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

Mar 12, 2015

Celebrating the Economic Potential of the Maghreb

By Mohamed Malouche

More than four years since the Tunisian revolution, ignited by popular anger at high unemployment, a lack of regional development, and few opportunities for advancement, Tunisia and the rest of the Maghreb nations, most notably Algeria and Morocco, have placed a renewed emphasis on entrepreneurial innovation.

Morocco North Africa
Photo: REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi

Issue Brief

Mar 12, 2015

Morocco’s gradual political and economic transition

By Mohsin Khan and Karim Mezran

In contrast to popular uprisings throughout the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, Morocco has emerged relatively unscathed, avoiding destabilizing political upheaval or economic impact. The case of Morocco has surprised many observers because its weak and problematic social, political, and economic indicators are much like those of the other transitioning countries. In “Morocco’s […]

Morocco North Africa

MENASource

Mar 10, 2015

Scenarios For Libya Going Forward

By Mohamed Eljarh

As Libya’s internationally recognized government in Tobruk and its rival self-declared islamist government in Tripoli resumed a new round of UN sponsored dialogue in Morocco that began on March 5, rival armed groups targeted each other with air strikes.

Libya

MENASource

Mar 10, 2015

ISIS in Libya: A New Third Force

By Jason Pack

In the chaos of the Libya conflict, jihadi groups have emerged as a potent third force, determined to derail any meaningful negotiation process between the two major blocs, writes Jason Pack. 

Libya

In the News

Mar 10, 2015

Hawthorne on Egypt’s LGBT Crackdown

By Amy Hawthorne

US News and World Report quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Amy Hawthorne on Egypt’s crackdown on LGBT activists during the upcoming economic development conference:

North Africa

MENASource

Mar 10, 2015

The Deceptions that Plague the Public Sphere in Egypt

By Amr Hamzawy

Within the public sphere in Egypt today, some leftists and liberals among the intellectual, cultural, media, and party elites have begun to raise their voices in condemnation of state violence leveled against Egyptian citizens. These voices have begun to reject abuses of rights and freedoms, including violations of the sacrosanct right to life.  They have […]

North Africa

In the News

Mar 9, 2015

Mezran on Surface-To-Air Missiles in Libya

By Karim Mezran

The Tampa Bay Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Karim Mezran on surface-to-air missiles in Libya and who controls them:

Libya
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Feb. 5, 2015

NATOSource

Mar 9, 2015

NATO Seeks to Speed Up Decisions on Military Deployment

By Valentina Pop, Wall Street Journal

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is seeking to speed up decision making on military deployments as part of the alliance’s response to threats posed by Russia and Islamic State, the alliance’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday.

Libya NATO

Event Recap

Mar 6, 2015

Libya: An Update on the Negotiations and Current Crisis

By Rafik Hariri Center

Under the auspices of the Libya Working Group, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted Fadel Lamen, a Nonresident Fellow and Chair of the National Dialogue Preparatory Commission in Libya, for a roundtable discussion about the current situation in Libya and the status of ongoing negotiations. Lamen was recently in Geneva […]

Libya

MENASource

Mar 6, 2015

Patriotism and Nationalism in Egypt

By Sally Toma

I first met him in Tahrir Square, following the bloody events of February 2. On the day known as the Battle of the Camel, at least eleven were killed and over 600 wounded.  Mina Daniel, wounded earlier that day, was a Copt who struggled with other socialists for justice, freedom, and above all dignity for […]

North Africa

Experts