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

Dec 20, 2023

The Atlantic Council’s greatest hits of 2023

By Frederick Kempe

Here's the best of our efforts to further our mission to shape the global future together with allies and partners in 2023.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Dec 19, 2023

Israeli President Herzog: ‘An amalgamation of forces’ will likely govern post-conflict Gaza

By Nick Fouriezos

The Israeli president also confirmed that Israel would be willing to pause fighting in Gaza again in exchange for hostages.

Conflict Israel

Transcript

Dec 19, 2023

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the Israel-Hamas war and the future of the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Herzog spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event about the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 and the ongoing war in Gaza.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Dec 18, 2023

2023: A year in the Middle East

By Rachel Friedman

2023 was a tumultuous and tragic year for the Middle East and North Africa. It also produced moments of hope and diplomatic feats.

Iran Iraq

Event Recap

Dec 15, 2023

Decoding the dynamics of venture capital in the MENA region

By Diane Mohamed & Rachel Friedman

Event Recap for the virtual discussion on venture capital in MENA region.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Dec 14, 2023

China is fixed on discrediting the US on Gaza War. But this policy lacks credibility and will likely fail.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

It should be clearly understood that, as long as Israel continues to kill Palestinian civilians in Gaza, China will use the eroding effect this has on the US’s credibility

China Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 13, 2023

China’s de-dollarization message finds a receptive audience in North Africa

By Thomas Hill

A coordinated and concerted de-dollarization effort in North Africa poses a significant threat to US interests in the region and the African continent at large by existing regional trade groupings and agreements.

China East Asia

Fast Thinking

Dec 13, 2023

The final report card for COP28

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council experts who were on the ground in Dubai share their insights on the agreement and the road ahead.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

MENASource

Dec 11, 2023

Threats from Yemen are increasing. It’s time to redesignate the Houthis.

By R. Clarke Cooper

Ever since the 2021 lifting of FTO status, the world has witnessed the increased threats emanating from Yemen, which include recent repeated attacks on commercial ships with drones and missiles

Conflict Crisis Management

Transcript

Dec 8, 2023

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on the Israel-Hamas war and the future of the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Shoukry spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event about the war in Gaza and Egypt’s regional leadership.

Conflict Israel
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