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 26, 2022

I almost negotiated Israel-Syria peace. Here’s how it happened.

By Frederic C. Hof

In the summer and fall of 2010, American mediation aiming for peace between Israel and Syria was gaining momentum. Both sides had agreed that the United States could table a draft treaty and shuttle the text between Damascus and Jerusalem for comments and proposed revisions. 

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

May 24, 2022

The Biden administration needs to do more on Iran. Here’s why.

By Holly Dagres

Having a consistent, actionable approach to Iran is what the Biden administration needs to stay on course with its human rights agenda. Now is a good place to start.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

May 23, 2022

Until Israel deals with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it can’t lead in the region

By Jean-Loup Samaan

The normalization momentum launched by the Abraham Accords could finally lead the Jewish State to not just co-exist with its Arab neighbors, but participate alongside those countries in defining the terms of a regional security architecture. It’s in the interests of Israel and the United States to achieve that goal.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 19, 2022

The Gulf is lagging behind on gender equality. Here’s how it can catch up. 

By Salwa Balla and Iman Mohamed

The dialogue for gender parity in the workforce is still ongoing, but GCC nations have the advantage of prioritizing female employment in tandem with economic diversification.

Education Middle East

China-MENA Podcast

May 19, 2022

Chinese Multilateralism in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Dawn Murphy joins us to discuss China's approach to drawing Middle East and North African countries into Chinese-led cooperative forums for political support and influence.

China Economy & Business

MENASource

May 19, 2022

In Israel’s domestic political theater, the plot thickens

By Shalom Lipner

The tenuous prospects of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's ruling coalition are fanning speculation from critics that its box office run will be cut short. 

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 14, 2022

Memorializing Sheikh Khalifa, transition, and restoring US-UAE relations

By R. Clarke Cooper

The death of Sheikh Khalifa and the designation of his successor occurs during the fiftieth anniversary year of formal diplomatic relations with the US, marking decades of increasing security cooperation vital to supporting US interests in the Middle East. 

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

May 12, 2022

The Ebrahim Raisi government just jacked up food prices. Iranians are understandably angry.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

The government of hardline President Ebrahim Raisi—who has been in office for less than a year—has opted to introduce coupons for almost everything from bread to Internet.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

May 11, 2022

How Iran’s interpretation of the world order affects its foreign policy

By Javad Heiran-Nia

There is a gap between the psychological milieu of Iranian political elites and the real-world balance of power.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 11, 2022

Emerging market investments are shrinking. How will MENA countries hit FDI targets? 

By Amjad Ahmad

A US economic slowdown or a recession couldn’t come at a worse time for emerging markets, particularly those in MENA, where most are fighting chronic unemployment, slowing growth, and higher debt levels.

Economy & Business Middle East
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