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

Feb 26, 2025

Why post-Assad Syria complicates the Iran-Turkey rivalry

By Giorgio Cafiero

Depending on what unfolds after Assad's fall, there could be reason to expect a degree of Iran-Turkey alignment in Syria.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Feb 26, 2025

How the Houthis’ strikes on US MQ-9 Reaper drones serve a wider regional agenda

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco

The United States needs to adjust its drone deployment strategy to ensure that MQ-9 Reapers are less vulnerable to the militant group’s attacks. 

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

MENASource

Feb 21, 2025

How Trump can deliver on disrupting Red Sea weapons smuggling by the Houthis

By Eleonora Ardemagni

As the Trump administration’s Yemen policy takes shape, it is clear that choking off the Houthis’ weapons routes is a central part of the president’s strategy, and US partners in Yemen are eager to play an active role.

Crisis Management Defense Policy

MENASource

Feb 21, 2025

What the Middle East conflicts reveal about the future of terrorism

By Maayan Dagan

As policymakers turn to the future of Gaza and other political negotiations, they should also take note of the lessons learned over the past sixteen months.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Feb 21, 2025

The killings of two Tehran judges show the Islamic Republic is disintegrating

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

From the narratives emerging out of Tehran about the killing of the two judges, one thing is clear: The ayatollah is losing his grip on power.

Civil Society Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Feb 14, 2025

A plan for postwar Gaza: Instead of removing Palestinian civilians, remove Hamas

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Drawing inspiration from an approach that worked in 1982, US President Donald Trump should put forward a landmark plan to rid Gaza of the terrorist organization.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Feb 14, 2025

A plan for postwar Gaza: Reconstruction will fail unless these two challenges are addressed

By Ahmed F. Alkhatib

Gaza’s reconstruction will require creativity and an understanding that there is no simple US real-estate solution for the strip.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Feb 13, 2025

Dispatch from Syria: ‘Syrians cannot focus on their future if they are still drowning in their past’

By Arwa Damon

The pain felt by those searching for clues in the dark void of the former regime’s detention system is palpable, Arwa Damon reports from Syria.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Feb 11, 2025

How Modi can make the most of his meeting with Trump

By Srujan Palkar

Modi’s top priorities will be avoiding US tariffs against India, setting the stage for trade and defense deals, and making progress on immigration policy.

India Migration

New Atlanticist

Feb 10, 2025

The continent-spanning win Trump can secure with Modi

By William F. Wechsler

When the Indian prime minister visits the White House this week, high on the agenda should be the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Economy & Business India
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