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

Jun 10, 2024

ISIS fell, but the conditions that created the terrorist group still exist in Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

The pervasive culture of corruption and a poor economy have been among the leading conditions that contributed to the rise of ISIS in Iraq.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jun 6, 2024

Algeria’s Morocco obsession has killed reconciliation prospects

By Samir Bennis

For nearly five decades, Algeria has used the dispute over Western Sahara as a front for its antagonization of Morocco.

Africa Conflict

MENASource

Jun 4, 2024

Economic recovery in opposition-held Syria is challenging but still possible

By Sinan Hatahet

The United States and its allies can foster an early recovery in opposition-held areas without undermining the UN-led political resolution efforts.

Conflict Middle East

MENASource

Jun 3, 2024

Five impacts of the Gaza war to watch 

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

It would be a strategic error for the United States and companies operating in the region to ignore the potential impact of Arab public opinion.

Conflict Economy & Business

IranSource

Jun 3, 2024

Shia Afghans are being brought to Iran to make up for the lack of religious Iranians

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The mass participation of Shia Afghans at regime-organized events sheds light on how the Islamic Republic is proactively using Afghan migrants to foster a loyal constituency and fill the widening gap between the state and Iranian society.

Afghanistan Conflict

MENASource

May 31, 2024

Partial government reshuffle in Tunisia as protests continue against its president

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

The reshuffle comes at the height of an upsurge in the securitarian clampdown imposed by the president on opposition and civil society organizations.

Democratic Transitions Elections

IranSource

May 31, 2024

A nuclear negotiator takes the helm of Iran’s foreign ministry. So what’s next?

By Arash Azizi

Speaking at the funeral of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Ali Bagheri Kani affirmed that he would follow the policies of his predecessor.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 30, 2024

A war is raging between Algeria and Morocco. It is being fought in the heritage arena.

By Sarah Zaaimi

As political tensions between Algiers and Rabat have continued to mount since 2020, another front is being fought with no possible détente in sight.

Africa Conflict

Podcast

May 29, 2024

What makes Colombian mercenaries so interesting?

By Alia Brahimi

Coming up this Thursday, in Season 2, Episode 2 of the Guns for Hire podcast, host Alia Brahimi is joined by Dr. Andrés Macías, a Bogota-based expert on Colombian mercenaries. They begin by looking at the explosive case of 26 Colombians arrested for their part in the 2021 assassination of the Haitian president, as well […]

Colombia Conflict

AfricaSource

May 28, 2024

Sudan is an abject disaster. Is anyone listening?

By Benjamin Mossberg

US efforts in Sudan are not working. Additional visibility and attention can hopefully bring about solutions.

Africa Conflict
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