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

Oct 25, 2022

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is less than a month away. Qatar’s supposed labor reforms have done little to improve worker’s conditions.

By Madeline Hart

The workers responsible for making this event happen continue to face death and abuse each day, while risking deportation if they protest.

Human Rights Middle East

MENASource

Oct 24, 2022

Truce or no truce: Transitional justice is Yemen’s only path to healing

By Hooria Mashhour

Yemen will not reach peace without a peace process that is based on human rights, gender equality, and transitional justice.

Human Rights Middle East

IranSource

Oct 20, 2022

The next generation of Iranian women dare to imagine a future with freedom. This is what they want us to see. 

By Rosa Rahimi

Iranians are demanding very un-audacious things: to own their own bodies; to live in a country where their mothers don’t feel compelled to risk their own lives out of hope their daughters may lead freer ones; to wear what they like to breakfast.

Human Rights Iran

New Atlanticist

Oct 20, 2022

US missile defense can put a stop to the Middle East arms race

By Alex Elnagdy

Coupling missile-defense assistance with missile and bomb reductions can help the US break free of its short-sighted Middle East policies of the past.

Arms Control Crisis Management

China-MENA Podcast

Oct 20, 2022

Arab Barometer and Perceptions of China in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Michael Robbins joins us to discuss the region's perception of China based on the Arab Barometer's surveys conducted in MENA, and the different perspectives of the general public versus the elite—as the latter tends to be more favorable toward Beijing.

China East Asia

MENASource

Oct 18, 2022

The New Middle East is dismissing great power competition—for now 

By Jean-Loup Samaan

The more local actors grow confident about their own autonomy, the less tempted they will be to align themselves on the agenda of another external power.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

IranSource

Oct 17, 2022

Ex-empires Iran and Russia forge new bonds as both blame their woes on the West

By Barbara Slavin

From a societal level, Russia and Iran would seem to have little in common. However, the West, Russian and Iranian rulers jointly believe, want to overthrow their regimes, and don’t care if the alternative is chaos.

Europe & Eurasia Iran

MENASource

Oct 17, 2022

Italy recently elected a far-right leader. Here’s how the Arab world reacted to the news.

By Karim Mezran, Nour Dabboussi

Giorgia Meloni’s government should carefully consider how it handles its nationalistic discourse to avoid any Islamophobic controversies that could ultimately spark a blowback of condemnations from its allies in the Arab world.

Europe & Eurasia Italy

IranSource

Oct 13, 2022

An American martyred himself for the people of Iran. Here’s his story.

By Reza Aslan

The memory of Howard Baskerville and his sacrifice has been all but lost in both Iran and America.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Oct 13, 2022

By killing Mahsa Amini, the Islamic Republic has created millions of Medeas

By John Limbert

Iran’s obli­vious aging rulers have, like Jason, gone too far. Now they must face a million Medeas with no thought of forgiving and determined to have their revenge. 

Human Rights Iran
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