About
The Middle East Forum Observer

The Middle East Forum Observer was founded in 2024 and provides rapid analysis on leading Middle East developments, from Marrakech to Mashhad and the Bab el-Mandeb to the Black Sea.

More than just an outlet for opinion and opeds, the Observer explores topics in greater depth than American newspapers or opinion essays, often drawing upon primary language research or technical expertise on topics like shipping, aircraft leasing, or counter-terrorism finance. Policymakers and intelligence analysts not only in the United States and Europe, but also across the Middle East regularly read Observer articles. Newspapers and policy journals from Israel to Iran excerpt and debate the Observer’s takes.

As with the Middle East Quarterly, Middle East Forum Observer is open access. All content is available without charge. The Middle East Forum Observer allows reposts of its articles as an integral whole with a citation that includes author, date, title, publication and original URL.

More from MEF
Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Middle East Forum Observer
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s Drive to Regulate Religion
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs Decides Who Can Use the Pulpit, Under What Rules, and Whether They Remain There
November 10, 2026
 · 
Mohammad Taha Ali
Lanterns illuminate the historic architecture of Khiva, Uzbekistan.
The Illusion of Turkic Solidarity and the Logic of Nowruzistan
Revived Linguistic Nationalism Threatens to Erase the Region’s Rich Heritage
November 10, 2026
 · 
Davood Moradian
U.S. President Donald Trump departs from Joint Base Andrews on October 21, 2026.
Middle East Forum Online
Trump Says U.S. Will End $4 Billion in Aid to Israel. Could Egypt and Jordan Pay the Price?
It Could Weaken the Political Foundations of the Wider American Security Architecture That Has Helped Preserve Israel’s Peace with Its Arab Neighbors
November 9, 2026
 · 
Amine Ayoub
Despite waves of Iranian missile attacks on the country in both Israeli operations against Iran, the public will didn’t crack. After a month of fighting, over three-quarters of Jewish Israelis wanted the war to keep going. Image: An Israeli Air Force Lockeed Martin F-35 Lightening II.
Middle East Forum Online
After U.S. Elections, Iran Knows Its Strategy Is Working—Against Everyone but Israel
More Dangerously for Iran, It Hasn’t Figured Out How to Sap the Resolve of the Israeli People
November 9, 2026
 · 
Lazar Berman
The razor-thin victory of Abdul el Sayed over Haley Stevens — with a margin of less than 1 percent or just 13,792 votes — followed an active season of politicking by at least seven Michigan mosques. Most of that activity appears to contradict IRS guidance. Image: Abdul el-Sayed at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 19, 2026.
Middle East Forum Online
Where Abdul El Sayed Should Start His Fight on Genocide
While Israel Is a Multiethnic, Multisectarian State, the Palestinian Authority Demands Any Future Palestinian State Be Judenrein
November 9, 2026
 · 
Michael Rubin
Democrats won control of Congress and statehouses in the 2026 midterm elections.
Middle East Forum Observer
Iran’s Iraqi Allies Celebrate Democrats but Castigate All Americans as the Enemy
Iran-Backed Militias View Divisions in Washington as Opportunities to Strengthen Their Own Positions
November 9, 2026
 · 
Ali Mahmoud
Tel Aviv, Israel.
Middle East Forum Observer
When Tel Aviv and Gaza City Promised to Become Sister Cities
Barcelona Demanded Action from Israel but Not from Hamas, Which Described Tel Aviv as ‘An Occupied City’
November 9, 2026
 · 
Jan Kapusnak
The skyline of Doha, Qatar.
Middle East Forum Observer
After the Mecca Pact, the Badr Agreement Must Be on Washington’s Radar
A Comprehensive Sunni Security Bloc Is the End Goal of Recent Cooperation Among Muslim-Majority States
November 8, 2026
 · 
Anna Mahjar-Barducci
European Parliament in Strasbourg expels FEMYSO, the Muslim Brotherhood-linked youth network, after 33 MEPs warned of its Islamist ties and threat to European values.
Middle East Forum Observer
Europe Union Moves Against the Muslim Brotherhood, but Will Member States?
Strasbourg’s Vote Gives Political Cover to a Crackdown, Yet Terror Listings and Funding Cuts Still Depend on 27 Governments
November 7, 2026
 · 
Hollie McKay
Egypt's vulnerability stems from a decade of unbalanced, debt-financed economic policy.
Middle East Forum Online
As Iran Chokes Hormuz, Egypt’s Energy Crisis Could Become Israel’s Problem
The International Energy Agency Confirms the Scale of Cairo’s Vulnerability Across Distinct Assessment Periods
November 6, 2026
 · 
Amine Ayoub