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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

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

MENASource

Aug 5, 2015

The Five Points of Discussion for the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue

By MENASource

The US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue saw a meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry (along with a large number of other officials on both sides) on August 2 in an attempt to rekindle a bilateral relationship that saw its share of turbulence over the past few years.

North Africa

MENASource

Aug 4, 2015

Al Jazeera Verdict Delayed again as Journalists Remain in Limbo

By Farid Farid

Another blistering hot day in Tora in the southwest of Cairo ended with disappointment yet again for Al Jazeera English journalists Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed. The verdict for the long running retrial was postponed for the second time in three days to August 29.

North Africa

MENASource

Aug 3, 2015

A Breakdown of US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue Discussions

By Elissa Miller

On August 2, US Secretary of State John Kerry sat down with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in the first US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue since 2009. Kerry discussed a number of issues with his Egyptian counterpart, including Egypt’s economy and the recent Iran nuclear deal. Kerry also met with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss Egypt’s […]

North Africa

MENASource

Aug 3, 2015

To Vote or Not to Vote: An In-Depth Study of Egypt’s Electoral Participation

By EgyptSource

The prospect of parliamentary elections in Egypt are once again emerging after their postponement in March 2015, and according to official statements, will be held before the end of the year. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi approved amendments to laws governing parliamentary elections and a new date for elections is due to be announced after the […]

North Africa

Experts