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.
What the world continues to get wrong about Libya
In the ongoing efforts to stabilize Libya, the upcoming Sirte National Reconciliation Summit faces significant hurdles due to entrenched divisions within the country and the influence of foreign actors. Past diplomatic initiatives have struggled to address Libya's complex political landscape, and the Sirte summit is no exception.
Political tremors in Chad are felt much further afield
The Sahel, spanning 4,000 miles along the Sahara's southern fringe, faces heightened instability, with Chad becoming the latest hotspot. Recent violence in N’Djamena underlines the region's precarious security dynamics, amplified by sociopolitical unrest and economic despair. Chad's internal strife, stemming from years of authoritarian rule…
Al-Sudani’s clear vision of ‘Iraq First’
In a region swarming with geopolitical turmoil, Iraq, under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, faces a critical moment in its quest for reconstruction and national identity. Al-Sudani's ‘Iraq First’ vision aims to assert sovereignty amid external pressures and internal divisions, reflecting Iraqi aspirations for stability and progress. There are plenty of challenges…
Tunisia’s permanent state of flux
Since the Jasmine Revolution, Tunisia has grappled with political and economic instability, pushing the country into a persistent state of uncertainty. Recent actions signal a troubling trend toward autocratic governance. With 2024 being an election year, Tunisia faces mounting challenges driven by economic regression and fiscal imbalances…
The Houthis are the epitome of 21st-century non-state actors
The emergence of the Houthi movement as a significant non-state actor in the Middle East and North Africa region, particularly in Yemen, presents far-reaching implications for regional power dynamics, global trade, and security.
Libya slowly settling into a permanent stalemate
Libya's pursuit of stability since the Arab Spring has been fraught with challenges, leading to a perpetual stalemate exacerbated by internal strife and external interventions. Despite the country's vast oil wealth, aspirations for democracy have faltered, leaving Libya in a state of political and social disarray.
New approach needed on Libyan disarmament
As the UN grapples with Libya's intricate political landscape, it's evident that stability remains elusive, with national elections seeming increasingly unlikely. Armed factions, deeply ingrained in local communities, hinder progress towards unified security institutions and effective governance.
As the military junta looks increasingly vulnerable, what next for Myanmar?
Recent developments in Myanmar indicate significant progress for anti-government forces, leading to predictions of the regime's potential collapse. The resistance has seized critical border crossings and inflicted losses on the junta's forces, revealing vulnerabilities in its grip on power.
A distracted world cannot afford to ignore Sudan’s growing plight
Amidst six months of relentless civil war in Sudan, the scale of human suffering and devastation is staggering, yet overshadowed by global distractions like the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East crises. Despite pleas for intervention, Sudan's plight worsens, with a growing health crisis…
Libya — another year, another all-too-familiar failure
Amidst global crises, the UN's efforts in Libya stumble, relying on flawed elite bargains and unrealistic deadlines that fail to address the nation's deep-rooted issues. Despite a push for elections, the current strategy risks entrenching corruption and perpetuating violence.
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…