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

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

Event Recap

Sep 29, 2022

Two years since the Abraham Accords: How the region is transforming

By Yulia Shalomov, Mariah Smith

On September 8, the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs hosted a virtual eventon the second anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel and regional neighbors.

Economy & Business
Israel

MENASource

Sep 29, 2022

China in MENA: An EU Perspective

By Atlantic Council

Camille Lons joins us to discuss how Europeans and the EU see China as a rising global player in the geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa.

China
East Asia

In the News

Sep 22, 2022

The Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Fellow Ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro provides testimony for the House Foreign Affairs Committee

By Atlantic Council

Middle East programs Distinguished Fellow Daniel B. Shapiro testifies for Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Israel
Middle East

In the News

Sep 9, 2022

Ferziger in Circuit News: UAE-Israel cyber intelligence firm grows with its perch in the Gulf

By Atlantic Council

Israel
Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2022

Why US allies in the Middle East aren’t taking sides in the Ukraine war

By Mark N. Katz

Staying neutral, or balancing between the two sides, may be the best that Washington can expect.

Conflict
Middle East

Experts