North Africa

The North Africa region, sometimes called the Maghreb, holds strategic and political importance for the United States and Europe with its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Destabilized by the tumultuous uprisings of the Arab Spring, the developments in these countries are reasons for concern as well as hope, as different political, security, and economic conditions take shape in each country.

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

Oct 21, 2021

A return to a constitutional monarchy may solve Libya’s problems

By Mustafa El Sagezli

When it comes to choosing their next chapter, some Libyans have already identified a promising path forward: restoring the 1951 constitution, which called for a representative, technocratic government with a hereditary monarch.

Libya Middle East

Event Recap

Oct 13, 2021

Event recap: Accountability and justice in Libya—voices from the ground

By Hezha Barzani

On September 28, the Atlantic Council’s North Africa Initiative hosted an event exploring the challenges of promoting transitional justice in Libya and how to pursue accountability for crimes committed in the civil war that began in 2011.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Oct 13, 2021

Libya’s elections are around the corner. But the country needs a hard reset.

By Anas El Gomati

The reality is that Libya needs a hard reset. Luckily, the answer to the current crisis can be found in the design and original sequencing of the Berlin Process.

Libya Middle East

In the News

Oct 4, 2021

Mezran quoted in Arab News on the challenges of the UN peace efforts in Libya

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions International Organizations

TURKEYSource

Sep 30, 2021

Experts react: The key takeaways from the Erdoğan-Putin meeting

By Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in-person in Sochi, Russia for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Atlantic Council experts give their take on the outcome.

Conflict Defense Industry

MENASource

Sep 22, 2021

Mourned by some, cursed by others, former President Bouteflika left Algeria ill-prepared for the future

By Andrew G. Farrand

Abdelaziz Bouteflika's death is unlikely to substantially shift the country's trajectory, in large part because of just how rigid a system he and his generation of independence heroes already imposed upon Algeria during their lifetimes.

Middle East North Africa

In the News

Sep 7, 2021

Melcangi quoted in the New Arab on the future of Egyptian-Tunisian relations

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Aug 10, 2021

Melcangi quoted in Al Monitor on Egypt’s motives in supporting Tunisian president

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society Conflict

Blog Post

Aug 10, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing July 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Americas China

In the News

Aug 9, 2021

Mezran quoted in The New Arab on Italy’s security concerns with Tunisia

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Experts