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

Feb 15, 2023

The case for a Western initiative in Northeast Syria: A European perspective

By Michel Duclos

The time has come for the United States and its core allies on the Syrian issue—foremost among them France and the United Kingdom—to adopt a robust initiative toward northeast Syria.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Feb 10, 2023

<strong>If well managed, Italy and Algeria could build a strong and viable geo-economic bridge between both shores of the Med</strong>

By Abdelkader Abderrahmane

Surfing on special ties and the war in Ukraine, Italy and Algeria have undoubtedly spotted an opportunity to further strengthen their economic and geopolitical relationship. 

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Event Recap

Feb 9, 2023

Redefining the meaning of ‘failure’ in policies and culture to promote business risk

By Amira Attia

On January 24th, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a discussion about destigmatizing failure and promoting business risk through policies and culture.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

IranSource

Feb 9, 2023

<strong>Forty-four years of an Islamic Republic. Many now regret the 1979 revolution.</strong>

By Shahin Milani

While there are disagreements over many aspects of the 1979 revolution, most Iranians agree that the country is in a far worse situation because of it.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Feb 9, 2023

In Syria, the earthquake ‘did what the Assad regime and Russians wanted to do to us all along’

By Arwa Damon

While aid increasingly flows into Turkey from around the world by air, land, and sea, areas on the other side of the border in Syria’s rebel-controlled areas are seeing none of that.

Civil Society Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Feb 7, 2023

<strong>The UAE and Israel have a history of strong female leadership. Women must take substantial roles in the next phase of the Abraham Accords.</strong>

By Marcy Grossman

To have a sustained and enduring peace in the region after the signing of the Abraham Accords, women must also be equally included and reflected in policy-making, decision-making, and programming.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 6, 2023

Experts react: How the world should respond to the devastating earthquake in Turkey

By Atlantic Council experts

How can the international community help? What will the impact be for a region already reeling from a decade-long war and refugee crisis?

Corruption Economy & Business

IranSource

Feb 3, 2023

<strong>The Islamic Republic is on the path to committing a mass atrocity. The world should pay attention.</strong>

By Anthony Vance

The persistent and systematic nature of the Baha’i experience strongly suggests that it would be worthwhile to freshly examination the community’s vulnerability in the current context to determine whether this already beleaguered community is at increased risk of larger-scale abuses.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Feb 2, 2023

<strong>Egypt just seized part of Libya’s maritime zone. What’s the story behind the Egyptian decree no one is talking about?</strong>

By Ali Bakir

On December 13, 2022, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi issued a presidential decree demarcating the country's maritime borders with Libya.

Libya Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 2, 2023

What to make of the strikes in Iran? Watch these three indicators.

By Jonathan Panikoff

As more details about the attack emerge, the biggest unknown is how Iran views the impact of this incident and how it will respond.

Defense Technologies Drones
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