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

Jan 23, 2023

It’s been over a decade since Ankara and Damascus talked. What changed? 

By Ömer Özkizilcik

The December 2022 meeting in Russia is the first of many that may ultimately result in a direct encounter between Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bashar al-Assad.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

IranSource

Jan 20, 2023

<strong>UNICEF isn’t doing enough to protect Iranian children during protests. It’s time they step up.</strong>

By Kourosh Ziabari

Iranians don’t appear to be convinced that the United Nations’ dedicated children agency is doing enough and fulfilling its mandate.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jan 19, 2023

<strong>Netanyahu’s Iran policy is expected to fail—again</strong>

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The biggest problem that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has today is the fact that he will have a tough time rallying the Joe Biden administration.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2023

As Brazil investigates Bolsonaro’s role in anti-democratic riots, should the US kick him out?

By Gissou Nia, Thomas S. Warrick

While the Biden administration needs to demonstrate moral leadership, acting too hastily could fuel the flames of Brazil’s polarized politics and damage democracy in the long term.

Brazil Elections

MENASource

Jan 13, 2023

US sanctions on Syria aren’t working. It’s time for a new sanctions approach that minimizes humanitarian suffering and increases leverage.

By Karam Shaar and Said Dimashqi

Before making concessions, the United States can increase its leverage in Syria by dedicating resources to make use of the smart sanctions that US policymakers have already developed.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 12, 2023

<strong>Saudi Arabia and Qatar are cooperating with the Taliban. But their approaches to Afghanistan are different. </strong>

By Leonardo Jacopo Maria Mazzucco and Kristian P. Alexander

All Gulf Cooperation Council states have come to terms with the reality of Taliban rule in Afghanistan since August 2021 and must pragmatically deal with the situation on the ground.

Afghanistan Indo-Pacific

IranSource

Jan 11, 2023

<strong>Soccer players versus the IRGC. Who do the people of Iran choose?</strong>

By Arash Azizi

Iranians know who their national heroes are.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Jan 6, 2023

Want peace in Yemen? First, restore the balance of power.

By Sam Mundy and Mick Mulroy

Rather than giving in to the Houthis’ latest demands and withdrawing their support for pro-government forces, the UAE and Saudi Arabia should attempt to restore a balance of power in negotiations.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Jan 5, 2023

<strong>An Iran opposition coalition was long overdue. It’s an important step forward on the rocky road to change. </strong>

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad

Such a coalition is an important step forward to grant the millions-strong Iranian diaspora a unified and, thus, more effective voice to push the international community.

Democratic Transitions Iran

MENASource

Jan 4, 2023

<strong>Jordanians are protesting again. It’s time for economic and administrative reforms.</strong>

By Laith Alajlouni

Without tackling the root causes of Jordan's issues, the country will only delay the crisis and it will snowball into something larger in the future.

Economy & Business Elections
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