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

Nov 18, 2020

Europe can bridge the gap between Iran and a Biden administration

By Barbara Slavin, Ellie Geranmayeh and Sahil Shah

We have prepared a series of recommendations that aim to highlight the role Europe can play in preserving the JCPOA, promoting regional peace, and boosting people-to-people contacts with Iran.

Central Europe European Union

MENASource

Nov 18, 2020

Kuwait’s fiscal crisis requires bold reforms

By Ahmed Helal

While Kuwait's vibrant parliamentary life allows for greater civic participation, it has hindered decision-making around sorely needed fiscal adjustments and the implementation of any meaningful diversification plans.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Nov 16, 2020

ICMP report highlights need to launch missing persons process for Syria

By Kathryne Bomberger

While the present Syrian government is unlikely to cooperate, much can be done in the short and medium term to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and credible process. Finding more than 130,000 missing persons will require investigations across Syria and beyond.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Nov 13, 2020

Optimism and obstacles for US-Iran relations under a Biden presidency

By Sina Azodi

The election of Joe Biden as the forty-sixth president of the United States has sparked optimism in many quarters that real diplomacy and engagement will be the preferred method of conducting US policy toward Iran after January 20.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2020

How a Biden presidency could change US relations with the rest of the world

By Atlantic Council

We asked experts from around the Atlantic Council to preview what the election of Joe Biden as US president will mean for countries, big and small, all across the world. Here’s a quick spin around the globe as we preview what lies ahead for US foreign policy under Joe Biden:

Africa East Asia

IranSource

Nov 13, 2020

A year after the November protests, human rights violators have not been held accountable in Iran

By Gissou Nia

Ideally, justice would be served by the Iranian leadership investigating violations and punishing perpetrators within their ranks. Unfortunately, that is not a realistic scenario.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Nov 12, 2020

A Biden-Rouhani agreement can positively impact Iran’s political future

By Mehran Haghirian

If he manages to reach an agreement with the United States, President Hassan Rouhani will undoubtedly garner the support of the majority of Iranians like he did after signing an interim agreement in 2013. This will allow him to position himself as the person who finally resolved the dispute with the US after forty-two years.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Nov 11, 2020

How the Biden administration will impact Middle East economies

By Amjad Ahmad

The Biden administration will not be a panacea for Middle East economies but will certainly have a positive impact.

Elections Middle East

IranSource

Nov 10, 2020

The US election was all Iranians talked about for the past week

By Holly Dagres

The Iranian establishment has repeatedly claimed that a Democrat or Republican wouldn’t matter for Iran, but the general Iranian population begged to differ as it watched the vote-counting process with bated breath.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Nov 9, 2020

Netanyahu must adapt to the new Washington

By Carmiel Mahony

The 2020 US presidential election may be the splash of cold water needed to chasten Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iran Middle East
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