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 20, 2021

Fragmentation and perceived bias: The shortcomings of US policy towards tribes in Syria

By Haian Dukhan and Ammar Alhamad

The fragmentation and divisions that plague the Arab tribal population in northeastern Syria played a major role in the US’s decision not to rely primarily on tribal auxiliaries in its fight against ISIS.

Middle East Syria

IranSource

Jan 19, 2021

Does Russia really want a US return to the Iran deal?

By Arman Mahmoudian and Giorgio Cafiero

The Kremlin has also backed European efforts to save the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action since the US’s unilateral withdrawal from the deal in 2018. Below the surface, however, Russia’s views may be more complicated and ambivalent.

Iran Middle East

empowerME Conversations

Jan 19, 2021

It’s a mumz world

By Atlantic Council

In Season 1, Episode 2 of empowerME Conversations podcast, host Amjad Ahmad interviews Mumzworld Founder and CEO Mona Ataya about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, how the Middle East’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is radically changing, her company’s biggest policy pain points, and the future of customer personalization to the power of one.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jan 15, 2021

Why immunity for MBS should be off the table

By Michael Eisner and Jack Steele

American laws that allow for rogue royal princes like MBS to be held accountable for gross human rights violations, such as extrajudicial killing and torture, protect Americans and American values.

Middle East The Gulf

IranSource

Jan 14, 2021

Advice to Iran as a new administration takes over the White House

By Barbara Slavin

The end of the Donald Trump era and the beginning of the Joe Biden one offer Iran and its neighbors the best opportunity they have had in years to ease conflict and tension and boost prosperity.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jan 13, 2021

Swedish trial paves the way for accountability for Iran’s human rights violations

By Aida Samani

Universal jurisdiction proceedings may help prevent another forty-one years of total impunity for perpetrators of grave human rights violations in Iran while granting redress for those affected by the violations.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jan 12, 2021

Oman designates a crown prince, a first for the country

By Marc J. Sievers

January 11 marked the first anniversary of Sultan Haitham bin Tareq’s selection as the successor to Sultan Qaboos bin Said. While there were no official celebrations, the government marked the event with a series of announcements and many Omanis congratulated the Sultan on the first anniversary of his rule.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

empowerME Conversations

Jan 12, 2021

Translating Business

By Atlantic Council

In Season 1, Episode 1, Tarjama Founder and CEO Nour Al Hassan discusses what drove her to become an entrepreneur, her company's prescient flexible work model that has promoted women's economic inclusion as well as resilience, and her policy wish list to help more endeavors like hers succeed in the Middle East.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jan 11, 2021

Experts react: The United States designates Houthi rebels as a Foreign Terrorist Organization

By Atlantic Council

On January 11, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States is designating Yemen’s Houthi rebel group Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Atlantic Council experts react to the designation and what it means for the wider region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 11, 2021

The Assad regime faces a Rubik’s Cube of challenges in 2021

By Nizar Mohamad and Abdulrahman al-Masri

The coming year will likely present the Bashar al-Assad regime with a perplexing stalemate as it attempts to navigate a political, economic, and security landscape beset with a Rubik’s Cube of challenges.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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