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

Event Recap

Oct 27, 2022

UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Mariam Al Mheiri: Middle East at the heart of new climate reality

By Madeline Hart

An Atlantic Council conference on climate change and security in the Middle East brought together high-level officials from across the region to explore innovative solutions.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Oct 25, 2022

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is less than a month away. Qatar’s supposed labor reforms have done little to improve worker’s conditions.

By Madeline Hart

The workers responsible for making this event happen continue to face death and abuse each day, while risking deportation if they protest.

Human Rights Middle East

MENASource

Oct 24, 2022

Truce or no truce: Transitional justice is Yemen’s only path to healing

By Hooria Mashhour

Yemen will not reach peace without a peace process that is based on human rights, gender equality, and transitional justice.

Human Rights Middle East

In the News

Oct 21, 2022

Shapiro in the Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The ASEAN Model – A Vision of Middle East Integration Beyond the Abraham Accords

By Atlantic Council

The summit of foreign ministers came together on relatively short notice. It was unstructured, informal, with little of the staff work or pre-negotiation that normally precedes such gatherings. The agenda was slim and general, and the outcome rather modest. But viewed through a historical scope, the results were transformational.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 20, 2022

US missile defense can put a stop to the Middle East arms race

By Alex Elnagdy

Coupling missile-defense assistance with missile and bomb reductions can help the US break free of its short-sighted Middle East policies of the past.

Arms Control Crisis Management

China-MENA Podcast

Oct 20, 2022

Arab Barometer and Perceptions of China in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Michael Robbins joins us to discuss the region's perception of China based on the Arab Barometer's surveys conducted in MENA, and the different perspectives of the general public versus the elite—as the latter tends to be more favorable toward Beijing.

China East Asia

In the News

Oct 13, 2022

Goldwyn quoted in S&P Global on the OPEC+ oil cut and US-Saudi relations

Energy & Environment Middle East

EnergySource

Oct 11, 2022

Riyadh crosses the Rubicon toward Russia

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

OPEC+ ministers' decision to slash oil production will boost Russia's revenues and aid Putin's war effort tremendously. It could signify a marked realignment of Saudi Arabia's strategic priorities away from Washington.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Oct 6, 2022

Inside the Saudi calculus on oil cuts—and the US response

By Jonathan Panikoff

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's transactional approach carries risks when it comes to US strategic posture in the region.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

Event Recap

Oct 3, 2022

New laws in Saudi Arabia support women in business, and society is catching up quickly

By Amira Attia

On September 28, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME initiative held a discussion on regulations and laws that impact women in business in Saudi Arabia.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

Experts

Events