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

Aug 16, 2021

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to empower the non-profit sector. Here are three areas to focus on.

By Ghadah W. Alharthi

The goals of Saudi’s Vision 2030 will require innovation on all fronts, and social entrepreneurship can be a leading driver of the country’s advancement once nurtured properly.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Aug 16, 2021

The Raisi administration must answer the IAEA enquires. Otherwise, Vienna talks risk derailment.

By Kelsey Davenport

Tehran’s failure to fully cooperate with the IAEA’s investigation into past possible undeclared nuclear materials and activities risks derailing progress on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’s (JCPOA) restoration and undermining confidence that Iran’s current nuclear program is peaceful.

Iran Middle East

Fast Thinking

Aug 15, 2021

FAST THINKING: What you need to know about the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

What can the United States possibly do now to manage the fallout? How will all this reshape America’s global standing? Our experts penetrate the fog of war.

Afghanistan Conflict

Experts react

Aug 15, 2021

Experts react: The Taliban has taken Kabul. Now what?

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts, many of whom have spent many years in the trenches on Afghanistan policy, weigh in on the fall of Kabul.

Afghanistan Conflict

MENASource

Aug 13, 2021

It’s been one year since the Abraham Accords. Gulf-Israel ties are still far from normal.

By Jonathan H. Ferziger

One year after former President Donald Trump coaxed the United Arab Emirates and Israel to normalize relations, ties between the two countries and other signatories to the Abraham Accords have a distance to go before they can be considered an enduring success.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Aug 12, 2021

Hezbollah walks tightrope between two opposing goals to deter Israel

By David Daoud

On August 5, an Israeli airstrike in south Lebanon—targeting an open area from which rockets had been launched at Israel by unidentified militants in the third such incident since May 19—prompted Hezbollah’s rocket attack.

Israel Lebanon

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2021

Three paths for counterterrorism after the Afghanistan withdrawal

By William F. Wechsler

As US forces withdraw from the country twenty years after 9/11, it is yet again terrorism—or a lack thereof—that could determine how President Joe Biden’s Afghanistan policy is remembered.

Afghanistan Conflict

MENASource

Aug 11, 2021

Rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel again. Another game of brinkmanship?

By Nicholas Blanford

While Lebanon descends into ever greater political, economic, and social turmoil, a new dynamic appears to be emerging along Lebanon’s simmering southern border with Israel. It potentially threatens the balance of deterrence that has helped prevent a major escalation of hostilities for fifteen years.

Israel Lebanon

MENASource

Aug 10, 2021

This organization is working with armed groups to protect Syrian civilians. Here’s how they do it.

By Francois Zankih

While international efforts have not succeeded in ending the civil war in Syria, the humanitarian organization, Geneva Call aims to reduce violations committed by armed non-state actors against civilians.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 7, 2021

The situation in Daraa is dire. Here’s how it might play out.

By Navvar Saban and Manaf Kuman

Daraa province hasn’t witnessed a military campaign like this since the Bashar al-Assad regime took control of the province in July 2018.

Conflict Middle East
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