North Africa

Policy Analysis on North Africa

Promoting Strong and Inclusive Institutions in the Middle East

The main lesson imparted by the Arab Spring at the five year mark is that toppling dictators does not clear a straight path to democracy. Without establishing strong and inclusive institutions to make democratization sustainable following regime change, civil wars have broken out in Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen, while

Feb 25, 2016

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Maurizio Geri

Articles & Testimony

Five Years After Mubarak's Fall, Lessons for Washington

By allowing events 6,000 miles away to outpace its decisionmaking, the Obama administration put itself in a lose-lose situation, which is why Egyptian and regional players regard U.S. policy during the uprising as a failure.

Feb 11, 2016

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Eric Trager

Articles & Testimony

Sisi's Fracturing Regime

Egypt's strongman is cracking down ahead of the revolution's fifth anniversary, but the real threat he faces isn't from protests.

Jan 22, 2016

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Eric Trager

Articles & Testimony

The Brotherhood Breaks Down

Although the group's vision for establishing an Islamist state in Egypt won't evaporate, the rigid internal discipline that defined its decisionmaking and mobilization is now a thing of the past.

Jan 17, 2016

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Eric Trager
Marina Shalabi

In-Depth Reports

The Islamic State's Territorial Methodology

In this new study, jihadi expert Aaron Y. Zelin provides a framework for understanding how the Islamic State goes from no control to full consolidation of control in a particular area. Three case studies show how this framework plays out ...

Jan 15, 2016

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Aaron Y. Zelin

Brief Analysis

The Tunisian Democratic Experiment Five Years In

The lone Arab Spring success story has much to be proud of, but considerable challenges remain, and Tunisia will need significant American assistance for the foreseeable future.

Jan 13, 2016

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Sarah Feuer

Brief Analysis

Egypt's New Parliament Convenes: Making Sense of the Salafi Members-Elect

For now, the handful of Nour candidates who won seats are seemingly content to continue endorsing the Sisi government, but political opposition and violence outside parliament may prove much more significant to how Egypt's Salafis divide in the future.

Jan 8, 2016

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Jacob Olidort

In-Depth Reports

The Algerian Conundrum:

Authoritarian State, Democratic Society

This essay, the third in a series exploring prospects for political reform throughout the region, considers the strengths and limitations of democratic-style reformers in Algeria today.

Jan 5, 2016

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John P. Entelis

Articles & Testimony

The Use of Violence in Libya

While the onus of change is on Libyans themselves, the international community must also take a stand against the various extremist political movements impeding a peaceful solution, whether they are Islamist or 'liberal.'

Dec 18, 2015

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Nisreen Amer

Articles & Testimony

Security Challenges in Egypt Two Years After Morsi

While the Sisi government's increasingly repressive trajectory remains a concern, the ongoing deterioration of Egypt's internal security is the more immediate threat, and U.S. policy should be adjusted accordingly.

Dec 16, 2015

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David Schenker

Brief Analysis

Hamas and the Islamic State: Growing Cooperation in the Sinai

Hamas has long sought to stymie Egyptian control over the peninsula and keep its weapons smuggling routes open, but its latest opportunistic gamble on local jihadists carries wider dangers that should be nipped in the bud by sponsors Turkey and Qatar.

Dec 15, 2015

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Ehud Yaari

In-Depth Reports

Riding the Egyptian-Israeli Roller Coaster 2011-2015

A former U.S. deputy chief of mission in Cairo discusses the many reasons Washington should nurture the resilient Egypt-Israel relationship.

Dec 15, 2015

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Marc Sievers

Articles & Testimony

Algeria's Next Succession: Preparing for a Post-Bouteflika World

Although Algerians are lukewarm to the prospect of a managed succession, they are even less willing to believe that true multiparty democracy could flourish in the current environment.

Dec 15, 2015

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Vish Sakthivel

Brief Analysis

Kerry in Tunis: Bolstering an Arab Democracy Through Strategic Dialogue

At a time of political and economic uncertainty in Tunisia, this week's bilateral talks could offer urgent protection to the lone 'Arab Spring' success story.

Nov 12, 2015

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Sarah Feuer

Articles & Testimony

Why Are Salafi Islamists Contesting Egypt's Election?

Despite a poor showing in the first round, Salafi parties may simply be trying to convince the government and public that they are a part of Egyptian society rather than a threat to it.

Nov 12, 2015

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Jacob Olidort

In-Depth Reports

Cooperating, Not Condoning:

Toward a More Constructive U.S. Egypt Policy

► Join us for a live policy forum webcast as the authors present their newest report on advancing U.S.interests with the "new" Egypt. Webcast begins at 10:00 a.m. EST on November 5, 2015. In July 2013, Egypt's defense minister Abdul Fattah al-Sisi responded to mass protests and impending state breakdown

Nov 4, 2015

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Vin Weber
Gregory Craig

Articles & Testimony

America's Least-Known Mideast Military Force

A tragic plane crash should put a spotlight on the status of Washington's commitment to an important Sinai peacekeeping force.

Nov 1, 2015

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David Schenker

Articles & Testimony

Youth and Silent Protest in Egypt

Frustrated youths largely boycotted the first phase of the parliamentary elections, and tensions could once again boil over unless political elites put aside their personal interests and commit to achieving the goals of the 2011 revolution.

Oct 23, 2015

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Mohamed Abdelaziz

Brief Analysis

Egypt's New Elections Formula to Yield Familiar Results

Given the latest redistricting efforts and the absence of major Islamist opposition, the upcoming vote is set to produce a throwback parliament that is largely beholden to the president's camp.

Oct 16, 2015

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Eric Trager

Articles & Testimony

Egypt's Public Negative on All Regional Players -- Except Itself

A new poll indicates approval for Cairo's recent policies but little interest in religious reform, and very strong opposition toward players such as ISIS, Iran, Russia, the United States, and Qatar.

Oct 15, 2015

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David Pollock

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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Robert Satloff

Robert Satloff is the Segal Executive Director of The Washington Institute, a post he assumed in January 1993.

Ben Fishman

Ben Fishman is the Steven D. Levy Senior Fellow in the Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics at The Washington Institute, where he focuses on North Africa.

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