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

Dec 1, 2020

2021 budget reveals the depth of Syria’s economic woes

By William Christou and Karam Shaar

Unless a political settlement is reached and the sanctions are lifted to enable reconstruction, the economy of regime-held Syria will continue to struggle.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Dec 1, 2020

A top Baluchi terrorist was killed—how will this impact insurgencies in Iran?

By Fatemeh Aman

The killing of top terrorist Omar Shahoozi has no impact on the lives of the Baluch, who are some of the poorest ethnic minority groups in Iran.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 27, 2020

What the assassination of a nuclear scientist means for Iran’s nuclear showdown with the US and Israel

By Holly Dagres

The assassination of an Iranian scientist has struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear program and exposed the vulnerabilities of the Islamic Republic, which failed to protect one of its most valuable assets.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Nov 24, 2020

UNRWA—and the Palestine refugees it serves—remains an investment worth protecting

By Mara Kronenfeld

UNRWA is one of the only entities standing between a tragic COVID-19 outbreak among Palestine refugees and safe passage to the other side of this global crisis. Though the agency has the expertise to help Palestine refugees, it can only continue doing so with adequate and reliable funding.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Nov 23, 2020

Regional stability is in the interest of both Saudi Arabia and Iran

By Mohsen Tavakol

Contrary to common stereotypes, Riyadh and Tehran actually share a number of common interests.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Nov 20, 2020

Iran tries another lockdown as coronavirus cases soar

By Tahereh Hadian-Jazy

Faced with a new surge in coronavirus cases, Iranian authorities have ordered hundreds of cities across the country to obey a variety of stringent new restrictions starting from November 21.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Nov 20, 2020

Stormy waters: Israel and Lebanon negotiate their maritime border

By Udi Evental

After a decade of United States-led mediation, on October 14, delegations on behalf of Israel and Lebanon entered negotiations on the demarcation of their disputed maritime borderline.

Israel Lebanon

IranSource

Nov 19, 2020

The risk of a too comprehensive deal with Iran

By Raz Zimmt

Any attempt to enforce restrictions on Iran's regional activities under a new and more comprehensive JCPOA is likely to encounter several significant challenges.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 18, 2020

The Trump administration is right—on civilian oversight of special operations

By William F. Wechsler

While the elevation of an assistant secretary of defense may elicit yawns, the move addresses one of the most important issues for any country: how to best secure civilian control over the military.

Defense Policy National Security

MENASource

Nov 18, 2020

Mudassir Sheikha and Amjad Ahmad on how to create more “unicorns” in the Middle East

By Allison Holle

Atlantic Council’s empowerME initiative hosted Careem Co-Founder & CEO Mudassir Sheikha and empowerME Director and venture capital veteran Amjad Ahmad for a conversation about Sheikha’s path to success and strategies for building a more productive entrepreneurial ecosystem to create more unicorns in the Middle East. Below are the key takeaways from the discussion moderated by CNBC Reporter & Anchor Hadley Gamble.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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