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.

Learn more

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

Nov 7, 2022

Iraq lacks strategy on many governance fronts. It’s never too late to rectify this unforgivable deficiency.

By Abbas Kadhim

Post-2003 Iraq has shown a gross lack of strategy on many governance fronts. It’s never too late to rectify this unforgivable deficiency.

Iraq Middle East

IranSource

Nov 4, 2022

Iran’s repression of dissent and help to Russia in Ukraine are deepening its isolation

By Anonymous

Regardless of the outcome of the current protests on the domestic Iranian political scene or the course of the Ukraine war, the consequences of Iran’s actions on issues ranging from the fate of the nuclear deal to regional policies may not be short-lived.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Nov 4, 2022

Iraq has a new government. The United States would benefit from broad engagement with all Iraqi stakeholders.

By C. Anthony Pfaff

Such an approach will typically yield modest results, but these results can accumulate and place the United States in a better position.

Iraq Middle East

Event Recap

Nov 3, 2022

Turmoil and transition: Iraq twenty years after the invasion

By Madeline Hart and Nour Alhajjeh

An Atlantic Council conference on Iraq's security, environment, economy, and democratic institutions brought together high-level officials from across the region and the United States to explore innovative solutions.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Nov 2, 2022

Experts react: Bibi is back—back again for now

By Middle East experts

We asked our experts to weigh in on what's in store for Israel's democracy, its ability to balance opposing domestic forces, and its relations with regional partners.

Elections Israel

MENASource

Nov 2, 2022

As the election fog clears, Netanyahu poised to ride a hungry, far-right tiger

By Shalom Lipner

Whichever scenario materializes, it’s not impossible that Israelis could yet find themselves summoned to vote in a sixth election before 2023 is up.

Elections Israel

MENASource

Nov 1, 2022

The startup industry is struggling. Here’s how founders can navigate the current funding environment.

By Mahmood Abdulla

Founders who can adapt to the current economic climate and survive long periods without their equivalent of food and water—VC funding—will be able to weather the current uncertainty.

Economy & Business Resilience & Society

MENASource

Oct 28, 2022

The Israel-Lebanon maritime deal is an example of successful US-led mediation. Can it be copy-pasted to other Middle Eastern arenas?

By Ksenia Svetlova

Despite the obvious sense of relief among all those who supported the maritime agreement, there is no doubt that the success of the agreement will be measured solely by its performance in the future.

Israel Lebanon

IranSource

Oct 28, 2022

To help protect Iranian protesters, the State Department should dox security forces

By Andrew L. Peek

The Islamic Republic's crackdown has produced a significant amount of street-level video footage taken by citizen journalists with smart phones of security forces committing violence against protestors.

Human Rights Iran

MENASource

Oct 27, 2022

It’s time to salvage US-Saudi relations. And no, it’s not just because of oil.

By Hani Findakly

The US-Saudi alliance is ninety years old and, while nations act in their perceived interests, a breach of this alliance has potential negative consequences for both sides and the region.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
Load More