North Africa

The North Africa region, sometimes called the Maghreb, holds strategic and political importance for the United States and Europe with its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Destabilized by the tumultuous uprisings of the Arab Spring, the developments in these countries are reasons for concern as well as hope, as different political, security, and economic conditions take shape in each country.

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

Nov 26, 2014

Militarizing Egypt’s Trials

By Sonia Farid

While the military trials of civilians are nothing new in Egypt, the circumstances in which Egyptians can be brought before these courts have seen a worrying expansion. From January to September 2011 alone, estimates place the number of Egyptians who faced military trials under the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) at 12,000. A new […]

North Africa

MENASource

Nov 25, 2014

Political Islam’s Fate in Egypt Lies in the Hands of the Courts

By Yussef Auf

The events of July 3, 2013 that ended with former President Mohamed Morsi’s ouster, brought with them a concerted effort to remove Islamists not just from rule but from political life altogether. This stands in stark contrast with the opening of Egypt’s political space to many new political currents and groups in 2011, arguably the […]

North Africa

MENASource

Nov 24, 2014

Tunisia’s Post-Parliamentary Election Hangover

By Danya Greenfield

It has long been a truism of democratic transitions that it is the second election, not the first, that determines whether a new democratic regime has been consolidated.

North Africa

MENASource

Nov 24, 2014

Hariri Center Experts on Tunisia’s Presidential Elections

By MENASource

Tunisia had a momentous weekend, holding its first free and fair election for its head of state in its modern history. Sunday’s vote brings the country one step closer to consolidating its long-in-the-making democracy.

North Africa

MENASource

Nov 24, 2014

With ISIS Allegiance Egypt’s Security Woes Worsen

By Khaled Dawoud

Just over two weeks after a devastating terrorist attack, which left thirty-one Egyptian soldiers dead, reports surfaced of an unprecedented, mysterious naval attack 40 kilometers north of Damietta. According to official statements, eight sailors are “missing,” likely drowned in the Mediterranean Sea after clashing with unidentified armed terrorists on board of four small boats. Five […]

North Africa

In the News

Nov 21, 2014

Greenfield: Tunisia’s Post-Parliamentary Election Hangover

By Danya Greenfield

Rafik Hariri Center Deputy Director Danya Greenfield writes for Washington Post’s “Monkey Cage” blog on unresolved questions following Tunisia’s recent parliamentary elections:

North Africa

MENASource

Nov 21, 2014

Tunisia’s Presidential Elections: A Tale of Two Candidates

By Naim Ameur

The post-legislative elections political landscape in Tunisia has presented voters with a dichotomy between secularist party Nidaa Tounes (which had won a plurality with 85 seats in parliament) and the Islamist Ennahda party (69 seats).

North Africa

MENASource

Nov 20, 2014

Libya: A Who’s Who and What’s What

By Lara Talverdian

Three and a half years since Libya’s popular uprising devolved into a civil war and culminated in a revolution with the ouster of the late dictator Muammar Qaddafi, Libya’s transition has been characterized by political upheaval and deteriorating security.

Libya

MENASource

Nov 20, 2014

It’s Time the Egyptian Government Made Peace with Human Rights

By Amani Massoud

A group of Egyptian human rights organizations issued a press statement November 18, inviting the ministry of social solidarity to participate in a serious and transparent dialogue to discuss the future of civil society in Egypt. The invitation comes a week after the expiration of the ministry’s deadline set for all non-governmental entities engaging in “civic work” […]

North Africa

MENASource

Nov 20, 2014

The Layout of Tunisia’s Presidential Election

By Haykel Ben Mahfoudh

After the parliamentary elections of last October, Tunisia will continue with its final steps toward democracy as it embarks on presidential elections scheduled to take place this Sunday, November 23.

North Africa

Experts