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

Jul 17, 2020

Kadhimi’s moment: Controlling Iraq’s militias

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The July 6, 2020 assassination of Hisham al Hashimi, a well-known political analyst who criticized Iraq’s sectarian politics, represented the loss of someone who made meaningful contributions to Iraq’s recovery and reconciliation efforts towards recovery and reconciliation. Hashimi’s death also represented an escalation that threatens to bring back the gang-like violence Iraq experienced from 2004 to 2008.

Iraq Middle East

IranSource

Jul 15, 2020

No, Iran isn’t going to be a Chinese client state

By Brendon Hong

The characterization is not unique to Iran’s case.

China Iran

MENASource

Jul 15, 2020

Iran isn’t the only Middle Eastern country in a unique partnership with China

By Jonathan Fulton

China has deeply entrenched interests across the region and mature relationships with many relevant Arab countries, most of which do not look favorably upon Iran.

China Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 14, 2020

COVID-19 could set back Mideast economies for years

By Larry Luxner

The coronavirus pandemic is causing widespread suffering throughout the Middle East, but its long-term impact on the region’s economy and its vulnerable populations will be felt for years to come.

Coronavirus Middle East

IranSource

Jul 14, 2020

US and Israel shift from sanctions to alleged sabotage against Iran

By Sina Azodi and Mohsen Solhdoost

While the attacks have been embarrassing to Iran and exposed the shortcomings of its intelligence and security apparatuses, they could also backfire, adding support to those who argue that Iran should withdraw completely from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or even the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 14, 2020

After the coronavirus and low oil prices, Oman’s future is more global

By Phillip Cornell

With the onset of COVID-19 and an economic crisis that is bound to accelerate history, Oman’s commitment to steady progress and political neutrality will face new tests and leverage the country’s wider global relationships.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 14, 2020

What lies ahead as Jordan faces the fallout of COVID-19

By Emily Santucci

What makes Amman’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic unique lies less in the specific measures imposed, but more so in the swift and aggressive fashion by which they were carried out.

Coronavirus Middle East

IranSource

Jul 13, 2020

The JCPOA: A bittersweet anniversary for Iran, the US and the wider world

By Barbara Slavin, Holly Dagres

The next US and Iranian governments will face many challenges, not least recovery from COVID-19 and economic recession.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 10, 2020

Nile Basin’s GERD dispute creates risks for Egypt, Sudan, and beyond

By Amal Kandeel

Competition for the Nile Basin’s freshwater has been growing markedly for three decades. In 2011, it intensified after Ethiopia started building the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Ethiopia North Africa

IranSource

Jul 10, 2020

A series of unusual events in Iran point to sabotage. How will Tehran respond?

By Borzou Daragahi

A spate of explosions has struck highly secure and sensitive sites, as well as regular industrial locales, including factories and gas pipelines, and even a clinic in a fancy part of north Tehran.

Iran Middle East
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