Atlantic Council Middle East Initiatives

Trump’s return of “maximum pressure” on #Iran comes at a time when the Iranian economy is already vulnerable as all of Iran’s crude oil exports go to a single buyer, #China. “Trump’s return to the presidency presents a historic opportunity to reset the United States’ approach to Iran. Oil markets are soft, and Iran is more vulnerable than it has been in decades. By turning off the taps, the United States can deliver a decisive blow to Iran’s ambitions and set the stage for a more stable and secure future,” explains Scott Modell. Read his take on how #Trump can escalate pressure on Iranian oil without causing harm to consumers or US allies.

???? In the latest episode of the Guns for Hire podcast, Ben Shepherd explains to host Alia Brahimi why the Congolese military has been drawn into patterns of patronage that systematically undermine its effectiveness. “The Mobutist system… is perversely stable in terms of maintaining itself, but it can’t do public goods and one of those public goods is territorial security. So that is perpetually outsourced,” explains Ben Shepherd. Tune in below ??

#Egypt unveiled its plan for #Gaza’s reconstruction last week, which was quickly rejected by the US before US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff walked back that rejection. “The Trump administration would benefit from supporting the Egyptian plan. Throughout his campaign and initial months in office, Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East; backing the Egyptian plan would enable him to keep his word. Any attempted forced removal of Palestinians from Gaza, as implied by the Trump plan, would likely lead to armed resistance—and a return to war,” explains Ahmed Nabil. Read his take on why #Trump should reconsider the Egyptian plan for Gaza.

?? TOMORROW | ? 9:00 am ET Join the Atlantic Council in collaboration with Middle East Institute, European Institute of Peace , and Madaniya for the launch of our latest report: Reimagining #Syria: A Roadmap for Peace and Prosperity Beyond Assad Register below ??

??? March 14| ? 10:00 am ET Join the Atlantic Council’s Realign For Palestine for the launch event “Realign For Palestine: Redefining pro-Palestine advocacy” featuring Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, Kamal Almashhawari, Hamza Howidy, and moderated by Merissa Khurma. This event will discuss the imminent need for a nonviolent two-nation solution, how to transition Gaza away from the cycle of violence. Register now to attend online: ??

Looking forward to speaking at the Africa Energies Summit 2025. Learn more and register to join us! https://lnkd.in/emQFd7tc The Horizon Engage team will be present as usual alongside fellow industry leaders at Africa's premier global energy conference, organized by our friends at Frontier | Opening Doors in Energy to Get Deals Done. #AfricaEnergiesSummit #energy

Sovereign wealth funds are critical in helping rich countries diversify their investments to shape a sustainable economic future and drive development goals. Take a look at the top sovereign wealth funds in the MENA.

As post-#Assad #Syria takes shape, the country has a rare opportunity to achieve major gains in gender equality. “It is critical for women to be involved in transitional justice and constitutional reform processes in Syria. This can be enabled by several actors, including the interim government, international stakeholders, and, primarily, Syrian women themselves,” explain Diana Rayes and Hind Aboud Kabawat. Read their take on why the new government must follow with concrete actions to advance women’s rights in Syria.

Are you a college students or recent graduate? Are you interested in working on issues impacting the #MENA and helping unlock the human potential of the region? Apply now for our paid Summer 2025 internship! The program will expose candidates to the writing and editing process for publications and articles, logistical elements of event planning, the creation of strategic initiatives within a think tank - and so much more! Applications close Wednesday, March 12. Learn more. ?? https://bit.ly/43dFDqw

Joined Laura Cellier and i24NEWS today to discuss Houthi threats to resume attacks on international maritime attacks and Israel as well as US strikes on the rebels. Watch it here ??