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.

Learn more

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

New Atlanticist

Jan 26, 2024

Experts react: What the International Court of Justice said (and didn’t say) in the genocide case against Israel

By Atlantic Council experts

South Africa asked the court to order an immediate cease-fire. Israel asked the court to throw out the case. Atlantic Council experts explain what the court did instead.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Jan 26, 2024

A miscalculated aggression: How Pakistan’s response exposed Iran’s vulnerabilities

By Ali Bakir

Iran overplayed its hand with Pakistan and was reminded of its proper place.

Conflict Indo-Pacific

MENASource

Jan 25, 2024

Can whatever remains of Hamas in Gaza be administratively and politically rehabilitated?

By Ahmed F. Alkhatib

The realities on the ground and Israel’s inability to fully eradicate Hamas necessitate addressing this uncomfortable question.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jan 23, 2024

The escalation no country in the Middle East wants but still pushes toward

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has returned from a fourth visit to the Middle East with the clear objective of preventing regional escalation from the Israel-Hamas war. This concern is shared by all countries in the region, who, for various reasons, understand how the evolution of current tensions into a wider conflict could generate […]

Middle East North Africa

Testimony

Jan 22, 2024

Gissou Nia testifies to House Committee on Homeland Security, and subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement & Intelligence

By Gissou Nia

Gissou Nia highlights the issue of addressing transnational repression threats to homeland security.

Defense Policy International Norms

IranSource

Jan 22, 2024

A thirsty reality: Iran’s dire water situation

By Nik Kowsar

Iran's uneven water rights approach disproportionately impacts citizens in marginalized provinces, causing severe water scarcity.

Civil Society Climate Change & Climate Action

IranSource

Jan 19, 2024

Yes, I’m ‘Trash,’ but I love Iran

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Listening to Shervin Hajipour's "Trash," I’ve forged a new heart from the parts of Iran I’ve taken with me.

Human Rights Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2024

Experts react: What’s really going on with Pakistan and Iran exchanging attacks?

By Atlantic Council experts

Pakistan just conducted airstrikes in southeastern Iran, two days after Iran used missiles and drones to strike western Pakistan. Atlantic Council experts explain what’s going on.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Jan 18, 2024

The real reason the Saudi government is investing in sports. Hint: It’s not to impress you.

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali and Jaime Stansbury

Saudi Arabia’s big financial bets in the sports world are part of its broader Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Jan 17, 2024

The Houthis are again ‘specially designated global terrorists.’ Here’s what that means. 

By Atlantic Council experts

The Biden administration just returned the Iran-backed group in Yemen to the US terrorist list, but it did not designate the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization. Atlantic Council experts explain what the decision means.

Conflict Crisis Management
Load More