North Africa Archives

The quest for freedom and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa

MENASource Jan 10, 2024

Egypt was mediating a deal to end the Gaza war. Then Saleh Al-Arouri was assassinated.

By Shahira Amin

Keen on regaining its traditional leadership role as chief mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, Cairo had put forward a three-stage plan to end the conflict.

Conflict Israel

MENASource Dec 18, 2023

2023: A year in the Middle East

By Rachel Friedman

2023 was a tumultuous and tragic year for the Middle East and North Africa. It also produced moments of hope and diplomatic feats.

Iran Iraq

MENASource Dec 13, 2023

China’s de-dollarization message finds a receptive audience in North Africa

By Thomas Hill

A coordinated and concerted de-dollarization effort in North Africa poses a significant threat to US interests in the region and the African continent at large by existing regional trade groupings and agreements.

China East Asia

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

Libya

MENASource Dec 7, 2023

President Sisi’s third term will be his biggest challenge—not the upcoming Egyptian election

By Shahira Amin

While it is certain that Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will win a third term, it is uncertain what will happen after the vote and when the Gaza war is over.

Elections Middle East

MENASource Sep 22, 2023

The Derna catastrophe is a sign that the international community needs to take action in Libya

By Karim Mezran

This narrow window of opportunity is unlikely to remain open for long.

Libya Middle East

New Atlanticist Aug 30, 2023

Israel, Libya, and Italy were just reminded that diplomacy requires more than diplomats

By Karim Mezran

A recent meeting in Rome between the Libyan and Israeli foreign ministers has resulted in protests in Libya and political pressure on Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.

Africa Israel

Content

The Freedom and Prosperity Equation

Sep 18, 2023

The quest for freedom and prosperity in the Middle East and North Africa

By Khémaies Jhinaoui

Following the Arab Spring, the lack of realism and inexperience of ruling regimes hindered progress. Three key lessons: the quest for freedom does not have to be radical; gradual reform is more effective, and foreign influence shapes the struggle for regional freedom and prosperity.

Democratic Transitions Freedom and Prosperity

In the News

Sep 14, 2023

N7 Initiative mentioned in The Times of Israel on future diplomacy efforts in the region

By Atlantic Council

English International Norms

In the News

Sep 7, 2023

Brahimi quoted in The Middle East Eye on meaning of Prigozhin’s death for North Africa

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Corruption

MENASource

Sep 7, 2023

Egypt is killing the history of its City of the Dead

By Shahira Amin

A large part of the necropolis has been reduced to rubble as part of the Egyptian governments plan to "modernize Cairo".

Civil Society Middle East

New Atlanticist

Aug 30, 2023

Israel, Libya, and Italy were just reminded that diplomacy requires more than diplomats

By Karim Mezran

A recent meeting in Rome between the Libyan and Israeli foreign ministers has resulted in protests in Libya and political pressure on Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah.

Africa Israel

Podcast

Aug 24, 2023

Semtex teddy bear: The mercenary build-up in Libya

By Alia Brahimi

Host and Nonresident Senior Fellow Alia Brahimi speaks with Libya expert Emadeddin Badi about tthe surge of African, Syrian and Russian mercenaries in Libya since 2019.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Aug 23, 2023

How expanding the QIZs can help economic development in the Middle East

By Ashraf El Rabiey

The QIZ is a unique program that exceeds some of the most preferential agreements that the US has with other countries.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Aug 9, 2023

I spoke to an AI ‘God.’ We chatted about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the MENA

By Sarah Zaaimi

An artificial intelligence "God" is the tip of the iceberg on the ethical implications of AI use in a socially and culturally complex region.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

MENASource

Aug 8, 2023

Could a regional bloc work in the MENA or is it a fool’s errand?

By Negah Angha

Addressing the regional conundrum requires transcending the traditional boundaries of geopolitical competition.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Report

Aug 3, 2023

Egypt’s stability is the GCC’s top priority in the region. Here’s why.

By H.A. Hellyer

After the 2011-2013 revolution in Egypt, the author discussed the GCC's relationship with Egypt with a senior minister, who emphasized the importance of Egypt's stability. This sentiment has been shared by most GCC leaders over the past decade, though the way it has been expressed may have evolved. Political nuances in Cairo were considered less crucial, while the focus remained on the pragmatic and straightforward need for stability in Egypt.

Defense Policy Economy & Business