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

Sep 6, 2018

Can Plan B save Libya? Here are the obstacles it must overcome

By Emadeddin Muntasser and Mohamed Fouad

There is no denying that Libya is in a far worse state than at any time since the 2011 revolution. In a country of vast oil and gas wealth, basic services are frequently interrupted as armed gangs control the capital in the west. In the east, once feared leaders like Khalifa Haftar find their forces […]

Libya

MENASource

Sep 5, 2018

Finding salvation through the chaos in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Federica Saini Fasanotti

On the night of September 2nd, most of the personnel from the Italian embassy in Libya—the only operating embassy—were quickly evacuated on a ship bound for Malta.

Libya

MENASource

Aug 28, 2018

Egypt leads the pack in internet censorship across the Middle East

By Elissa Miller

Internet censorship around the world, including in the Middle East, is not a new phenomenon. Freedom of expression facilitated by the internet can pose a threat to authoritarian leaders around the world who seek to maintain strict control over both the content their citizens consume and the content they post. A clear pattern of authoritarian […]

Internet Media

MENASource

Jul 12, 2018

To stabilize Libya, redistribute oil revenue

By Nate Mason

Debate over Libya currently focuses on whether elections should be held in advance of a political agreement or to move forward in the absence of one. This debate is irrelevant. There are no governments or political leaders in Libya with the authority to conclude a political agreement that militias will recognize, nor are those same […]

Geopolitics & Energy Security Libya

MENASource

Jul 3, 2018

How the West and the UN failed Libya

By Emadeddin Zahri Muntasser and Dr. Mohamed Fouad

Whereas the ambitions of competing warlords fan the flames of conflict and consume the country’s oil resources, envoys from the UN and West to Libya continue to congratulate themselves for having said much but done little. In the balance hangs not only the success of those diplomats’ missions, but also the very future of Libya […]

Libya

In the News

Jul 2, 2018

Hellyer Quoted in France 24 on Egypt’s ‘War on Terror’

By H.A. Hellyer

Read the full article here.

North Africa

MENASource

Jun 6, 2018

Elections in Libya: No alternative?

By Karim Mezran

Many sensible, rational, and fundamentally correct objections have been raised by members of the press, regional experts, and NGOs.

Elections Libya

In the News

May 24, 2018

Hellyer Quoted in the Financial Times on Egypt’s Target of Activists

By H.A. Hellyer

Read the full article here

North Africa

MENASource

May 24, 2018

Is Tunisia’s glass half empty or half full?

By Karim Mezran & Erin A. Neale

The recent round of elections in Tunisia is further proof of what has been demonstrated across the region and world: that holding elections is not an elixir, but rather a first step upon which to build a strongly rooted democracy.

Democratic Transitions Elections

New Atlanticist

May 18, 2018

Why North Korea is Not Libya

By Ashish Kumar Sen

US National Security Advisor John Bolton infuriated North Korea by suggesting that Libya’s experience with denuclearization could serve as a model for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. The comment sparked swift condemnation from North Korean officials. That Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, who in 2003 made the deal to give up his weapons of […]

Libya

Experts