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Event Recap

Dec 22, 2021

Libya’s long road to elections: ‘Unity cannot be a byproduct of a broken system’

By Yaseen Rashed

On December 17, the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative held a panel discussion on “Libya: The long road to elections” on the democratic process in Libya, analyzing shortcomings and failures that threaten to derail the set election timeline.

Elections Libya

MENASource

Dec 21, 2021

At least three of Libya’s presidential candidates may not be fit for the role. Here’s who they are.

By Alia Brahimi

An examination of the most controversial presidential candidates out of a crowded field of ninety-eight reveals some of the complications embedded in the electoral process, and how the polls in Libya could unravel rather than realize its democratic promise.

Elections Libya

Event Recap

Dec 20, 2021

Fintech innovation is critical for business and women in MENA

By Hezha Barzani

On December 14, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a virtual event on “MENA’s Fintech innovators: Digitizing financial services” in partnership with ABANA.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

2021: A year in the Middle East

By Holly Dagres

2021 was a year full of impactful elections, historic anniversaries, and new challenges for the Middle East and North Africa.

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Dec 17, 2021

Israel pumps up the volume on Iran

By Shalom Lipner

The commencement of multilateral talks in Vienna has brought various Israeli voices to a fever pitch, with the negotiations on a possible return to the JCPOA triggering a storm of undiplomatic pronouncements from Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other senior Israeli officials.

Iran Israel

MENASource

Dec 16, 2021

Libya’s elections are on December 24. But should they be postponed?

By Karim Mezran

While electing representative governments may seem to be the most effective way to achieve greater freedom to many Western democracies, there are reasons to believe that holding elections in Libya now may create more violence after a decade of civil war.

Elections Libya

MENASource

Dec 2, 2021

The failed assassination attempt on PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi is a reminder of Iraq’s deferred priorities

By Abbas Kadhim

The Iraqi government correctly recognized that the response to this assault on democracy shouldn’t involve unconstitutional and extra-judicial means, as this would essentially be aiding the perpetrators—whoever they might be—in accomplishing what they failed to impose by violence.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Nov 29, 2021

Startups aren’t just hip. They’re also the key to unlocking youth unemployment in MENA.

By Mahmood Abdulla

The MENA region has a pressing unemployment challenge. While many attempts are underway to address this problem, the solution could lie in its growing startup scene.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Nov 23, 2021

Chairman of Libya’s High National Election Commission: Libya doesn’t have the right environment for a referendum

By Tahani Elmogrbi

Tahani Elmogrbi, a Libya expert, interviewed High National Election Commission Chairman Dr. Emad Al-Sayah for the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative, prior to the shakeup at the Libyan Post Telecommunications and Information Technology Holding Company.

Elections Libya

MENASource

Nov 22, 2021

Tunisia has a new government. How will challenges be addressed?

By Alissa Pavia, Karim Mezran, and Yaseen Rashed

The Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative asked several experts a series of questions on Tunisia’s situation. Here is how they answered.

Middle East North Africa