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

Jun 3, 2020

Iran oil exports face a tough future even after the coronavirus

By Omid Shokri Kalehsar

Even before the coronavirus pandemic erupted, Iran’s oil exports were declining as a result of secondary US sanctions.

Energy & Environment Iran

IranSource

Jun 1, 2020

‘Maximum pressure’ on the economy won’t change Iran’s behavior

By Raz Zimmt

Even when the Iranian leadership has had to make strategic decisions and change its policies, the economy was only one of many considerations and not, necessarily, the primary one.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jun 1, 2020

Syrian opposition: Move, disband, or do the bidding of others

By Frederic C. Hof

Recent events inside Syria pose a question: Can the Syrian opposition outside Syria play a constructive political role if the regime begins to wobble or topple?

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

May 29, 2020

Pompeo’s attempted dismantlement of the Iran nuclear deal

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has handed Tehran a perfect excuse to resume nuclear activities of proliferation concern.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 27, 2020

Twenty years after the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, Hezbollah faces host of challenges

By Nicholas Blanford

The Israeli troop withdrawal was a moment of victory for Hezbollah, but the group has also placed the party in a quandary for the first time, which it has had to wrestle with before a growing audience of critics.

Israel Lebanon

IranSource

May 26, 2020

A Biden presidency is bad news for Netanyahu, but not necessarily for Israel’s national security

By Shemuel Meir

The possibility of a Biden presidency might have a significant impact on Israel.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2020

Will COVID-19 exacerbate or defuse conflicts in the Middle East?

By Masoud Mostajabi

With the virus has come the reshuffling of priorities needed to combat the pandemic, casting new light on these long-running conflicts. On May 20, 2020, the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo sat down with the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative director Barbara Slavin to discuss potential new openings to advance peace in the region.

Coronavirus Middle East

IranSource

May 21, 2020

Iran and the US ‘meet’ again over Afghanistan

By Barbara Slavin

Iran has shown a willingness to engage with the US when the time and venue are right.

Afghanistan Iran

MENASource

May 19, 2020

Pompeo’s mystery tour to Israel

By Shalom Lipner

With much of global diplomacy relegated to video conferences these days due to the coronavirus pandemic, the timing of Pompeo's decision to traverse the Atlantic raised more than a few eyebrows.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

May 18, 2020

Oil price drop brings more economic challenges for Iran

By Ebad Ebadi

he sharp oil price drop on April 20 was the worst thing that could have happened to Iran’s fragile economy.

Coronavirus Politics & Diplomacy
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