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

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in The Hill on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in The Times of Israel on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in Ynet on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in Al Jazeera on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 22, 2024

Atlantic Council mentioned in Middle East Eye on interview with Qatari Prime Minister

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Feb 22, 2024

The future of Saudi-Israeli relations is a balancing act between Palestinian and regional interests

By R. Clarke Cooper

Any credible movement to formalize bilateral relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem cannot ignore what the Saudis have consistently stated about the two-state solution.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Feb 13, 2024

China is testing its freeriding strategy in the Red Sea

By Léonie Allard

The United States and its allies and partners must find ways to better manage Beijing’s freeriding and opportunism in the northwestern Indian Ocean.

China Maritime Security

MENASource

Feb 1, 2024

China doesn’t have as much leverage in the Middle East as one thinks—at least when it comes to Iran

By Jonathan Fulton

China is more likely to continue to be the regional actor it has been over the past decade—one that comes to the Middle East to trade and build, not lead. 

China Conflict

Inflection Points Today

Jan 30, 2024

The Qatari prime minister on what this weekend’s hostage negotiations say about the future of the Middle East

By Frederick Kempe

The success of Qatari mediation will be a leading indicator of what is possible.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 29, 2024

Qatar’s prime minister sees progress on Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations—but warns regional tensions are ‘boiling up’

By Katherine Walla

At an AC Front Page event, Al-Thani discussed talks that took place in Paris over the weekend, which he said made “good progress” on mapping a way out of the conflict.

Conflict Crisis Management

Experts