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

New Atlanticist

Aug 25, 2021

PTSD is an endless war for veterans. The news from Afghanistan is making it worse.

By Kirsten Fontenrose

The realities of the Afghanistan withdrawal and its framing as a defeat put service members and veterans at risk for debilitating mental health problems and suicide.

Afghanistan Conflict

Fast Thinking

Aug 25, 2021

FAST THINKING: The clock is ticking in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

Biden is sticking to his August 31 timeline for withdrawing all American troops from Afghanistan. How will the coming days play out?

Afghanistan Conflict

MENASource

Aug 25, 2021

Lebanese politicians look for handouts instead of reforms

By Paul Gadalla

Lebanese politicians are allowing for Lebanon’s collapse while hoping for as much international aid as possible with as little strings attached.

Lebanon Middle East

IranSource

Aug 24, 2021

Iran’s new face to the world—Hossein Amir-Abdollahian—is no Zarif

By Sina Azodi

In short, unlike his predecessor who was distrusted and often marginalized by the IRGC, one should expect more collaboration between what Zarif dubbed “diplomacy and the battlefield.”

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Aug 23, 2021

My family was part of the US evacuation of Kurds in 1996. The US must do the same for Afghans.

By Hezha Barzani

The US has the means and know-how to save Afghan lives with air evacuations as they have done previously through Operation Pacific Haven in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and other campaigns, like Operation New Life in Vietnam during 1975 and Operation Open Arms in Kosovo during 1999.

Afghanistan Iraq

MENASource

Aug 23, 2021

COVID-19 lockdown highlights policies to reduce pollution in Saudi Arabia

By Faisal Algosair and Abdulmohsen Almuhaisen

In March 2020, the Saudi government instituted a national lockdown for three months to prevent the proliferation of the coronavirus. These extraordinary circumstances provide the perfect experiment for policymakers and researchers to investigate whether daily human activities significantly affect pollution levels in an oil-exporting country like Saudi Arabia.

Energy & Environment Middle East

Press and members call

Aug 20, 2021

Atlantic Council press call: Protecting Americans and their Afghan allies in Afghanistan

As the dire situation in Afghanistan continues to unfold, senior former officials and experts discuss the urgent policies, posture and operations needed to ensure a rapid, safe evacuation in the days and weeks ahead.

Afghanistan Middle East

Fast Thinking

Aug 20, 2021

FAST THINKING: Will the Kabul airlift succeed?

By Atlantic Council

How is this effort playing out? Where are Afghans going? What could go wrong? Our experts are here to get you ahead of this fast-moving story.

Afghanistan Conflict

IranSource

Aug 20, 2021

Iran spent years preparing for a Taliban victory. It may still get stung.

By Borzou Daragahi

Iran’s relatively sanguine stance toward the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan demonstrates, above all, the strides Tehran has made in improving its relations with the armed insurgent network that was once considered a mortal enemy of the Islamic Republic. 

Afghanistan Iran

MENASource

Aug 19, 2021

ISIS is defeated. What becomes of the ‘Cubs of the Caliphate’ in Iraq?

By Heba Malik

In the aftermath of sanctions, three wars, and continued violence, Iraq’s infrastructure and established child services networks remain debilitated. The reintegration of child soldiers is an extensive and long-term project that demands more than Iraqi institutions can give.

Iraq Middle East
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