Publications
Explore an archive of Hafed Al-Ghwell’s publications, ranging from academic papers to opinion pieces and columns. The archive spans Hafed’s contributions to the fields of Middle Eastern and North African studies, particularly in the fields of security, migration, energy, sustainability, and the nuanced dynamics of US and EU foreign policies in relation to the region.
The tragic cost of failure of governance in Libya
After Storm Daniel devastated Derna, Libya, the city lies in ruins. Over 8,000 lives have been lost, with thousands more missing. The storm's wrath was compounded by the failure of dams that should have protected the city. Negligence and corruption among authorities worsened the catastrophe…
Algeria and BRICS — dream or eventuality?
Amid Algeria's aspiration to join BRICS, questions arise about its readiness for such a move. While excluded from the bloc's expansion plans, Algeria's bid reflects a strategic shift toward emerging economies. However, challenges such as fossil fuel dependency and geopolitical rivalries may hinder its BRICS dream.
Global community faces an impossible choice in Libya
After a decade of turmoil, Libya faces two uncertain futures: a chaotic status quo dominated by self-serving elites or the prospect of a ‘unity government’ led by the same ruling class. The status quo breeds instability, manipulated by factions and foreign interests.
Descent into illiberalism threatens Libya’s post-conflict prospects
Amidst global upheaval, Libya teeters between fragile peace and looming chaos, reminiscent of pre-Taliban Afghanistan. Civil liberties erode amidst political tensions, with persistent power vacuums and armed factions exacerbating the situation. The rise of religious extremism…
Unity in the Maghreb is more distant than ever
In the midst of regional discord, the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) faces a crisis of integration, with Algeria and Morocco at the forefront of a rivalry. The dream of cooperation has faded, replaced by deep-seated distrust and political tensions. Despite brief moments of…
Libya needs a stable political structure but is it ready for party politics?
In the era of Libya's prolonged instability, the debate over political parties emerges as a contentious issue. Despite their crucial role in democratic governance, Libya's complex sociopolitical landscape and historical aversion to organized politics present challenges.
Sudan: A Tinderbox to All-Out War
The recent violent clashes between Sudan's armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) exhibits deep-seated tensions between the two factions. There is a the power struggle between key figures like General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (‘Hemedti’) for control over Sudan's…
Saied’s strategy to revitalize Tunisia’s beleaguered finances and stimulate economic growth
Tunisia's economy faces significant challenges, with high unemployment, soaring inflation, and substantial external debt. President Kais Saied's proposal to levy a tax on the wealthy elite has stirred both curiosity and criticism. While seen as a populist move by some, others view it as a step towards social justice.
Libya: Reasonable calm for now, but at what cost?
Despite recent hints of progress, Libya continues to grapple with deep-rooted internal divisions and external pressures, posing ongoing threats of crisis and violence. While some semblance of calm may be apparent on the surface, insecurity still pervades daily life, with issues such as…
How Sudan crisis casts long shadow over Libya
The crisis in Sudan could have serious implications for neighboring countries such as Libya, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region's political, economic, and security environments. Interventions in Sudan must consider the potential spillover effects to Libya, including…
Gulf nations can play a key role in restoring stability to Sudan
The recent escalation of conflict in Sudan has caught many by surprise, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent further destabilization. As the international community focuses on evacuations, Gulf nations have a crucial role to play in averting a larger crisis.
The sad inevitability of the return to arms in Sudan
In Sudan, recent violent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have sparked fears of civil war. Deep-rooted political turmoil, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardships, has fractured the Transitional Sovereign Council.
Tunisia’s decision to snub IMF deal is both reckless and bizarre
President Kais Saied's rejection of IMF-mandated economic reforms, despite Tunisia's dire financial situation, could lead to a cascade of socioeconomic challenges. Saied's refusal to accept IMF assistance jeopardizes Tunisia's ability to manage its fiscal deficit, control inflation…
In Iraq, a resilient Al-Sudani forges on
Amid reflections on the 20th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's government faces a turbulent landscape. While Iraq holds vast potential, it grapples with multifaceted challenges hindering progress, including economic woes, political tensions…
Can the UN’s new plan for Libya overcome the ‘chicken or egg’ paradox?
The recent plan by UN envoy Abdoulaye Bathily to revive Libya's political process amid ongoing turmoil has garnered attention. The proposal aims to organize elections this year through an electoral steering committee comprising diverse Libyan stakeholders.
Discourse on Libya remains fixated on the lethal and the lucrative
The discourse on Libya often overlooks the role of its finance and banking sector in perpetuating dysfunction. Political elites resist reforming the sector, which is plagued by opacity and corruption. The central bank, despite being tasked with ensuring public services and economic integrity…
The Lebanon contagion: Record debt levels are intensifying the region’s challenges
In the past decade, the Arab region has experienced a surge in borrowing, leading to record levels of foreign debt accumulation. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, volatile oil prices, and political instability have exacerbated economic challenges in countries like…
Tunisia’s descent into madness continues
Tunisia's journey from the promise of the Arab Spring to its current turmoil highlights the complexities of democratization it faces. As opposition is suppressed and arbitrary arrests are common, President Kais Saied's authoritarian…
Libya’s transition is going nowhere fast – and by design.
The milestone of the civil war in Libya's 12th anniversary is overshadowed by a depressing reality. Despite a halt in episodic violence, division persists, preventing stability and unity. The ruling elite in Libya views disarmament and reconciliation talks cynically because…
Iraqi PM’s delicate balancing act
Iraq's political landscape, shaped by US-Iran rivalry, has seen shifts in influence. Despite expectations of US military expulsion under a pro-Iranian government, Prime Minister Al-Sudani has navigated a delicate balance by resisting Shiite factions' attempts…