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

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

In the News

Aug 17, 2015

Al-Ghwell on Airstrikes in Libya

By Hafed Al-Ghwell

Radio France Internationale quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Hafed Al-Ghwell on the effectiveness of airstrikes on ISIS-controlled positions in Libya: 

Libya

MENASource

Aug 14, 2015

Deaths in Egypt Prisons Renew Debate on Deteriorating Conditions

By Khaled Dawoud

In a statement about the death of al-Jama’a al-Islamiya’s Essam Derbala at maximum security Aqrab Prison on August 8, the ministry of interior declared the cause of death was “natural.”Derbala, the statement said, was taken to hospital after complaining of fatigue, where he died as a result of circulatory collapse. 

North Africa

New Atlanticist

Aug 13, 2015

Combating Inaction in Europe’s Migrant ‘Crisis’

By Alexa Lipke

The tragedy on August 6, when hundreds of migrants drowned after their boat capsized off the coast of Libya, is eerily familiar. It parallels the story of the 800 deaths in April that brought the migrant crisis to the forefront of the political debate in Europe. While media and public interest has ebbed and flowed […]

Europe & Eurasia European Union

MENASource

Aug 13, 2015

Egypt and Saudi Arabia Mending Fences?

By MENASource

Ever since Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud assumed the throne from his late predecessor, relations between Egypt and the Kingdom saw a rise in tension as new Saudi priorities diverged from previously agreed upon mutual interests.

North Africa

Experts