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

Sep 26, 2014

Egypt Raises Stakes for Dissent with Life Sentence

By Sarah El Sirgany

Days after announcing his backing for the US-led regional alliance to fight the Islamic State of Syria and al-Sham (ISIS), President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a legislative amendment that extends the penalty for receiving funds to commit acts that ‘harm national interests’ and ‘disturb public peace’ to a life sentence. The September 22 amendment is […]

North Africa
SACEUR Gen. Philip Breedlove, July 1, 2014

NATOSource

Sep 26, 2014

SACEUR Breedlove: NATO Allies Need More Precision Weapons

By Marcus Weisgerber, Defense News

NATO alliance members still do not have enough guided bombs and missiles to conduct a long-lasting battle, the alliance’s top general said Monday.

Libya NATO

MENASource

Sep 26, 2014

President Sisi Goes to the United Nations

By Amy Hawthorne and Tarek Radwan

To cheers of “long live Egypt” from the audience and with angry protestors safely kept at bay on the street outside, Egypt’s new President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi delivered his inaugural speech on the world stage on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).  Sisi’s remarks aimed to persuade the international community of his legitimacy, […]

North Africa

In the News

Sep 24, 2014

Eljarh: In Post-Qaddafi Libya, It’s Stay Silent or Die

By Mohamed Eljarh

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mohamed Eljarh writes for Foreign Policy on unrest in Libya:

Libya

MENASource

Sep 24, 2014

Egypt is Open for Business…and They Have a Canal to Prove It

By Svetlana Milbert

When Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi addresses world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today, he will likely discuss recent political achievements since taking office in June. In the shadow of the rising influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and US airstrikes in Syria, Sisi will […]

North Africa

MENASource

Sep 24, 2014

Libya: In Search of Neutrality

By Karim Mezran

As Libya continues to fragment, diplomats have mobilized to confront the current crisis. Spain has hosted an international conference focused on the North African country’s current situation; UN Special Representative Bernardino Leon testified before the Security Council about his recent visits to Libya; envoys from the West, particularly the United Kingdom, shuttle between the different […]

Libya

MENASource

Sep 23, 2014

What to Expect from Sisi’s UNGA Speech

By Maged Atiya

With Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi set to speak at the United Nations General Assembly this week in New York, the annual ritual of world leaders addressing, and occasionally haranguing, the assembled body will be conducted in a more troubled world this year. Aside from the simmering potential conflict between the West and Russia over […]

North Africa

MENASource

Sep 22, 2014

Terrorism and the Economy in Tunisia

By Moez Labidi

Over the past two years, Tunisia has been plagued by terrorist attacks, characterized by car bombs and targeted political assassinations. In the wake of increased terrorist threats, economic recovery—largely overshadowed by the electoral process—remains in jeopardy.

North Africa

In the News

Sep 18, 2014

Mezran: External Involvement [in Libya] Allows Fighting to Continue

By Karim Mezran

Al Jazeera quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Karim Mezran on recent developments in Libya: 

Libya

MENASource

Sep 17, 2014

The Shadow of the Helwan Brigades

By Wael Eskandar

Ten seconds into a video showing over a dozen men armed with assault rifles threatening to target the police in south of Cairo, a man’s voice can be heard in the background instructing the men to ‘hold up [the] Rab’a [sign].’ Promptly, the men hold up four fingers as the main speaker continues to deliver […]

North Africa

Experts