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

Germany inaugurates Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal 'Deutsche Ostsee' in Lubmin

Inflection Points

Jan 14, 2023

Dispatch from Abu Dhabi: How to reduce carbon emissions without blocking progress

By Frederick Kempe

Despite the successes of the NATO summit, Russia's missile strike on a Ukrainian shopping mall put the brutality of Putin's war into stark relief.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Jan 14, 2023

Why accessible and affordable gas plays a role in helping countries reach climate goals and expand renewable energy

By Atlantic Council

Energy ministers from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar discussed the role gas plays in the energy transition at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Forum.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Forum

Jan 14, 2023

COP28 president-designate: With the world ‘way off track’ on Paris goals, ‘transformational progress’ is needed

By Daniel Malloy

In his first remarks since being named the incoming president of COP28, Sultan Al Jaber spoke on Saturday morning at the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Jan 14, 2023

H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber on the COP28 agenda, how to transform climate progress, and the role of fossil fuels

By Atlantic Council

The COP28 president-designate spoke at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Forum, calling for countries to urgently make transformational progress toward their climate goals.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jan 12, 2023

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are cooperating with the Taliban. But their approaches to Afghanistan are different. 

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco and Kristian P. Alexander

All Gulf Cooperation Council states have come to terms with the reality of Taliban rule in Afghanistan since August 2021 and must pragmatically deal with the situation on the ground.

Afghanistan Indo-Pacific

MENASource

Jan 6, 2023

Want peace in Yemen? First, restore the balance of power.

By Sam Mundy and Mick Mulroy

Rather than giving in to the Houthis’ latest demands and withdrawing their support for pro-government forces, the UAE and Saudi Arabia should attempt to restore a balance of power in negotiations.

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Dec 23, 2022

2022: A year in the Middle East

By Nour Alhajjeh and Madeline Hart 

2022 was a year full of unprecedented protests, groundbreaking state visits, historical elections, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

SouthAsiaSource

Dec 22, 2022

Afghanistan and regional realignments since August 2021

By South Asia Center

When looking towards future solutions, there is no easy fix for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Central Asia

Event Recap

Dec 12, 2022

Societal norms in Saudi Arabia clearing the way for more women to start and lead businesses

By Nour Alhajjeh

On December 5, 2022 the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a panel event on the impact of societal norms and structures on women’s economic empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

Civil Society Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 9, 2022

What Xi Jinping’s Saudi Arabia visit means for the Middle East

By Atlantic Council experts

The Chinese leader's trip for a series of summits with countries from around the Middle East cemented dozens of deals with a good bit of pageantry. Our experts lay out what comes next.

China Economy & Business

Experts