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

IranSource

Jul 9, 2024

An Iranian war criminal’s freedom has a detonating impact on the universal jurisdiction project

By Shadi Sadr

There is a significant risk that the transfer of convicted war criminal Hamid Noury could lead to similar cases, unless the international community addresses its detonating effects.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Jul 5, 2024

With few options left, a limited peacekeeping force in Gaza could be the answer 

By Ahmed F. Alkhatib

The Biden administration should push for small steps that could plant seeds for transformation and sustainable stability in the Gaza Strip.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jul 2, 2024

Hamas’s resistance doctrine is making it harder to broker a deal

By Amir Asmar

Hamas views its resistance as religiously mandated, and nine months of military and political pressure have not altered its position.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jul 1, 2024

Diversification and growth: How the US-Morocco FTA boosts Rabat’s modern trade

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

With sustained commitment and strategic planning, the next twenty years can bring even more prosperity and development for the Moroccan economy and greater profits for US businesses operating in the kingdom.

Africa Economy & Business

Podcast

Jun 27, 2024

Mercenary meatgrinder: The price of Bakhmut

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi is joined by the Russian photographer and journalist, David Frenkel, to consider the staggering toll of the “Bakhmut meatgrinder.”

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Jun 27, 2024

The pardoning and release of a convicted Iranian war criminal is a crime

By Lawdan Bazargan

Hamid Noury's return to Iran in a political exchange undermines international justice, and potentially emboldens other rogue regimes globally.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jun 27, 2024

Sweden released an Iranian war criminal. Here’s how activists and rights defenders reacted.

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

World powers will continue negotiating with the Islamic Republic and make shortsighted concessions that will endanger not only the future of Iran but also global security. However, the fight for the liberation of Iran is not over—at least for Iranians.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Jun 25, 2024

A world in crisis is good news for North Africa’s political elites

By Alia Brahimi, Karim Mezran

Europe should not assume that increasing transactional dealings with these elites will produce stability on its southern frontier.

Conflict Libya

MENASource

Jun 24, 2024

The Syrian electoral system guarantees inequality

By Vladimir Pran and Maroun Sfeir

The framework of the block vote is so advantageous to the Baath Party that opposition parties would not stand a chance to win a significant number of seats.

Democratic Transitions Elections

IranSource

Jun 21, 2024

Don’t be fooled by the ‘reformist.’ Iran’s presidential election won’t bring fundamental change.

By Holly Dagres

The only way out of this conundrum is if Iranians take their destiny into their own hands.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions
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