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

Fast Thinking

Jan 28, 2024

Will the US retaliate against Iran after a deadly drone attack?

By Atlantic Council

Iran-backed militias just killed three US servicemembers in a drone attack in Jordan, and US President Joe Biden has promised to respond.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 28, 2024

Experts react: Three US servicemembers were killed in Jordan. Will the US strike back at Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

More than 150 attacks on US forces in the Middle East have occurred since October 2023, but the strike overnight was the first to kill a US soldier.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Jan 26, 2024

My son is being held hostage in Gaza. On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, should October 7 be evoked?

By Jonathan Dekel-Chen

The destruction and suffering wrought by Hamas on that horrible day stand alone. 

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 26, 2024

Experts react: What the International Court of Justice said (and didn’t say) in the genocide case against Israel

By Atlantic Council experts

South Africa asked the court to order an immediate cease-fire. Israel asked the court to throw out the case. Atlantic Council experts explain what the court did instead.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Jan 26, 2024

A miscalculated aggression: How Pakistan’s response exposed Iran’s vulnerabilities

By Ali Bakir

Iran overplayed its hand with Pakistan and was reminded of its proper place.

Conflict Indo-Pacific

MENASource

Jan 25, 2024

Can whatever remains of Hamas in Gaza be administratively and politically rehabilitated?

By Ahmed F. Alkhatib

The realities on the ground and Israel’s inability to fully eradicate Hamas necessitate addressing this uncomfortable question.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Jan 23, 2024

The escalation no country in the Middle East wants but still pushes toward

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has returned from a fourth visit to the Middle East with the clear objective of preventing regional escalation from the Israel-Hamas war. This concern is shared by all countries in the region, who, for various reasons, understand how the evolution of current tensions into a wider conflict could generate […]

Middle East North Africa

Testimony

Jan 22, 2024

Gissou Nia testifies to House Committee on Homeland Security, and subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement & Intelligence

By Gissou Nia

Gissou Nia highlights the issue of addressing transnational repression threats to homeland security.

Defense Policy International Norms

IranSource

Jan 22, 2024

A thirsty reality: Iran’s dire water situation

By Nik Kowsar

Iran's uneven water rights approach disproportionately impacts citizens in marginalized provinces, causing severe water scarcity.

Civil Society Climate Change & Climate Action

IranSource

Jan 19, 2024

Yes, I’m ‘Trash,’ but I love Iran

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Listening to Shervin Hajipour's "Trash," I’ve forged a new heart from the parts of Iran I’ve taken with me.

Human Rights Iran
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