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

Nov 2, 2021

Democrats can sanction Iran’s oil without tanking negotiations—and they should

By Andrew L. Peek

The Joe Biden administration can negotiate and sanction at the same time, and it should take advantage of the flexibility of US sanctions policy to drive down Iran’s oil exports, which have crept up over the past year.

Iran Middle East

Article

Nov 1, 2021

The consequences of a US overreaction to the perceived threat of terrorism

By Christopher Preble

In the twenty years since 9/11, for example, favorable attitudes toward the United States have declined globally, with some of the sharpest declines in key US allies like Germany and the United Kingdom.

Nationalism Politics & Diplomacy

Event Recap

Oct 29, 2021

FinTech in MENA: How to build an ecosystem that promotes innovation and regulation

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

The Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative in partnership with ABANA is convening a virtual event series to shed light on the changing FinTech landscape in the MENA region, identify challenges and opportunities, and explore policy recommendations.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Oct 29, 2021

What does Russia get out of Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?

By Li-Chen Sim and Nicole Grajewski

Russia and Iran’s acrimonious relationship with the United States has brought the countries closer together.

China Iran

MENASource

Oct 28, 2021

Iran’s drones are a buzzing menace for Saudi Arabia

By Ilan Zalayat

The small but sophisticated Iranian-made armed drones have undercut the security balance in the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula over the past few years, ushering in a novel asymmetrical menace.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Oct 27, 2021

Iranians give ‘Squid Game’ the green light

By Holly Dagres

With "Squid Game" becoming a global phenomenon, it’s no surprise that it’s also gaining popularity in Iran. But the Iranian fascination with the show comes at a time when Iran and South Korea are having their own drama.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2021

How Colin Powell was ahead of his time

By Andrew L. Peek

The Powell Doctrine would have been more at home in the next Republican administration than his own.

Defense Policy Security & Defense

Fast Thinking

Oct 25, 2021

FAST THINKING: What’s behind the coup in Sudan?

By Atlantic Council

What’s next for Sudan and the global partners in its state-building project? Our experts weigh in.

Crisis Management Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Oct 25, 2021

Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation benefits the UAE too

By Omar Al-Ubaydli

While many commentators have been keen to interpret Saudi Arabia’s attempts to transform Riyadh into the Middle East’s economic capital as a threat to the economic interests of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a more nuanced analysis suggests something akin to a rising tide that will lift all boats.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Oct 22, 2021

The Hazara community in Afghanistan is stuck in the middle between Iran and the Taliban

By Saumaun Heiat

With the Taliban having come to their second iteration of power and the announcement of a newly-formed government in Afghanistan in recent weeks, several stakeholders will see a shift in their relationships, namely Iran and Afghanistan’s ethnic Hazara minority

Afghanistan Iran
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