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

Nov 15, 2023

I covered the battle against ISIS in Mosul. Gaza’s challenges will make it look like child’s play.

By Arwa Damon

If there is something to be drawn from those lessons, it is that what Israel is doing right now will secure anything but peace and stability.

Iraq Israel

Event Recap

Nov 13, 2023

Fostering Growth: Women in Bahrain’s fintech sector

By Nibras Basitkey

Event recap for Bahrain second workshop, focused on Bahrain’s booming fintech industry and the growing role of women in the sector.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Nov 13, 2023

On a knife’s edge: How the conflict in Gaza could tip the scales in North Africa

By Karim Mezran

Western countries should take into consideration the ongoing tensions in North Africa to make their decision-making process regarding the events in Gaza more precise and holistic.

Conflict Israel

IranSource

Nov 9, 2023

The Gaza war probably won’t change Iran’s nuclear strategy. It’ll make it difficult to reach a long-term agreement, though.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

For now, Iranian deterrence is working, since Tehran is not paying any price for its proxy activity.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Nov 8, 2023

The Gaza war raises questions about the future of Iran’s Resistance Axis

By Raz Zimmt

The Gaza war presents the first significant test of the level of cooperation present among the elements of the Iran-led Resistance Axis.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Nov 7, 2023

Iraq is at a crossroads. Will it choose its Shia militias or relations with the US?

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Iraq is facing a high-stakes balancing act that carries profound implications for its relations with the United States and regional stability.

Iraq Israel

MENASource

Nov 6, 2023

The mouth of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah hath spoken—and nothing useful came out

By David Daoud

To avoid appearing weak against Israel to its supporters, Hezbollah is falling back on a pattern of using propaganda to cover its inaction against the Jewish state.

Israel Lebanon

MENASource

Nov 3, 2023

As the Gaza war continues, Egypt is facing pressure to act     

By Shahira Amin

As Israel expands its ground raids in the Gaza Strip, Egypt is witnessing the ripple effects of the war and faces growing pressure to act in regard to Palestinian refugees.  

Conflict Israel

China-MENA Podcast

Nov 3, 2023

10 Years On: China’s Belt & Road Initiative and its Future in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

David O. Shullman and Yun Sun join us to delve into the current state of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the challenges and opportunities it presents for the Middle East's development agendas.

China East Asia

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Nov 2, 2023

Panikoff on AC TV: “US key goal right now is to try to prevent the conflict from broadening into a regional war”

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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