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

May 12, 2020

Iran’s economy and the burden of multiple exchange rates

By Mohsen Tavakol

The importance of the private sector in creating jobs and helping ordinary Iranians survive—in addition to providing communities with required products and services—should not be underestimated.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 12, 2020

Has Moscow really turned against Assad?

By Mark N. Katz

Russian articles criticizing the Assad regime do not presage a Kremlin effort to replace him, but are, instead, a concerted Russian effort to get the Assad regime to change its ways.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

May 8, 2020

Palestinians fight skepticism over whether they can stop annexation

By Jonathan Ferziger

Palestinians are scrambling to galvanize international opposition to Israel's annexation of some thirty percent of the West Bank while battling skepticism that they can do anything to stop it.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

May 8, 2020

The crumbling Haftar illusion: Last call for the international community?

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

The international community should seize the moment to do everything to stop Haftar’s dictatorial regime.

Libya North Africa

New Atlanticist

May 7, 2020

After months of gridlock, Iraq gets a new government

By Atlantic Council

Iraq’s months-long quest to form a national government reached a major milestone on May 6 when a partial government under new prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was approved by lawmakers. Al-Kadhimi—who previously served as Iraq’s national intelligence chief—was nominated by Iraqi President Barham Salih on April 9 after two previous nominees failed to form a government. Although fifteen of the major cabinet posts were approved by the parliament, several others have not yet been confirmed—including foreign affairs, justice, oil, agriculture, and trade—due to failure to reach an agreement between major parties on their allocation.

Democratic Transitions Iraq

MENASource

May 7, 2020

New Iraqi government must face a pandemic and oil price drop

By Abbas Kadhim

The formation of a fully authorized government provides a chance for Iraq to address its most pressing twin crises.

Coronavirus Iraq

IranSource

May 7, 2020

How the coronavirus is cementing Iran’s tilt towards China

By Ali Dadpay

Tehran cannot do without China, but Beijing can do without Iran.

China Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2020

Coronavirus will not bring Iran sanctions relief

By Kirsten Fontenrose

The US administration is proving unmoved by arguments that the severity of the coronavirus in Iran merits a lifting of sanctions. This is for two reasons. Washington believes that the regime in Tehran is leveraging the virus for its own power consolidation, and there is no US political disincentive, domestically or internationally, for keeping sanctions pressure on.

Conflict Coronavirus

MENASource

May 5, 2020

Aid groups desperately look for other options to combat coronavirus

By Borzou Daragahi

The pandemic has prompted organizations to reconfigure the way they provide aid.

Coronavirus Middle East

IranSource

May 4, 2020

Even a coronavirus pandemic can’t save religion in Iran

By Raz Zimmt

41 years after the Islamic Revolution, the public’s confidence in the religious establishment, which is perceived by many Iranians as responsible for their hardships, has eroded.

Coronavirus Iran
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