MEC - Publications

The Economic Agenda of the Islamist Parties

Ibrahim Saif, Muhammad Abu Rumman — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:20:56 +0000

The economic platforms of Islamist parties have largely been overlooked, despite the serious challenges that lie ahead for the economies of the Arab world.

Morocco's Stalling Economy

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 29 May 2012 07:56:46 +0000

Due to the high cost of imports and a rent-seeking economy, Morocco is experiencing an economic slowdown that may lead to social tension. The government should remedy the situation by encouraging competition and investing in productive sectors.

Egypt Elections: Setback for the Transition

Marina Ottaway — Sun, 27 May 2012 14:47:25 +0000

The result of the first round of Egypt’s presidential election seems poised to be the prelude to a direct confrontation between the old regime and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Political Islamism is Not to be Feared

Marwan Muasher — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:48:56 +0000

Only a coalition of pluralists can succeed in building a democratic society where the majority rules, where minority rights are respected, and where individual rights are safe and the rule of law applies to all, without favoritism.

The Emerging Order in the Middle East

Sinan Ülgen, Nathan Brown, Marina Ottaway, Paul Salem — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:02:09 +0000

The best hope for reconciliation and democracy promotion in the Arab world comes from a focus on economic reform and other concrete issues.

An Unexpected Result in Algeria’s Parliamentary Elections

Alexey Malashenko — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:07:38 +0000

The Islamists’ defeat in Algeria’s recent parliamentary elections is a product of the pragmatism of the ruling Algerian elite and shows that the regime is sensitive to society’s demands. The results are likely an exception to the trend of rising Islamist influence in the Arab world.

Islamist Parties in Power: A Work in Progress

Marina Ottaway, Marwan Muasher — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:23:36 +0000

Islamist parties seem to be evolving rapidly as they learn to navigate through the difficult politics and the uncertain democratic processes of their countries.

Syrian Regime Cannot Conceal An Economy in Rapid Decline

Ibrahim Saif — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:16:22 +0000

No one is fully knowledgeable about the state of the Syrian economy, how exactly it has been affected by the events taking place in the country, or how to interpret the choice economic indicators issued by Syrian officials.

Syrian Crisis Spreads to Lebanon

Paul Salem — Mon, 21 May 2012 21:07:52 +0000

While Lebanon is not currently headed toward a widespread collapse, regional players and the international community must recognize the danger of using Lebanon as a proxy battle for another Arab country.

Lebanon Edges Closer to Syrian Crisis

Paul Salem — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:48:33 +0000

As armed clashes last weekend show, north Lebanon is becoming a growing support base for the Syrian revolution. Sunni mobilization in support of the uprising in Syria is mounting and the Lebanese government is losing its ability to maintain its policy of neutrality.

Sudan: From Conflict to Conflict

Marina Ottaway, Mai El-Sadany — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:08:41 +0000

The failure of efforts thus far to bring peace to greater Sudan does not bode well for the chances of avoiding new conflict.

Egypt and Islamic Sharia: A Guide for the Perplexed

Nathan Brown — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:21:17 +0000

Egypt’s post-revolutionary environment—and especially its constitutional process—has touched off debates within the country and confusion outside of it regarding the role of the Islamic sharia in the emerging legal and political order.

Algeria’s Financial Surplus and Socioeconomic Struggles

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:29:42 +0000

Algeria’s oil and gas resources enable it to accumulate large amounts of wealth with relative ease. But this blessing should not be used as an excuse for excessive government spending without clear priorities.

Despite Clouds, Arab Spring has Not Turned to Winter

Paul Salem — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:20:50 +0000

Together, Europeans and Arabs can build a better future, built on a wider set of common political and social values. The Arab world’s breakthrough was late in coming, but it is here.

The Syrian Opposition Needs a Political Strategy

Yezid Sayigh — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:24:32 +0000

The Syrian opposition will fail to bring about change unless it develops a clear transition plan and a credible political strategy for winning over key sectors in Syria.

War in the Sudan

Marina Ottaway — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:10:25 +0000

Hope for a lasting peace following South Sudan’s independence has receded with Sudan and South Sudan already engaged in acts of war. In many ways, both sides need conflict with the other as a diversionary tactic for their own internal problems so neither is anxious to reach a settlement.

Egypt's Next President

Marina Ottaway — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:23:21 +0000

With Egypt’s transition to democracy in some doubt, the presidential election is hugely important. But without a new constitution in place, a new battle could be looming on the horizon as the president’s powers are likely to be reduced during his term.

What Prevents Arab Students from Pursuing Vocational Education?

Ibrahim Saif — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:28:35 +0000

A shift in the nature of Arab educational systems toward incentivizing technical and vocational training is one possible long-term solution to the problem of unemployment among the youth of the Arab world.

The Long Road in Syria: Pressure and Politics

Paul Salem — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:02:07 +0000

The chances for a compromise soft landing in Syria remain slim; but the alternative is a crash landing that leaves a failed state and civil war in its wake.

Iraq’s Foreign Policy Future Rests with Syria

Maria Fantappie — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:30:14 +0000

Acting as an essential mediator in the Syrian crisis could fulfill Iraq's wishes to return to the regional scene and the Kurds’ goal of expanding their influence over neighboring regions.

The Syrian Opposition at the Crossroads

Yezid Sayigh — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:50:12 +0000

The existing Syrian opposition movements are faced with the prospect of entering into a formal dialogue with the regime. Without substantive proposals, the chances of weakening the regime remain slim, leaving only a prospect of continuing violence.

Libya’s Economy: On Path to Recovery but Facing Hard Challenges

Lahcen Achy — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:49:03 +0000

With the current level of oil production and high prices on international markets, the Libyan economy is expected to recover this year. Yet, to ensure long-term stability, Libya must move away from its dependence on oil toward a diversified economy led by a competitive private sector.

The Drivers of Insecurity in Mauritania

Anouar Boukhars — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:02:22 +0000

Promoting good governance and reinforcing the state’s capacity is critical to improving economic conditions and building people’s trust in Mauritania’s national institutions. But transforming the state-society compact will not be easy or quick.

International Institutions' New Approach Toward Arab Countries

Ibrahim Saif — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:42:36 +0000

Arab governments’ relations with international institutions, especially the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, are experiencing a significant change. How will relations between the new Arab governments and these institutions develop going forward?

Tribal Governance and Stability in Yemen

Nadwa Al-Dawsari — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:58:19 +0000

Tribal governance and conflict resolution traditions will play a part in helping to ease tensions and mitigate conflicts that will arise as Yemen moves toward political transition.