North Africa

The North Africa region, sometimes called the Maghreb, holds strategic and political importance for the United States and Europe with its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Destabilized by the tumultuous uprisings of the Arab Spring, the developments in these countries are reasons for concern as well as hope, as different political, security, and economic conditions take shape in each country.

Programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our 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.

Libya

Content

MENASource

Mar 11, 2026

Three lessons from Libya for the war in Iran

By Frank Talbot

Any outside power using force to attain a political outcome must define the end state it seeks, align coalition partners around a shared strategy, and establish credible escalation controls.

Conflict Iran

Report

Mar 11, 2026

As Ankara rethinks its Libyan policy, the Haftar family stands to gain

By Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

Libya remains mired in a protracted civil conflict that has divided the country between rival factions. Ankara, which had strongly backed one side, recently modified its foreign policy.

Defense Industry Defense Policy

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Feb 20, 2026

Tunisia needs both bread and freedom

By Ameni Mehrez

Tunisia was one of the Arab Spring's success stories, with dramatic increases in political freedom after the 2011 uprising. Fifteen years on, the country's experience shows how intertwined freedom and prosperity are. With economic opportunity not matching the increases in political voice, frustration and unrest has followed.

Democratic Transitions Fiscal and Structural Reform

MENASource

Feb 20, 2026

Syria is not Libya, but it could become one if the world looks away

By Kurt Davis Jr.

There are lessons from Libya's fragmentation and collapse that can be applied now as Syria sits at a similar inflection point.

Conflict Libya

MENASource

Dec 18, 2025

Russia’s most important Middle East base is not where you think

By Frank Talbot

Before its future in post-Assad Syria was determined, Russia was actively searching for alternative strategic relationships in the region.

Defense Policy Libya

MENASource

Dec 17, 2025

Is Iran’s Axis of Resistance turning toward Tunisia?

By Alissa Pavia

Tunisian President Kais Saied sees clear political advantage in drawing closer to Tehran.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Dec 16, 2025

What will 2026 bring for the Middle East and North Africa?

By Atlantic Council experts

As 2025 comes to a close, our senior analysts unpack the most prominent trends and topics they are tracking for the new year.

Climate Change & Climate Action Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Nov 13, 2025

Moses parts the Red Sea: Israel’s strategic challenges as new routes emerge

By Amit Yarom

A new $4 billion bridge across the Strait of Tiran could upend plans to physically integrate Israel into the Middle East.

Economy & Business Israel

MENASource

Nov 10, 2025

The Nile at a crossroads: Navigating the GERD dispute as Egypt’s floodwaters rise

By Alessia Melcangi

The latest escalation between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia coincides with a diplomatic shift from the United States.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

MENASource

Oct 9, 2025

Amid Gaza cease-fire hope, where does the Egypt-Israel relationship stand?

By Shahira Amin

Israel’s Doha strike shifted the dynamics with Cairo—stemming from concerns that Egypt may be next in Israel's crosshairs.

Israel Middle East

Experts