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

Jan 12, 2016

Constitutional Reforms in Algeria

By Karim Mezran

Following months of popular protests and demonstrations, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced in March 2011 his intention to introduce important reforms to the Algerian constitution to make it more liberal and effective in the protection of citizens’ rights.

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 11, 2016

What Happened During Egypt’s Inaugural Parliamentary Session?

By Elissa Miller

Egypt’s first legislature in more than three years held its inaugural session on Sunday, where it elected a constitutional expert as its speaker. The parliament is made up of 596 members of parliament (MP), divided into 448 independents, 120 party-based MPs, and 28 presidential appointees. During the chaotic session, which was broadcast live on national […]

Elections North Africa

MENASource

Jan 11, 2016

Meet Egypt’s New Parliamentary Majority Bloc: In Support of Egypt

By Omar Halawa

Egypt’s newly-elected parliament, which convened for the first time on Sunday, differs from its recent predecessors in many ways. Most notably, it is the largest parliament in Egypt’s history, but within its hundreds of members, no single party or group has secured a majority.

North Africa

In the News

Jan 9, 2016

Shaffer on Egypt-Turkey Relations

By Brenda Shaffer

International Business Times quotes Global Energy Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Brenda Shaffer on how Gaza will influence Egypt’s foreign policy with Turkey:

North Africa Turkey

In the News

Jan 9, 2016

Mezran Quoted by International Business Times on ISIS Selling Libya’s Oil

By Karim Mezran

Read the full article here.

Libya

MENASource

Jan 8, 2016

ISIS Expansion in Libya and the Government of National Accord

By Karim Mezran

Libya’s Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) branch has expanded its grip on Libyan territory through multiple parallel tactics and the sluggish pace of negotiations between the feuding governments in Tripoli and Beida has contributed to this expansion.

Libya

MENASource

Jan 7, 2016

Egypt’s New Parliament: What Do the Results Mean?

By Yussef Auf

With the newly-elected Egyptian parliament about to convene, several questions have been posed regarding the election in which the members were chosen: was it fair? Is it a genuine addition towards democracy? And what do the numbers indicate?

North Africa

In the News

Jan 7, 2016

Eljarh on Bombings in Libya

By Mohamed Eljarh

Agence France-Presse quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mohamed Eljarh on bombing attacks against a police academy in Zliten, Libya:

Libya

In the News

Jan 7, 2016

Mezran on the ISIS Oil Trade in Libya

By Karim Mezran

International Business Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Karim Mezran on ISIS’ ability to obtain and sell oil from Libya:

Libya

MENASource

Jan 6, 2016

A Constitution for Libya: A Futile Debate?

By Fadel Lamen and Karim Mezran

Talking about and discussing a constitution for Libya at this moment may seem a futile exercise. The situation on the ground is such that even the simplest idea of a Libyan State may seem surreal, given the diverse interests battling for control of the country and its resources.

Libya

Experts