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

In the News

May 24, 2023

Pavia joins BBC to discuss the recent unrests and peace talks in Sudan

North Africa

In the News

May 24, 2023

Pavia quoted in Al Monitor on Morocco’s trade diversification strategy

North Africa

In the News

May 24, 2023

Pavia quoted in Euronews on the delicate balance between concerns over stability and migration

Middle East North Africa

In the News

May 24, 2023

Mezran quoted in Middle East Eye on controversial demolition of Italian-era buildings in Benghazi and its motives

Italy Libya

MENASource

May 19, 2023

Regional cyber powers are banking on a wired future. <strong>Expanding the Abraham Accords to cybersecurity will help</strong>.

By Thomas S. Warrick

The Abraham Accord countries face threats from hostile actors, and defending their technology and their peoples is a challenge.

Cybersecurity Iran

MENASource

May 19, 2023

Experts react: Assad gets warm reception at Arab summit. Where does that leave the US and its allies?

By Qutaiba Idlbi, Gissou Nia, Michel Duclos, Emadeddin Badi

Atlantic Council experts react to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's attendance at the Arab League summit in Jeddah and explain its significance below. 

Human Rights Middle East

MENASource

May 18, 2023

How the international community can help Libya’s political deadlock, according to local civil society actors

By Ali Alaspli, Farah Ali, and Mohamed Salem

In this piece, three Libyan civil society representatives give their take on the international community’s role in Libya.

Human Rights Libya

IranSource

May 9, 2023

When it comes to great power competition in Africa, one competitor is missing: Iran

By Danny Citrinowicz  

One area the United States completely ignores is Iran's growing influence on the African continent and the need to formulate a policy that will work to limit Tehran’s freedom of action there.

Africa East Africa

MENASource

May 5, 2023

There’s a gendered brain drain in MENA. It’s because women are unrecognized and underestimated.

By Britt Gronemeyer

The feminization of migration flowing out of MENA can be attributed to the limited career opportunities available to women at home.

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

May 3, 2023

Modernizing MENA education: How to close the career success gap

By Nibras Basitkey

The education systems in the MENA region are failing to keep pace with the rapidly evolving labor market, which is increasingly characterized by emerging technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Civil Society Middle East

Experts