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 13, 2022

Biden is visiting Israel. Travel is squarely on the agenda.

By Ruth Marks Eglash and Scott Lasensky

One lesser-known element of Washington’s alliance with Israel will be squarely on US President Joe Biden’s agenda: Israel’s long-running quest to join America’s visa waiver program.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2022

Biden’s big chance to build a new coalition in the Middle East

By Daniel B. Shapiro

A regional coalition is emerging of US partners who face common security threats and share similar social, economic, energy, and climate-related challenges.

Israel Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jul 12, 2022

How to rescue and rebuild the US-Saudi relationship

By Jonathan Panikoff

The United States cannot ensure its economic and national security as successfully without Saudi Arabia as a key ally.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Jul 8, 2022

Iran’s Supreme Leader threatened protesters. But Iranians aren’t listening.

By Anonymous

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei explicitly threatened a harsh crackdown on dissidents and proposed limits on the Internet and cyberspace, harkening back to the country’s bloody suppression of dissent during the 1980s.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Jul 7, 2022

Libyans are protesting. What can they learn from the events rocking Tunisia?

By Karim Mezran

Tunisia is experiencing one of its most difficult moments since its independence from France in 1956.

Libya Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 7, 2022

From crypto winter to crypto spring: The challenges and opportunities of cryptocurrency in MENA

By Alexandra Kaiss

On June 28, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a virtual event on "Will the crypto winter cool the Middle East?" in partnership with ABANA.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

MENASource

Jul 6, 2022

There’s uncertainty in Israel and within the Palestinian Authority. The US’s stabilizing role is critical more than ever.

By Ksenia Svetlova

When China and Russia are keen to deepen their influence in the Middle East and American allies in the region are doubtful about the future, it is up to the United States to provide the stability and firmness that is lacking in today’s regional landscape.

Israel Middle East

IranSource

Jun 30, 2022

Iran’s middle class has been eroding for some time. Now it’s only getting worse.

By Javad Heiran-Nia

With the weakening of Iran's middle class, the safety valve of the political system is eroding.

Economy & Business Iran

MENASource

Jun 29, 2022

Algeria has been isolated for years. Now it’s making a shaky return to the world stage.

By Andrew G. Farrand

On both the substance and presentation of its foreign relations, if it is to seize this moment, Algeria has much catching up to do.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Jun 28, 2022

Egypt is cozying up to Russia. It’s time for the US to step in.

By Shahira Amin

Egypt has, on several occasions, proved its mettle as a  mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. Such support would also ensure Cairo's commitment to continuing the economic and political reforms it has started which are in the interests of both the US and Egypt.

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy
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