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

Mar 7, 2022

Turkey and the UAE are getting close again. But why now?

By Amjad Ahmad, Defne Arslan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s February 14 visit to the UAE indicates that rapprochement is well underway. Strategic and economic factors are behind this shift and many benefits can come from closer ties.

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

Mar 7, 2022

As the world shuns Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Iran strengthens its ties with Moscow

By Nicole Grajewski

Iran’s support for Russian actions reflects the improvement in bilateral ties, which have grown considerably at the political and military levels over the past decade.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Mar 4, 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacts the Middle East too

By Bat Chen Druyan Feldman and Joze Pelayo

Together with Russia's strategic importance to Iran, this anti-American approach, which is very prominent in Iranian leadership and affects its foreign policy, will continue to play an essential role in the Iranian reaction to the war in Ukraine.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Mar 3, 2022

Can Iranian oil stabilize a volatile market?

By Omid Shokri

As fuel prices skyrocket following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, another major supplier of oil and natural gas is poised to play an important role.

Energy & Environment Iran

MENASource

Mar 3, 2022

As Qatar becomes a non-NATO ally, greater responsibility conveys with the status

By R. Clarke Cooper

Although Qatar’s eligibility for MNNA status doesn’t automatically include a mutual defense pact with the United States, being designated a MNNA state is very much a declaration that the United States wants a deeper and stronger security-cooperation relationship with Qatar and expects the country to play a greater role in regional security.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Mar 2, 2022

The UAE education system is pushing for peace and religious tolerance. The rest of the region should follow suit.

By Marcus Sheff

Education is the key to fostering the development of peaceful and tolerant societies. However, it can also be a tool for political and religious radicalization, exploited by bad actors.

Education Israel

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2022

Experts React: Russia has launched a war against Ukraine. How can the West fight back?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts are weighing in with their thoughts about where this conflict is going and how the West can fight back.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Feb 24, 2022

Syria has a water crisis. And it’s not going away.

By Aurora Sottimano and Nabil Samman

The current water crisis wasn’t entirely unexpected. Profound changes to Syria’s hydrology have been taking place for decades due to mismanagement, climate change, economic growth, intensified water use, and heightened competition for water across international boundaries.  

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Feb 23, 2022

China and Russia are proposing a new authoritarian playbook. MENA leaders are watching closely.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

It’s on major Western democracies to make democracy appealing again by aggressively filling the gaps China and Russia exploit to make the world more accommodating to their political models and the new trend of rising authoritarianism.

China East Asia

MENASource

Feb 17, 2022

Will Libya have two prime ministers again?

By Karim Mezran

This political upheaval is the main reason why there is, at least in the short term, a low probability for an armed confrontation to erupt in Libya.

Libya Middle East
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