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

Apr 18, 2024

The KDP is boycotting the upcoming elections. Iraqi Kurdistan may get stuck in an electoral impasse.

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

As the June election deadline looms, the future of Kurdistan’s political stability hangs in the balance.

Elections Iraq

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2024

Iran is trying to create a new normal with its attack. Here’s how Israel and the US should respond.

By William F. Wechsler

Tehran is trying to set a precedent that it can attack Israel directly, that it can do so from Iranian soil, and that it can target civilians inside Israel.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Apr 13, 2024

Experts react: Iran just unleashed a major attack on Israel. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

What will Israel do next? Has a wider regional war begun? What role will the United States play? Our experts weigh in below.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Apr 12, 2024

Dispatch from Gaza: ‘My son, every night he screams and convulses’

By Arwa Damon

Arwa Damon arrived in the Gaza Strip on a humanitarian mission for her charity, INARA, two days after the Israeli airstrike on the World Central Kitchen convoy. This is what she saw.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Apr 12, 2024

Iranians sacrificed their lives to share videos of regime violence. Now there’s an online archive for the world to see. 

By Cameran Ashraf

The Iranian Archive holds more than one million videos to ensure that the Women, Life, Freedom uprising led by women would not be erased.

Digital Policy Human Rights

MENASource

Apr 10, 2024

A diplomatic solution in Sudan demands greater US engagement with its Arab allies

By Manal Fatima

Halting external support to the generals is crucial to achieving peace in Sudan and setting it on the path to civilian-led rule. 

Africa Conflict

New Atlanticist

Apr 10, 2024

Four ways Iran could retaliate against Israel’s latest strike

By Jonathan Panikoff

The question is whether Iran most wants to meaningfully deter Israel or to avoid regional escalation—because Tehran probably cannot do both.

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Apr 9, 2024

Iran talks a big game. But it’s limited in its ability to respond to Israel. 

By Saeid Jafari

There is no doubt that Tehran will respond in some capacity. However, the main issue is that Iran cannot provide an effective and equivalent response.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Apr 5, 2024

Tehran cooked up a conspiracy theory blaming Israel for US TikTok ban

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

While the Islamic Republic’s propaganda machine criticizes the United States for its “violations” of free speech online, the clerical establishment has shown time and again that the Internet has no place in Khamenei’s vision for the country.

Human Rights Internet

MENASource

Apr 5, 2024

Most GCC states condemned the attack on the Iranian embassy complex in Syria. An escalation is what they fear most.

By Giorgio Cafiero

Fearful that hostilities between Israel and Iran could spiral out of control, the GCC states are keen to avoid the heat as much as possible.

Conflict Defense Policy
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