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

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

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
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