Middle East Programs Commentary & Analysis

Our blogs feature thoughtful reflections and opinions on current events in the Middle East & North Africa.

Through our Middle East Programs, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Meet our blogs

MENASource

MENASource follows movements across the region and provides news and analysis on current events, including a platform for Middle Eastern perspectives, among others, on major issues—economic, political, security, cultural—that are at stake in the post-Arab Spring era.  

IranSource

IranSource provides a holistic look at Iran’s internal dynamics, global and regional policies, and posture through unique analysis of current events and long-term, strategic issues related to Iran.

All commentary & analysis

MENASource

Oct 30, 2026

Libya’s maritime deal with Turkey may be the key to reunification

By Mohamed Eljarh

The deal, and the rise of Saddam Haftar, represent a new approach to Libya’s divided domestic politics and foreign relations.

Libya Maritime Security

MENASource

Oct 28, 2026

The Board of Peace for Gaza is not a commercial enterprise. It should stop acting like one.

By Miroslav M. Zafirov

The Board of Peace is missing the infrastructure, funding, and security guarantees it needs to make progress on its mission.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 21, 2026

The withdrawal of the US-led coalition is a loss for Iraq’s sovereignty

By Yerevan Saeed

The government secured the withdrawal of foreign partners before securing obedience from armed factions. That leaves Baghdad with less leverage against Iran’s allies in Iraq.

Iraq Security & Defense

MENASource

Oct 16, 2026

Iraq’s militias are adjusting for a new era, not going away

By Hamdi Malik

While signaling restraint, the militias are carving room to consolidate their position and shape the terms of Iraq’s next security order.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Oct 8, 2026

Israel and Turkey are not natural rivals. It’s time to stop treating them that way. 

By Alissa Pavia

The West should find ways of managing rather than entrenching both countries further into this competition.

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

Trackers and Data Visualizations

Oct 5, 2026

Survey results: How Iraqis view al-Zaidi’s government, 100 days in

By Munqith Dagher

During the first hundred days of the al-Zaidi government, the Independent Institute for Administration and Civil Society Studies (IIACSS) surveyed Iraqis nationwide, and the data offer valuable insights into how Iraqis assess the new administration at this early stage.

Elections Middle East

MENASource

Oct 1, 2026

Resilience has a cost. So does complacency.

By Khalid Azim

Gulf countries need to work together to build resilience, as they face new stresses from the Iran War.

Infrastructure Resilience

Podcast

Sep 29, 2026

President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Syria’s next chapter

By the Atlantic Council

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa joins the Atlantic Council to discuss Syria’s future and his government’s priorities for reconstruction, economic recovery, and institutional reform.

MENASource

Sep 28, 2026

What’s behind the Algeria-UAE rupture

By Karim Mezran

Algeria's severing of diplomatic ties with the UAE reflects a broader struggle over regional influence and sovereignty.

Middle East North Africa

Podcast

Sep 22, 2026

Strait talk: Yemen, mercenaries and the Iran war

By Alia Brahimi

In this first video episode of the podcast, Alia is joined by Ibrahim Jalal, an expert on Yemen and the Gulf. Ibrahim describes the major military escalation unfolding along the Red Sea coast and the tactics used by the Houthis.

Maritime Security Middle East
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