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.

Learn more

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

May 13, 2021

The escalation between Israel and Hamas: What’s new—and what’s not

By Shalom Lipner

While the intensity of the fighting appears to have caught some veteran practitioners of Middle East conflict and diplomacy by surprise, a trail of discernable factors led to this fraught outcome.

Israel Middle East

Fast Thinking

May 12, 2021

FAST THINKING: How bad will Israeli-Palestinian violence get?

By Atlantic Council

Is an all-out war brewing? What does this mean for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s future? What role will regional and global powers now play in the confrontation? From Washington to Jerusalem, our experts are here to weigh in.

Cybersecurity Energy & Environment

MENASource

May 11, 2021

Co-opting cybersecurity in Egypt

By Bassant Hassib and James Shires

Cybersecurity is one of several frequent and overlapping justifications for censorship by the Egyptian government, in addition to strengthened counterterrorism and media regulation.

Digital Policy Middle East

MENASource

May 10, 2021

Want resiliency in MENA? Invest in women-led startups

By Nadereh Chamlou

As MENA assesses how to rebuild better after the pandemic, women-led startups could be part of the solution.

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

May 7, 2021

Iran’s presidential elections don’t matter. Here’s why.

By Shahin Milani

While the final list of candidates will not be announced by the Guardian Council before May 26, it can be said with certainty that whoever emerges victorious will not have a material impact on Iran’s domestic or foreign policy.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

May 6, 2021

Supreme Leader directly intervenes in Iran’s June vote

By Anonymous

Khamenei’s interventions might have helped the hardliners camp eliminate its strongest competition but he definitely has not been able to resolve the big differences and gaps inside his own camp to bring its top figures into agreement on a single candidate.

Elections Iran

IranSource

May 5, 2021

The Iran terror trial verdict could forever change terror trials in Europe

By Sarah Kay

The significance of the proceedings and the verdict stand to permanently change the way European law and member states investigate and try terrorism cases.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

May 5, 2021

Qatar and Egypt are letting bygones be bygones

By Allison Nour

Ultimately, increased Qatari-Egyptian cooperation will likely do more to align with the Joe Biden administration’s interests in increasing diplomacy in the region at a time when the US is re-evaluating its military footprint.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

May 3, 2021

Syrian Transitional Military Council: A ‘social media invention’ or much more?

By Matthew Ayton

Recent weeks have seen a crescendo of rumors claiming that local, regional, and international support is growing to establish a Syrian Transitional Military Council. It would allegedly be led by defected Brigadier General Manaf Tlass, whose mandate would be to midwife the war-ravaged nation into a post-Bashar al-Assad future.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Apr 30, 2021

Déby’s death: A microcosm of the flaws of French foreign policy in Libya

By Emadeddin Badi

Far from being the sole architect of his premature death, the conditions that led to Chadian President Idriss Déby’s passing are also a direct byproduct of the myopic policies of his main Western ally—France—in neighboring Libya.

Iran Middle East
Load More