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

MENASource

Jun 20, 2023

‘Any nationality just not Syrian’: Refugee deportations surge in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey

By Arwa Damon

While Syria’s neighboring countries have long been struggling to host their Syrian refugee populations, with many, like Lebanon, being in a complete crisis of their own, the sheer lack of care provided to refugees is inhumane.

Civil Society Human Rights

MENASource

Jun 16, 2023

How the international community can help Iraq on a path toward democratic stability

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

The international community should increase its financial support for civil-society organizations in Iraq, as these play an instrumental role in reconciling ethnic divisions while promoting democratic principles among younger people.

Civil Society Corruption

MENASource

Jun 14, 2023

How the Saudi Pro League transformed from being unknown to inescapable

By Hezha Barzani

Saudi Arabia is levying its soccer investments both at home and abroad as its main push to make a bigger splash in the international sports world; but it’s not stopping at soccer.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jun 12, 2023

<strong>I work in Syrian civil society. There were gaps in our performance after the February 6 earthquake.</strong>

By Kenda Hawasli

It is clear that humanitarian response planning in Syria requires a full review process that reconsiders existing approaches and involves local partners while listening to their experiences.

Civil Society Crisis Management

MENASource

Jun 9, 2023

Saudi Arabia is requiring companies to establish headquarters in the kingdom. That strategy may pay off. 

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

Saudi Arabia’s goal is to get 480 companies to open regional headquarters by 2030 to grow the Saudi economy.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Jun 9, 2023

Assad is appointing new military officials to escape sanctions on Syria

By Muhsen AlMustafa

Of the thirty Syrian army and security officers in new leadership positions, only two are blacklisted. This indicates a significant gap.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Middle East

IranSource

Jun 7, 2023

Iran is playing musical chairs with leadership positions. None of these individuals have been sanctioned.

By Behnam Ben Taleblu

Playing musical chairs with leadership positions provides opportunities to recalibrate and update coercive economic measures on Iran.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 7, 2023

The US should pay close attention to Saudi Arabia’s domestic policy

By Jonathan Panikoff

Riyadh’s foreign priorities today are little more than a shadow of its plans at home. US officials should factor this reality into their plans to stabilize relations with the kingdom.

Politics & Diplomacy Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jun 6, 2023

The US has learned to work with governments that the president isn’t close to. Saudi Arabia is no different.

By David Mack

Given their different historical experiences, relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States will always be a work in progress.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jun 2, 2023

In an endless series of Israeli operations, Operation Shield and Arrow in Gaza was yet another name on the list

By Ksenia Svetlova

The current Israeli government is just as unable as previous ones to produce a solution to stop PIJ and Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank.

Conflict Israel
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