Featured commentary & analysis

Fontenrose quoted in Bloomberg on regional security implications of recent Houthi attacks on the UAE

MENASource Jun 24, 2025

Dispatch from the Gulf: Finding middle ground amid Israel-Iran war

By Allison Minor

Congressional delegation visit coincided with Israel and Iran squaring off in a direct military confrontation.
Iran Israel
Fontenrose quoted in Bloomberg on regional security implications of recent Houthi attacks on the UAE

MENASource May 28, 2025

Mickey goes to the Gulf: The UAE’s wish upon a soft power star

By Amit Yarom

In a region often defined by hard power rivalries, Abu Dhabi has chosen to compete through visibility, credibility and imagination.
Media Middle East
Fontenrose quoted in Bloomberg on regional security implications of recent Houthi attacks on the UAE

MENASource May 23, 2025

The Gulf is emerging as Washington’s new strategic anchor

By Joze Pelayo

The so-called US “Golden Age for the Gulf” is one rooted in strategic utility, equal footing, high-stake deals, and fewer strings.
Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

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.

EXPLORE THE Counterterrorism study group

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.

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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.

EXPLORE THE GULF SECURITY TASK FORCE

Content

In the News

Jan 24, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in Bloomberg on regional security implications of recent Houthi attacks on the UAE

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Defense Policy

MENASource

Jan 24, 2022

How the Biden administration can assure regional partners in the wake of the Houthi attacks on the UAE

By William F. Wechsler

US President Joe Biden is right to reconsider his previous decision to withdraw the US terrorist designation of the Houthis.

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 24, 2022

Experts react: Iran-backed Houthis launched a drone attack in Abu Dhabi. What challenges lie ahead for the region?

By Atlantic Council

After a second assault that Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for during the past week, what challenges lie ahead for the region?

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 18, 2022

Is the GCC ready to embrace sustainable finance?

By Dominik Treeck, Mustafa Domanic, and Hendrik Wittrock

To avoid falling behind on their grand economic growth ambitions, Gulf Cooperation Council countries should act decisively by putting sustainable finance policies at the top of their agendas.

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Khoury quoted in L’indro on Iran and Saudi Arabia relations in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Conflict
Crisis Management

MENASource

Jan 7, 2022

I’m the former foreign minister of Yemen. My country is starving and needs the international community’s help.

By Khaled H. Alyemany

The situation in Yemen cannot be permitted to continue on its current trajectory. The international community must act immediately to remedy its issues and change the country’s course from disaster to diplomacy.

Conflict
Middle East

In the News

Jan 3, 2022

Alyemany in the Independent Arabia: Red Sea Council

By Atlantic Council

Arabic
Eritrea

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

2021: A year in the Middle East

By Holly Dagres

2021 was a year full of impactful elections, historic anniversaries, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran
Iraq

Issue Brief

Dec 15, 2021

Doing it his way: How Naftali Bennett could beat the odds and wind up transforming Israel

By Shalom Lipner

Israel is experiencing the throes of growing pain. After the uninterrupted, twelve-year reign of Benjamin Netanyahu – whom many Israelis considered irreplaceable as the country's prime minister – Israelis have a new chief. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, virtually unknown on the global stage, is moving through this uncharted territory ambitiously.

Elections
Israel

Fast Thinking

Dec 14, 2021

FAST THINKING: What the US-UAE arms dispute reveals about influence in the Gulf

By Atlantic Council

Can these partners resolve their differences? Our defense insiders swooped in with their insights.

Defense Technologies
Security & Defense
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Experts

Fellow

Ali Faqeeh

Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East