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

IranSource

Mar 21, 2022

Israel and Iran need to turn down the heat. The UAE could be the best choice as conduit.

By Danny Citrinowicz

The UAE could help defuse tension with Iran at a time when Israeli military activity in Syria continues against Iran.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 18, 2022

ISIS has a new leader. It’s important to understand their operational capacity.

By Orwa Ajjoub

The attack on al-Sina’a prison and other similar attacks reflect its operational capacity and the future threat it will pose to the region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Mar 17, 2022

Promoting tolerance: How can education counter decades of mistrust?

By Salwa Balla

Peace and stability are fragile, and the best way to build sustainable relationships between Israel and the Middle East is through tolerance-building and educational reforms initiatives.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2022

Iran deal or not, Gulf nations need integrated air and missile defense 

By the Atlantic Council’s Gulf Security Task Force

Nuclear talks aside, a US-backed missile defense system is key in deterring Iran’s regional armed network while advancing US and Gulf security aims.

Defense Technologies Iran

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2022

Punish Putin for past and present crimes

By Gissou Nia, Jomana Qaddour

Justice will remain incomplete if the dots aren't connected among Putin’s crimes in Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine.

Conflict Human Rights

China-MENA Podcast

Mar 15, 2022

Chinese Community Building in the Middle East: Chinese in Dubai

By Atlantic Council

Yuting Wang joins the China-MENA podcast to discuss Chinese Community Building in the Middle East: Chinese in Dubai

China Economy & Business

IranSource

Mar 11, 2022

I was once conscripted into the Iranian armed forces. Here’s why the IRGC designation is punishing conscripts.

By Sina Azodi

It’s unclear yet whether a US decision to lift the FTO designation of the IRGC will erase the stigma of having served in the organization as far as US immigration is concerned.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 11, 2022

<strong>North Africa’s transatlantic relations: How the US can engage its European allies in North Africa</strong>

By Salwa Balla

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, US and European partnership and collaboration in North Africa becomes imperative to protecting shared values across the region.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Mar 10, 2022

Fintech is opening new doors in MENA for inclusive finance

By Allison Holle

On March 1, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, in partnership with ABANA, held a virtual event to discuss the opportunities for inclusive finance that the financial technology (Fintech) sector presents to the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) population.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Mar 9, 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine happened because the world gave Vladimir Putin a free pass in Syria

By Marwan Safar Jalani

Now that the world can finally—albeit belatedly—see Vladimir Putin for what he is, Syrians hope that the world views their plight for democracy and freedom in Syria with more solidarity.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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