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

Nov 27, 2024

What Congress has in mind for the future of the Abraham Accords

By Adam Kozloski

The National Defense Authorization Act has become one of the most potent legislative vehicles for policy related to national security.

Defense Policy Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2024

The ICC has issued arrest warrants in the Israel-Hamas war. Now what?

By Elise Baker

On November 21, the International Criminal Court issued warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with the likely deceased Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif. Here's what to know.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2024

What Russia, Iran, and the Houthis get out of Moscow recruiting Yemeni mercenaries

By Emily Milliken

Cooperation between the Houthis and Moscow is deepening, but what does that mean for the group’s position in Iran’s network of allies and Tehran’s relations with Russia?

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 26, 2024

Experts react: Israel and Lebanon have struck a ceasefire deal. Is the Israel-Hezbollah war really over?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the deal, which US President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday and already faces questions about its durability.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Nov 25, 2024

Sinwar is dead, but Hamas finally got its victory

By Anonymous

The rebranding of Yahya Sinwar’s death as “heroic martyrdom,” combined with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, has paved the way for Hamas to evolve into an even more extreme and dangerous entity.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Nov 20, 2024

2025 will be a decisive year for Iran’s nuclear program

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Diplomatic deadlines and regional factors will force Iran to decide soon whether to strike a deal or seek a nuclear weapon. Either choice will have major ripple effects.

Arms Control Defense Policy

IranSource

Nov 20, 2024

How to wrestle with an ayatollah 

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

If one looks closely, the ancient Persian sport of wrestling might have answers to understanding how to contain Iran

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Nov 18, 2024

Iran has ambitions in Western Sahara. Trump can contain them by bolstering ties with Morocco.

By Sarah Zaaimi

Deepening ties with Morocco can help the United States thwart Iran’s plans in the Sahel and unlock investment opportunities in the region.

Morocco Sahel

MENASource

Nov 18, 2024

Egypt-Turkey cooperation brings profound changes in ties with African countries

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Ankara on September 4 marked a significant turning point in Egyptian-Turkish relations.

North Africa Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Nov 15, 2024

The evolving roles of the Gulf states in the low-carbon energy transition

By Li-Chen Sim and Farkhod Aminjonov

Policies that promote Gulf participation in international climate initiatives could reinforce their commitment to the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Energy & Environment Middle East
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