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

Apr 29, 2022

Lebanon has a parliamentary election next month. The Lebanese are eyeing it with apathy and cynicism. 

By Nicholas Blanford

Most Lebanese believe that those politicians who created the financial disaster in the first place lack the will and ability to implement sector-wide reforms.

Elections Lebanon

MENASource

Apr 28, 2022

Israel’s PM gave a Holocaust Remembrance speech without mentioning Iran. It signals a new approach.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Naftali Bennett signals confidence that Israel will be vigilant and strong. That confidence grows out of more than just a different philosophical approach.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Apr 26, 2022

Russia’s war in Ukraine is making Saudi Arabia and the UAE rethink how they deal with US pressure over China

By Ahmed Aboudouh

Ukraine has plenty of lessons about the GCC and China’s growing strategic alignment with the US.

China East Asia

IranSource

Apr 21, 2022

Ableism exists online amongst Iranian women’s rights activists. It needs to be addressed.

By Ahou Koutchesfahani

Understanding the intersectionality of the feminist and disabled causes is important in the struggle for an open society that countless activists are striving towards. 

Human Rights Iran

China-MENA Podcast

Apr 20, 2022

Chinese Soft Power Projection in MENA

By Atlantic Council

Shaojin Chai joins us to discuss China's reliance on soft power to develop favorable influence throughout the MENA region.

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Apr 13, 2022

Israel won’t stick out its neck for Ukraine. It’s because of Russia.

By David Daoud

Over the last decade, regional developments have forced Israel to balance its moral sense regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict against its vital national interests.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Apr 12, 2022

The Internet ‘Protection Bill’ will hurt all Iranians, but the queer community will have the most to lose

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

International human rights organizations and the United Nations are saying a lot about the repressive “Protection Bill.” However, not much light has been shed on one of the most marginalized groups that will suffer the most: Iran’s LGBTQI community.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Apr 6, 2022

Zelenskyy wants Ukraine to be ‘a big Israel.’ Here’s a road map.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

By adapting their mindset to mirror aspects of Israel’s approach to security challenges, Ukrainian officials can tackle their own critical challenges with confidence.

Civil Society Israel

IranSource

Apr 5, 2022

The potential side benefits of a revived JCPOA for Middle East stability

By Barbara Slavin

If there is to be any chance of recalibrating this policy after Khamenei dies, as many inside Iran and outside it would like to see, reviving the JCPOA is a necessary first step.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Apr 4, 2022

Many European soccer teams are owned by Gulf states. But why?

By Hezha Barzani

With a lucrative and rapidly growing European soccer market, it’s safe to say that Gulf nations will continue to invest in the beautiful game and reap benefits economically and socially.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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