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

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

MENASource

Sep 19, 2024

Egypt is cozying up to Somalia to thwart Ethiopia

By Shahira Amin

Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have escalated after Cairo forged closer ties with Addis Ababa's rival, Somalia.

Africa Conflict

Testimony

Sep 19, 2024

Testimony on Israel and the Middle East at a crossroads: How Tehran’s terror campaign threatens the US and our allies

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Kirsten Fontenrose, nonresident senior fellow at the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative in the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs, testifies before the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on how Tehran’s terror campaign threatens the US and allies. Below are her prepared remarks. Chairman Burchett, Ranking Member Phillips, and members of the Committee, thank you […]

Conflict Crisis Management

Experts react

Sep 18, 2024

Experts react: What’s behind the Hezbollah beeper and walkie-talkie explosions

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain what the explosions of communication devices in Lebanon could mean for the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Conflict Defense Technologies
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