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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

AfricaSource

Jun 9, 2015

Free Trade Pact Highlights Egypt’s Pivot Back towards Africa

By J. Peter Pham

On Wednesday, presidents and other leaders representing twenty-six African countries meeting at the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh signed an agreement to launch a “Cape to Cairo” free trade zone spanning the length of the continent. The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), as it will formally be known, will embrace three of Africa’s […]

Ethiopia North Africa

MENASource

Jun 9, 2015

One Year On: Legislation Under Sisi

By EgyptSource

Since his election, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has issued and amended over 100 decrees. In the absence of a seated parliament Sisi enjoys full legislative power and has issued decrees aiming to address the economic, security, and political issues facing Egypt today.

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 9, 2015

One Year On: The Economy Under Sisi

By EgyptSource

Following three years of unrest, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s election was viewed as an opportunity to strengthen Egypt’s deteriorating economy. Sisi’s immediate decision to cut fuel and electricity subsidies was considered an unpopular, yet necessary policy, and has since garnered him praise from global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund […]

North Africa

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jun 9, 2015

One Year On: Civil Society and Human Rights under Sisi

By EgyptSource

In the four years since Hosni Mubarak’s ouster, human rights have continued to suffer. The past year under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has witnessed a serious regression in what few rights were gained in the wake of the 2011 uprising. The protests that led to the downfall of Mubarak and his successor, Mohamed Morsi, have […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 8, 2015

INFOGRAPHIC: Sisi’s Approval Ratings over the Past Year

By EgyptSource

How have President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s approval ratings changed over the past year? Independent research center, Baseera, has conducted five polls over the past year, beginning in August 2014 and ending in June 2015.

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 8, 2015

One Year On: Domestic Politics Under Sisi

By EgyptSource

Elected just over a year ago with 96.1 percent of the votes, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi promised to rule in an inclusive manner. Over the past year, however, political parties have complained of marginalization, the Muslim Brotherhood, together with secular activists, have faced a harsh crackdown, and the public has balked over some of the […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 8, 2015

One Year On: Foreign Policy Under Sisi

By EgyptSource

The Egyptian presidency issued a report Sunday detailing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s achievements over the past year, listing twenty-four ‘nontraditional’ achievements including Egypt’s Economic Development Summit held in March as his only economic achievement. Other achievements, according to the report, include donating half his salary to the Long Live Egypt fund, taking part in a bike marathon […]

North Africa

In the News

Jun 7, 2015

Hawthorne on the Egypt Report

By Amy Hawthorne

The New York Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Amy Hawthorne on a report recently presented to Congress, which criticizes the abuses and failings of the Egyptian government:

North Africa

In the News

Jun 7, 2015

Gramer on Naval Migrant Interdiction

By Robert Gramer

Defense News quotes Transatlantic Security Initiative Assistant Director Robbie Gramer on the challenges facing European navies as they scramble to address a growing migration crisis:

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Jun 4, 2015

Hawthorne on US Aid to Egypt

By Amy Hawthorne

Al Monitor quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Amy Hawthorne on the foreign aid bill that provides for a gradual weakening of human rights restrictions on aid to Egypt: 

North Africa

Experts