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

May 7, 2019

Why the MENA region needs to better prepare for climate change

By Mahmoud Abouelnaga

Due to their strategic locations, countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have been hotspots for exploration and exploitation of energy resources—especially oil and gas—for decades. Yet, the Mediterranean climate is proven to be just as volatile as its security issues.

Climate Change & Climate Action

MENASource

May 6, 2019

Risking it all: The Palestinian Authority faces mounting challenges

By Grace Wermenbol

The appointment of Mohammed Shtayyeh as head of a new Palestinian government on March 10 constitutes an overt attempt to consolidate Fatah’s dominance in the Palestinian political arena and, in the process, delegitimize rival party Hamas. Shtayyeh’s installation as prime minister, however, does not just further complicate reconciliation attempts between the two feuding political parties. Heightened tensions with Israel’s overtly right-wing government and economic hardship in the West Bank mean that Shtayyeh faces an almost impossible task.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

May 6, 2019

Are Iranians turning away from the ‘Resistance Front’?

By Mahmoud Pargoo

In Iran, public opinion about foreign policy has become extremely divided. Even recent flooding provided ground for opposing parties to promote their stances, especially in regard to Iran’s backing of foreign militias in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Iran Israel

IranSource

May 3, 2019

Mixed reactions in Iran to Trump’s maximum pressure policy

By Tahereh Hadian-Jazy

Harsh measures by the Trump administration against Iran have largely united Iranian political factions against the United States but have triggered a variety of reactions from ordinary Iranians.

Iran

MENASource

May 3, 2019

What are the implications of Haftar’s offensive?

By Karim Mezran

The brutal attack unleashed by General Khalifa Haftar’s militia, the Libyan National Army, against the city of Tripoli is indeed a game-changer.

Libya

MENASource

May 2, 2019

Israeli-Gulf relations: Will the détente deepen or dry up?

By Daniel J. Samet

On April 25, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that an Israeli delegation will take part in next year’s World Expo, hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fresh off his victory in the April 9 elections, tweeted his approval of Israel’s participation, which he called “another expression of Israel’s rising status in the world and the region.”

Israel The Gulf

IranSource

May 2, 2019

IRGC change of command signals Tehran’s new offensive approach

By Maysam Behravesh

In a sudden announcement on April 21, Iran’s Supreme Leader appointed General Hossein Salami, the former deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), as the elite force’s new head.

Iran

MENASource

May 1, 2019

Sanctioning Iran’s climate

By Mana Mostatabi

Emblazoned across the jerseys of Iran's 2014 World Cup soccer team is a symbol of national pride: the endangered Asiatic cheetah. Iranian conservationists have worked for years to reverse the cat's dwindling population, and sadly their critical efforts are hampered by forces both in and outside of Iran.

Climate Change & Climate Action Iran

SyriaSource

May 1, 2019

In Syria, Trump claims victory but ISIS remains

By Frederic C. Hof

US President Donald Trump’s December 2018 tweet announcing the withdrawal of American military forces from Syria has inadvertently invited ISIS (ISIL, IS, Daesh, Islamic State) to resurrect itself. Even though American officials have walked-back the presidential decree, the president himself has signaled no enduring or enthusiastic support for the essential, victory-sealing stabilization of areas liberated from ISIS.

Extremism Syria

IranSource

May 1, 2019

Iran’s private sector: Stuck in the middle

By Mohsen Tavakol

The Iranian economy and population are every day feeling the painful effects of US-driven financial pressure aimed at blocking any kind of economic interaction between foreign and Iranian banks and businesses.

Iran
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