North Africa

The Face of Egypt’s Educational Flaws

By Jayson Casper

Education in Egypt has long been criticized, a fact recognized by the authors of the new constitution. Articles 19, 21, and 23 oblige the government to spend four percent of its gross national product on public education, two percent on higher education, and one percent on scientific research. These targets must be met, according to […]

Tunisia’s Next Chapter

The Nexus Between Politics, Economy, and Security Tunisians made a critical leap in solidifying the country’s path to democratic transition as they approved a new constitution based on general consensus between different parties and factions across the country.  In light of these developments, the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted a roundtable discussion […]

Libya’s Parallel Tracks Could Avert a Train Wreck

By Karim Mezran and Lara Talverdian

For months now, Libya has found itself in a deteriorating security situation that hampers political progress. Since the revolution in 2011, Libyan authorities and their international partners regarded the country’s security challenges as the source of the problem rather than a symptom of deeply rooted political woes. 

Sisi’s Transition: Pivoting Away from 1954?

By Maged Atiya

The popularity of Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rests more on hope that he will lead Egypt away from the brink and less on knowledge of the man himself. While many journalists and scholars have been quick to caricature him, few have tried to understand the historical forces likely to shape his role. If Sisi […]

Who is in Egypt’s New Cabinet?

Prime Minister designate Ibrahim Mehleb announced on Thursday that he is finalizing the list of names chosen for Egypt’s new cabinet, to be presented to interim President Adly Mansour on Saturday. According to initial reports, at least seventeen ministers will remain in their positions, nine new ministers will join the cabinet, and five portfolios have […]

Tunisia, the United States, and Terrorism

By Bassem Bouguerra

Tunisia has recently celebrated the birth of a new constitution to mark the accomplishment of a major milestone towards democracy. The announcement of the constitution was shortly followed by the inauguration of a new government of independents headed by Mehdi Jomaa to put an end to a political deadlock that polarized the nation and placed the […]

Christians, Mostly, Embracing Sisi

By Jayson Casper

Ultimately, the formation of a new government in Egypt should be about one word: Competency. But the current nature of politics substitutes another word entirely: Sisi. Local analysis revolves around the question of what the development means in terms of the defense minister’s anticipated candidacy for president, and when he will take off his uniform […]

Factbox: The Formation of Egypt’s New Cabinet

By Sarah Saleeb

On Monday, Hazem El-Beblawy’s cabinet unexpectedly submitted its resignation to interim President Adly Mansour, giving no reason for the surprise move. Mansour accepted the resignation within hours, commending Beblawy for the work he had done during Egypt’s “critical and hard time following the June 30 revolution.” Some speculate the resignation is tied to Defense Minister Abdel […]

Foreign Minister Steinmeier on Possible Shift in German Foreign Policy

By Christiane Hoffmann and Ralf Neukirch, Spiegel

Excerpts from interview with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier conducted by Christiane Hoffmann and Ralf Neukirch.