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

Jun 30, 2014

A Moment of Self Criticism

By Amr Hamzawy

In the medium- to long-term, the fierce attack currently targeting the democratic hopes and aspirations of many groups of Egyptians, including Egypt’s youth, will only serve to cause these groups to step back momentarily and conduct some self-criticism, ultimately leading to changes in the methods by which these groups carry out their work.

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 26, 2014

Egypt’s Parliamentary Elections Law: A Setback for Democracy

By Khaled Dawoud

Former Egyptian Interim President Adly Mansour had already delivered an emotional farewell speech on June 4, ending nearly one year in office in which he played a largely ceremonial role as he prepared to hand power to the newly elected, former defense minister, President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on June 8. However, the next day, Mansour issued […]

Elections North Africa

MENASource

Jun 26, 2014

Libya: Never Give Up

By Karim Mezran

Libyans woke up on Thursday to the dramatic news of the brutal murder of Salwa Bugaighis. A political activist, lawyer, and human rights defender, Bugaighis was known for her passionate involvement since the 2011 revolution in fighting to protect Libya’s fragile transition to democracy.

Libya

MENASource

Jun 26, 2014

Egypt’s Minorities Remain Ostracized

By Sarah El-Rashidi

Three years after the January 25 uprising, little headway appears to have been made for Egypt’s marginalized, according to minority and rights groups. Minorities have been subjected to long-standing discrimination in Egypt’s modern history, which became increasingly apparent under Gamal Abdel Nasser. Under Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, and in the wake of his ouster, minorities […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 25, 2014

Building the Pro-Sisi State in Egypt

By MENASource

In an Egypt where the tide has decidedly turned in strong favor of a military-backed goverment and against virtually any form of dissent, President General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi presides over a fragmented, uncoordinated, and incomplete system of governance.

North Africa

Webcasts

Jun 24, 2014

Egypt’s Looming Energy Crisis: Short Term Responses for Energy Security

The Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and the Energy and Environment Program cordially invites you to participate in a two-panel event on Egypt’s Looming Energy Crisis: Short Term Responses for Energy Security. Through this workshop, the Atlantic Council seeks to engage in an open collegial nonpartisan dialogue to discuss the most […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 24, 2014

Egypt’s New Law for Parliamentary Elections Sets Up a Weak Legislature

By Scott Williamson and Nathan J. Brown

In an uncharacteristically immodest burst of activity, Egypt’s humble and stolid acting president, Adly Mansour, issued a series of last-minute decree-laws before handing authority over to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Some dealt with harassment, preaching, and littering. He still showed caution and restraint in some significant areas—for instance, a set of legislative changes designed to […]

Elections North Africa

In the News

Jun 24, 2014

Hawthorne on the US Relationship with Egypt

By Amy Hawthorne

Agence France-Presse quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Amy Hawthorne on the US approach toward Egypt’s political situation:

North Africa

In the News

Jun 24, 2014

Hawthorne on a “Distancing [US] Approach” Toward Egypt

By Amy Hawthorne

The Minneapolis Star Tribune quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Amy Hawthorne on US security cooperation with Egypt:

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 23, 2014

Factbox: Egypt Court Jails Jazeera Journalists

By EgyptSource

On Monday, the Giza Criminal Court sentenced eighteen people in the Al Jazeera trial to prison sentences ranging from seven to ten years. Only two of the defendants were acquitted.

North Africa

Experts