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

Podcast

Nov 30, 2023

What’s Charlie Sheen got to do with it?

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with Russia analyst Sergey Sukhankin about the arrest in Libya of the Wagner Group operative Maksim Shugaley.

Conflict Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Nov 28, 2023

Why Morocco will not cut ties with Israel

By Sarah Zaaimi

Will mounting pro-Palestinian sentiment pressure Moroccan leadership to reverse the December 2020 normalization agreement with Israel? The short answer is no.

Conflict Economy & Business

MENASource

Nov 27, 2023

Why Israel has no imminent plans to wind down its war on Hamas

By Shalom Lipner

Motivation in Israel, where the trauma of October 7 is still palpable, remains high to persist until the eradication of Hamas and its capability to inflict harm on Israeli targets.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Nov 22, 2023

Meet the secret IRGC entity purging university professors in Iran 

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The Islamic Republic's war on university professors and academic staff is led by the Professors Basij Organization.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Nov 22, 2023

Islamic Resistance in Iraq appears to be responsible for attacks in the country and there’s no end in sight 

By Lizzie Porter

Iraq is witnessing part of the regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and Iraqi bases housing US troops are feeling that most forcefully.

Iran Iraq

China-MENA Podcast

Nov 22, 2023

China and the Israel-Hamas War: A View from Tel Aviv

By Atlantic Council

Gedaliah Afterman joins us for a compelling discussion on the intricate dynamics between China, Israel, and the ongoing conflict with Hamas, as well as the economic interests, potential for mediation, and the conflict's implications on China's emerging role in the Middle East.

China East Asia

New Atlanticist

Nov 21, 2023

The post-October 7 US strategy in the Middle East is coming into focus

By Daniel E. Mouton

While the conflict has increased the urgency for the United States to engage in the region, it is just one of several developments that require renewed US leadership.

Conflict Crisis Management

Event Recap

Nov 21, 2023

Balancing global engagement and domestic growth: Iraq’s future in and evolving landscape

By Diane Mohamed

The Iraq Initiative's second annual conference explored key challenges and opportunities confronting Iraq's future generations

Climate Change & Climate Action Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Nov 17, 2023

Iraq’s parliamentary speaker was removed. What’s next for the country?

By Abbas Kadhim

The current crisis dates back to May 2022, when Mohamed al-Halbousi removed one of his bloc’s members from parliament.

Elections Iraq

IranSource

Nov 17, 2023

The Gaza war is a reminder that the US needs to reevaluate its Iran policy

By Shukriya Bradost

Despite the Biden administration's efforts to prevent a further escalation and the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war in the region, Iran-backed militia groups continue to challenge US forces.

Iran Israel
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