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

Aug 25, 2025

Dispatch from Syria’s Christian strongholds: A new government, a full political spectrum

By Gregory Waters

The conditions of Christian communities across the country remain varied, with the opinions of religious and community leaders deeply mixed.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Aug 22, 2025

What’s needed to unlock the power and promise of IMEC

By Amir Hayek

We must not be afraid to dream, nor forget that achieving a truly transformative economic corridor is within reach.

India Israel

New Atlanticist

Aug 21, 2025

Israel’s Gaza City operation will leave it more isolated. It’s time for a course correction.

By Jonathan Panikoff

An operation to take Gaza City would mark a dramatic escalation in the conflict—and one with potentially irreversible costs to Israel’s alliances and reputation.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Aug 19, 2025

How Trump can drive an end to the war in Gaza

By Daniel B. Shapiro

A narrow opportunity exists to avoid stretching the Gaza tragedy into 2026. The US president needs to seize it.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Aug 19, 2025

For enduring normalization, Israel must back democracy in Sudan

By Nasredeen Abdulbari

Israel should align itself with Sudan’s genuine pro-democracy civilian forces—not its military elites.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Aug 19, 2025

Boulos’s North Africa trip reinforces US ‘deals, not aid’ strategy

By Alissa Pavia

The US senior advisor for Africa's visit to the region showcases that Washington still considers North Africa to be central to its foreign policy.

North & West Africa Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 13, 2025

What to know about the history (and future) of the Hezbollah disarmament question

By Kristian Patrick Alexander

Domestic opposition and international demands have brought the question of Hezbollah’s arms to the fore, placing the group in an increasingly precarious position.

Arms Control Conflict

MENASource

Aug 12, 2025

There is a way forward for a two-state solution, if Palestinian leaders embrace the Abraham Accords

By Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi

By collaborating with regional partners and taking incremental steps within the framework of the Abraham Accords, the PA can move closer to realizing a Palestinian state.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Aug 11, 2025

The United Kingdom has joined C-SIPA. Who will be next?

By Cassidy McGoldrick

To fully realize the regional security architecture that the United States and Bahrain envision, policymakers will need to expand C-SIPA within the Middle East region.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Aug 8, 2025

Sweida’s humanitarian crisis presents a test for Syria’s transitional government and its global partners

By Diana Rayes 

Sweida is not an isolated tragedy—it is a litmus test for Syria's fragile political transition and for the international community’s resolve to respond to the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Conflict Economy & Business
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