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

Oct 9, 2025

Amid Gaza cease-fire hope, where does the Egypt-Israel relationship stand?

By Shahira Amin

Israel’s Doha strike shifted the dynamics with Cairo—stemming from concerns that Egypt may be next in Israel's crosshairs.

Israel Middle East

MENASource

Oct 3, 2025

US, Italy, and Turkey alignment could push the needle in Libya

By Frank Talbot and Karim Mezran

The US, Italy and Turkey can—through balanced diplomacy—reinforce the economic opportunities presented by institutional unification in Libya.

Italy Libya

MENASource

Sep 18, 2025

Libya’s stalled transition: When domestic spoilers meet foreign interests

By Luis Aleman and Karim Mezran

Libya’s stalled transition has not happened by chance; it has been deliberately engineered into paralysis by both domestic spoilers and foreign powers.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

Sep 8, 2025

Haftar’s long game: Dynastic power and diplomatic leverage in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

Haftar may be shaping not only the current political landscape, but is also positioning himself—and his family—for long-term influence.

Libya Middle East

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2025

Boulos’s family ties could help advance US national security interests in Libya

By Maureen Farrell

The Trump administration has an opening to bolster US ties with Libya, but it must empower career diplomats and traditional levers of statecraft to secure lasting agreements.

Defense Policy Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jul 25, 2025

Transporting hydrogen: A global outlook on cross-border trade

By Joseph Webster

Hydrogen is crucial for many decarbonizing sectors, yet its transport over long distances causes a demanding problem. Focusing on regional transport should be the areas policymakers focus on.

China Energy & Environment

MENASource

May 27, 2025

Beyond ceasefires: Reimagining stability and engagement in Libya

By Karim Mezran and Roberta Maggi

With all major political institutions mired in crisis, a renewed approach to peace enforcement is pivotal to building stability.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

May 16, 2025

The killing of Abdul Ghani al-Kikli may be a turning point for Libya

By Karim Mezran and Dario Cristiani

The killing is considered to be part of a push to eliminate influential militia leaders and consolidate GNU loyalist control over Tripoli.

Libya Middle East

MENASource

May 14, 2025

Choppy waters: Egypt’s waning patience with President Trump

By Shahira Amin

The US president's Suez Canal demands signal "a shift in US-Egyptian relations" which experts describe as "at their lowest ebb in decades."

Middle East North Africa

MENASource

Apr 30, 2025

From Tripoli to Tehran: Lessons from Libya in US-Iran nuclear talks

By Yaseen Rashed

Twenty-one years later, the nuclear disarmament of Libya serves as a model for the United States in current nuclear negotiations with Iran.

Iran Libya

Experts