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

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

MENASource

Sep 8, 2026

Will Washington back the UN’s Libya roadmap with more than just rhetoric?

By Frank Talbot

There are actionable steps the US can take now to help bring about Libya's first national elections in more than a decade.

Libya

MENASource

Sep 3, 2026

Bahrain’s opportunity for AI leadership lies under water

By Minwa Alkhalifa

Bahrain could test the possibility of placing AI infrastructure, specifically data centers, under water.

Artificial Intelligence The Gulf

MENASource

Aug 31, 2026

Jordan’s military deterrence has collapsed 

By Aaron Magid

Jordan continues to absorb attacks from Iran without firing back.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Aug 31, 2026

The Iran war is no Vietnam. But it may become an economic quagmire for the Gulf.

By Kurt Davis Jr.

Five costs related to the Iran war are compounding across the Gulf and its trading partners, and none will be eliminated soon.

Economy & Business Iran

Podcast

Aug 28, 2026

Satan’s Chariot: Mercenary Trouble in Mali

By Alia Brahimi

In Season 2, Episode 17 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi chats to Wassim Nasr, the veteran French journalist for France24 and Senior Fellow at the Soufan Center. Wassim talks us through the spectacular April 25th offensive across Mali by JNIM, an al-Qaeda affiliate that looks set to soon make a play to take over the whole country.

Africa Middle East
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