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

Jul 29, 2025

‘I can barely stand or make it through the day’: First-hand views of Gaza’s starvation

By Arwa Damon

Israel has systematically denied aid entry into Gaza, and perpetuated false narratives intended to discredit the humanitarian community.

Human Rights International Norms

New Atlanticist

Jul 27, 2025

Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar on a trade deal with Trump, balancing the US and China, and peace with India

By Katherine Golden

Dar, the Pakistani foreign minister and deputy prime minister, spoke at the Atlantic Council during his trip to Washington to boost US-Pakistan ties.

Conflict Crisis Management

Testimony

Jul 24, 2025

Daniel B. Shapiro testifies before the Senate Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism

By Daniel B. Shapiro

Daniel B. Shapiro testifies before the US Senate Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism on US diplomatic strategies for a dynamic Middle East.

Conflict Defense Policy

MENASource

Jul 24, 2025

In a sectarian Syria, the winners should refrain from taking all

By Marie Forestier 

To avoid the complete supremacy of HTS-supporting Sunnis, it is crucial to adopt power-sharing mechanisms ensuring inclusiveness

Democratic Transitions International Norms

MENASource

Jul 24, 2025

An open wound, a fading light: Marking eleven years since the Yezidi genocide

By Pari Ibrahim and Murad Ismael

One consequence of the Middle East's shifting landscape has been an erosion of international attention on Yezidi issues.

Human Rights International Norms

MENASource

Jul 23, 2025

Iran, China, Russia, and the collapse of deterrence in the Red Sea

By Fatima Abo Alasrar

Multiple powers now patrol with different mandates, different rules, and increasingly different interpretations of acceptable behavior.

China Iran

MENASource

Jul 22, 2025

Why the violence in my hometown, Swaida, goes beyond ‘rivalry.’

By Majd AlGhatrif

US officials described the events as “a rivalry” between Syria's Druze and Bedouins. But this framing strips the crisis of its historical and political context.

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Jul 17, 2025

Facing scarcity, the Gulf’s ‘smart water’ future lies in desalination

By Hany Ghanem

Desalination-enhanced regenerative data centers can help tackle the challenges of limited water resources and the post-oil economic shift.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jul 17, 2025

Five years on, the Abraham Accords need a multilateral mission

By Joseph Epstein

As the Trump administration pushes for “commerce, not chaos” in the region, the Abraham Accords ideology is the most powerful tool to achieve that goal.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 16, 2025

Five questions (and expert answers) about Israel’s strikes against Syria 

By Atlantic Council experts

Our Middle East experts explain the roots of the crisis and what it means for Syria, Israel, the Druze, and the broader region.

Conflict Crisis Management
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