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

Nov 18, 2021

Israel is becoming a cybersecurity guarantor in the Middle East. Here’s how.

By Islam Alhalwany

Israel is becoming more of a security guarantor in the cyber field against Iran and other regional threats by filling the vacuum resulting from the US’s increasingly passive attitude towards the changing security dynamics in the region.

Israel Middle East

Event Recap

Nov 12, 2021

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Turki: No region in the world feels the dangers of strategic confusion more than the Middle East

By Yaseen Rashed

On November 2-3, the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative hosted a conference with TRENDS Research and Advisory addressing “Middle East Security in a Changing World: Building a Sustainable Regional Security System.”

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Nov 10, 2021

Is Iran going on an arms shopping spree in Moscow?

By Robert Czulda

Iran has frequently turned to Russia for arms it could not produce at home.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Nov 9, 2021

From November 2019 to Khuzestan protests, lack of accountability is emblematic of Iran’s plague of impunity

By Skylar Thompson

Without concrete action to fight the plague of impunity that covers Iran, these violent events will only continue to occur and the Iranian people will continue to suffer.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Nov 8, 2021

Experts React: Assassination attempt on Iraq’s prime minister

By Andrew L. Peek, Barbara Slavin, C. Anthony Pfaff, Thomas S. Warrick, Matthew Zais, Nathan Sales

Atlantic Council experts react to the news of the attack, assess the impact on Iraqi politics, and offer their analysis on how the international community may respond.

Iraq Middle East

Event Recap

Nov 8, 2021

Top women execs on leading “deliberate” organizational change, fostering diversity and inclusion, and coping with challenges

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

On November 2, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a workshop on “Women in senior management: Masterclass in leadership.”

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Nov 5, 2021

Lebanon is facing two crises. Will the new prime minister survive?

By Nicholas Blanford

For a government formed less than two months ago after more than a year of bitter political wrangling, it is becoming increasingly doubtful if it will survive long enough to reach the date of parliamentary elections four months away.

Lebanon Middle East

IranSource

Nov 5, 2021

Iran’s Middle East influence may actually be declining

By Saeid Jafari

Growing global dissatisfaction with Tehran's approach to its nuclear program and delays in returning to the negotiations, as well as developments in Iran’s backyard, are undermining Iranian claims to successful “resistance” and rising influence.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Nov 4, 2021

What will the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue look like? Here’s a preview.

By Allison Nour

The US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue is one of the longest-standing in the region. Though primarily symbolic, the dialogue serves as an opportunity for senior-level engagement across a broad swath of bilateral priorities.

Middle East North Africa

IranSource

Nov 3, 2021

Throwing gas on the fire of Iranian internet suppression

By Amir Rashidi and Mani Mostofi

The October 26 cyberattack against gas stations across Iran is already being used as an excuse to push forward the repeatedly stalled Cyberspace Users Rights Protection and Regulation of Key Online Services which conservative politicians have been railroading through parliament since July.

Iran Middle East
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