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

Nov 25, 2024

Sinwar is dead, but Hamas finally got its victory

By Anonymous

The rebranding of Yahya Sinwar’s death as “heroic martyrdom,” combined with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, has paved the way for Hamas to evolve into an even more extreme and dangerous entity.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Nov 20, 2024

2025 will be a decisive year for Iran’s nuclear program

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Diplomatic deadlines and regional factors will force Iran to decide soon whether to strike a deal or seek a nuclear weapon. Either choice will have major ripple effects.

Arms Control Defense Policy

IranSource

Nov 20, 2024

How to wrestle with an ayatollah 

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

If one looks closely, the ancient Persian sport of wrestling might have answers to understanding how to contain Iran

Civil Society Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Nov 18, 2024

Iran has ambitions in Western Sahara. Trump can contain them by bolstering ties with Morocco.

By Sarah Zaaimi

Deepening ties with Morocco can help the United States thwart Iran’s plans in the Sahel and unlock investment opportunities in the region.

Morocco Sahel

MENASource

Nov 18, 2024

Egypt-Turkey cooperation brings profound changes in ties with African countries

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s visit to Ankara on September 4 marked a significant turning point in Egyptian-Turkish relations.

North Africa Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Nov 15, 2024

The evolving roles of the Gulf states in the low-carbon energy transition

By Li-Chen Sim and Farkhod Aminjonov

Policies that promote Gulf participation in international climate initiatives could reinforce their commitment to the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Nov 13, 2024

Integrated strategic competition: A new approach to US national security

By Daniel Elkins

In this evolving landscape, there is a pressing need for a renewed and coherent multi-agency approach that truly integrates the instruments of national power.

China Conflict

Event Recap

Nov 8, 2024

MENA’s economic outlook for 2025 and beyond from the Atlantic Council’s IMF/World Bank Week 

By Kate Springs and Leila Ouhri

During this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Fall Meetings, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative, alongside the GeoEconomics Center, hosted a week of events that provided plentiful insights into the region’s economic outlook.   The Economic and Social Costs of the Gaza War “We’ve had the loss of lives, injuries, and the cessation of […]

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

MENASource

Nov 8, 2024

Turkey is searching for a way out of Syria’s impasse

By Ömer Özkizilcik

Turkey has been at a standstill, which, combined with domestic political considerations, led to a reevaluation of its strategy.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

MENASource

Nov 7, 2024

Managing counterterrorism foreign liaison relationships in an increasingly competitive world

By Marc Polymeropoulos, Edward Bogan, and James Petrila

Robust investment in foreign liaison relationships enables the fundamental conditions required for an effective global counterterrorism strategy, and not just within the countries where these partnerships are enabled.

Middle East North Africa
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