 2023

Expanding the Abraham Accords: Testimony of Daniel B. Shapiro to the US House

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors has come a long way since the Abraham Accords were signed in 2020. But what comes next?

Israel Middle East

Event Recap

Mar 8, 2023

WIn Fellowship Roadshow Recap: a promising start for the inaugural fellows

By Amira Attia, Lynn Monzer

A recap of the 2023 WIn Fellowship Roadshow

Economy & Business Future of Work

MENASource

Mar 2, 2023

Meyce Alauddin: The WIn fellowship ‘helped and empowered me’

By Meyce Alauddin

'As a Saudi female entrepreneur running a business in the MENA region for over eight years, I have seen the evolution in overall participation and business processes firsthand.'

Middle East Resilience & Society

MENASource

Feb 27, 2023

From Twitter spats to island disputes, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have a bone to pick with each other

By Shahira Amin

Cairo's relationship with its Gulf ally has become increasingly fractious in recent weeks after a Saudi official made clear that any future Gulf assistance ”will come with strings attached."

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Feb 27, 2023

What the opening of the Abrahamic Family House Synagogue in the UAE means for the Jewish community and the rest of the world

By Marcy Grossman

The Abrahamic Family House, a mosque, church, and synagogue all sharing a multi-faith campus in Abu Dhabi is about to make its worldwide debut, opening its doors to the general public on March 1.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2023

China-Iran relations are warming. Here’s what the rest of the world should know.

By Atlantic Council experts

While much of the world is focused on Chinese balloons violating US airspace, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi recently flew to Beijing to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China Iran

Transcript

Feb 15, 2023

Brett McGurk sets out the ‘Biden doctrine’ for the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

In a keynote speech at the Atlantic Council's Rafik Hariri Awards, the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa explains the Biden administration's strategy in the region.

Iran Iraq

In the News

Feb 14, 2023

Graham and Bhusari cited by Munich Security Report 2023 on strengthening ties between China and GCC

Read the full report here.

China Economy & Business

Event Recap

Feb 9, 2023

Redefining the meaning of ‘failure’ in policies and culture to promote business risk

By Amira Attia

On January 24th, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a discussion about destigmatizing failure and promoting business risk through policies and culture.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Feb 7, 2023

The UAE and Israel have a history of strong female leadership. Women must take substantial roles in the next phase of the Abraham Accords.

By Marcy Grossman

To have a sustained and enduring peace in the region after the signing of the Abraham Accords, women must also be equally included and reflected in policy-making, decision-making, and programming.

Israel Middle East

Experts