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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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