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

Apr 21, 2021

Russia in the Middle East: A source of stability or a pot-stirrer?

By Anna Borshchevskaya, Raed Wajeeh, Daniel Rakov, and Li-Chen Sim

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s Gulf tour in March exemplifies the complexity of Russian foreign policy in the region.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Apr 20, 2021

Who is afraid of Iran’s Faezeh Hashemi?

By Arash Azizi

Faezeh Hashemi could make a terrific presidential candidate for the Iran of 2021. All the more reason why Ayatollah Khamenei and the authorities will not let her anywhere near power.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Apr 20, 2021

Lessons from Israel and Egypt’s lukewarm peace

By Gabriel Mitchell

Security coordination has always been the relationship’s epicenter. So, while the depth of cooperation between Israeli and Egyptian forces is laudable, where is the relationship evolving?

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Apr 16, 2021

Italy found its way back into Libya

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s visit to Libya is a big step for renewing Italy’s role in Libya and the wider Mediterranean, one that should not be overlooked.

Libya Middle East

IranSource

Apr 16, 2021

Israel’s ‘shadow’ war with Iran risks playing out in the open

By Sina Azodi

After the Donald Trump administration quit the deal in May 2018, Israel escalated a shadow war with Iran to disrupt Iranian shipping and retard Iran’s nuclear advances, as the Islamic Republic had stopped implementing its JCPOA commitments in response. That war has now come increasingly into the open.

Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Apr 15, 2021

Baby bottle coffee drinks and censorship: The ultimate guide to Arab TikTok

By Samantha Treiman

Although TikTok provides a platform for creative expression and political speech, repressive governments around the world attempt to censor users—and the Middle East is no exception. Those in charge are fearful of the app’s quick-sharing nature, which can allow anything from popular dances to government slander to spread rapidly.

Media Middle East

IranElections2021

Apr 14, 2021

Iran’s botched handling of the coronavirus may impact June election

By Masoud Mostajabi

Given the economic uncertainty, unrest in the upcoming election season is possible. An excessive vaccination fee, rumors of nepotism as the vaccination programs roll out, black market distribution of vaccines, or distribution of fake vaccines could ignite a wildfire—especially under current circumstances.

Coronavirus Iran

Fast Thinking

Apr 13, 2021

FAST THINKING: Leaving Afghanistan, twenty years later

By Atlantic Council

America’s longest war is set to finally come to an end, with President Joe Biden expected to announce on Wednesday that all American troops will withdraw from Afghanistan by September 11, 2021. What’s the state of the nation that the US military will leave behind?

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fast Thinking

Apr 12, 2021

FAST THINKING: Did the Iran nuclear talks just blow up?

By Atlantic Council

Iran’s ability to enrich uranium for potential use in nuclear weapons may have suffered a severe blow on Sunday after an explosion knocked out power at its Natanz nuclear site, while indirect talks continue in Vienna around reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Will the explosion blow up those negotiations? And what will its impact be on Iran itself and the country’s nuclear program?

Crisis Management Iran

IranElections2021

Apr 12, 2021

Iran’s June elections could consolidate hardline power before Khamenei succession

By Anonymous

For hardliners in Iran, the June 18 presidential election is less about choosing a new executive branch chief than about consolidating power centers before the time comes to choose Iran’s real ruler: the next Supreme Leader.

Iran Middle East
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