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 8, 2024

Transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape through empowering women entrepreneurs

By Charles Johnson

Event recap for the Transforming Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape through empowering women entrepreneurs

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Feb 8, 2024

Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea add to Egypt’s economic troubles

By Shahira Amin

The decline in Suez Canal revenues has put further strain on Egypt's already faltering economy at a time when the country faces a severe foreign currency shortage.

Conflict Economy & Business

Experts react

Feb 5, 2024

Experts react: US retaliation for the deadly attack in Jordan has begun. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts interpret the United States' ongoing strikes against Iran-linked targets—and how Tehran and its proxies might view this response.

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Feb 2, 2024

Iran is on its way to replacing Russia as a leading arms exporter. The US needs a strategy to counter this trend.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The US must understand the seriousness of the situation: without active measures, it will be extremely tough to stop Iran from becoming a world leader in arms sales

Arms Control Conflict

MENASource

Feb 2, 2024

Arab-Israelis are facing a crisis. But there’s a way out.

By Rachel Friedman

Arab-Israelis, Arab citizens of Israel living within the country’s official borders, have struggled relative to Jewish communities for decades. The causes are many

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Feb 1, 2024

China doesn’t have as much leverage in the Middle East as one thinks—at least when it comes to Iran

By Jonathan Fulton

China is more likely to continue to be the regional actor it has been over the past decade—one that comes to the Middle East to trade and build, not lead. 

China Conflict

New Atlanticist

Feb 1, 2024

The hard truth about Biden’s coming retaliation for the killing of US troops

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Most options fall short of achieving the objective of halting Iran-backed attacks on US personnel, friends, and interests. Expectations should be managed accordingly.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Jan 31, 2024

To challenge the Islamic Republic’s propaganda agenda, the UN deputy high commissioner must delay her visit

By Rose Parris Richter

Civil society advocates aren’t pushing for non-engagement but for a strategic reassessment of the deputy high commissioner's visit's timing and scope.

Civil Society Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Jan 29, 2024

Qatar’s prime minister sees progress on Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations—but warns regional tensions are ‘boiling up’

By Katherine Golden

At an AC Front Page event, Al-Thani discussed talks that took place in Paris over the weekend, which he said made “good progress” on mapping a way out of the conflict.

Conflict Crisis Management

Transcript

Jan 29, 2024

Qatar’s prime minister on Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations and the prospects for a two-state solution

By Atlantic Council

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Al Thani discussed his country's role in mediating Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations.

Conflict Israel
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