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

Dec 7, 2021

Iran’s allies lost seats in the Iraqi elections. Now Tehran is recalibrating its strategy.

By Anonymous

Many analysts have interpreted the results of recent Iraqi parliamentary elections on October 10 as a sign of diminishing Iranian influence, but the reality is more nuanced.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Dec 6, 2021

Iran offers less for more as Vienna talks stall

By Barbara Slavin

More than five months after multilateral nuclear talks with Iran were paused before the country’s presidential elections in June, a new negotiating team arrived in Vienna in late November with additional demands and fewer concessions than its predecessors.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Dec 2, 2021

The failed assassination attempt on PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi is a reminder of Iraq’s deferred priorities

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government correctly recognized that the response to this assault on democracy shouldn’t involve unconstitutional and extra-judicial means, as this would essentially be aiding the perpetrators—whoever they might be—in accomplishing what they failed to impose by violence.

Iraq Middle East

IranSource

Dec 1, 2021

Iran’s COVID-19 deaths ‘2.5 times higher’ than health ministry numbers

By Anonymous

Despite reassuring statistics, Iran—which already has the highest number of deaths and cases in the Middle East—appears to be entering a sixth wave of COVID-19 with no end in sight.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Nov 29, 2021

Startups aren’t just hip. They’re also the key to unlocking youth unemployment in MENA.

By Mahmood Abdulla

The MENA region has a pressing unemployment challenge. While many attempts are underway to address this problem, the solution could lie in its growing startup scene.

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

Nov 24, 2021

How Iran sees the Biden doctrine for the JCPOA and Persian Gulf

By Javad Heiran-Nia

Iranian experts in Tehran see the Joe Biden administration's approach toward Iran and the JCPOA in the context of his government's overall foreign policy and its desire to extricate itself from military conflicts in the Persian Gulf.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Nov 23, 2021

Chairman of Libya’s High National Election Commission: Libya doesn’t have the right environment for a referendum

By Tahani Elmogrbi

Tahani Elmogrbi, a Libya expert, interviewed High National Election Commission Chairman Dr. Emad Al-Sayah for the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative, prior to the shakeup at the Libyan Post Telecommunications and Information Technology Holding Company.

Elections Libya

MENASource

Nov 22, 2021

Tunisia has a new government. How will challenges be addressed?

By Alissa Pavia, Karim Mezran, and Yaseen Rashed

The Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative asked several experts a series of questions on Tunisia’s situation. Here is how they answered.

Middle East North Africa

Event Recap

Nov 19, 2021

Deputy assistant secretary of state for North Africa: The best way to counter corruption is to strengthen democracy

By Yaseen Rashed

On October 27, the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative hosted an event with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), discussing the implications of current political, socio-economic conditions and future challenges North Africa faces.

Libya Middle East

IranSource

Nov 18, 2021

Iran’s drones are clones. Now they’re being used in multiple conflicts.

By Seth J. Frantzman

Iran’s military drone program has grown in recent years and Iran-backed groups have increasingly used drones in conflicts.

Iran Middle East
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