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

Jun 15, 2021

What does the Arab Street think of China and Russia? The answers may surprise you.

By Li-Chen Sim and Lucille Greer

Are perceptions about China and Russia shared by MENA elites and the public? Building on previous posts that analyzed MENA’s interests in engaging these states, we answer these questions by examining polling data across MENA and within particular states.

China Middle East

IranElections2021

Jun 15, 2021

The JCPOA but not much else: Modest expectations for US-Iran relations post Rouhani

By Barbara Slavin

For the US and Iran, an Ebrahim Raisi presidency could portend not much beyond a return to a 2015 nuclear agreement that traded limited sanctions relief for time-bound curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Elections Iran

IranElections2021

Jun 14, 2021

Hemmati: The dark horse of the Iranian presidential election?

By Ali Dadpay

One wonders if the former Central Bank of Iran governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, a moderate, stands a chance. His performance in the debates and his wife’s appearance in an interview have certainly garnered attention.

Elections Iran

MENASource

Jun 14, 2021

Narcos: Syria edition—and what the US can do about it

By Ian Larson

Little-consumed outside the Middle East, captagon—also known as the “poor man’s cocaine”—has proliferated, owing to an industrial boom centered predominantly in war-torn Syria, where the embattled regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad now relies on narcotics as a financial lifeline.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranElections2021

Jun 11, 2021

Saeed Jalili: The former nuclear negotiator that rubs diplomats the wrong way

By Saeid Jafari

Saeed Jalili can be seen as a back-up candidate, who is gradually depicting himself to be a serious challenge.

Elections Iran

GeoTech Cues

Jun 11, 2021

Can AgriTech entrepreneurs save the Middle East’s food supply?

By Hezha Barzani and Matthew Goodman

On June 9, the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center and empowerME Initiative hosted a private, on-the-record roundtable. Read the key takeaways.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

MENASource

Jun 10, 2021

Parliamentary elections won’t rescue Algeria from its legitimacy problem

By Andrew Farrand

Arriving on the heels of two years of overt popular contestation, Algeria’s June 12 parliamentary elections will not suffice to resolve the country’s deep political impasse.

Elections Middle East

IranElections2021

Jun 10, 2021

With a Raisi presidency, would the Iran nuclear deal remain on the table?

By Raz Zimmt

Although Ebrahim Raisi's positions are indeed more hardline than President Hassan Rouhani's, he does not, in principle, oppose a return to the JCPOA.

Elections Iran

MENASource

Jun 8, 2021

Five years of Russian aid in Syria proves Moscow is an unreliable partner

By Jonathan Robinson

After Russia’s first year in Syria, Russia became even more explicit with its intentions about the use of humanitarian aid. In other words, humanitarian aid had become a key soft power instrument.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jun 4, 2021

Libya’s fragile ceasefire: A lost opportunity?

By Wolfgang Pusztai

On April 16, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2570, approving arrangements for a ceasefire monitoring mechanism and the deployment of UN monitors. But will a sixty-person team be sufficient to prevent the renewed outbreak of hostilities in this deeply split country?

Libya Middle East
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