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

Mar 5, 2020

The impact of coronavirus on Gulf economies

By Jonathan Fulton

Beyond the obvious public health crisis, the coronavirus has had a significant impact on Gulf economies, as it has with other countries around the world. What sets the GCC states apart is the damage that can be done by a Chinese slowdown.

Coronavirus Middle East

IranSource

Mar 3, 2020

Ayatollah Mike and the IRGC’s growing credibility gap

By Emily Blout

The IRGC’s attempts to fudge the facts and manipulate the news is creating a credibility gap: a breach in trust between the people and the government.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 2, 2020

Factbox: The Syrian regime’s push in Idlib province

By Kyle Thetford

This factbox aims to shed light on the latest developments, the humanitarian consequences, and the key actors involved.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Feb 28, 2020

Trump fights Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ in Latin America

By Giorgio Cafiero

With President Donald Trump in the White House and Mike Pompeo as his Secretary of State, the US is determined to eject Iranian influence from Latin America.

Iran Latin America

MENASource

Feb 28, 2020

Israel’s new prime minister must reckon with the Democratic Party

By Carmiel Mahony

By March 3, the new Israeli prime minister will have a preview of one of the first challenges he’ll have to address: a reckoning with the Democratic Party.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2020

Tensions mount in Syria after strike on Turkish troops

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts respond to the airstrikes against Turkish soldiers in Idlib, as Russia and the Assad regime continue their collision course with Turkey in Syria.

Conflict Syria

Uncategorized

Feb 27, 2020

How Israel is used to delegitimize Iraq’s anti-government protests

By Seth Frantzman

Adversaries have accused Iraqi protesters of sedition and even tried to link them to the United States and Israel.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Feb 26, 2020

What comes next for Oman?

By Rumaitha Al Busaidi

Sultan Qaboos' legacy will continue as we embark on a new chapter in our history: an outward-looking nation that does not needlessly provoke others or jeopardize stability.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Feb 26, 2020

Factbox: The outcome of Iran’s 2020 parliamentary elections

By Arash Azizi

Now that the elections are over, this guide aims to illuminate its outcome and why there was a low turnout.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 25, 2020

Cover-ups and incompetence: Iran as the Middle East’s coronavirus epicenter

By Brendon Hong

For now, Iran has not banned its citizens from traveling to China, which as of midnight on February 25 has confirmed nearly 65,000 infections within its border.

Iran Middle East
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