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

Jun 16, 2020

The battlefield over West Bank annexation

By Jonathan H. Ferziger

Amid the international furor generated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan, few Palestinians believe they can prevent it, even if most countries consider the West Bank occupied territory.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jun 12, 2020

Black lives also matter in the Arab World

By Tuqa Nusairat

When it comes to the essence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests—the call for an end to systematic and systemic racial discrimination—there is less willingness on the part of many people in the Arab world to acknowledge that such issues also afflict the Gulf, the Levant, and North Africa.

Human Rights Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 11, 2020

Sultan Haitham makes a strong start by addressing economic challenges

By Marc J. Sievers

Sultan Haitham and his government have had to contend with the dual impact of the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic and the collapse of world oil prices, which the Omani government depends upon for most of its revenue.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

Blog Post

Jun 11, 2020

The Cairo Declaration is a false resolution to Libya’s conflict

By Karim Mezran, Alessia Melcangi

The so-called “Cairo Declaration,” backed by General Khalifa Haftar and Libya's parliamentary speaker Aguila Saleh, proposes an intra-Libyan resolution as a basis for resolving the country’s conflict.

Libya Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 10, 2020

Refugee conditions deteriorate amidst multiple crises in Lebanon

By Salman Husain and Diam Abou-Diab

As multiple crises are simultaneously bearing down on Lebanon, its fragile humanitarian situation is nearing a breaking point.

Lebanon Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 10, 2020

Iran’s ‘butterfly children’ impacted by sanctions and corruption

By Shenaz Kermalli

Described by US dermatologists as “the most painful disease you’ve never heard of,” EB is caused by a genetic mutation. In Iran, an estimated 800 to 1,200 patients live with the disease.

Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Jun 9, 2020

US-Iraq strategic talks not just about security issues, says Iraqi former foreign minister

By Larry Luxner

Mohamed Ali Alhakim said the upcoming process is a necessary, long-planned step in ongoing bilateral ties between Baghdad and Washington. But he took pains to call the process a dialogue involving the US government and the sovereign state of Iraq, one which will define the Pentagon’s future presence in Iraq as well as non-military aspects of the relationship including education, energy, culture, trade, and foreign investment.

Conflict Coronavirus

IranSource

Jun 9, 2020

The United States needs to preserve the UN Security Council snapback for the future

By Thomas S. Warrick

The United States, for its part, will need to be careful not to undermine one of its most powerful diplomatic tools developed since World War II: the ability to use the unique authority of the UN Security Council to get Russia and China—sometimes—to agree on what needs to be done.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jun 9, 2020

Post-embargo, Iran arms purchases would be limited and selective

By Barbara Slavin

Iran's purchases will likely be limited, by both economic and geopolitical constraints, including the impact of US sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic and caution on the part of potential suppliers.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jun 9, 2020

Moscow is not buying Pompeo’s Iran snapback sanctions logic

By Mark N. Katz

Moscow made clear months ago that, once the United Nations arms embargo on Tehran expires in October, Russia intends to resume selling weapons to Iran.

Iran Middle East
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