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

Jan 18, 2023

As Brazil investigates Bolsonaro’s role in anti-democratic riots, should the US kick him out?

By Gissou Nia, Thomas S. Warrick

While the Biden administration needs to demonstrate moral leadership, acting too hastily could fuel the flames of Brazil’s polarized politics and damage democracy in the long term.

Brazil Elections

MENASource

Jan 13, 2023

US sanctions on Syria aren’t working. It’s time for a new sanctions approach that minimizes humanitarian suffering and increases leverage.

By Karam Shaar and Said Dimashqi

Before making concessions, the United States can increase its leverage in Syria by dedicating resources to make use of the smart sanctions that US policymakers have already developed.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 12, 2023

<strong>Saudi Arabia and Qatar are cooperating with the Taliban. But their approaches to Afghanistan are different. </strong>

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco and Kristian P. Alexander

All Gulf Cooperation Council states have come to terms with the reality of Taliban rule in Afghanistan since August 2021 and must pragmatically deal with the situation on the ground.

Afghanistan Indo-Pacific

IranSource

Jan 11, 2023

<strong>Soccer players versus the IRGC. Who do the people of Iran choose?</strong>

By Arash Azizi

Iranians know who their national heroes are.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Jan 6, 2023

Want peace in Yemen? First, restore the balance of power.

By Sam Mundy and Mick Mulroy

Rather than giving in to the Houthis’ latest demands and withdrawing their support for pro-government forces, the UAE and Saudi Arabia should attempt to restore a balance of power in negotiations.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Jan 5, 2023

<strong>An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. </strong>

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad

Such a coalition is an important step forward to grant the millions-strong Iranian diaspora a unified and, thus, more effective voice to push the international community.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Jan 4, 2023

<strong>Jordanians are protesting again. It’s time for economic and administrative reforms.</strong>

By Laith Alajlouni

Without tackling the root causes of Jordan's issues, the country will only delay the crisis and it will snowball into something larger in the future.

Economy & Business Elections

Event Recap

Dec 23, 2022

Governing the ungovernable. Consolidating the Libyan state amidst emerging criminal networks

By Nour Alhajjeh and Alissa Pavia

Libya has endured ten years of turmoil, lack of stability, foreign interference, and internal strife. The presence and proliferation of local armed groups have further eroded state-building processes. Read this event recap to know more about Libya's future.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Dec 23, 2022

2022: A year in the Middle East

By Nour Alhajjeh and Madeline Hart 

2022 was a year full of unprecedented protests, groundbreaking state visits, historical elections, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

Dec 23, 2022

Congress just passed a big change to war crimes law. Here’s what it means for Ukraine and beyond.

By Gissou Nia

Now, the US can prosecute war crimes whenever the alleged perpetrator is on US soil, regardless of the perpetrator's nationality or where the crime was committed.

Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy
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