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

Blog Post

Aug 19, 2020

The sultan of Oman’s new cabinet combines continuity and change

By Marc J. Sievers

The most notable changes involve the replacement of several long-serving ministers by well-known and well-respected senior officials.

Middle East The Gulf

MENASource

Aug 18, 2020

UN-backed tribunal: ‘no evidence’ of Hezbollah leadership involved in assassination of Rafik Hariri

By William F. Wechsler, Nicholas Blanford, Jomana Qaddour, Gissou Nia, Joze Pelayo

The Special Tribual for Lebanon announced its verdict after fifteen years. Atlantic Council experts react to the tribunal announcement and what it means for Lebanon.

Lebanon Middle East

IranSource

Aug 18, 2020

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former president turned ‘popstar,’ plans to run again

By Holly Dagres

In recent months, there have been talks that the two-term ex-president is planning to run in the 2021 Iranian presidential elections.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Aug 18, 2020

The failed UN Security Council vote on Iran proves why diplomatic engagement matters

By Alma Keshavarz

Should the arms embargo expire—and it likely will—the US faces a tough battle to reimpose snapback sanctions.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Aug 17, 2020

Iraq’s government needs more female voices to fight the pandemic

By Hanar Marouf

Gender sensitivity and women’s voices need to be introduced in all decision-making processes and heard across Iraqi communities.

Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Aug 14, 2020

Lebanon’s future determined by two powerful explosions just fifteen years apart

By Nicholas Blanford

It remains to be seen whether this latest appalling explosion will serve as a fresh catalyst to change the status quo and whether it will eventually compel the corrupt political elite to loosen their steely grip on the levers of power.

Lebanon Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Aug 14, 2020

Are the US and Iran talking behind the scenes?

By Sina Toossi

If there is an ongoing US-Iran backchannel, it may be similar to the one Trump’s predecessor Barack Obama conducted via Oman late in the term of former hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2020

A rare strategic victory—for everyone except Iran

By William F. Wechsler

It’s been so long since the Middle East last experienced undeniably good news, that observers can be forgiven if they have difficulty recognizing it when it happens. But the “Abraham Accords” is indeed one of those moments.

Israel Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2020

Will US-brokered agreement between UAE and Israel be a regional gamechanger?

By Atlantic Council

A US-brokered deal has seen Israel and the United Arab Emirates normalize relations for the first time in history. Atlantic Council experts discuss what the agreement means and what is next for the wider region:

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Aug 13, 2020

American force posture needs to be better aligned to national security interests in an affordable way

By John W. Miller

It is time to more thoughtfully align national security policy with a force structure and acquisition paradigm that America can afford to the force posture that American security interests require.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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