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

Eljarh Quoted by Middle East Eye on Libya’s Transitional Government

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.

North & West Africa

Eljarh Quoted by Middle East Eye on Libya’s Transitional Government

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
Ethiopia

Eljarh Quoted by Middle East Eye on Libya’s Transitional Government

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

In the News

Apr 7, 2016

Eljarh Quoted by Middle East Eye on Libya’s Transitional Government

By Mohamed Eljarh

Read the full article here.

Libya

In the News

Apr 7, 2016

Mezran Joins Al Jazeera English to Discuss Libya’s Transitional Government

By Karim Mezran

Watch the full interview here.

Libya

New Atlanticist

Apr 6, 2016

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg Stands Up for the Alliance

By Ashish Kumar Sen

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg refused to wade into US domestic politics, but he delivered a forceful defense of the Alliance on April 6 in remarks that may be interpreted as a firm rebuttal to Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump’s criticism of the grouping as “obsolete.” Noting that the mutual interests of the United States […]

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Apr 6, 2016

Mezran Quoted by Bloomberg on Libya’s Transitional Government, Politics, and Leadership

By Karim Mezran

Read the full article here.

Libya

In the News

Apr 6, 2016

Eljarh Quoted by Financial Times on Libya’s Transitional Government

By Mohamed Eljarh

Read the full article here.

Libya

MENASource

Apr 5, 2016

The Regeni Case: What to Expect at the Rome Meeting

By MENASource

Egyptian investigators are heading to Rome on Wednesday to hand over evidence in the investigation into the murder of Italian researcher Giulio Regeni. The postponement of the meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has led to further criticisms of Egypt’s handling of the case by Italian officials.

Italy North Africa

In the News

Apr 5, 2016

Mezran Quoted by Voice of America on International Engagement with Libya’s Transitional Government

By Karim Mezran

Read the full article here.

Libya The Gulf

In the News

Apr 4, 2016

Mezran Joins RSI to Discuss the New Unity Government in Libya and the Political and Security Challenges Facing the Country

By Karim Mezran

Listen to the full story here.

Libya

In the News

Apr 4, 2016

Mezran Quoted by Digital Journal on Italy’s Involvement in Libya’s Transitional Council

By Karim Mezran

Read the full article here.

Italy Libya

In the News

Apr 3, 2016

Mezran Quoted by the Washington Post on Italy’s Involvement in Libya’s Transitional Council

By Karim Mezran

Read the full article here.

Italy Libya
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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

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

Fellow

Alia Brahimi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Arabic Civil Society
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