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

May 4, 2020

Will Saudi Arabia’s private sector be able to hold up during a pandemic?

By Abdullah F. Alrebh

On April 3, the Saudi government issued a royal decree allocating $2.4 billion to compensate citizens who work in the private sector in facilities affected by the pandemic. However, such bounteous support might only reduce the problem, not solve it.

Coronavirus Middle East

MENASource

May 1, 2020

Have COVID-19 and Iran tensions doomed Coalition anti-ISIS strategy?

By Seth Frantzman

After five years of a successful campaign against ISIS, the Coalition may be permanently crippled by tensions with Iran. Furthermore, the pandemic may serve as a convenient excuse for partners to wrap up their presence in Iraq.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 30, 2020

The US military assistance program to the Lebanese Armed Forces must endure

By Nicholas Blanford

The US military assistance program has been a solid success in Lebanon and the LAF deeply appreciates the partnership. That partnership must endure as Lebanon faces an ominous future.

Lebanon Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 30, 2020

Idlib ceasefire is holding and could open door to long-term Syria solution, US envoy says

By David A. Wemer

The ceasefire negotiated between Russia and Turkey to halt fighting in the Syrian province of Idlib appears to be holding, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS Ambassador James F. Jeffrey said on April 30. “We have heard from many sources, even many Russian [ones], that there is a general feeling that this ceasefire is living up to expectations,” according to Jeffrey.

Conflict Coronavirus

IranSource

Apr 30, 2020

Hezbollah considers the United States, not Israel, its greatest enemy

By David Daoud

The Open Letter, Hezbollah's manifesto, reserves its highest level of opprobrium for America, labeling it the main root of evil and declaring the “confrontation with America” as the yardstick for all of Hezbollah’s other activities.

Lebanon Middle East

IranSource

Apr 29, 2020

US-EU tensions set to escalate over Iran’s coronavirus crisis

By Giorgio Cafiero and Maysam Behravesh

On top of strong disagreements with President Donald Trump’s decision to pull Washington out of the 2015 nuclear deal and re-impose stifling sanctions on the Islamic Republic in May 2018, America’s longstanding partners in Europe also oppose the Trump administration ramping up “maximum pressure” on Tehran amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Apr 28, 2020

Iran’s satellite launch carries more political weight than military significance

By Sina Azodi

The IRGC’s move should be analyzed more in terms of Tehran’s political posturing instead of as a strategic leap toward developing ICBMs.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Apr 24, 2020

Israel-Gulf ties, boosted by COVID-19 research, may trip over annexation plans

By Jonathan H. Ferziger

For policymakers, the prospect of West Bank annexation posed by Israel’s incoming coalition government is a reminder of the delicacy of Mideast peacemaking.

Coronavirus Israel
IRGCN Vessels Conduct Unsafe, Unprofessional Interaction with U.S. Naval Forces in Arabian Gulf

IranSource

Apr 23, 2020

Trump’s Twitter threat to destroy Iranian boats isn’t guidance

By John W. Miller

In a tweet on April 22, US President Donald Trump announced that he ordered the US Navy to destroy any Iranian boats harassing US warships. While the tweet may seem like new and escalatory guidance from the Commander in Chief to his forces in the region and an indication of a substantial increase in tensions between the United States and Iran, it is neither.

Iran Maritime Security

MENASource

Apr 23, 2020

How the US military should leave Iraq

By Barbara Slavin

It is still possible to retain US influence in Iraq and to offer Iraqis an alternative to complete domination by Iran.

Iraq Middle East
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