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

Jul 24, 2023

Bridging the gender gap in venture capital

By Lynn Monzer, Nibras Basitkey

Event recap on the significance of venture funding for women entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Economy & Business Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2023

What Israel’s vote on ‘reasonableness’ means for its future

By Atlantic Council experts

The Knesset has approved the first part of a judicial overhaul that curbs the Supreme Court's power over government appointments and plans. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on the issue.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Jul 20, 2023

The Islamic Republic exported its revolution to my country, Yemen. The international community must do more to stop this.

By Moammar Al-Eryani

The international community should not stand by and allow the malign behavior of the Islamic Republic to go unchecked.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jul 18, 2023

Is Russia really siding with the UAE against Iran?

By Mark N. Katz

For Russia to endorse the GCC's position on three islands is especially surprising, considering how much Iran has done to support Moscow.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 17, 2023

At risk of separating, can Israel and the US renew their vows?

By Shalom Lipner

President Joe Biden is rolling out the red carpet for his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, who arrives in the United States on July 18.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Jul 14, 2023

The ‘Tehran’ series isn’t far-fetched. Israeli agents are operating with ease in Iran.

By Arash Azizi

Undoubtedly, the ease with which Israeli intelligence agents operate inside Iranian territory is astonishing.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Jul 14, 2023

After Tunisia expelled 1,200 Black Africans, here’s how the West can help avoid a humanitarian disaster

By Alissa Pavia and Tarek Megerisi

The West has the opportunity to prevent further deaths while simultaneously establishing resolutions to the migration predicament in Tunisia.

Civil Society Human Rights

IranSource

Jul 13, 2023

Iran joining the SCO isn’t surprising. But Beijing’s promotion of illiberal norms in Eurasia should get more attention.

By Jonathan Fulton

Deeper coordination between Iran and other member states gives momentum to the China-centered illiberal order being promoted by Beijing.

China East Asia

IranSource

Jul 11, 2023

Why Khamenei’s son is not the next radical modernizer in the Middle East

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

A cohort of regime elites are hoping that Mojtaba Khamenei will transform the Islamic Republic from above.

Iran Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 7, 2023

The mechanisms of corruption in Iran

By Masoud Mostajabi and Britt Gronemeyer

On June 13, the Atlantic Council’s Iran Strategy Project hosted a virtual event, “The Mechanisms of Corruption in Iran” to discuss the nature of corruption and sanctions in Iran as well as the social, economic, and political implications of these issues. The Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative Director, Jonathan Panikoff conducted opening remarks, […]

Corruption Economy & Business
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