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

Apr 13, 2022

Israel won’t stick out its neck for Ukraine. It’s because of Russia.

By David Daoud

Over the last decade, regional developments have forced Israel to balance its moral sense regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict against its vital national interests.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Apr 12, 2022

The Internet ‘Protection Bill’ will hurt all Iranians, but the queer community will have the most to lose

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

International human rights organizations and the United Nations are saying a lot about the repressive “Protection Bill.” However, not much light has been shed on one of the most marginalized groups that will suffer the most: Iran’s LGBTQI community.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 6, 2022

Zelenskyy wants Ukraine to be ‘a big Israel.’ Here’s a road map.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By adapting their mindset to mirror aspects of Israel’s approach to security challenges, Ukrainian officials can tackle their own critical challenges with confidence.

Civil Society Israel

IranSource

Apr 5, 2022

The potential side benefits of a revived JCPOA for Middle East stability

By Barbara Slavin

If there is to be any chance of recalibrating this policy after Khamenei dies, as many inside Iran and outside it would like to see, reviving the JCPOA is a necessary first step.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Apr 4, 2022

Many European soccer teams are owned by Gulf states. But why?

By Hezha Barzani

With a lucrative and rapidly growing European soccer market, it’s safe to say that Gulf nations will continue to invest in the beautiful game and reap benefits economically and socially.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Fast Thinking

Apr 4, 2022

FAST THINKING: How will the West punish Russia for its war crimes?

By Atlantic Council

Gruesome images of murdered Ukrainian civilians—evidence of apparent Russian war crimes uncovered in Bucha and other newly liberated towns outside of Kyiv—have shocked the world.

Conflict European Union

IranSource

Mar 30, 2022

Iran won’t break with Russia over Ukraine. Here’s why.

By Javad Heiran-Nia

There are no signs that Tehran is walking away from its relationship with Moscow despite Russia’s actions toward Iran and its invasion of Ukraine.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 29, 2022

Europe needs a new energy option that isn’t Russia. It should turn to North Africa.

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

North Africa has the potential to play an even more substantial role in Europe’s energy mix, especially because of its massive solar resources.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Mar 25, 2022

The Ukraine crisis is a reminder of why conflict-driven carbon emissions matter in MENA and beyond

By Ariel Ezrahi

The current Ukraine crisis is an alarming reminder that, as senseless wars continue to rage in the twenty-first century, the uphill struggle to combat climate change just got steeper. 

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Mar 24, 2022

Action must be taken to award reparations to victims of Russian war crimes

By Jomana Qaddour, Celeste Kmiotek

The international community is overdue for an overhaul of the legal tools accessible to victims of state-sponsored crimes in the twenty-first century. Perhaps justice mechanisms for Ukraine and Syria can stymie such impunity once and for all.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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