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

Sep 1, 2015

Misunderstanding Egypt’s Ultras

By Ziad A. Akl

Egypt’s Ultras, organized groups of football fans, shot to infamy with the 2011 uprising. Despite an active presence in the streets dating back several years, 2011 marked a new introduction of the Ultras to the Egyptian public.

North Africa

In the News

Sep 1, 2015

Shaffer on Egypt’s Gas Find

By Brenda Shaffer

Nikkei Asian Review interviews Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Brenda Shaffer on Egypt’s gas field and the opportunities they offer Israel:

Energy & Environment Israel

MENASource

Aug 31, 2015

The Al Jazeera Trial: The Verdict, Reactions, and Next Steps

By Elissa Miller

On Saturday, August 29, Egypt’s Cairo Criminal Court sentenced journalists Mohamed Fahmy, Baher Mohamed, and Peter Greste to three years in prison, in the latest development in the Al Jazeera trial.

North Africa

In the News

Aug 31, 2015

Shaffer on Egypt’s Gas Discovery

By Brenda Shaffer

Reuters quotes Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Brenda Shaffer on the effect Egypt’s discovery of gas will have on Israel’s gas exports: 

Energy & Environment Israel

MENASource

Aug 24, 2015

Facing up to Fear

By Amr Hamzawy

I face up to it, this fear that day in, day out curses my family – our security, stability, and happiness – and my own wellbeing. This fear might silence my outspoken opposition to the increasing injustice holding us under siege on all fronts. It might compel me to disregard the moral and social imperative […]

North Africa

MENASource

Aug 21, 2015

Tunisia Needs Entrepreneurs

By Mohsin Khan and Hanane Lahnaoui

The lack of jobs was one of the most important factors in creating the conditions for the uprising in January 2011 in Tunisia that launched the so-called Arab Spring. In the decade 2000-2010, with the economy growing at an average annual rate of 4.5 percent, overall unemployment averaged nearly 14 percent and youth unemployment hovered […]

North Africa

In the News

Aug 21, 2015

Slavin Hosts Issues in the News

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss ISIS violence in Syria, the explosions in Cairo, the Iran deal, and US politics:

Iran North Africa

MENASource

Aug 20, 2015

The Republic of Fear

By Amr Hamzawy

The Egyptian government issued a decree in July placing regulatory and independent agencies under the auspices of the president of the country, authorizing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to replace the agencies’ leaders. This move effectively puts an end to the agencies’ independent regulatory role by threatening their ability to both ensure the executive authority does […]

North Africa

MENASource

Aug 19, 2015

Release of Islamist Leader Sends Mixed Signals

By Khaled Dawoud

Since his 2013 arrest, shortly after the army’s removal of former president Mohamed Morsi, Abul Ela Madi’s name has topped the lists of people whose release has been called for, even by critics of political Islamic groups. Two long years later, and Madi finally walked free from a police station on August 12, two days […]

North Africa

MENASource

Aug 17, 2015

Q&A: Key Information on Egypt’s Upcoming Parliamentary Elections

By Suzanne Gaber

After much speculation, Egypt’s long-awaited parliamentary elections are reportedly slated for September of this year. The election will allow for the formation of the first parliament under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and the second since the 2011 ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak.

Elections North Africa

Experts