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

Event Recap

May 13, 2024

Gender parity in MENA diplomacy and its impact on peace

By Charles Johnson

Event recap of WIn Fellowship Roadshow 2024 public event on Arab women in diplomacy

Conflict Economy & Business

Event Recap

May 13, 2024

How AI is reshaping the global business arena

By JP Reppeto

On April 25th, the Atlantic Council’s WIn Fellowship held a panel discussion exploring the projected impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the global business landscape, highlighting how AI-driven strategies are revolutionizing industries worldwide. The panel, which was moderated by Stefanie Falconi, Emerging Technologies Advisor at USAID, featured four experts working at the forefront of artificial […]

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

May 10, 2024

The United States should look to Turkey as a regional balancing actor against Iran

By Doga Unlu

US President Joe Biden has a diplomatic opportunity to strengthen an old partnership and position Turkey as a regional bulwark to encourage a more balanced Iran.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

IranSource

May 10, 2024

The Islamic Republic claims to support US student protests, but it crushed its own student uprising

By Arash Azizi

No matter what the state-run hardline outlets publish or broadcast in Iran, Iranians remember the domestic repression they’ve seen with their own eyes.

Civil Society Iran

IranSource

May 9, 2024

The nuclear fatwa that wasn’t—how Iran sold the world a false narrative

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Tracking the supreme leader's comments over the past two decades demonstrates that he never issued a fatwa against building a nuclear weapon.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

May 9, 2024

Syria holds the key to improved US-Turkey ties

By Ömer Özkizilcik

It is crucial that the United States and Turkey overcome their differences because the governments need to strengthen their alliance—especially as it concerns Syria. 

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2024

Seven questions (and answers) if the ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli officials

By Mark Klamberg

Israel’s government has voiced its concern in recent days that the International Criminal Court will soon issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials in connection with the war in Gaza.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

May 3, 2024

The UN Libya envoy’s resignation shows why the political transition is failing

By Karim Mezran

Regardless of who replaces Abdoulaye Bathily, the next special envoy will not be able to solve Libya’s political impasse as long as the leaders of the country’s factions remain unwilling to meaningfully engage.

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

Event Recap

Apr 30, 2024

MENA’s economic outlook from the Atlantic Council’s IMF/World Bank Week

By Charles Johnson and JP Reppeto

Highlights from empowerME's week of events during this year's World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring meetings.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

MENASource

Apr 29, 2024

An Iron Curtain may fall again—this time in Libya

By Karim Mezran

The US and its allies cannot ignore anymore the importance of stabilizing Libya through a constant, inclusive, and transparent political process accompanied by a forceful action of resistance and pushback against the Russian infiltration.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions
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