Middle East and North Africa

Chatham House research on Middle East and North Africa focuses on latest political, economic and security developments in Egypt, Libya and North Africa, the Gulf states, Iran, Iraq, Israel and Palestine and Syria and the Levant.

Projects on the MENA region include work on future dynamics in the Gulf, Syria from within, mapping Libya’s war economy, Yemen: reconstruction and dialogue, Iraq initiative, Egypt policy initiative, and the Iran Forum.

A major programmatic focus of this work for Chatham House is carried out by the Middle East and North Africa Programme and its projects.

Ships destroyed during fighting for Aden in 2015, Mualla Port, Aden, February 2016. Photo: Peter Salisbury.

Yemen’s Southern Powder Keg

An unintended consequence of the civil war is that the south of the country is rapidly moving towards outright autonomy. If a breakaway effort were to occur before the end of the war, it would undermine the UN-led peace process, writes Peter Salisbury.

A ceremony marking the reopening of Benghazi port on 1 October 2017. Benghazi’s commercial port reopened after a three-year closure due to the conflict in the city. Photo: Abdullah Doma/AFP/Getty Images.

Research paper + Video

Libya’s War Economy: Predation, Profiteering and State Weakness

As Libya's war economy persists, prospects for the restoration of functioning central governance become more distant, says Tim Eaton.

Syria From Within

Syria From Within

The Syria from Within policy initiative offers fresh, ground-based analysis on dynamics inside Syria, and provides a platform for Syrian experts and organizations from diverse backgrounds. Read the latest articles.

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