North Africa

Libya’s Constitutional Process: Moving Forward?

By Karim Mezran and Duncan Pickard

The General National Congress (GNC) on April 10 finally issued a constitutional amendment declaring that Libya’s constitution-drafting committee would be elected directly, rather than appointed by the GNC. While this puts to rest a longstanding debate that has held up much of the assembly’s—and the country’s—other work, the GNC has now officially set the stage […]

A New Deal: Reforming US Defense Cooperation with Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia

By George Casey and Jim Kolbe

Former US Army Chief George Casey and Congressman Jim Kolbe argue that the transitions in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia will be reversible unless and until their security agencies are better equipped to carry out their functions without abusing citizen rights or interfering in politics. A New Deal: Reforming US Defense Cooperation with Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia […]

Roundtable on Libya’s Economic Challenges

The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East hosted a visiting economic delegation from Libya on Thursday, April 18 for a roundtable discussion on the economic challenges the country faces during its transition process.

Libya Needs National Reconciliation, Not Retribution

By Karim Mezran

If a strong initiative is not undertaken rapidly by the Libyan government and its Western allies, the state of Libya risks implosion or a return to authoritarianism. The confluence of internal fragmentation, continued attacks against the central authorities in Tripoli, and ongoing human rights violations throughout the country is putting the very existence of the […]

The Curious Case of Old Politics in the New Libya

By Karim Mezran

The sudden arrest of prominent Libyan exiles in Egypt and their swift extradition raises questions about the legitimacy of both the Libyan and Egyptian governments’ behavior. The revolts that swept North Africa brought down some of the most brutal and corrupt autocracies of the world. In their wake, one would expect new democratic political systems […]

A Thawing of Libyan Politics?

By Karim Mezran and Eric Knecht

Recent developments in Libya suggest an opening in the country’s otherwise deadlocked political process, increasing the likelihood of resolving several key issues holding back the country’s transition. The Muslim Brotherhood, led by Mohamed Sawan, and the National Forces Alliance (NFA), led by Mahmoud Jibril, met on March 14 for what appears to be the start […]

Experts Project Bleak Picture of Human Rights and Rule of Law in Egypt’s Young Democracy

By Jason Harmala

 For several months, Egypt has struggled with civil unrest, deteriorating security, and claims of abuse by security officials. The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East discussed these important developments on March 18 during an event featuring Heba Morayef, Egypt director of Human Rights Watch, and well-known blogger and Egyptian political activist, Mahmoud Salem, with […]