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

Jan 11, 2024

Experts react: What to know about US and UK strikes on the Houthis in Yemen

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts share their insights about the strikes and about what to expect next—including how Iran might respond.

Conflict Crisis Management

Fast Thinking

Jan 11, 2024

Will US-UK strikes against the Houthis halt their Red Sea aggression?

By Atlantic Council

Our experts break down the US-UK strikes in Yemen and the prospects for a wider regional war.

Conflict Iran

Podcast

Jan 10, 2024

Mercenaries and Gaza

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with Iraq expert Renad Mansour about what motivates the non-state actors who are leading the bid to avenge Gazans.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Jan 10, 2024

Egypt was mediating a deal to end the Gaza war. Then Saleh Al-Arouri was assassinated. 

By Shahira Amin

Keen on regaining its traditional leadership role as chief mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, Cairo had put forward a three-stage plan to end the conflict. 

Conflict Israel

China-MENA Podcast

Jan 10, 2024

China’s Role and Impact on MENA’s Air Domain

By Atlantic Council

Assaf Heller and Sarah-Masha Fainberg explore Chinese technological transfers and arm exports and its implications on the air domain and military capabilities in MENA, Chinese weapon systems, China's military-civil fusion concerns, and Beijing's growing technological influence on the region.

China East Asia

IranSource

Jan 8, 2024

ISIS was behind the Kerman attack. Iran still blames Israel and the United States, though.

By Jason Brodsky

Despite Iran’s bombastic rhetoric, however, its response against ISIS assets will likely be limited.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Jan 4, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: Why are people and entities sanctioned for human rights abuses?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Every perpetrator designated by a jurisdiction for targeted sanctions generally faces the same consequences.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Human Rights

MENASource

Jan 4, 2024

Here’s how Hezbollah will likely respond to Israel’s assassination of Saleh Al-Arouri

By David Daoud

What Hezbollah has not been seeking is opening a full-scale war with Israel. However, Hezbollah has other indirect options that it may activate.

Israel Lebanon

MENASource

Jan 3, 2024

Gulf states are vying for sports fans’ hearts and minds—one sovereign wealth fund at a time

By Joze Pelayo

In 2023, the annual tennis tournament colloquially called the Washington Open was renamed the Mubadala Citi DC Open thanks to a sponsorship from Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company—an unknown name to most Washington sports fans, but one they may see again. The Gulf Arab states have been turning their efforts and attention to Beltway sports amid […]

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Dec 21, 2023

Need a book on the Middle East to read during the holidays? Here’s our recommendations

By William F. Wechsler, Nadereh Chamlou, Mark N. Katz, Marcy Grossman, Nour Dabboussi, Sarah Zaaimi, Masoud Mostajabi

Our team of experts and staff have you covered with their recommended reads related to the Middle East and North Africa for the holidays.

Civil Society Middle East
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