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 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

In the News

Aug 2, 2015

Hawthorne on Egypt’s Economic Reforms

By Amy Hawthorne

Bloomberg Business quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Amy Hawthorne on Egypt’s economic reforms, as discussed during Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Egypt:

North Africa

In the News

Jul 31, 2015

Hawthorne on Kerry’s Visit to Egypt

By Amy Hawthorne

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Amy Hawthorne on Secretary of State John Kerry’s upcoming visit to Egypt and its significance for US-Egyptian relations: 

North Africa

Issue Brief

Jul 31, 2015

To vote or not to vote: Examining the disenfranchised in Egypt’s political landscape

By Sarah Sirgany

The postponement of parliamentary elections in Egypt, scheduled for March 2015, marked a setback in the country’s democratic political process. Electoral politics are effectively on hold. Meanwhile, Muslim Brotherhood supporters have adopted a violent confrontational strategy toward the state, secular opposition parties are increasingly ineffectual, and voter fatigue remains a serious dilemma. In “To Vote […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jul 30, 2015

Five Issues That Should Be Discussed at the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue

By Amy Hawthorne

The main purpose of the August 2 US-Egypt strategic dialogue in Cairo seems to be to demonstrate that the two countries are settling back into more normal ties after two difficult years.

North Africa

In the News

Jul 30, 2015

Mezran on Libya Trials

By Karim Mezran

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Karim Mezran joins Sky News to discuss the flawed process of the trials of Gaddafi officials:

Libya

MENASource

Jul 29, 2015

Sheltering Tunisia’s Democratic Experiment from the Region’s Storms

By Jason Pack and Andrea Brody-Barre

It has become common wisdom in Western capitals that Tunisia is the Arab Spring’s only (partial) success story. Yet more needs to be done to protect the country from the instability that surrounds it and threatens to reverse its vulnerable democratic progress.

Libya North Africa

Experts