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 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

IranSource

Jun 3, 2021

Iran just lost one of its largest ships. It’s a major embarrassment.

By Robert Czulda

In the early hours of June 2, the venerable Iranian supply ship Kharg caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Oman. The loss is a major setback for the Islamic Republic, exposing not only the poor readiness of the Iranian armed forces, but also the lethality of Iran’s military equipment to its own soldiers.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jun 3, 2021

Algeria’s parliamentary elections: A bumpy road ahead

By Abdelkader Abderrahmane

While the coronavirus pandemic put on hold the Hirak movement, its resumption in February this year indicates that many Algerians have not renounced challenging the Algerian government.

Elections Middle East

Fast Thinking

Jun 2, 2021

FAST THINKING: Israel after Bibi

By Atlantic Council

The “change government,” which must still be confirmed by a vote in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, would bring together a broad array of Netanyahu foes from the far left to the far right. But can a new government really end the political chaos of recent years?

Elections Israel

MENASource

Jun 2, 2021

Experts React: Israel might have a new government. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council experts react to the news of Israel's new government and assess the significance of the coalition's push to oust Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.

Democratic Transitions Israel

MENASource

Jun 2, 2021

Egypt has a water problem—and no, it’s not only the GERD

By Yaniv Cohen

The Nile River, a once seemingly unending water resource serving Egypt as a dependable and mighty lifeline for millennia, now barely reaches the Mediterranean Sea.

Energy & Environment Middle East

IranSource

Jun 1, 2021

A Raisi presidential win may be his undoing as future Supreme Leader

By Anonymous

Conventional wisdom is that the election will facilitate Ebrahim Raisi’s ascent to the real decision-making post in Iran—that of Supreme Leader. But nothing is ever certain in Iran’s contentious politics.

Elections Iran
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