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

Jun 29, 2021

If Raisi wants to improve the Iranian economy, price controls are where to start

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

Lawmakers and government officials in Iran repeatedly revert to the same set of failed populistic economic policies, failing to make short-term sacrifices that benefit the country in the long term. One such policy is price controls, a favorite in the toolkit of Iranian policymakers, who have attempted to control persistently high inflation rates over the past decades, but obviously with no success.

Economy & Business Iran

Fast Thinking

Jun 28, 2021

FAST THINKING: What Biden’s airstrikes left behind

By Atlantic Council

What does this mean for the future of drone warfare and the US military presence in Iraq? Our experts sort through the fallout.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Jun 28, 2021

Princess Reema tells Saudi women entrepreneurs to dream big

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

On June 23, 2021 the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a workshop featuring a keynote fireside chat with Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, which was moderated by US Embassy Riyadh Chargé D’Affaires Martina Strong, and a panel discussion with Endeavor Saudi Arabia Managing Director Lateefa Alwaalan, 500 Startups MENA Partner Amal Dokhan, S&P Global Chief Public & Government Affairs Officer Courtney Geduldig, and UPS Vice President for Community Relations Esther Ndichu, which was moderated by empowerME Director and Resident Senior Fellow Amjad Ahmad.

Economy & Business Entrepreneurship

MENASource

Jun 25, 2021

Under a Raisi presidency, ties with Iraq will still matter

By Abbas Kadhim, Masoud Mostajabi

For Baghdad, it will be essential to maintain friendly relations with the new Iranian administration and its other neighbors.

Iran Iraq

IranSource

Jun 24, 2021

A look at Iran’s new First Lady

By Fatemeh Haghighatjoo

It’s important to take a close look at President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's wife, Jamileh Alamolhoda, and, more importantly, how the couple will impact women’s rights in Iran.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jun 24, 2021

US-Russia summit: Much ado about nothing in the Middle East

By Li-Chen Sim, Daniel Rakov, and Joze Pelayo

In this brief reaction piece, two experts from our working group on Chinese and Russian power projection in the Middle East offer their views on the potential implications of the US-Russia summit for the Middle East.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Jun 23, 2021

What will Raisi’s cabinet look like? Hardline and full of war vets.

By Mehrzad Boroujerdi

Considering Ebrahim Raisi’s lack of experience in foreign policy and economic affairs, the success of his administration will depend to some extent on who he will pick for his cabinet.

Elections Iran

IranSource

Jun 23, 2021

Predicting the predictable: What do pre-election polls tell us about Iran’s election?

By Dara Conduit

Why were pre-election polls conducted throughout Iran's presidential campaign period if there was never any doubt of the election result? The answer lies in the election process itself.

Elections Iran

IranSource

Jun 22, 2021

An uncertain future for Iran under a minority president

By Hezha Barzani

On June 21, 2021, the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative hosted an event to discuss the implications of Iran’s June 18 presidential elections for US-Iran relations. Read the key takeaways.

Iran Middle East

Fast Thinking

Jun 19, 2021

FAST THINKING: Iran’s chosen one

By Atlantic Council

How will Ebrahim Raisi steer Iran? Does Friday’s low voter turnout spell trouble for him? Our Iran experts are here to break down the preordained election.

Elections Iran
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