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

Jul 17, 2025

Facing scarcity, the Gulf’s ‘smart water’ future lies in desalination

By Hany Ghanem

Desalination-enhanced regenerative data centers can help tackle the challenges of limited water resources and the post-oil economic shift.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jul 16, 2025

How Mauritania-Israel normalization may boost US posture in the Sahel

By Sarah Zaaimi

If Mauritania is nearing a deal with Israel, this could be the beginning of a wider re-engagement with Sahel countries.

Israel Middle East

UkraineAlert

Jul 13, 2025

Ukraine can benefit from growing tech ties between Gulf states and the US

By Anatoly Motkin

As the Middle East adjusts to new geopolitical realities, growing tech sector cooperation between the US and the Gulf states is creating a range of opportunities for Ukraine, writes Anatoly Motkin.

Conflict Cybersecurity

MENASource

Jul 9, 2025

For the Gulf, business comes first—even after the Twelve Day War

By Joze Pelayo

Gulf leaders' desire to shift the regional narrative toward economic and technological development continues to be hijacked by conflict.

Economy & Business Iran

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

New Atlanticist

Jun 23, 2025

Four questions (and expert answers) about Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz

By Atlantic Council experts

Following the recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Tehran is reportedly considering blocking the critical artery for global oil and gas. But can it?

Conflict Economy & Business

Report

Jun 20, 2025

A guide to national security space trends in the GCC

By AzurX and Graham Brookie

AzurX provides a comprehensive picture of the innovative strategies, ambitious missions, and inspiring visions propelling GCC nation space programs to new heights.

Space Space Security

New Atlanticist

Jun 17, 2025

UAE Minister Sultan Al Jaber on how to solve AI’s energy conundrum

By Katherine Golden

Meeting the demand for energy associated with AI "is not just a technical challenge,” but a “once-in-a-generation" opportunity, Al Jaber said at the 2025 Global Energy Forum.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Transcript

Jun 17, 2025

The AI race ‘is not just about code,’ it’s ‘about gigawatts,’ says the UAE’s Sultan Al Jaber

By Atlantic Council

At the 2025 Global Energy Forum, Al Jaber spoke about the need to "hyperscale energy" and update energy grids across the world.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Jun 13, 2025

China’s basing quest in the Gulf: Pipe dream or strategic reality?

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

While the Gulf remains central to China’s long-term maritime aspirations, its near-term military footprint is likely to stay limited.

China Maritime Security

Experts