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

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

Event Recap

Feb 22, 2024

Key strategies for Bahraini women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses across the MENA region

By JP Reppeto

Event Recap for the WIn Fellowship discussion on business scalability for Bahraini women in the MENA region.

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

IranSource

Feb 22, 2024

The United States needs a new Iran policy—and it involves regime change, but not the traditional kind

By Kelly Shannon

The tactics of 1979 are not enough in the 2020s. Additional strategies are necessary, and international support will be critical to ensuring the success of any mass democratic movement in Iran.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Feb 21, 2024

A steady escalation along the Lebanon-Israel border—and no end in sight

By Nicholas Blanford

If the Gaza war drags on for much longer and clashes continue to persist along the Lebanon-Israel border, the pressure on the Israeli government to launch some form of offensive into south Lebanon is going to be hard to resist.

Conflict Israel
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