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

Sep 15, 2022

Iran’s president let it slip that inflation is at least 60 percent. Here’s how it happened.

By Anonymous

President Ebrahim Raisi is not known for making news in his comments to the press. But on August 28, Raisi accidentally did so when he spoke in detail about the Iranian economy.

Economy & Business Iran

IranSource

Sep 14, 2022

Britain is mourning Queen Elizabeth II. But for many Iranians, she was the ‘Queen of Coups.’

By Holly Dagres

While Queen Elizabeth II did not play a direct role in British imperialism and actually reigned as the empire declined, Iranians inside and outside Iran will never forget the role Britain once played in exploiting their country’s wealth and controlling their destiny.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Sep 9, 2022

Iran helped Turkey and Israel mend ties. Here’s how.

By Ksenia Svetlova

Ankara and Jerusalem will continue to work jointly to prevent terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens in Turkey and explore the possibility of pursuing common goals vis-à-vis the Islamic Republic and its many regional proxies. 

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 8, 2022

Why US allies in the Middle East aren’t taking sides in the Ukraine war

By Mark N. Katz

Staying neutral, or balancing between the two sides, may be the best that Washington can expect.

Conflict Middle East

IranSource

Sep 8, 2022

A revived nuclear deal doesn’t stop Iran’s backing of Houthis in Yemen. More must be done.

By Muammar Al-Eryani

The international community seems indifferent to the risks of Iranian hostile behavior and intrusion through its support of Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Sep 8, 2022

In Syria, cutting and running is not on the cards for Turkey

By Malik al-Abdeh and Lars Hauch

If diplomacy fails, the military option is always on the table, as President Recep Tayyip reiterated in a speech on August 25.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Sep 7, 2022

Rumors of Mojtaba Khamenei being crowned with the Supreme Leader’s turban have been circulating for years. Now it may happen.

By Anonymous

As President Ebrahim Raisi has stumbled, the prospects of the only other likely candidate for Supreme Leader have advanced. Attention is now focused on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s second son Mojtaba, who seemed from the outset to be orchestrating Raisi’s presidency.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Aug 31, 2022

Climate vulnerability and food insecurity in MENA should be priorities for US policymakers

By Amal Kandeel

Food security conditions in MENA could become perilously worse as the Russian war increases stress and shortages in the global food supply chains that the region heavily depends on.

Energy & Environment Middle East

MENASource

Aug 30, 2022

Experts react: Muqtada al-Sadr withdraws from politics. What’s next for Iraq amid a deep political rupture?

By Abbas Kadhim, C. Anthony Pfaff, Barbara Slavin, Andrew L. Peek, Masoud Mostajabi

Atlantic Council experts react to the news of Muqtada aSadr’s resignation and offer their thoughts on how the international community will deal with the conflict moving forward.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Aug 25, 2022

Brown-to-green subsidy swaps in MENA are long overdue. Here’s why.

By Amin Mohseni-Cheraghlou

Reforms in fossil fuel subsidies can help address many challenges and could result in many benefits for the MENA region.

Energy & Environment Middle East
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