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.

Learn more

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

Sep 28, 2024

Experts react: Hassan Nasrallah is dead. What’s next for Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

On Saturday, Hezbollah confirmed that its leader had been killed in an Israeli air strike. Atlantic Council experts share their insights on what might come next for the already war-torn region.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Sep 26, 2024

Member states can and should refer the situation of Syria to the ICC

By Yaser Tabbara and Nick Leddy

Until a few years ago, Syria's pathway to the ICC was closed. But in 2018 and 2019, two historic ICC decisions re-opened the door for Syria's situation.

Conflict Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2024

France’s new government aims to calm the political storm. What will it mean for foreign policy?

By Léonie Allard, Jean-Loup Samaan

Prime Minister Michel Barnier is likely to follow the path of President Emmanuel Macron, but the big question is whether the delicate political context in Paris will allow ministers to focus on crises in Ukraine and Lebanon.

Europe & Eurasia France

Podcast

Sep 26, 2024

“Borrowed servants”? Private military companies and sadism in Abu Ghraib

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi is joined by international lawyer Katherine Gallagher to explore her litigation against a prominent PMC for war crimes at Abu Ghraib.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Sep 25, 2024

Sudan has a famine. The gridlock on peace and security must end.

By Maha Tambal

The international community’s continued fumbles to establish a durable solution to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan mirror its long-standing miscalculations in addressing its internal and regional geopolitics.

Africa Conflict

MENASource

Sep 24, 2024

Do the Houthis really have a hypersonic missile?

By Emily Milliken

The claim is concerning for more than just the high speeds; Hypersonic missiles are difficult for missile-defense systems to intercept.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 23, 2024

The Third Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah has begun. What’s next?

By Alex Plitsas

Israel’s massive aerial bombardment campaign on Monday targeting Hezbollah stockpiles, depots, and launchers in southern Lebanon could be a prelude to a ground invasion.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Sep 20, 2024

The end of Libya’s false stability period

By Karim Mezran

The international community must act rapidly and effectively to prevent an all-out war between the various Libyan militias and their foreign backers.

Conflict Libya

MENASource

Sep 19, 2024

Israel’s communications attacks push Hezbollah into an uncomfortable corner

By David Daoud and Natalie Ecanow

Hezbollah has no choice but to retaliate—but the group is unlikely to declare a full war given its constraints.

Conflict Iran

Event Recap

Sep 19, 2024

Senator Joni Ernst on how to expand cooperation among US allies in the Middle East

By Emily Milliken

Event recap of the N7 Initiative's public event with Senator Joni Ernst

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Israel
Load More