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

Mar 7, 2024

While wars rage on, women wage peace in the Middle East

By Marcy Grossman

On International Women’s Day this year, the world needs more voices echoing the resounding calls for peace and justice in the face of ongoing conflicts.

Conflict Iraq

IranSource

Mar 6, 2024

A year ago, Beijing brokered an Iran-Saudi deal. How does détente look today?

By Giorgio Cafiero

Tehran and Riyadh saw dialogue as the only viable way to reduce tensions, and realized that further escalating hostilities would not advance either’s national interest. 

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 6, 2024

Netanyahu might be losing ground, but his politics still resonate with most Israelis

By Ksenia Svetlova

Polls show that the Israeli public is torn on many issues, but trust in Netanyahu’s government is not one of them.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Mar 4, 2024

The lost humanity of the crisis in Gaza

By Jonathan Panikoff

Supporters of Israel and of the Palestinians should work to acknowledge the pain, fear, and legitimate moral convictions of those with whom they so vehemently disagree.

Conflict Crisis Management

Event Recap

Mar 1, 2024

Integrating AI innovations into the SME industry in the UAE 

By JP Reppeto

Event Recap for the Win Fellowship discussion on the potential of AI-driven business solutions for SME businesswomen in the UAE and the MENA region more broadly.

Artificial Intelligence Education

MENASource

Mar 1, 2024

As fighting along the Lebanon-Israel border escalates, diplomats scramble to head off a war

By Nicholas Blanford

The chances of calming the Lebanon-Israel border will be that much greater if a temporary ceasefire in Gaza evolves into a permanent ceasefire.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Feb 28, 2024

March 1 is the upcoming Iranian elections. The terrain looks more divided than ever.

By Arash Azizi

With widespread disillusionment with the Islamic Republic and its unrepresentative institutions, few people care to take part in these elections.

Elections Human Rights

MENASource

Feb 26, 2024

I’m a Yemeni minister and I believe the Houthi designation is not enough

By Moammar Al-Eryani

The Biden administration’s decision to revoke the Houthi terrorist designation contributed to the complexity of the Yemeni crisis. To avoid replicating the same scenario, a new approach must be taken to counter the Houthis.

Conflict Israel

Event Recap

Feb 23, 2024

Driving change: women shaping an inclusive financial future in UAE

By JP Reppeto

Event recap on building a more sustainable and inclusive finance system in UAE.

Economy & Business Financial Regulation

MENASource

Feb 22, 2024

The future of Saudi-Israeli relations is a balancing act between Palestinian and regional interests

By R. Clarke Cooper

Any credible movement to formalize bilateral relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem cannot ignore what the Saudis have consistently stated about the two-state solution.

Conflict Israel
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