ARB - North Africa

Photo Essay: When Only Walls Can Talk

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 14:56:34 +0000

Although Tripoli appears calm, graffiti covering much of the city’s walls hints at the political divisions simmering beneath the surface in Libya’s capital.

Sisi’s Moralism

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 14:51:08 +0000

The Sisi government’s crackdown on perceived immorality is the latest attempt to instill in Egypt a state-sanctioned interpretation of Islam.

Saving Libya’s Constitution-Making Body

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 19:29:59 +0000

The dissolution of Libya’s House of Representatives is putting extra pressure on the Constitution Drafting Assembly to negotiate a new political order in the country.

Libya’s Southern Rivalries

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 17:14:43 +0000

Rival factions in Libya have allied themselves with groups in the south, intensifying local conflicts and disrupting security in the border zone.

Sinai Campaign a Boon to the Islamic State

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:27:05 +0000

Support for the Islamic State in Sinai and across Egypt has risen as youth grow convinced that the state’s violence can only be met with counter-violence.

The Politics of the Egypt-Gaza Buffer Zone

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:34:31 +0000

The new buffer zone being set up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border will worsen social grievances underpinning much of Sinai’s violence.

Seeking Wealth, Taking Power

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 16:21:01 +0000

The Egyptian military’s economic interests are driving it to seek further political control.

Algeria’s Police Riots

Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:40:47 +0000

The power struggle between the Algerian presidency and DRS prevents any fundamental reforms that could address the underlying demands of police protesters.

Ennahda’s Next Move

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 15:38:23 +0000

Ennahda’s failure to address Tunisia’s socio-economic challenges led to its electoral defeat, which may accelerate the movement’s split into a religious and political wing.

Nidaa Tounes and the Prospects of a Unity Government

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 15:10:27 +0000

Although a unity government between Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda would widen their internal divisions, for each party it is the best option.

Egypt’s 1984

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:25:31 +0000

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s steps to quash dissent exceed the Mubarak era’s in scope and intensity.

ISIS, a Game Changer for Algeria

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 16:04:09 +0000

The rise of ISIS gives Algeria an opportunity to regain the regional influence it lost following its failure to play an effective role in the Mali conflict.

Taking Advantage of Morocco’s Security Threat

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:11:18 +0000

Although Morocco is not immune to terrorism, the authorities’ exaggeration of the security threat does more to serve the Ministry of Interior than to fight terrorism.

Tunisia’s Uncertain Elections

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 15:05:24 +0000

Talk of Tunisia’s elections has focused on parties and individuals, not issues, leaving many citizens unsure for whom to vote.

Liberty and Security in Tunisia

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:51:18 +0000

The increased role of Tunisia’s security apparatus is generating fears of a potential return of the police state.

Photo Essay: Worshiping the Egyptian State

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:11:24 +0000

New art by young Egyptians aims to jolt viewers out of their worship of strongmen.

Egypt’s Judiciary, Coopted

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 18:40:17 +0000

The executive branch’s persistent efforts to discourage and punish independent judges have left the judiciary weak and coopted.

Photo Essay: Jordan’s Other Refugees

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 16:31:08 +0000

Jordan’s attempt to prioritize Syrian and Iraqis refugees leaves its other asylum seekers underserved.

The Islamists Ahead in Morocco

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 16:18:27 +0000

With the exception of the Islamists, Morocco’s political parties have failed to take advantage of the post-2011 openings in political space.

Sisi’s Dilemma

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 16:29:51 +0000

As long as Sisi remains heavily dependent on the military and other state institutions, he can neither push too hard against their interests nor count on them to always back his policies.

Sisi’s Economic Call to Arms

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 16:11:54 +0000

Sisi’s gradual introduction of subsidy reforms has forestalled major unrest, but public dissatisfaction will mount if these are seen as coming at the expense of the poor.

Individuals Before Parties in Egypt’s Elections

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:18:33 +0000

Egypt’s new parliamentary elections law will empower old networks.

Egypt’s Assault on Sinai

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:32:30 +0000

Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis is actively benefiting from Egypt’s heavy-handed approach to insurgency in Sinai.

Islamist-Secularist Divisions in Morocco

Thu, 29 May 2014 17:29:31 +0000

Recent cases of violence at Moroccan universities expose the depth of the rift between Islamists and leftists, a rift that strengthens the regime’s hand.

Egypt’s War on Terrorism

Thu, 22 May 2014 15:30:31 +0000

Even as the United States works with Egypt to counter violent threats in Sinai, relations will remain tense because of Egypt’s insistence that political dissent be considered terrorism.