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

Sep 29, 2022

China in MENA: An EU Perspective

By Atlantic Council

Camille Lons joins us to discuss how Europeans and the EU see China as a rising global player in the geopolitics of the Middle East and North Africa.

China East Asia

IranSource

Sep 28, 2022

I’m a member of Gen Z from Tehran. World, please be the voice of the people of Iran. 

By Sarah

To all the brave and beautiful people out there who know what freedom feels like, be our voice.

Civil Society Iran

Event Recap

Sep 28, 2022

Challenges in North Africa: New Pathways for International Diplomacy?

By Madeline Hart

On September 14, the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Program and the US Embassy in Italy hosted an event with experts on the field to discuss the potential for Italy to become a mediating power in the Mediterranean.

Middle East North Africa

IranSource

Sep 27, 2022

How to turn Iran’s moment into a movement

By Borzou Daragahi

In Iran, the momentum is there. It just needs direction and a helping hand.

Civil Society Iran

IranSource

Sep 26, 2022

‘Women, life, liberty’: Iran’s future is female

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Women, young and old, have been at the forefront of the uprising, just like every other protest in Iran over the past decades.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Sep 22, 2022

Egypt is hosting COP27. What are the expectations?

By Lama El Hatow

As the host country for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, Egypt has a huge role to play during its presidency of the event, as all eyes will be geared towards how the country can lead by example.

Energy & Environment Middle East

IranSource

Sep 20, 2022

The Supreme Leader is still alive. But when he does eventually die, how will succession play out?

By Barbara Slavin

Whoever succeeds Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that person will have been thoroughly vetted for loyalty to the Islamic Republic and its practices.

Iran Middle East

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
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