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

Jan 30, 2014

Egypt’s Uprising: The Impact of Three Years on a Photojournalist [Video]

By Mohamed Abdelfattah

Three years after a popular uprising ousted Hosni Mubarak, as Egypt witnesses a volatile transitional period, EgyptSource looks at how these events have affected individual Egyptians.

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 30, 2014

Egypt’s Military Protects its Turf

By MENASource

With the rapid ascent and all-but-certain candidacy of General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for Egypt’s presidency, many have questioned the motivation behind the Egyptian military’s desire to reenter the political arena and manage the messy transition. 

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 29, 2014

Egypt’s Military: Protecting its Sprawling Economic Empire

By Safa Joudeh

With the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces giving the nod of approval for a possible presidential bid by Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, his candidacy is looking more likely by the day. Despite overwhelming popular support of Sisi, in this highly polarized political atmosphere, demobilizing the anti-military component of the Egyptian electorate sets the […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 29, 2014

Can Mehdi Jomaa Fix Tunisia’s Economy?

By Svetlana Milbert

Months of political stalemate finally came to an end as Tunisia’s Islamist-led government resigned transferring power to caretaker Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa.

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 28, 2014

The Collapse of the Phrase ‘Constitutional Pragmatism’

By Amr Hamzawy

Some of the political groups, parties and public personalities that raised the banner of democracy and supported the constitutional draft issued by the appointed Committee of 50 worked to encourage participation in the recent referendum, calling on citizens to vote ‘yes.’ As part of this campaign, they employed a hollow and misleading phrase: ‘constitutional pragmatism.’

North Africa
Political Reform

MENASource

Jan 28, 2014

Egypt’s Descent in Media Freedoms: How Far Can it Go?

By Miriam Berger

The terms “banned” and “terrorist” are once again affixed to mention of the Muslim Brotherhood in nearly all Egyptian media. State and private media alike tout the military-backed government’s lines. Newspapers and talk shows on TV, Egypt’s most popular medium, extol the military for reclaiming the revolution and sinisterly warn against traitors who dissent. All […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 27, 2014

January 25, 2014: A Recap

By Sarah Saleeb

In Egypt, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets nationwide on Saturday to celebrate the anniversary of the January 25 Revolution. Many in Tahrir Square came out in support of the military, calling upon General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to run for president. Despite heightened security in the square, the atmosphere was largely marked […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 27, 2014

Despite Turbulence, Hopeful Progress in Tunisia and Yemen

By Stefanie Hausheer and Lara Talverdian

With much attention focused on the increasing violence and repression in Egypt, the notable milestones achieved in Tunisia and Yemen over the weekend should be celebrated for what they are: tangible steps towards a peaceful transition to democracy.

North Africa
Yemen

In the News

Jan 26, 2014

Radwan on Changes to Egypt’s Democracy Road Map

By Tarek Radwan

Rafik Hariri Center Associate Director Tarek Radwan joins Al Jazeera English to discuss the announcement that Egypt will hold presidential elections before parliamentary elections:

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 25, 2014

The Egyptian Uprising: A Timeline

By EgyptSource

Since its founding, the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East has closely followed Egypt’s transition as it faces social, political, and economic challenges. In an effort to help map the twists and turns, the Center has produced a detailed timeline navigating momentous and jarring changes to the fabric of Egyptian society, beginning with the first […]

North Africa

Experts