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

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2020

Iraqi MP: Continued protests provide opportunity for real reform

By Kyle Thetford

The massive protests that have rocked Iraq since October 2019 and have brought down one government have also given the new prime minister designee a unique opportunity to overcome vested interests and deliver meaningful reform, according to Iraqi Council of Representatives Member Sarkawt Shamsulddin.

Democratic Transitions Iraq

IranSource

Feb 24, 2020

FATF blacklists Iran, but does it matter?

By Brian O’Toole

The decision to impose counter-measures by the Paris-based body signals something of an end to the group’s patience with Iran, especially by the European Union, after Tehran failed to follow through on the action plan it agreed upon with the FATF to address its deficiencies.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

MENASource

Feb 20, 2020

To deter Iran, the Gulf states need stronger navies

By Daniel J. Samet

The Gulf states should follow Washington’s lead in restoring deterrence in the face of the desperate regime in Tehran.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 19, 2020

Fantasies of regime collapse in Iran come without a plan

By Borzou Daragahi

In pushing for regime collapse in Iran, US officials should at least be aware of what they’re courting. Even if their policy is successful, it could be more disastrous than what they’ve ever imagined.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Feb 14, 2020

American passivity and weakness shine in Idlib province

By Frederic C. Hof

In a tribute to foreign policy continuity, the Trump administration upholds its predecessor’s Syria policy of gratuitously communicating passivity and weakness to adversaries.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Feb 12, 2020

The ‘maximum pressure’ campaign undermines Trump’s national security strategy

By David Wallsh

In order to stay focused on our long-term priorities, the US government must align its Iran policy with its national security strategy.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 10, 2020

Iran’s credit line to Syria: A well that never runs dry

By Karam Shaar and Ali Fathollah-Nejad

There is barely an article about the Syrian economy since the 2011 uprising that does not entail a reference to that rather mysterious Iranian credit line.

Economy & Business Iran

MENASource

Feb 7, 2020

Why Arab Sunnis are disengaged from Iraq’s protests

By Tamer Badawi

If Sunni politicians and powerful tribal chiefs back an upheaval in Arab Sunni areas, they would risk losing the political and economic gains realized by their alliance with Iran-backed political powers and could face repression and marginalization.

Iraq Middle East

IranSource

Feb 6, 2020

Why Europe should delay FATF countermeasures on Iran

By Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Iran’s economic policymakers and economic operators remain committed to reforms that improve the transparency of the Iranian financial system.

Economy & Business Iran

MENASource

Feb 5, 2020

Should the Palestinians look a gift horse in the mouth?

By Kyle Thetford

Palestinian policymakers might not actually want all that cash. This is in part because of the challenges associated with spending such a vast sum.

Israel Middle East
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