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

Oct 31, 2023

Israel claims it is no longer occupying the Gaza Strip. What does international law say?

By Celeste Kmiotek

The laws of occupation codify a basic principle of humanity: those with effective control over a population have obligations to protect it.

Israel Middle East

Event Recap

Oct 30, 2023

Addressing the captagon crisis in MENA: Strategies & Challenges

By Diane Mohamed and Rachel Friedman

The Syria Program hosted a panel discussion taking stock of current captagon landscape in Syria and captagon’s place within the global illicit supply chain.

Corruption Crisis Management

Event Recap

Oct 30, 2023

Navigating the future of women’s healthcare in Saudi Arabia: Insights and challenges

By Lynn Monzer

Event recap for Women’s economic participation and its impact on healthcare in Saudi Arabia

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Oct 30, 2023

Erdogan leans on Israel, pushes for post-war role in Gaza 

By Rich Outzen

The Turkish president's ultimate goal is to be present and influential in the post-war settlement regarding Gaza and to be a key player in the mediation and reconstruction process.

Europe & Eurasia Israel

Fast Thinking

Oct 28, 2023

Israel’s ground war in Gaza has started. How will it end?

By Atlantic Council

On October 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that a “second stage” in Israel’s war is intended to destroy Hamas in Gaza. Atlantic Council experts share their insights.

Conflict Israel

New Atlanticist

Oct 27, 2023

Experts react: What to know about Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza

By Atlantic Council experts

In what could signal the initial steps of a larger invasion, Israel has announced that it is “expanding” ground operations in Gaza, with the goal of eradicating Hamas.

Conflict Israel

MENASource

Oct 27, 2023

A humanitarian corridor in the Israeli Negev could save Gazans

By Alan Pino and Casimir Yost

There is no perfect solution to alleviate the death and destruction that awaits in the Gaza Strip, but getting women, children, and the elderly out of harm’s way would be a positive step.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Oct 27, 2023

The Israel-Hamas war is a distraction from Ukraine, but Russia isn’t necessarily benefiting

By Mark N. Katz

The eruption of conflict between Israel and Hamas, which creates the potential for an even broader conflict poses dangers for Moscow, too.

Europe & Eurasia Human Rights

Podcast

Oct 26, 2023

Prosecuting the Wagner Group

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with international human rights lawyer Jason McCue about the legal mechanisms available to prosecute the Wagner Group.

Conflict Crisis Management
The very top of the US Capitol building is visible with a pink sunset in the background and a US flag on a flagpole to the side.

Testimony

Oct 25, 2023

The urgent threats posed by the Iranian regime: Atlantic Council experts testify before the US House Committee on Homeland Security

By Nathan Sales and Thomas S. Warrick

Nathan Sales and Thomas Warrick testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security on the threat Iran poses to the United States.

Iran Israel
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