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

Jul 21, 2022

Tunisia has a referendum on July 25. Few have as much stake in it as Algeria does.

By Andrew G. Farrand

Algeria has invested in Tunisia's stability for years, providing it with cheap natural gas, governmental loans, and other bilateral support.

Elections Middle East

China-MENA Podcast

Jul 20, 2022

China-GCC Relations

By Atlantic Council

Mohammed Al Sudairi joins us to discuss China-GCC Relations in terms of people, culture and businesses, the political view of the GCC towards China, how the US-China competition narrative is received by GCC countries, and how people from the Gulf see China.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jul 19, 2022

A tale of two greetings: Decoding Biden’s hand-to-hand diplomacy in the Middle East

By Jonathan Panikoff

The Biden-MBS fist bump reveals a frosty but functional relationship, while a handshake with Netanyahu reflects a long relationship—and political reality.

Politics & Diplomacy Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Jul 19, 2022

Why Biden’s Mideast trip was much ado about very little

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Saudi Arabia’s definition of US commitment, as well as the Gulf’s more broadly, does not align with the amount of skin the United States is willing to put in the game.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

IranSource

Jul 19, 2022

Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati may outlive all of us—even the Angel of Death

By Holly Dagres

With Ayatollah Jannati continuing his role, the Supreme Leader is solidifying his control on power and trying to ensure a like-minded successor.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 15, 2022

Experts react: What’s next for the Middle East after Biden’s big visit?

By Daniel B. Shapiro, Barbara Slavin, Ariel Ezrahi, Thomas S. Warrick, Shalom Lipner, Carmiel Arbit, Nadereh Chamlou, Sina Azodi, Mark N. Katz, Andrew L. Peek

The trip focuses on repairing relationships across the region in an effort to foster regional stability and advance normalization with Israel. Atlantic Council experts react to the trip and what it means for the wider region.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Jul 14, 2022

Time heals all wounds. But will that work with Saudi Arabia and Turkey?

By Pınar Dost, Jonathan Panikoff

Does time make one forget resentments or do national interests triumph over friendships and enmities? The latter seems true for Turkey's president and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince.

Europe & Eurasia Middle East

MENASource

Jul 14, 2022

Biden’s Middle East trip focuses on the region. But China is the elephant in the room.

By Ahmed Aboudouh

US President Joe Biden’s visit to the Middle East on 13-16 July won’t directly focus on China. However, the rising power will be the elephant in the room at the Saudi summit in Jeddah.

China East Asia

MENASource

Jul 13, 2022

US interests and capacity for Middle East stability exist, but President Biden must convey will 

By R. Clarke Cooper

The US has the tools to be fully engaged in the region and, during his trip, the US president needs to strongly declare it to the entire region.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Jul 13, 2022

Biden’s Middle East trip is sending Iran an escalatory message. Here’s why.

By Shahira Amin

The flurry of diplomatic activity in the region ahead of Biden’s Middle East trip, is part of efforts by the GCC and Arab leaders to coordinate stances and forge a unified force against Iran.

Iran Israel
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