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

New Atlanticist

Oct 7, 2023

Experts react: Israel is ‘at war’ after Hamas militants launch major assault

By Atlantic Council experts

The Palestinian militant group Hamas launched its boldest assault on Israel in decades. Atlantic Council experts offer their thoughts on the events.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 6, 2023

The India-Middle East Corridor: A Biden Road Initiative?

By Jean-Loup Samaan

Economists and regional experts expressed their reservations on the feasibility—both politically and financially—of a corridor that would redraw the map of infrastructure across Eurasia.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

New Atlanticist

Oct 5, 2023

Gender apartheid is a horror. Now the United Nations can make it a crime against humanity. 

By Gissou Nia

The international community has an opportunity to codify the crime of gender apartheid in the United Nations’ crimes against humanity treaty. Learn more about gender apartheid from the Atlantic Council’s Gissou Nia.

Afghanistan Education

MENASource

Oct 4, 2023

Menendez’s case coverage is relatively muted in Egypt. That might be intentional.

By Shahira Amin

Egypt's predominantly pro-government media has chosen to either dismiss altogether or downplay the allegations against Senator Bob Menendez.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Sep 29, 2023

Cultivating change: Women as catalysts for agricultural transformation in the MENA region

By Marcy Grossman

By engaging women in decision-making leadership roles and providing them with access to education and training, a wellspring of innovative solutions can be unlocked to address challenges in agriculture, food security, and water security.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 28, 2023

Israel is joining the US Visa Waiver Program. Here’s what that means.

By Atlantic Council experts

Israelis will be able to visit the United States for up to ninety days without a visa. But the change is about more than border bureaucracy.

Economy & Business Israel

IranSource

Sep 28, 2023

Ronaldo’s visit to Iran was a temporary reprieve from the realities on the ground

By Hezha Barzani

The timing of the match is what stood out the most, as it took place two days after the one-year anniversary of the anti-establishment protests.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Sep 27, 2023

Hezbollah’s assertive posture in south Lebanon places UNIFIL in a difficult position

By Nicholas Blanford

Not only has there been an uptick in activity in recent months along the Blue Line, but Hezbollah has also been establishing a new and visible military footprint.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 25, 2023

China’s ‘crimes against humanity’ targeting Uyghurs aren’t going away. Here’s what the international community can do.

By Atlantic Council

Don't be fooled by China's efforts to cover up its oppression of the Uyghur people and other Turkic minorities, human-rights experts warned.

China European Union

MENASource

Sep 22, 2023

The Derna catastrophe is a sign that the international community needs to take action in Libya

By Karim Mezran

This narrow window of opportunity is unlikely to remain open for long.

Libya Middle East
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