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

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

MENASource

Dec 21, 2021

At least three of Libya’s presidential candidates may not be fit for the role. Here’s who they are.

By Alia Brahimi

An examination of the most controversial presidential candidates out of a crowded field of ninety-eight reveals some of the complications embedded in the electoral process, and how the polls in Libya could unravel rather than realize its democratic promise.

Elections Libya

Event Recap

Dec 20, 2021

Fintech innovation is critical for business and women in MENA

By Hezha Barzani

On December 14, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a virtual event on “MENA’s Fintech innovators: Digitizing financial services” in partnership with ABANA.

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

Dec 20, 2021

I once headed the Iran branch of Israel’s military intelligence research. Here’s why Israel can’t take out Iran’s nuclear program.

By Danny Citrinowicz

Besides the operational challenges in executing such a military attack, especially given Iranian forces’ buildup of surface-to-air units, there are other more strategic challenges facing Israel.

Iran Middle East
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