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

May 16, 2023

The Arab League thinks readmitting Syria will push out Iran. They’re wrong.

By David Daoud

The logic of drawing Bashar al-Assad back into the Arab League is unsound, founded on the faulty premise that there remains such a thing as an independent Syrian regime to woo back from Tehran.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 16, 2023

Syrian refugees fear normalization with Assad. Because it means they will have to return—and not by choice.

By Arwa Damon

Syrian refugees fear that “normalization” of ties will boost the narrative that “Syria is safe now,” giving further justification to rid Syrian refugee populations.

Human Rights Lebanon

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2023

Eight months into anti-regime protests, Iran’s women show creativity as they press on ‘full of anger’

By Nick Fouriezos

Three leading figures from the Iranian women's protest movement spoke at an Atlantic Council Front Page event about how their struggle has attracted global attention and what's next.

Human Rights Iran

Transcript

May 11, 2023

How the women and girls of Iran have fueled their ‘unprecedented’ protests: Bravery, solidarity, and innovation

By Atlantic Council

Three recipients of the Atlantic Council’s Distinguished Humanitarian Leadership Award examined the antigovernment protests in Iran and the decades-long fight for gender equality and social justice in the country.

Civil Society Iran

MENASource

May 11, 2023

Experts react: Sudan at the crossroads—where the conflict goes from here

By Benjamin Mossberg, Alia Brahimi, Thomas S. Warrick, Shahira Amin, R. Clarke Cooper

Atlantic Council experts react to the conflict in Sudan and discuss how it will impact the region and beyond.

Africa East Africa

IranSource

May 10, 2023

After a failed coalition effort, where is the Iranian opposition headed?

By Arash Azizi

Cracks within the Iranian opposition coalition were visible from the outset, with much of the division revolving around former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s persona.

Civil Society Iran

MENASource

May 10, 2023

Saudi Arabia should consider the ‘Just Do It’ strategy for normalizing ties with Israel

By Richard LeBaron

Acting on one’s terms when pursuing national interests is always a better strategy. Saudi Arabia is completely capable of dealing with Israel on its own.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

May 9, 2023

Experts react: Israel strikes Gaza. How far will this conflict go, and how will it impact the region?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their insights on the prospects for escalation and what it all means for Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other regional players.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

May 9, 2023

When it comes to great power competition in Africa, one competitor is missing: Iran

By Danny Citrinowicz  

One area the United States completely ignores is Iran's growing influence on the African continent and the need to formulate a policy that will work to limit Tehran’s freedom of action there.

Africa East Africa

Event Recap

May 9, 2023

Reimagining a way forward: Iraq’s economy and energy sector in the post-invasion era

By Amna Haider and Mahnaz Vahdati

On April 24, 2023, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative convened a hybrid panel discussion to examine Iraq’s current economic and energy landscape, and their future trajectory. The panel discussed Iraq’s significant progress in rebuilding its economy and energy sectors that have suffered since the 2003 US invasion of the country, despite facing various challenges such […]

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance
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