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 1, 2021

Mr. Wang goes to the Middle East

By Jonathan Fulton

This marks the first time that every GCC country has received a senior Chinese official in the same calendar year. China’s MENA footprint is only getting deeper.

China Middle East

MENASource

Apr 1, 2021

The Sinjar agreement has good ideas, but is it a dead end?

By Hanar Marouf

The uncontrollable surge of powers in Sinjar may bring about the next political and humanitarian catastrophe for Iraq if not managed properly.

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Mar 31, 2021

How Iranian Phantoms pulled off one of the most daring airstrikes in recent memory

By Sina Azodi and Ali Dadpay

On April 4, 1981, eight F-4 Phantom fighter bombers conducted a daring airstrike on three airbases deep inside Iraqi territory.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 31, 2021

Family businesses in the Gulf must not be left behind

By Amjad Ahmad and Farida F. El Agamy

Research suggests that family-owned businesses contribute about 60 percent of the gross domestic product in the GCC countries and employ more than 80 percent of its labor force.

Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Mar 30, 2021

Some advice to my Syrian and Syrian-American friends

By Frederic C. Hof

President Biden cannot do everything. Nor should he try. But what happens in Syria won’t stay there. It never has and never will. Still, advocates for an American policy in Syria focused on political transition must be sensitive, in their advocacy, to the policy priorities of an administration whose success would be vitally important to the US and the world.

Politics & Diplomacy Syria

IranSource

Mar 30, 2021

An Iranian cleric, rights activist, and hacker entered a room—on Clubhouse

By Holly Dagres

It sounds like the beginning of a joke but in reality, that’s what happened recently in a Clubhouse chatroom discussing whether or not the hijab should remain mandatory in Iran.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Mar 29, 2021

Why would anyone—including Mohammad Javad Zarif—want to be Iran’s president?

By John Limbert

Zarif might seem highly qualified to be president of Iran. However, it remains uncertain whether he has the temperament, the talent, and the stomach for the bear pit of electoral politics.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 25, 2021

‘It’s not a zero-sum game’: MENA officials agree that regional integration is key to growth

By Heba Malik

Atlantic Council’s empowerME initiative and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies co-hosted an event that discussed strategies for building regional cooperation to create a more attractive investment landscape and productive entrepreneurial ecosystem. These are some key takeaways.

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

Mar 25, 2021

Why Iran will not let Arab states join nuclear talks

By Saeid Jafari

Iran’s opposition to including Arab states in potential new nuclear talks, while based on legal precedent, also has political and security dimensions.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 24, 2021

Assad is testing Biden. The US president must not fail.

By Frederic C. Hof

Regardless of what the Biden administration may wish to think or acknowledge, it may well be sitting for an initial examination administered by Bashar al-Assad—the teacher of many harsh lessons to American presidents. Failing the test will not be consequence-free.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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