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

Oct 1, 2020

A reform scenario for Lebanon

By Nabeel Khoury

The Lebanese system is defined in a formal constitutional document and an informal, though equally binding, National Pact. Both will need to be radically altered for genuine reform to take place.

Lebanon Middle East

MENASource

Oct 1, 2020

A few memories of Kuwaiti Sheikh Sabah

By Richard LeBaron

Many will speculate about where Kuwait goes from here and whether there will be a leadership crisis.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Sep 30, 2020

Examining Tehran’s regional strategy

By Kenneth Katzman

Neither the Obama administration’s successful negotiation of the 2015 multilateral Iran nuclear agreement nor the Trump administration’s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA and re-imposition of sanctions appear to have dented or retarded Iran’s advancement of its regional goals.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Sep 29, 2020

Does the United States need an embassy in Baghdad?

By David Mack

Iraq remains a country of great importance to the United States and it would be foolish to deprive Washington of a tool for assessing and hopefully influencing conditions in Iraq.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Sep 29, 2020

Absence of PhD programs contributes to weak research and development in the Gulf

By Omar Al-Ubaydli

The production of new knowledge is a very complex process and many factors contribute to the low levels of innovation exhibited by the Gulf countries. One factor that plays a role is the structure of tertiary education—particularly PhD programs.

Education Middle East

Elections 2020

Sep 29, 2020

Five big questions as America votes: Middle East

By Middle East Programs

In every US presidential election since the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Middle East and North Africa has been a top foreign policy issue. The 2020 presidential election is no different.

Conflict Crisis Management

Elections 2020

Sep 24, 2020

If Trump wins, he needs a new approach to Iran

By Barbara Slavin

If US President Donald Trump wins re-election, he will have an opportunity to review his failed approach toward Iran.

Elections Iran

IranSource

Sep 23, 2020

After snapback sanctions on Iran: A European perspective

By Michel Duclos

As seen from Europe, which has its own continuing embargo on arms transfers to Iran through 2023, the Trump administration will likely not insist on imposing its "parallel reality" on reluctant allies.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Sep 23, 2020

How the Iranian air force turned the tide of the Iran-Iraq war in 1980

By Ali Dadpay and Sina Azodi

In the case of the Iranian armed forces, one must speak of months of prosecution, summary executions, and an almost complete breakdown of the chain of command following the 1979 revolution. Yet, despite all odds, the Artesh chose to fight bravely when the Iraqi army invaded Iran on September 20, 1980.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Sep 22, 2020

The Gordian knot of Kurdish unity talks in Syria

By Rena Netjes and Lars Hauch

On September 20, US Special Envoy for Syria James Jeffrey visited northeast Syria for a meeting with delegations of the Kurdish National Council (KNC), the Democratic Union Party (PYD), and allied Kurdish parties who have been engaging in so-called unity talks since November 2019.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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