Content

Dispatches

Jun 17, 2026

What the US-Iran deal means for the rest of the Middle East (and beyond)

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts look at the ways the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran will affect other countries.

Conflict Economy & Business

Dispatches

Jun 14, 2026

Experts react: The US and Iran just announced an interim peace deal. Here’s what we know so far.

By Atlantic Council experts

As details emerge, our experts are sharing their insights on what we know—and still don’t know—about the deal, and what to expect next.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

May 5, 2026

Dispatch from Beirut: Israel-Hezbollah talks risk falling into a failed, decades-long pattern

By Nicholas Blanford

As the war with Israel revives Hezbollah and divides Lebanon, the ongoing negotiations echo failed 1983 talks.

Conflict Israel

Dispatches

Apr 28, 2026

Israel and Lebanon are closer to peace than they appear

By Jennifer Gavito and Bianca Rosen

But the two sides still need to arrive at a face-saving compromise on Hezbollah’s disarmament and Israel’s buffer zone.

Israel Lebanon

In the News

Apr 14, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: Lebanon and Israel Have Opened a Historic Door. Washington Must Not Let Iran Shut It

By Atlantic Council

Israel Lebanon

In the News

Mar 17, 2026

Saab published in The Atlantic on Washington’s role in Lebanon

By Atlantic Council

On March 17, Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Bilal Saab published an article in The Atlantic, discussing how American diplomacy in Lebanon can support the Lebanese government in disarming Hezbollah. He argues that if the Lebanese government implements new measures to counter the group, Washington is well positioned to support it diplomatically and through military […]

Lebanon Security & Defense

Dispatches

Mar 11, 2026

Dispatch from Beirut: Is this Hezbollah’s ‘last war’ with Israel?

By Nicholas Blanford

Hezbollah’s strategy, likely in coordination with Iran, appears to be to inflict as much pain on Israel for as long as possible.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Mar 1, 2026

Experts react: How the US war with Iran is playing out around the Middle East

By Atlantic Council experts

What happens in Iran doesn’t stay in Iran. The consequences of the US-Israeli military campaign launched on Saturday will radiate across the region and the world.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jan 27, 2026

When UNIFIL leaves, south Lebanon still needs an international presence

By Nicholas Blanford

Absence of an international eye could encourage Hezbollah and Israel into actions that lead to renewed conflict.

International Organizations Israel

Dispatches

Dec 24, 2025

The Middle East is on the brink of a new crisis. Here’s where it could start.

By Alex Plitsas

No one should confuse the patchwork of temporary cease-fire agreements in place throughout the Middle East for sustainable deterrence and peace.

Conflict Crisis Management

Experts