Atlantic Council Middle East Initiatives

In recent years, US oil production has surpassed the MENA's oil production particularly in shale oil. The region still holds the world's largest proven oil reserves and remains a key energy supplier. Take a look at how the MENA compares with the US in oil production.

“The week of July 6 delivered a cascade of strategic humiliations for the West in the Red Sea,” writes @YemeniFatima. “China, Russia, and Iran systematically dismantled Western maritime control while staying below retaliation thresholds.” atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasour…

It was shocking to see two ships sink in the Red Sea this month, the Magic Seas & Eternity C. But this "Houthi job" to "support Gaza" points to a new maritime order in which #Iran, #China, & #Russia are aligned. My latest for @ACMideast @ACMideast atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasour…

I joined @biannagolodryga on @CNN @AmanpourCoPBS from Damascus to talk about the fragile ceasefire in southern Syria, rising tensions between local communities, and the challenges facing President al‑Sharaa’s government. I'm glad we were able to have the conversation even with a…

From Chinese warships pointing lasers at German aircrafts, to the sinking of the Magic Seas vessel, the Red Sea is growing increasingly volatile. @YemeniFatima outlines how the West can counter the growing Iran-China-Russia convergence in the region. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasour…

Last week, Syria’s Druze and Christian communities in Swaida were targeted in attacks, as sectarian violence raged across the country. @MajdAlGhatrif explains why Suwaida’s peripheral status and marginalization have played a role in the recent violence. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasour…

How is Israel working to stabilize the economic relationship with Cairo, asks @joshualipsky. “With more and more countries coming into the Abraham Accords, normalizing their relationships with Israel, I think that will have a positive effect on our peace partners and our…

“We have experienced boycotts on Israel during this war...the actual effect of that boycott on the Israeli economy wasn't significant,” explains @noachhacker to @joshualipsky. "I believe that countries who want to trade with Israel, will continue to trade with Israel,” he adds.…

"We did have a lot of issues because of this war with the workers...because of the decision not to allow in Palestinian workers after October 7th,” explains @noachhacker to @joshualipsky. “We're starting to find solutions for that either other foreign workers from other places…

"In 2024, a year of growth, we've been growing. We had a positive growth of 1%,” explains @noachhacker to @joshualipsky. "We believe that Israel is undervaluated in the rating companies,” he adds. Watch more: ➡️ bit.ly/4mb2WYg

"Israel's economy was prepared for these extreme situations. That wasn't by accident,” explains Minister of Economic Affairs at the Israeli Embassy, @noachhacker to @joshualipsky. Watch more: ➡️ bit.ly/4mb2WYg

LIVE | Join #SMESI and @ACGeoEcon for a conversation with @noachhacker and @joshualipsky on how the Israeli economy has proven surprisingly resilient over the past two years. x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

🔴TOMORROW | ⏰ 10:00 a.m. ET How has the Israeli economy stayed resilient over the past two years? @noachhacker and @ACGeoEcon's @joshualipsky discuss the strategies that have allowed Israel’s economy to endure amid several conflicts. Register ⬇️ atlanticcouncil.org/event/israels-…

The easing of sanctions on Syria is an important step toward reintegrating Syria into the global economy. @KDonovan_AC, @JPanikoff, @mafasaad, & Lize de Kruijf outline a roadmap to encourage responsible private sector engagement in Syria’s reconstruction. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econogra…

16 of the world’s 25 most water-stressed countries are in the MENA as countries struggle with limited natural freshwater resources. Hany Ghanem explains how multi-effect distillation could help combat water scarcity while promoting economic growth. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasour…

An Israeli strike hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, killing three people and wounding 10 others. Pope Leo has since renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip as leaders from the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches visited the location last Thursday.

Five years after the signing of the Abraham Accords, the historic agreements have yet to expand to other countries in the region. @epsteinjos explains the challenges facing the agreements and why a framework is needed to help expand the accords’ impact. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasour…

Israel launched strikes on the headquarters of the Syrian Defense Ministry in response to growing domestic sectarian violence. @IbrahimAlAssil, @Hatahet, @ShalomLipner, @DanielBShapiro and more answer 5 questions on what the crisis means for future. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atla…

🇲🇷 🇮🇱 Mauritania’s president recently met with @Netanyahu on the sidelines of the US-Africa Summit to discuss the potential of joining the Abraham Accords. @ZaaimiSarah explains what’s at stake for Israel, the United States and Mauritania. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasour…

The easing of sanctions on Syria is an important step toward reintegrating Syria into the global economy. @KDonovan_AC, @JPanikoff, @mafasaad, & Lize de Kruijf outline a roadmap to encourage responsible private sector engagement in Syria’s reconstruction. atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econogra…