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

Aug 4, 2022

My brother was executed during the 1988 massacre. The Hamid Noury trial verdict is a victory for truth and justice.

By Lawdan Bazargan

Only the truth can heal Iran and the Iranian people’s collective pain and protect future generations from the danger of such crimes.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Aug 3, 2022

Amongst Iran’s super-rich are tax evaders too. And the government isn’t doing much about it.

By Mohammad Salami

Given Iran’s economic crisis, there is widespread public resentment of the ability of the super-rich to avoid paying taxes.

Economy & Business Iran

Event Recap

Aug 2, 2022

Iran and Iraq: The struggle for tenable relations

By Alexandra Kaiss and Mariah Smith

On July 25, the Atlantic Council’s Iraq Initiative and Future of Iran Initiative hosted a virtual event titled “Iran and Iraq: The struggle for tenable relations.”

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Aug 1, 2022

Experts react: Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri is dead. What’s next for US counterterrorism?

By Atlantic Council experts

For answers about what this strike means for al-Qaeda, the US approach to counterterrorism, and Afghanistan’s future, we turned to experts across our network.

Afghanistan National Security

Event Recap

Aug 1, 2022

Biden’s trip to the Middle East: Outcomes and opportunities

By Alexandra Kaiss and Mariah Smith

On July 21st, the Middle East Programs’ Israel Project, in collaboration with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, hosted a virtual event titled “Biden’s trip to the Middle East: Outcomes and opportunities.”

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Jul 26, 2022

Experts react: Tunisia’s president cemented his power grab with a referendum vote. What does it mean for North Africa? 

By Karim Mezran, Emadeddin Badi, Alia Brahimi, Alessia Melcangi, Alissa Pavia

Atlantic Council experts share their thoughts on the vote and what it means for North Africa writ large.

Middle East North Africa

IranSource

Jul 26, 2022

One Iranian perpetrator gets a life sentence. Another is potentially set free.

By Celeste Kmiotek

July was bittersweet for human rights lawyers and activists, particularly those working on Iran. On July 14, the Stockholm District Court announced that former Iranian official Hamid Nouri was found guilty of war crimes and mass murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jul 25, 2022

The Internet has no place in Khamenei’s vision for Iran’s future

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Almost three decades after Iran connected to the Internet, Khamenei is rushing to impose the digital iron veil he has always dreamed of.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jul 22, 2022

Putin got what he wanted at the Tehran summit. But did Iran?

By Nadereh Chamlou, Mark N. Katz

Whatever the reason, Putin had cause to be pleased with his meetings with Iranian leaders in Tehran. But it is not clear that the Iranian leadership was equally as pleased.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 22, 2022

Tunisia is the sole survivor of the Arab Spring. It was nice while it lasted.

By Tommaso Virgili

On July 25, Tunisians return to the polls for a historical vote: a referendum on whether to repeal the democratically-drafted constitution of 2014 and replace it with a new charter immaculately conceived by President Kais Saied.

Elections Middle East
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