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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

In the News

Feb 27, 2015

Al-Ghwell: If We Fail in Libya, Is There Hope in Other Places?

By Hafed Al-Ghwell

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Hafed Al-Ghwell writes for Al Jazeera on why the conflicts in Libya and the Middle East demonstrate a new period in the history of the Middle East and North Africa:

Libya

MENASource

Feb 27, 2015

If We Fail in Libya

By Hafed Al-Ghwell

A former US State Department official wrote several weeks ago: “Observing events in Libya since the revolution has often been like watching someone set his dining room table while the house is on fire.” The reality is, it is not just Libya’s house that’s on fire, but the whole neighbourhood, while everyone idly looks on. 

Libya

MENASource

Feb 26, 2015

The ISIS Game Plan in Libya

By Chris Chapman

The Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) has expanded beyond its original territory in Iraq and Syria and is working to establish a base of operation in North Africa. Libya is the catalyst for such aspirations, given its chaos since the fall of Muammar Qaddafi in 2011.

Libya

MENASource

Feb 26, 2015

The Egyptian Parliament: Constitutional Short-Comings of the Laws Regulating Elections

By Yussef Auf

There have been various legal reasons used to challenge the constitutionality of the laws organizing the upcoming parliamentary elections. For the most part, these reasons are based on controversial legal articles, many of which were rejected by a large segment of the political forces in Egypt.

Elections North Africa

MENASource

Feb 26, 2015

The Egyptian Parliament: After a Lengthy Absence, an Uncertain Future

By Yussef Auf

According to a timeframe put in place by the High Elections Commission (HEC) in January, a new Egyptian parliament should be elected and convened by mid-May, 2015, at the latest. However, a study of the current situation, particularly in legal and constitutional terms—irrespective of the political context and electoral alliances that may be formed—indicates that […]

Elections North Africa
SACEUR Gen. Philip Breedlove, May 23, 2013

NATOSource

Feb 25, 2015

General Breedlove: US Depends on European Allies and Partners to ‘Fully Defend Our National Security Interests’

By Philip Breedlove, EUCOM

Our many shared values, interests, and economic interdependence with Europe provides unique opportunities and assets for collective security as well as global security cooperation.

Europe & Eurasia NATO

In the News

Feb 25, 2015

Eljarh: Libya Needs More Than Unity Government to Halt Islamic State Rise

By Mohamed Eljarh

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mohamed Eljarh writes for World Politics Review on what is needed to combat the Islamic State in Libya:

Libya

MENASource

Feb 24, 2015

Egypt’s War on ISIS: A Brief History

By Joel Gulhane

“How could I go to the Coptic Cathedral to extend my condolences when the Egyptian army hasn’t avenged the attacks?” asked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in a pre-recorded speech broadcast Sunday night.

North Africa

In the News

Feb 24, 2015

Mezran on the UN Arms Embargo on Libya

By Karim Mezran

Al Monitor quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Karim Mezran on whether the UN arms embargo on Libya should be lifted given ISIS’s growing control within the country:

Libya

MENASource

Feb 24, 2015

Egyptian Christians and Power Politics

By MENASource

The murder of twenty Coptic Christians by Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) militants in Libya and the release of a video of their execution on February 14 sent shockwaves through Egyptian communities. The Egyptian government’s response was swift.

North Africa

Experts