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

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

MENASource

Sep 21, 2026

The Syria policy the US got wrong—and the bittersweet moment Washington finally got right

By Wa’el Alzayat

A former State Department official dissects how the US helped defeat ISIS but didn't protect the Syrian people.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 21, 2026

Don’t talk about optimism in Syria, talk about action

By Arwa Damon

It’s been twenty months since Bashar al-Assad’s fall. People expect more, and patience is wearing thin.

Democratic Transitions Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Sep 16, 2026

Could the GCC and Iran collaborate to solve the Strait of Hormuz crisis?

By Alia Brahimi

A Gulf-led maritime cooperation could break the Hormuz stalemate by offering Iran an off-ramp while preventing unilateral control.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

MENASource

Sep 15, 2026

Can oil deals reset US-Iraqi relations? 

By Yesar Al-Maleki

Iraq has a short window of time to rein in its militias and create favorable commercial conditions to improve ties with the US.

Energy & Environment Iraq

MENASource

Sep 9, 2026

Ten questions (and expert answers) on the final withdrawal of US troops from Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts unpack what the US withdrawal from Iraq means for the Middle East and beyond.

Iraq Security & Defense
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