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

Jun 24, 2022

The Israeli government collapse was a curveball for Biden’s upcoming visit. But it shows the depth of the US-Israel relationship.

By Daniel B. Shapiro

President Joe Biden’s team was thrown a curveball on June 20, as the year-old coalition built by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid finally gave way to internal pressures.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Jun 23, 2022

Iraq’s sandstorms are threatening life in the Fertile Crescent. It’s time the Iraqi government takes a stance.

By Muhammad Baqir Muhyedeen

The Iraqi government and population can take the necessary steps to protect their country from the changing climate and safeguard Iraq for future generations.

Energy & Environment Iraq

MENASource

Jun 22, 2022

The immutable Muqtada al-Sadr loses a battle against Iran

By Andrew L. Peek

The June 12 decision by Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to renounce his electoral victory and collapse the government formation process is a gift to Iran.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Jun 21, 2022

This organization is helping Syria’s LGBTQI community. Here’s how.

By Jennifer Bailey and Francois Zankih

Guardians of Equality Movement and other organizations and groups like it are a promising indicator for renewable development.

Human Rights Middle East

MENASource

Jun 17, 2022

The Bennett-Lapid coalition is still holding on, but Israel can’t seem to let go of Bibi

By Noga Tarnopolsky

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loves the spotlight and remains, one year out of office, Israel’s greatest prestidigitator of attention.

Israel Middle East

Event Recap

Jun 16, 2022

A new transatlantic relationship for the Middle East and North Africa

By Alexandra Kaiss

On June 7, the Atlantic Council’s (AC) North Africa Initiative hosted an event, “New Transatlantic Relations for the Middle East and North Africa,” in collaboration with US Embassy Rome and Centro Studi Americani. Moderated by Karim Mezran, director of the AC’s North Africa Initiative and resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, the event explored […]

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Jun 16, 2022

Lebanon-Israel maritime border dispute picks up again

By Nicholas Blanford

The arrival of the UK-based Energean, which will begin a drilling operation close to a disputed maritime zone in the eastern Mediterranean, has sparked tensions once more between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel Lebanon

China-MENA Podcast

Jun 16, 2022

Chinese Tech in North Africa

By Atlantic Council

Tin Hinane joins us to discuss Chinese Tech in North Africa, China’s attempt to dominate the digital space in North Africa via tech giants such as Huawei and Alibaba, and the Digital Silk Road.

China Digital Policy

Event Recap

Jun 15, 2022

The Middle East and North Africa in the New Geopolitical Disorder

By Otto Lanzavecchia

While the US seems to be disengaging from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which is rife with lingering tensions and subject to geopolitical turmoil, other external actors fill the void. All while the European Union (EU) mostly ignores the wider Mediterranean until it becomes impossible to ignore. An expert panel held by the Atlantic Council and the Med-Or Foundation in Rome delved into the drivers and strategic reasons behind the region’s newfound centrality on May 31, 2022.

Crisis Management Democratic Transitions

Event Recap

Jun 14, 2022

Promoting more women in leadership is “a business imperative” and key to unlocking economic prosperity, say top executives

By Allison Holle

On June 7, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a workshop on "Balance of power: Promoting more women in leadership."

Economy & Business Entrepreneurship
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