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

MENASource

Aug 2, 2021

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are economic frenemies. And that’s a good thing.

By Amjad Ahmad

Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have wisely made the economy the focal point of their strategies for the future, as evidenced by national policy changes and a reduction in foreign adventures. Ending the Qatar blockade, and opening a dialogue with adversarial neighbors like Iran and Turkey is linked to long-term economic ambitions.

Economy & Business Middle East

In the News

Jul 23, 2021

Ahmad quoted in ISPI Newsletter on the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s rivalry in relation to the economy

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business International Markets

In the News

Jul 23, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in The Guardian on Khashoggi murder

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 7, 2021

Fontenrose joins Conspiracyland to discuss the aftermath of Khashoggi’s death

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Human Rights

In the News

Jun 29, 2021

Saudi Gazette covered empowerME’s Igniting Women’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Saudi Arabia workshop

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Entrepreneurship

The 5×5

Jun 15, 2021

The 5×5—The state of cybersecurity in the Middle East

By Simon Handler

How will recent developments in the Middle East affect cybersecurity cooperation, and what does the future of the region’s cyber landscape look like?

Cybersecurity Iran

In the News

Jun 14, 2021

Wechsler quoted in Inside Arabia on the Abraham Accords

By Atlantic Council

Israel Middle East

In the News

Jun 9, 2021

Slavin quoted in Tehran Times on how reviving the JCPOA can cool tensions in West Asia

By Atlantic Council

Elections Iran

In the News

May 27, 2021

Ahmad quoted in Gulf News on how the ‘Afghanistan pavilion will herald new dawn for country at Expo 2020 Dubai’

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Economy & Business

MENASource

May 10, 2021

Want resiliency in MENA? Invest in women-led startups

By Nadereh Chamlou

As MENA assesses how to rebuild better after the pandemic, women-led startups could be part of the solution.

Economy & Business Middle East

Experts