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 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

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Donald Trump just won the presidency. Our experts answer the big questions about what that means for America’s role in the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

When Trump returns to the presidency on January 20 next year, a number of global challenges will be awaiting him. Our experts outline what to expect.

Conflict Economy & Business

MENASource

Nov 5, 2024

Naim Qassem is finally the bride

By David Daoud

Hezbollah will not moderate or shift its primary loyalties to Lebanon under its new soft-spoken secretary-general.

Conflict Lebanon

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2024

How to reform UNRWA to improve Palestinian lives and Israeli security

By Michal Hatuel-Radoshitzky and Jonathan Panikoff

A three-step plan offers a pathway to reforming the United Nations agency to truly service Palestinians and to no longer pose a threat to Israel and an obstacle to Palestinian statehood negotiations.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Nov 1, 2024

How the death of Abdul Malik al-Houthi could impact the Houthis and Iran

By Emily Milliken and Caitlin Miller Hollingsworth

While Abdul Malik al-Houthi is still alive today, his death in the near term would impact the Houthi's ability to operate and widen a leadership vacuum within Iran’s Resistance Axis.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Nov 1, 2024

Egypt’s new ceasefire proposal is too little, too late

By Shahira Amin

Egypt has been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, but all mediation efforts have so far failed to break the impasse in talks.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Oct 31, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: How can civil society contribute to the process?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

As the ultimate beneficiaries, and often those most knowledgeable about specific individuals or entities responsible for abuses, civil society’s role is essential in the sanctions process.

Civil Society Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
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