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

Feb 3, 2022

Iraq is forming a new government. But getting there will be complicated.

By Abbas Kadhim

Whatever the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, the prospects of the next Iraqi government will depend on the conditions of intra-Shia relations.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Feb 3, 2022

China may now feel confident to challenge the US in the Gulf. Here’s why it won’t succeed.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

Despite China’s growing aggressive approach towards the United States in the region, it has no detailed plan to execute it successfully.

China East Asia

IranSource

Feb 1, 2022

Can President Ebrahim Raisi turn Iran’s economic Titanic around?

By Nadereh Chamlou

The Ebrahim Raisi team is seen as the weakest since the revolution, but one with the strongest links to the IRGC, and where allegiance trumps expertise.

Economy & Business Iran

MENASource

Jan 27, 2022

China is trying to create a wedge between the US and Gulf allies. Washington should take note.

By Jonathan Fulton

Recent events indicate that leaders in Beijing are no longer satisfied with the logic of strategic hedging and are pursuing a more muscular approach to the Gulf.

China Middle East

IranSource

Jan 26, 2022

Aban will not die: How truth remains a powerful weapon against the Islamic Republic

By Shadi Sadr

In November 2021, The Iran Atrocities (Aban) Tribunal in London investigated if Iranian government officials, police, and military forces had committed crimes against humanity during the November 2019 protests. In front of the eyes of the Iranian public, bit by bit, pieces of the truth were put together.

Human Rights Iran

China-MENA Podcast

Jan 25, 2022

Pilot

By Atlantic Council

The China-MENA podcast features conversations with academics, think-tankers, and regional specialists on Chinese Influence in MENA.

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Jan 24, 2022

How the Biden administration can assure regional partners in the wake of the Houthi attacks on the UAE

By William F. Wechsler

US President Joe Biden is right to reconsider his previous decision to withdraw the US terrorist designation of the Houthis.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 24, 2022

Experts react: Iran-backed Houthis launched a drone attack in Abu Dhabi. What challenges lie ahead for the region?

By Atlantic Council

After a second assault that Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for during the past week, what challenges lie ahead for the region?

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Jan 24, 2022

Iran’s new president just met with Vladimir Putin in Russia. What to make of it?

By Mark N. Katz

Despite the high-profile nature of this summit, little of substance seems to have been agreed upon.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jan 21, 2022

The Biden administration’s Syria policy sets a path towards disengagement. Here’s why it’s problematic.

By Abdulrahman al-Masri, Reem Salahi

It appears that the Joe Biden administration isn’t only deprioritizing Syria due to a cramped foreign policy agenda, but more clearly pronouncing a lack of strategic interest and an official approach of disengagement.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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