Middle East

Libya’s Constitutional Process: Moving Forward?

By Karim Mezran and Duncan Pickard

The General National Congress (GNC) on April 10 finally issued a constitutional amendment declaring that Libya’s constitution-drafting committee would be elected directly, rather than appointed by the GNC. While this puts to rest a longstanding debate that has held up much of the assembly’s—and the country’s—other work, the GNC has now officially set the stage […]

A New Deal: Reforming US Defense Cooperation with Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia

By George Casey and Jim Kolbe

Former US Army Chief George Casey and Congressman Jim Kolbe argue that the transitions in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia will be reversible unless and until their security agencies are better equipped to carry out their functions without abusing citizen rights or interfering in politics. A New Deal: Reforming US Defense Cooperation with Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia […]

Roundtable on Libya’s Economic Challenges

The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted a visiting economic delegation from Libya on Thursday, April 18 for a roundtable discussion on the economic challenges the country faces during its transition process.

The Economics of Civil War in Syria

By Faysal Itani

Without foreign military intervention or a substantial boost in military support for the rebels, the civil war in Syria will probably destroy its state and economy. This has spurred much discussion in policy circles about Syria’s postwar reconstruction and economic recovery, which could cost an estimated $80 billion. Much of it has rightly focused on […]

Consent of the Governed: A New Middle East Political Order?

By Frederic C. Hof

Despite the grim realities we face on so many fronts in the Middle East today, there is reason to be optimistic about the long-term political trajectory of the Arab world. Arabs—especially young Arabs—are finally beginning to answer, on their own and from the ground up, the key question of the past century: what will follow […]

Energy Resources in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Promoting Regional Stability and Prosperity

On April 8, 2013, the Atlantic Council’s Patriciu Eurasia Center held a public discussion on “Energy Resources in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq” with the Minister of Natural Resources Dr. Ashti Hawrami.

The No-Fly Zone Conundrum

By Frederic C. Hof

Since the very start of armed resistance to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad there have been demands that US President Barack Obama declare and impose a no-fly zone over parts of Syria. Over the past several months these demands have increased exponentially, as the regime has established a deadly pattern of terror: when […]