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 27, 2025

Öcalan’s call for disarmament: A new hope for Kurdish peace

By Hanar Marouf

Complexities of reintegrating PKK fighters, navigating Syrian conflict, and addressing Turkish military activity pose significant hurdles.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 27, 2025

A US-Saudi deal without Israel? Here’s what the US should ask for.

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Trump could deliver a stronger security agreement with Saudi Arabia that includes the hefty asks from the kingdom without normalization with Israel. But should he?

Defense Policy Economy & Business

MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

After proxies and nuclear program threats, Iran may turn to terror abroad

By Alex Plitsas

Iran could turn to transnational terrorism as threats mount of Israeli strike on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, after a weakening of its numerous proxies since the Gaza war.

English Iran

MENASource

Mar 25, 2025

Dispatch from Bekaa: Inside the sectarian skirmishes on the Syria-Lebanon border

By Nicholas Blanford

Local Shia tribesmen have battled an assortment of Sunni jihadist militias and the new Syrian security forces dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

English Lebanon

New Atlanticist

Mar 21, 2025

Trump’s Middle East strategy is all about striking an Iran deal. Gaza could get in the way.

By Alan Pino

Recent US actions in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon fit together in supporting the central objective of a deal with Iran.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Inside Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s diplomatic offensive with Syria’s Christians and Ismailis

By Gregory Waters

HTS’s diplomatic offensive demonstrates the leadership’s political approach, which evolved over years of engaging with the Christian and Druze communities in Idlib.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Why the United States must bridge the Iraq-Syria divide

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

With leverage over both capitals, the United States emerges as the linchpin in delicate diplomatic moment between Baghdad and Damascus.

English Iraq

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Trump’s military cudgel in Yemen will not achieve US regional objectives

By Jacob Ware and Amir Asmar

Donald Trump risks falling into US pattern of short-sighted military action at the expense of constructing a sustainable plan for Yemen.

Defense Policy Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2025

The Gaza cease-fire is over. What’s next from Israel, Hamas, and the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

In the early hours of March 18, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, ending the two-month cease-fire. Atlantic Council experts answer pressing questions about the resumed conflict.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Mar 18, 2025

Beyond the Houthis: The US needs a comprehensive Yemen policy

By Osamah Al Rawhani

Recent air strikes mark a new chapter in the US approach toward the Houthis. But to be successful in reducing threats in the region, Washington will need policies that address Yemen as a whole.

Conflict Middle East
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