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

May 30, 2023

Cross-border cooperation between Israel and MENA region is key to addressing climate change

By Tamara Sharon Ross and Rony Erez

There are many opportunities to meet climate-related challenges through cooperation, expertise sharing, and the exchange of ideas in MENA.

Middle East North Africa

New Atlanticist

May 25, 2023

How to hold the Assad regime accountable, even as countries normalize relations with Syria

By Elise Baker

There remains a slate of accountability tools for Syria, and certain avenues for seeking accountability may even be expanding with normalization.

Corruption Human Rights

MENASource

May 25, 2023

Developing countries need a loss and damage fund for climate change. How can COP28 make it happen?

By Lama El Hatow

A L&D fund is the last lifeboat for these countries after decades of struggle to achieve some form of global climate justice.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

IranSource

May 24, 2023

Iran is using its cyber capabilities to kidnap its foes in the real world

By Borzou Daragahi

This new form of transnational repression by Iran has alarmed security professionals and governments worldwide. 

Cybersecurity Iran

MENASource

May 24, 2023

The US needs to be proactive in order to break its escalatory cycle with Iran

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Here we go again. On March 23, Iran-backed Iraqi militias launched a drone attack that killed an American contractor and wounded another, as well as twenty-four US military personnel. The attack feels very much like a repeat of the one in December 2019, which also killed a US contractor and led to an escalatory cycle, […]

Conflict Iran

IranSource

May 22, 2023

The State Department is fumbling its approach to Iran. It’s time for an overhaul.

By Holly Dagres

The State Department's Iran social media account messages are innocuous, but they don’t resonate with Iranians, as the content doesn’t match with what’s happening on the ground.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

May 19, 2023

Regional cyber powers are banking on a wired future. <strong>Expanding the Abraham Accords to cybersecurity will help</strong>.

By Thomas S. Warrick

The Abraham Accord countries face threats from hostile actors, and defending their technology and their peoples is a challenge.

Cybersecurity Iran

MENASource

May 19, 2023

Experts react: Assad gets warm reception at Arab summit. Where does that leave the US and its allies?

By Qutaiba Idlbi, Gissou Nia, Michel Duclos, Emadeddin Badi

Atlantic Council experts react to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's attendance at the Arab League summit in Jeddah and explain its significance below. 

Human Rights Middle East

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2023

Can Arab League states ‘get something’ for readmitting Assad?

By Qutaiba Idlbi

Pre-summit conversations centered around three issues: the return of refugees, countering narcotics, and the reestablishing the state authority and institutions in Syria.

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

May 18, 2023

How the international community can help Libya’s political deadlock, according to local civil society actors

By Ali Alaspli, Farah Ali, and Mohamed Salem

In this piece, three Libyan civil society representatives give their take on the international community’s role in Libya.

Human Rights Libya
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