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 cost of missed opportunities in the Maghreb
The Arab Maghreb Union's dream of unity remains elusive due to political hostilities and external pressures. Despite calls for economic integration, skepticism among Maghreb countries persists, and tensions between Algeria and Morocco hinder progress…
Pluralism and the Arab world
The Arab world, with its diverse population and complex history, struggles to embrace pluralism amid sociopolitical challenges. Attempts at inclusive Arab identity often yield to exclusive elitism, hindering progress…
Libya faces the same old problems in the new year
Even though a new year has begun, Libya is still engulfed in an extended conflict reminiscent of previous turbulent years. The nation remains fragmented and vulnerable to manipulation by both internal and external forces as a result of the failure of attempts at political reconciliation.
Tunisia’s governors have to regain the trust of its governed
Tunisia's recent parliamentary election, aimed at legitimizing President Kais Saied, saw a dismal turnout, prompting calls for a reset in the country's democratization efforts. Despite opposition unity against Saied, challenges persist due to public disillusionment…
Strategic autonomy in Arab world’s sights
The Middle East and North Africa face unpredictable futures amidst internal and external challenges, including climate change, regional tensions, and socioeconomic pressures. Despite some macroeconomic optimism, disparities persist, with oil-importing countries…
US must avoid the mistakes of the past in Africa
The US is relegating itself to a back seat in Africa rather than pursuing a coherent policy to safeguard its professed ideals better. In the past few decades, the US has mostly prioritized counterterrorism operations in conjunction with humanitarian interventions, albeit limited.
Reclaiming a lost half-century in Libya
Amidst the tumultuous aftermath of the Qaddafi regime's collapse, Libya remains engulfed in conflict, with power struggles over oil wealth fueling the chaos. The country's fragmented state, marked by porous borders and persistent instability, contributes to trafficking and migration…
What next for Tunisia?
Amidst preparations for upcoming elections in Tunisia, President Kais Saied manoeuvres to consolidate power, wielding constitutional changes to favour his hyper-presidency. The alterations undermine legislative authority, cementing a system where the government answers solely to the presidency.
There is no clear end in sight to Libya’s deadlock
In a frustrating acknowledgment of Libya's perpetual deadlock, the UN's 10th special envoy, Abdoulaye Bathily, concedes the absence of a clear resolution. The international community's flawed approach, exemplified by the controversial ICC prosecutor's meeting with Haftar…
Algiers summit fails to paper over the cracks in Arab unity
The 31st Arab League summit in Algiers failed to deliver transformative shifts, highlighting the region's deep-seated divisions and challenges. While Algiers aimed to enhance Arab unity, the summit mostly centered on rhetoric rather than actionable solutions.
Iraq – is there hope at last?
In the wake of last year's elections, Iraq's journey towards stability has been marred by violence and political deadlock, escalated by endemic corruption and unemployment. However, Abdul Latif Rashid's recent election as president offers a glimmer of hope for change…
Libya – no new momentum in stalled aspirations
Amidst a decade of turmoil characterized by ineffective governance, competing authorities, external interventions, and sporadic violence, the recent appointment of Abdoulaye Bathily as the UN's special representative for Libya reflects a continuation of destructive patterns.
Egypt, Jordan and Iraq – a promising alliance
Enhanced regional cooperation in the Arab world holds immense potential for catalyzing change and mitigating conflicts. However, persistent fragmentation hinders progress, necessitating a shift towards deeper integration.
There is plenty of blame to go around in Libya
Once again, violence grips Tripoli as Libya's parallel authorities clash, perpetuating a cycle of conflict amid stalled UN-led dialogues. The struggle for control over oil revenues escalates tensions, with rival factions resorting to disrupting oil production…
Iraq gets deeper and deeper into a political quagmire
Ten months after the crucial parliamentary elections in Iraq, the nation remains trapped in an ongoing political deadlock. Despite initial hopes for change, the formation of broad coalitions representing Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish interests has failed to break the deadlock.
On debt, shocks, climate and geopolitics in the Arab world
In the face of convergent crises, including record food inflation and pre-existing socioeconomic challenges, Arab countries find themselves grappling with shrinking fiscal space and incomplete interventions. Rising debt levels, escalated by the pandemic and global supply chain disruptions…
In Tunisia, the dice is still rolling
President Kais Saied's recent consolidation of power in Tunisia is a move that has raised alarms about democratic regression. While Saied's supporters see his actions as a necessary response to Tunisia's political and economic challenges, critics view them as undermining the country's hard-won democratic gains.
Iraq stares into the void as public frustration grows
Recent protests in Iraq saw demonstrators storm the parliament in Baghdad's Green Zone, demonstrating ongoing political turmoil and public discontent. Despite decades of war, sanctions, and internal strife, Iraq continues to struggle with political gridlock, sectarian tensions…
Last hope for Tunisia
Tunisians are currently facing a crucial decision: whether to endorse a new constitution that consolidates power in a presidency reminiscent of the Ben Ali era or to revive the spirit of the Arab Spring and resist President Kais Saied's authoritarian ambitions.
A pivotal month for Tunisia
A decade ago, Tunisia's transition from autocracy to democracy sparked hope and optimism globally. However, President Kais Saied's recent power grab has reversed progress. Saied's moves, including dismantling the judiciary and proposing a new…