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

Feb 22, 2024

Key strategies for Bahraini women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses across the MENA region

By JP Reppeto

Event Recap for the WIn Fellowship discussion on business scalability for Bahraini women in the MENA region.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

IranSource

Feb 22, 2024

The United States needs a new Iran policy—and it involves regime change, but not the traditional kind

By Kelly Shannon

The tactics of 1979 are not enough in the 2020s. Additional strategies are necessary, and international support will be critical to ensuring the success of any mass democratic movement in Iran.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Feb 21, 2024

A steady escalation along the Lebanon-Israel border—and no end in sight

By Nicholas Blanford

If the Gaza war drags on for much longer and clashes continue to persist along the Lebanon-Israel border, the pressure on the Israeli government to launch some form of offensive into south Lebanon is going to be hard to resist.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Feb 20, 2024

Here’s what an uncoordinated US withdrawal from Syria would look like. It’s bad for many partners, but especially Turkey.

By Ömer Özkizilcik

An uncoordinated withdrawal from Syria by the United States could pose significant risks for Turkey, leaving the country alone against Iran and Russia.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Feb 18, 2024

Regardless of Sisi’s decision on Palestinian refugees in Rafah, he will not emerge as a winner  

By Shahira Amin

Now that Israel has clarified its intent to undertake operations in Rafah, after evacuating the nearly 1.4 million displaced Palestinians who have sought a safe haven in the Gaza Strip’s southern city, it may only be a matter of time before the Egyptian's president's true intentions are revealed.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Feb 16, 2024

Iran is socially engineering mass depression to suppress dissent  

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The Islamic Republic has worked tirelessly to strategize and doctrinize control of Iranians’ minds and bodies. But it hasn't always been successful.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 16, 2024

Could the US and other states be implicated in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel?

By Celeste Kmiotek

The International Court of Justice case could inspire proceedings against other states for complicity in or failure to prevent genocide.

Israel South Africa

MENASource

Feb 15, 2024

Unraveling Egypt’s political economy puzzle: It’s more than just economics

By Racha Helwa

Egypt's economy continues to operate using piecemeal economic reforms, which are hindered by strong Nasser-era remnants, resulting in a slow and inconsistent pattern of implementation.

Corruption Economy & Business

MENASource

Feb 14, 2024

The ‘day after’ is today: An evasive Netanyahu is abdicating his responsibility for Israel’s fate

By Shalom Lipner

Trapped between two cabinets with conflicting outlooks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resorted to stonewalling.

Elections Israel

MENASource

Feb 13, 2024

Lebanon is using Hezbollah to blackmail Israel on border talks 

By David Daoud

The Lebanese government seems to believe that it will get better terms as international desperation to stop Hezbollah’s attacks grows.

Conflict Israel
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