North Africa

Policy Analysis on North Africa

Emergency earthquake response in Taroudant Province, Morocco

Morocco Unites in the Aftermath of the Earthquake

In the wake of the devastating earthquake, an outpouring of solidarity and social mobilization has taken place in the country at a grassroots level. The complexity of the situation from a logistical and geographical standpoint helps explain Morocco’s reluctance to indiscriminately accept all international aid offers.

Sep 15, 2023

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Mohsine El Ahmadi
Ahmad Sharawi

People look at the list of missing people, in the aftermath of the floods in Derna, Libya - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Libya Floods: As Families Search for Loved Ones, Politicians Trade Blame

Derna’s future and Libya’s broader political fate will be determined by the race for recovery and the battle of narratives over who is responsible for the tragedy.

Sep 14, 2023

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Ben Fishman

Articles & Testimony

US Support for Morocco Is No Mistake. Biden Should Reaffirm It.

The administration clearly dislikes the Western Sahara policy it inherited, but reversing course now would exacerbate Washington’s serious credibility deficit with the Saudis and other regional partners.

Sep 9, 2023

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David Schenker

Moviegoers look at posters and showtimes at a theater in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in August 2023, including the global hit "Barbie" - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Barbie in the Middle East

Some countries banned the film while others let it screen amid restrictions and criticism, illustrating the region’s widening—but still comparably narrow—spectrum of views on cultural openness.

Sep 8, 2023

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Anna Brown

Promotional snapshot of 2022-23 Tunisia timeline.

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Tunisia Timeline: Key Developments and U.S. Responses Since July 2022

Download this chronological graphic showing how President Saied has continued his crackdown and consolidation of power despite Washington's efforts to steer the country back onto the democratic track.

Sep 5, 2023

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Frances McDonough

A Libyan protester holds up a sign denouncing Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush for meeting with an Israeli official.

Brief Analysis

The Rise and Immediate Fall of Israel-Libya Relations

The scandal surrounding a surprise meeting between their foreign ministers has cratered any hope of upgraded ties with Israel—though it could cause a political shake-up in Libya.

Aug 29, 2023

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Ben Fishman

A United States Air Force trainer works with soldiers of the Nigerian Armed Forces - source: U.S. government

Brief Analysis

Niger Coup Threatens U.S. Strategy on Counterterrorism and Russia

An entrenched military junta could jeopardize America’s primary CT partner in West Africa, create ripple effects for security beyond the Sahel, and give Russia’s Wagner Group a new opening on the continent.

Aug 16, 2023

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Ben Fishman
Anna Borshchevskaya
Aaron Y. Zelin

Photo of Israelis in Tel Aviv protesting proposed judiciary changes, February 2023.

Fikra Forum

Israel and Algeria: Protests, Politics, and Colonialism

Exploring the parallels in the Israeli and Algerian experiences provides insight into the future of democracy in both countries.

Jul 28, 2023

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Bruce Maddy-Weitzman

A Sudanese protester against military rule

Video

Brief Analysis

Sudan's Civil War: Mediation Challenges and the U.S. Role

Three experts assess the conflict’s effects on regional humanitarian and security issues, outlining the requirements for a durable ceasefire.

Jul 28, 2023

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Yasir Zaidan
Reem Abbas
Alex Rondos

Tunisian demonstrators outside the general union building (UGTT), June 2022

Brief Analysis

Did the EU Bail Out Tunisia’s Kais Saied?

Washington may be tempted to defer Tunisia’s problems to Europe, but a new MOU risks perpetuating the country’s economic crisis and worsening the plight of migrants.

Jul 26, 2023

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Sabina Henneberg
Ben Fishman

Fikra Forum

Could Libya Become Africa’s Afghanistan?

As political figures vie for influence in Libya, Islamist groups have been empowered to crack down on religious freedoms, women, and minority groups across the country.

Jul 26, 2023

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Khalil El Hasse

Fikra Forum

Egypt Has Not Revealed Any Workable Plan for Sudan

Despite numerous conferences and promises, Sudan's regional neighbors have done little to defuse the current conflict.

Jul 21, 2023

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Mon’im Omer

Brief Analysis

Wagner vs. Russia’s Defense Ministry in the Middle East

Russia’s domestic military crisis could hold significant consequences for its regional operations, from heightening the risk of clashes with U.S. forces in Syria to putting a public face on its destabilizing activities in Libya.

Jun 29, 2023

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Anna Borshchevskaya
Ben Fishman
Andrew J. Tabler

Articles & Testimony

Global Ambitions and Tunisia’s Crisis Could Spur Algeria to Rethink Its Non-Intervention Policy

By involving Algiers in enhanced multilateral efforts, Washington can nudge it toward more effective strategies abroad while simultaneously improving Tunisia’s political and economic situation.

Jun 27, 2023

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Sabina Henneberg

Photo showing fighters from the Somali terrorist group al-Shabab.

Brief Analysis

More Emirati Military Involvement in Somalia Could Help Curb al-Shabab

The United Arab Emirates has much to offer if it chooses deeper military involvement in the fight against al-Shabab, but it would need to coordinate closely with other actors, especially the United States, to optimize its contribution.

Jun 27, 2023

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Ido Levy

Fikra Forum

Egypt’s Approach to Conflict in Sudan: A Simmering Crisis

With no end in sight, the Sudan conflict will put significant pressure on Egypt's economic, political, and security infrastructure.

Jun 23, 2023

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Anthony Skinner

Articles & Testimony

Perpetual Deadlock Is Limiting Libya’s Potential

Oil is flowing and warring factions are not actively warring, but this illusion of stability can disappear at any time unless further steps are taken to produce a legitimate government.

Jun 17, 2023

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Ben Fishman

Fikra Forum

Regional Geopolitics and the Second Negev Summit

After months of delay, U.S. and Israeli government officials reportedly suggested that the second Negev Summit will proceed on June 25.

Jun 13, 2023

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Nashat Shawamreh

Tunisian police guard the site of a terrorist attack - soucre: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

All Quiet on the North African Jihadi Front

Dwindling terrorist activity in the region stands in sharp contrast to sub-Saharan Africa, but changing local dynamics and other factors could revive the threat quickly.

Jun 6, 2023

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Articles & Testimony

US Foreign Policy in Tunisia: Dilemmas and Prospects

By standing up for human rights and taking concrete steps to support a receptive Tunisian public, Washington can help overcome its reputation for putting security and economic interests ahead of democratic ideals.

Jun 1, 2023

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Sabina Henneberg

Supported by the

Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics

The Washington Institute's Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics focuses on social, political, and economic developments in the Arab world, with an emphasis on the Arab countries of the Levant.

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