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

IranSource

Jan 20, 2022

Under Ebrahim Raisi, Iran and Turkey may be entering a new phase of bilateral ties

By Hossein Aghaie Joobani

While Iran and Turkey may have too many geopolitical differences, both are expected to maintain their compartmentalization strategy so that divergences of interests at the regional level do not irreparably harm the core of bilateral relations.

Europe & Eurasia Iran

MENASource

Jan 18, 2022

Is the GCC ready to embrace sustainable finance?

By Dominik Treeck, Mustafa Domanic, and Hendrik Wittrock

To avoid falling behind on their grand economic growth ambitions, Gulf Cooperation Council countries should act decisively by putting sustainable finance policies at the top of their agendas.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Jan 14, 2022

Germany has sentenced a Syrian colonel to life for crimes against humanity. Will others face the same fate?

By Gissou Nia, Jomana Qaddour, Reem Salahi

Now that Anwar Raslan is behind bars, activists are hoping his conviction paves the way for other bad actors of the Syrian regime to be prosecuted.

Conflict International Norms

MENASource

Jan 14, 2022

Where is the United States? Military basing and energy are the real prizes in Libya.

By Matthew Zais

It wasn’t a surprise to many that Libya’s long-awaited elections were postponed. As the elections approached, fundamental rules over presidential powers, who was allowed to be a candidate, and election enforcement mechanisms remained unclear.

Elections Libya

IranSource

Jan 11, 2022

Who’s on Iran’s current nuclear negotiating team? Some have controversial pasts.

By Mehrzad Boroujerdi

As nuclear talks in Vienna continue their halting progress, a look at the backgrounds of the key members of the Iranian negotiating team may help explain why it has been so difficult to revive the 2015 JCPOA.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jan 7, 2022

I’m the former foreign minister of Yemen. My country is starving and needs the international community’s help.

By Khaled H. Alyemany

The situation in Yemen cannot be permitted to continue on its current trajectory. The international community must act immediately to remedy its issues and change the country’s course from disaster to diplomacy.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Jan 4, 2022

There’s talk of a military option against Iran. Here’s why it’s unlikely.

By Abbas Qaidari

Could Iran’s program be contained by a military attack? And what would be the consequences in terms of collateral damage and regional instability?

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2021

A multipolar world requires more adaptive US security thinking

By R. Clarke Cooper

Washington must carefully foster its partnerships and spark a level of defense innovation to keep itself and its partners truly secure.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Event Recap

Dec 22, 2021

Libya’s long road to elections: ‘Unity cannot be a byproduct of a broken system’

By Yaseen Rashed

On December 17, the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative held a panel discussion on “Libya: The long road to elections” on the democratic process in Libya, analyzing shortcomings and failures that threaten to derail the set election timeline.

Elections Libya

New Atlanticist

Dec 21, 2021

The US can lead the way to ending China’s modern slavery. My brother is counting on it.

By Rayhan Asat

Moral arguments have been unable to sway global firms—so it’s time for the full force of the US government to step in.  

China Economy & Business
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