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

Feb 2, 2023

<strong>What did Blinken accomplish in Israel? More stealth progress on Israeli-Arab normalization.</strong>

By Daniel B. Shapiro

During his visit, the US secretary of state pressed the need and opportunity for expanding and deepening the process of regional integration represented by the Abraham Accords and the Negev Forum.

Crisis Management Israel

MENASource

Feb 1, 2023

<strong>Libya’s political impasse and the $6 billion question</strong>

By Alia Brahimi

On January 5, after months of talks brokered in Egypt, Libya’s rival legislative bodies finally agreed to begin discussions to develop the constitutional basis for elections.

Libya Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 31, 2023

Escalating violence and right-wing provocations are threatening Netanyahu’s Abraham Accords agenda

By Alissa Pavia

If Israel's prime minister wants to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations, he will have to find a way to end the bloodshed—and keep a lid on his far-right ministers.

Extremism Israel

MENASource

Jan 30, 2023

<strong>Ben-Gvir’s controversial new position angered the Arab world. But how will it impact a potential peace deal with Saudi Arabia?</strong>

By Ksenia Svetlova

Will PM Benjamin Netanyahu find the desired equilibrium between the radical politics of his coalition partner and diplomacy with Arab capitals?

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jan 30, 2023

Experts react: What’s behind the drone strike on an Iranian military facility?

By Atlantic Council experts

We turned to our experts on Iran, Israel, and the region to help explain the dynamics at play—and what’s coming next.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 27, 2023

What will it take to deter Iran from targeting opponents inside the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

The US Department of Justice unsealed charges Friday in an alleged assassination plot directed by Iran against a US journalist. Our experts unpack the ongoing threat.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Jan 26, 2023

<strong>People-to-people exchanges matter. They’re integral to nurturing the Abraham Accords.</strong>

By Richard LeBaron

This piece identifies some of the issues involved in creating a strong framework for a vital “Abraham Exchanges” program and proposes a few ideas on how to get it off the ground.

Israel Middle East

China-MENA Podcast

Jan 24, 2023

China’s Vision for a New World Order

By Atlantic Council

Nadege Rolland joins us to discuss China's support and dissatisfaction with the existing global order and whether the country will continue to support or try to change it via Chinese-led initiatives.

China East Asia

IranSource

Jan 24, 2023

<strong>Can Reza Pahlavi help unite the Iranian opposition? A hashtag is suggesting so.</strong>

By Arash Azizi

An Iranian journalist started the hashtag #You_Represent_Me, which was quickly picked up by thousands of other Iranians, inside and outside the country, who used it to declare their support for Reza Pahlavi.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Jan 24, 2023

Rising inflation is hurting Egypt’s economy. Will the country’s powerful military cede economic power to salvage it?

By Shahira Amin

The prices of food and other basic commodities including housing and medical services have soared over the past few months as the country faces rising inflation.

Economy & Business Middle East
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