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

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

IranSource

Sep 8, 2023

Iran will never go back to the way it was

By Holly Dagres

While some argue that the ongoing anti-establishment protests began in mid-September 2022, the reality is that Iranians have been defying the regime for years.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Sep 7, 2023

The protests in Iran are not a revolution—yet. These events must occur first.

By Jack A. Goldstone

To draw in the majority of Iranians, the protests in Iran need to have a leader or organization that people trust.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Sep 7, 2023

Egypt is killing the history of its City of the Dead

By Shahira Amin

A large part of the necropolis has been reduced to rubble as part of the Egyptian governments plan to "modernize Cairo".

Civil Society Middle East
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