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 6, 2015

Who Are Egypt’s New Ministers?

By Ali Mohamed

In a surprise move, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab announced a minor cabinet reshuffle that included eight ministries ahead of Egypt’s March economic conference. The reshuffle included the ministries of culture, tourism, agriculture, communications, education, and interior. Of the eight new ministers, two are taking up entirely new portfolios – the ministry of population and the ministry […]

North Africa

MENASource

Mar 5, 2015

Q&A: What Do We Know about Egypt’s Parliamentary Elections?

By EgyptSource

The fate of Egypt’s parliamentary elections once again hangs in the balance following a ruling by the Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC). On March 1, the highest court in Egypt ruled the Parliamentary Constituencies Law unconstitutional. Two days later, the Cairo Administrative Court confirmed the delay in elections, and a committee formed by Prime Minister Ibrahim […]

Elections North Africa

MENASource

Mar 4, 2015

Behind the Headlines: Libyans React to a Growing Crisis

By Victoria Heckenlaible

The bloody conflict in Libya has scattered approximately 400,000 people across the country. The burden on Libyans increases every day that warring factions continue to bicker over power and that ISIS is allowed to solidify their foothold. 

Libya

In the News

Mar 4, 2015

Khan on Egypt’s Economic Difficulties

By Mohsin Khan

Middle East Institute quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Mohsin Khan on Egypt’s economic difficulties and the need for foreign investment:

North Africa

New Atlanticist

Mar 4, 2015

Can Morocco Talks Unite Libyan Rivals?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Atlantic Council analyst says ISIS threat must galvanize political foes Rival factions in Libya must come together for talks in Morocco this week to take on the threat posed by an affiliate of the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), says Atlantic Council analyst Fadel Lamen. An ISIS affiliate has exploited the political and […]

Libya

In the News

Mar 4, 2015

Al-Ghwell: The Rise and Rise of Libya’s Rogue General

By Hafed Al-Ghwell

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Hafed Al-Ghwell writes for Al Jazeera on the recent appointment of General Khalifa Haftar as Commander in Chief of the Libyan armed forces:

Libya

MENASource

Mar 4, 2015

Imaginary Obstacles to Democracy in Egypt

By MENASource

While the world accepts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s rule in Egypt, the return and general acceptance of authoritarian tendencies—including a crackdown on human rights and political activists, the promulgation of repressive laws by decree, and the heavy-handed regulation of civil society organizations—has sparked questions surrounding the durability the state-centric culture and indefinite postponement of democracy.

North Africa

In the News

Mar 4, 2015

Eljarh on the Ancient Sites Under Threat by ISIS

By Mohamed Eljarh

Newsweek quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mohamed Eljarh on which ancient sites in Libya could come under threat by ISIS:

Libya

MENASource

Mar 3, 2015

The Illusions Surrounding the Concept of Democracy in Egypt

By Amr Hamzawy

A number of illusions have surrounded the concept of democracy in Egypt since the 1950s, placing democratic ideas under a kind of cognitive, moral, intellectual, and political “siege” that prevented them from taking root in Egyptian society.  These illusions are among the factors that have allowed authoritarianism to remain entrenched in Egypt for such a […]

North Africa

In the News

Mar 3, 2015

Eljarh on the Influx of Foreign Fighters to Libya

By Mohamed Eljarh

Newsweek quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mohamed Eljarh on the influx of foreign fighters to Libya and how this is part of ISIS’s strategy to overtake failed states:

Libya

Experts