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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

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

MENASource

Aug 12, 2015

Libya: Half an Agreement is Better than No Agreement

By Karim Mezran

The situation in Libya has reached a point of utmost gravity. The suffering of the population and the instability resulting from the actions of rival militias, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations have rendered the situation unsustainable.

Libya

MENASource

Aug 11, 2015

Egypt’s Startups Starting to Grow Up

By Rachel Williamson

Four years ago Egypt’s January 25 revolution lit a bonfire under the nation’s political imagination and heralded in the age of the Silicon Valley-esque tech entrepreneur. Today, for many, those bourgeoning political hopes have been dashed, but the country’s growing entrepreneur class is still moving from strength to strength and they’ve reached a stage where […]

North Africa

In the News

Aug 11, 2015

Eljarh: Qaddafi Supporters Re-emerge in a Disillusioned Libya

By Mohamed Eljarh

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mohamed Eljarh writes for Foreign Policy on why the trials of former members of the Qaddafi regime mark another missed opportunity for justice in Libya:

Libya

MENASource

Aug 11, 2015

Egypt and Saudi Make a Public Show of Support

By Khaled Dawoud

Leaders of Cairo and Riyadh sought last week to downplay reports of alleged tensions on regional and domestic issues in the wake of the death of Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah eight months ago.

North Africa

MENASource

Aug 7, 2015

A Critical Moment in North Africa

By Karim Mezran

The situation in North Africa has reached a critical point, demanding greater attention from policymakers in Western capitals and elsewhere. While the crisis in Syria and Iraq, the consequences of the Iran deal, and the Yemeni conundrum have garnered global consideration, critical signals of unrest and instability continue to emanate from the North African countries.

Libya North Africa

MENASource

Aug 6, 2015

What is the Best Case Scenario for Egypt’s New Suez Canal?

By Tarek Radwan

One cannot deny Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s clear desire to reinvigorate Egypt’s economy after four years of steady weakening due largely to tumultuous political change and ongoing violence. One large project (among many mega projects Sisi has envisioned)—the “New” Suez Canal—has come to fruition two years ahead of schedule on presidential orders.

North Africa

Experts