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

Feb 16, 2021

Two years on, Algeria’s Hirak is poised for a rebirth

By Andrew G. Farrand

Partisans of the Hirak are quick to point out that they voluntarily paused the movement and can restart it at any time. Two years after the Hirak’s eruption, that possibility appears likely.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Feb 12, 2021

A historic opportunity for peace in Yemen

By Nabeel Khoury

There is a hard and complex road ahead, but the Biden administration has taken a major first step in the right direction.

Politics & Diplomacy Yemen

IranSource

Feb 11, 2021

Analyzing terrorism sanctions on Iran and the path forward

By Kenneth Katzman

The de-listing of Iranian economic entities that were designated as terrorist entities could spark a broader debate on the overarching US approach to Iranian support for regional armed factions.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Feb 10, 2021

The Biden administration can help mend ties between Turkey and Israel

By Gabriel Mitchell

After enduring a decade of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s erratic and often antagonistic behavior, it will take more than gestures to bring these two erstwhile allies back together.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Feb 10, 2021

China is still brimming with Iranian oil

By Brendon Hong

As long as China’s petroyuan provides a means to avoid US sanctions, Iran will keep loading tankers with crude and sending them eastward.

China Iran

MENASource

Feb 9, 2021

Protests in Tunisia conjure images of the past and questions about the future

By Keith Jones

The last decade successfully delivered Tunisian democracy, but it is increasingly apparent that democracy has not delivered for many Tunisians.

Middle East North Africa

empowerME Conversations

Feb 9, 2021

Transforming homz

By Atlantic Council

In episode 5 of empowerME Conversations podcast, host Amjad Ahmad interviews Homzmart Co-Founder and CEO Mahmoud Ibrahim about his multiple entrepreneurial ventures, the growth in e-commerce in the Middle East, proactive changes governments are making to laws and regulations (and changes that are still needed), the importance of developing talent through mentoring, women’s economic inclusion in his businesses, and the need for the region to go beyond digitization and create change through innovation.

Economy & Business Middle East

IranSource

Feb 8, 2021

Hezbollah won’t avenge Qasem Soleimani’s death—for now

By David Daoud

As the first anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s demise came and went, the group’s leadership reiterated its promise to exact retribution for the fallen Quds Force commander—but Hezbollah is even more constrained now than before.

Iran Lebanon

MENASource

Feb 3, 2021

Preventing partition: The case against a diplomatic band-aid in Libya

By Will O’Brien

There are three primary arguments against partitioning Libya: the historical outcomes of partitioned countries, the potential for exacerbating the ongoing proxy war in Libya, and the risk of degrading international institutions.

Libya Middle East

Op-Ed

Feb 2, 2021

Fontenrose in The National Interest: How Joe Biden hopes to shift US policy in the Middle East

In real terms, what aspects of US policy toward the Middle East will remain relatively unchanged under Biden, and what will be notably different?

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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