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

IranSource

May 21, 2020

Iran and the US ‘meet’ again over Afghanistan

By Barbara Slavin

Iran has shown a willingness to engage with the US when the time and venue are right.

Afghanistan Iran

MENASource

May 19, 2020

Pompeo’s mystery tour to Israel

By Shalom Lipner

With much of global diplomacy relegated to video conferences these days due to the coronavirus pandemic, the timing of Pompeo's decision to traverse the Atlantic raised more than a few eyebrows.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

May 18, 2020

Oil price drop brings more economic challenges for Iran

By Ebad Ebadi

he sharp oil price drop on April 20 was the worst thing that could have happened to Iran’s fragile economy.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

May 15, 2020

Afghan migrants: Unwanted in Iran and at home

By Fatemeh Aman

Tensions between Iran and Afghanistan are rising over the alleged drowning of Afghan migrants in the Harirud River by Iranian border guards in early May.

Afghanistan Iran

IranSource

May 14, 2020

Five reasons why US ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran has backfired

By Barbara Slavin

Sanctions imposed by the Trump administration have contributed to a disastrous contraction of the Iranian economy, but they have failed to alter Iranian policies for the better; indeed, they have made things much worse.

Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 13, 2020

Iraq’s new prime minister must manage expectations

By Rend Al-Rahim

There is one that Mustafa al-Kadhimi must be the most cautious in tackling—the management of expectations.

Iraq Middle East

IranSource

May 12, 2020

Iran’s economy and the burden of multiple exchange rates

By Mohsen Tavakol

The importance of the private sector in creating jobs and helping ordinary Iranians survive—in addition to providing communities with required products and services—should not be underestimated.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 12, 2020

Has Moscow really turned against Assad?

By Mark N. Katz

Russian articles criticizing the Assad regime do not presage a Kremlin effort to replace him, but are, instead, a concerted Russian effort to get the Assad regime to change its ways.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 8, 2020

Palestinians fight skepticism over whether they can stop annexation

By Jonathan Ferziger

Palestinians are scrambling to galvanize international opposition to Israel's annexation of some thirty percent of the West Bank while battling skepticism that they can do anything to stop it.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 8, 2020

The crumbling Haftar illusion: Last call for the international community?

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

The international community should seize the moment to do everything to stop Haftar’s dictatorial regime.

Libya North Africa
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