North Africa

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.

Featured commentary & analysis

Egypt recalibrated its strategy in Libya because of Turkey

MENASource May 7, 2026

Egypt’s bet on land monetization

By Amir Asmar

There’s little doubt that Egypt’s land development efforts will have measurable economic benefits, but they are unlikely, by themselves, to put the country’s economy on a solid footing.
Egypt North Africa
Egypt recalibrated its strategy in Libya because of Turkey

MENASource Apr 9, 2026

Egypt’s foreign minister: One cannot secure waterways ‘while ignoring the political order of the states’ along the shore

By Maisoon H. Kafafy

Maisoon H. Kafafy reached out to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty for his thoughts on this turbulent moment and the instability in the Horn of Africa.
East Africa Egypt
Egypt recalibrated its strategy in Libya because of Turkey

MENASource Mar 31, 2026

Can France and Algeria get their relationship back on track?

By Karim Mezran

There are signs of a thaw between Algeria and France; however, there appears to be no real political strategy for redefining the relationship.
France North Africa

Programs

Perspectives on North Africa

The North Africa Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East analyzes the strategic, political, and economic importance of the region for the United States and its allies. Since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, North Africa has undergone political and economic transformations that have impacted stability and security in the region. With its geographic crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, North Africa continues to be an integral partner in addressing shared interests and concerns.

Learn more about the Middle East 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.

EXPLORE THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS

Content

MENASource

Jun 1, 2021

Egypt recalibrated its strategy in Libya because of Turkey

By Alessia Melcangi

It is evident that the strategic pivots of Egyptian leadership in Libya are adapting and evolving in concordance with developments on the ground and keeping in mind wider regional implications—particularly its relations with Turkey.

Libya Middle East

In the News

May 31, 2021

Badi quoted in Middle East Eye on the complications headed into the run-up of Libya’s election

By Atlantic Council

Elections Libya

In the News

May 31, 2021

Mezran quoted in Formiche on Dabaiba’s role

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Italian

Insights & Impact

May 24, 2021

Badi in War on the Rocks: “To advance its own interests, Turkey should now help stabilize Libya”

By Atlantic Council

Libya Middle East

In the News

May 22, 2021

Melcangi quoted in Elwatan News on how Egypt succeeded in the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Conflict

In the News

May 22, 2021

Melcangi quoted in Alyaoum 7 on Spanish-North African relations

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Civil Society

Insights & Impact

May 21, 2021

Melcangi in Formiche: “How Egypt mediated between Israel and Hamas”

By Atlantic Council

English Italian

MENASource

May 21, 2021

Libya has a mercenaries problem. It’s time for the international community to step up.

By Alia Brahimi

One of the darker realities of the war in Libya is that the conflict (now in its eleventh year) is powered by layers of actors from outside the contested territory. Libyans have been killed and their country ravaged by foreign soldiers of fortune.

Libya Middle East

In the News

May 18, 2021

Mezran quoted in Prudent Press Agency on the US Deputy Secretary of State’s visit to Tripoli

By Atlantic Council

Libya Middle East

In the News

May 11, 2021

Mezran quoted in The Times on Libyan migrants crossing to Italy

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Italy
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Experts

Fellow

Alhussain Abdalla

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Arabic

Millennium fellow

Ramzi Abunemreh

Architectural Manager, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Asia Economy & Business

Fellow

Perrihan Al-Riffai

Nonresident Senior Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Hasib Danish Alikozai

Chief, Afghanistan Branch, USAGM, Voice of America

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Asia Human Rights

Millennium fellow

Kirk Allen

Digital Communications Lead, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Millennium Leadership Program

Middle East NATO Partnerships

Fellow

Shahira Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Arabic Economy & Business
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