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

New Atlanticist

Dec 9, 2024

Dispatch from Doha: Assad’s fall, Iran’s weakness, and the impact of unintended consequences

By Jonathan Panikoff

In just six months, Iran has slid from a position of strength to perhaps the weakest it has been since 1979.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Dec 9, 2024

Advancing US national security through Middle East AI negotiations 

By Akash Wasil

Leading negotiations around global AI standards can help the United States manage security risks and ensure that emerging frameworks align with its values and interests.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

Fast Thinking

Dec 8, 2024

Assad has fallen. Now what?

By Atlantic Council

The power shift in Syria will reverberate across the Middle East and the world. Our experts explain what's next.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Dec 6, 2024

What lies ahead for the Israel-Hamas war—and what the United States should do about it 

By Doug Livermore

As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to evolve, the incoming Donald Trump administration will need to adopt a nuanced and forward-looking approach that builds upon prior efforts to avoid further destabilization.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2024

Could Syria’s rebels take Damascus?

By Qutaiba Idlbi

Controlling Aleppo was a big deal for the Syrian rebels, and taking Hama was an even bigger achievement. But Damascus remains the real prize.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 5, 2024

A ceasefire happened in Lebanon, but Israel seems to have missed the memo

By Nicholas Blanford

Within hours of the 4 a.m. ceasefire coming into force, Israeli troops inside Lebanon opened fire at vehicles as tens of thousands of Lebanese who had earlier fled the fighting attempted to return to their homes.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Dec 5, 2024

What does Turkey gain from the rebel offensive in Syria?

By Ömer Özkizilcik

The rebel offensive took many by surprise, but analysts familiar with the situation in Syria were aware that the rebels were prepared to launch it by mid-October.

Conflict Crisis Management

Podcast

Dec 3, 2024

Air force for hire

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi chats with mercenaries expert Alessandro Arduino, a top China analyst.

Arms Control Artificial Intelligence

MENASource

Dec 3, 2024

With Trump back, King Abdullah is thinking about ‘Jordan First’

By Aaron Magid

The Hashemite king is again looking to adopt a “Jordan First” policy despite domestic outrage over US support for Israel’s war in Gaza.

Economy & Business Middle East

New Atlanticist

Dec 2, 2024

In its final days, the Biden administration should take this step to support Syrian victims

By Mohamad Katoub, Alana Mitias

The outgoing administration could direct up to $600 million in forfeited funds to support victims in Syria—but time is running out.

Conflict Human Rights
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