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

IranSource

Sep 21, 2023

The House passed the MAHSA Act. Now what?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo, Gissou Nia

The MAHSA Act—which focuses on targeted sanctions—will have to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president to become law.

Human Rights Iran

Podcast

Sep 21, 2023

Tracking mercenaries

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with investigative journalist Eliot Higgins about his open-source investigations into mercenary warfare

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Sep 20, 2023

Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi: ‘If we don’t unite—we won’t be able to topple the Islamic Republic’

By Holly Dagres

The Nobel Laureate was interviewed by our IranSource editor to discuss the ongoing protests in Iran, the AFDI, and where she thinks the country is heading.

Human Rights Iran

China-MENA Podcast

Sep 20, 2023

China’s Role in Conflict Mediation in the Middle East

By Atlantic Council

Helena Legarda and Dr. Sanam Vakil join us to dissect China's strategic approach to mediating conflicts and its consequential impact on the Middle East.

China East Asia

MENASource

Sep 18, 2023

EVENT RECAP: New power dynamics in the MENA region after the Ukraine war

By Diane Mohamed

the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Program in partnership with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) hosted a hybrid event, “New Power Dynamics in the MENA Region after the Ukraine Crisis.” The event featured an array of expert panelists who shed light on regional tensions, cooperation patterns in the eastern Mediterranean, and North Africa's role in regional and international power competition.

North & West Africa Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Sep 15, 2023

A Saudi-Israeli deal is not happening just yet. But there are other ways to expand the Abraham Accords.

By Katherine Golden

Officials convening at the US Capitol discussed the economic and cultural projects that can expand the Accords' impact and spread prosperity in the Middle East.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 13, 2023

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about Iran one year after Mahsa Amini’s death

By Atlantic Council

A year after the twenty-two-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman died following her arrest by authorities, Iran has changed—and is still changing—in important ways.

Civil Society Human Rights

IranSource

Sep 13, 2023

Letters from women protesters inside Iran: One year after #MahsaAmini’s death 

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

"The people of Iran want to overthrow this regime. If you believe in freedom, equality, and human rights, remember that this regime stands against these values."

Human Rights Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 12, 2023

The politics behind Morocco turning down help after the devastating earthquake

By Sarah Zaaimi

Morocco has allowed search teams to access the disaster areas and deploy their field operations, but it has declined or ignored aid offered by France and Algeria.

Africa France

IranSource

Sep 11, 2023

If the West wants to support Iranian women, it must cut diplomatic ties with Tehran

By Shadi Sadr

The success of the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution relies on increasing the crackdown costs until the Islamic Republic's grip on power falters, ultimately leading to its effective demise.

Civil Society Iran
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