In countries like Greece, global recession and new environmental laws have had a significant role. Similarly in Saudi Arabia and Israel.
But in Iraq, the rise of so-called Islamic State can also be clearly seen in the air quality data.
"In Karbala, to the south of Baghdad, a mostly Shiite area, the increase in pollutants continues," said Dr Lelieveld.
"But if you look to the area northwest of Baghdad, where Islamic State is in charge, there you see that things are going in another direction - there are very specific stories in each country."
The researchers say that the varying impacts on air pollutants seen across the Middle East have lessons for global projections of emissions.
The authors point to one climate change scenario that includes increases of NOx in the region every year between 2005 and 2030, which they say "deviates from the reality".
"For many countries for which we have little information, the emissions scenarios make very simple assumptions - these definitely do not work in the Middle East as they go in all directions," said Dr Lelieveld.
"For example, in Iran the energy consumption and CO2 have continued to grow but NOx and sulphur dioxide have declined. There isn't a general rule that you can apply in emissions scenarios."
Space intelligence
The researchers say that it is difficult to use the technology to get a definitive picture. There may be less NOx in the air but people may have resorted to dirtier and cheaper fuels for heating.
Other scientists welcomed the study, saying that it followed on from previous research carried out during the Iraq war. They say that it highlights the critical role of accurate satellite information. It also highlights the scale of destruction across the Middle East and the huge impact on people.
"It is very sad that we have on the borders of Europe this huge conflict," said Prof John Burrows from the University of Bremen, Germany.
"But perhaps scientific information like this helps our understanding. It's proportional to people, so if emissions have gone down in Syria by 50%, I'd expect that 50% of the people might have been displaced, as indeed they have."
The research has been published in the journal, Science Advances.