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

Report

Jul 30, 2024

The UN should take a bolder stance in Libya

By Álvaro de Argüelles

The two main armed conflicts of the last two years—in Gaza and Ukraine—have led to the belief that international politics are ruled again by sheer force and that the United Nations is no longer a relevant actor.

Conflict Libya

Report

Jul 30, 2024

Libya’s protracted crisis, ten years of electoral deadlock

By Ben Fishman, Alvaro de Argüelles Lugo , Mary Fitzgerald, Aldo Liga, Chiara Lovotti, Karim Mezran, Alissa Pavia

A decade has passed since the last elections were held in Libya, and the country remains mired in a stalemate and deeply divided.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Jul 29, 2024

The Mattei Plan is an opportunity for North Africa

By Karim Mezran

North Africa is particularly vulnerable, and the Mattei Plan can positively defuse regional tensions.

Africa Civil Society

MENASource

Jul 17, 2024

How Tunisia’s upcoming presidential elections will erode its democracy

By Alissa Pavia

These elections will likely enable further consolidation of power and undo more than a decade of progress in building democratic institutions.

Elections Human Rights

In the News

Jul 16, 2024

Mezran in Institute for Global Studies: Abdelmajid Tebboune lifts reservations and announces his candidacy for the presidential election

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Elections

MENASource

Jun 25, 2024

A world in crisis is good news for North Africa’s political elites

By Alia Brahimi, Karim Mezran

Europe should not assume that increasing transactional dealings with these elites will produce stability on its southern frontier.

Conflict Libya

MENASource

Jun 6, 2024

Algeria’s Morocco obsession has killed reconciliation prospects

By Samir Bennis

For nearly five decades, Algeria has used the dispute over Western Sahara as a front for its antagonization of Morocco.

Africa Conflict

Issue Brief

Jun 5, 2024

Policy memo: What will it take to make the MENA region a renewable energy powerhouse?

By Shihab Elborai, Anthony Yammine, and Pavel Popikov

The Middle East and North Africa region is well placed to become not just a major source of renewable energy, but also a central and indispensable player in the global energy transition, uniquely able to balance supply and demand for all types of energy, both hydrocarbons and renewables.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

May 31, 2024

Partial government reshuffle in Tunisia as protests continue against its president

By Karim Mezran and Nicola Pedde

The reshuffle comes at the height of an upsurge in the securitarian clampdown imposed by the president on opposition and civil society organizations.

Democratic Transitions Elections

MENASource

May 30, 2024

A war is raging between Algeria and Morocco. It is being fought in the heritage arena.

By Sarah Zaaimi

As political tensions between Algiers and Rabat have continued to mount since 2020, another front is being fought with no possible détente in sight.

Africa Conflict

Experts