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

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

MENASource

Oct 21, 2021

A return to a constitutional monarchy may solve Libya’s problems

By Mustafa El Sagezli

When it comes to choosing their next chapter, some Libyans have already identified a promising path forward: restoring the 1951 constitution, which called for a representative, technocratic government with a hereditary monarch.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Oct 19, 2021

Jordan is pushing for rapprochement with Syria. But is it to reinforce artificial stability in the region?

By Laith Alajlouni

The normalization of ties with Syria is assumed to be a part of a broader regional stabilization plan that Jordan's King Abdullah advocated for during his recent visit to Washington in July.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Fast Thinking

Oct 18, 2021

FAST THINKING: What to do about China’s hypersonic weapons

By Atlantic Council

Should US defense officials be worried about the pace of Chinese military modernization? What could China do with such weapons? Our experts fire off their thoughts.

Arms Control China
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