The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy

NEW: As warlords switch sides in Sudan’s war, civilians are caught in the middle, enduring the brunt of both warring parties’ extreme violence. Nonresident Fellow Mohanad Elnour looks into Sudanese militia leader Abu Aqla Keikal’s shifting alliances throughout the course of the war, shedding light on the atrocities committed by Sudan’s warring parties in Gezira State and how the path to truth and justice continues to be blocked. Read more:  https://lnkd.in/gE2VmvWb “SAF’s celebration of Keikal’s return and honoring him as a national hero despite his crimes is the latest manifestation of an abhorrent tradition in Sudan’s modern history of rewarding armed actors at the expense of powerless civilians. Keikal’s case mirrors that of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), the RSF commander the army promoted to the highest ranks despite, or perhaps because of, his crimes before he turned against it. Such practice underscores the absolute necessity of exercising accountability under a civilian government. Justice is impossible under military regimes that seize power by force and fuel wars to bolster their rule, as former President Omar al-Bashir did, and as the SAF and RSF leaders are currently doing,” writes Elnour.

Today I joined some incredible colleagues to discuss the crisis in Sudan and what needs to be done to ensure we don't see another full year of war. If you missed the live stream, check out the recording on YouTube via the link below.

I’m very proud of all the hard work I did these past three years at The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy. Our region, and the world in general, are going through a tough time, and it’s been sometimes hard finding ways to push through and still believe in the work we do. But I’m incredibly thankful and grateful for having found the most inspiring, impressive, smart and caring team, who is there for one another, and who believes that there must be better ways. They, and all the people we work with (our fellows, partners, contributors), make it all worth it. Thank you for the trust, always. Here's to finding more things to celebrate.

So excited to have Haley Schuler-McCoin join TIMEP to work on climate finance! Climate finance will only become a more pressing issue for the world but for the MENA region in particular, as climate change continues to threaten the health, physical well-being, and food security for vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, climate financing mechanisms remain inadequate in design, scope, and reach to meet the local needs of people and achieve an inclusive and just climate transition. Haley brings her expertise in breaking down and analyzing these complex issues and designing better and fairer policy solutions. We're lucky to have her join us!

ICYMI: Earlier today, TIMEP hosted a virtual event in the lead-up to the two year anniversary of the war in Sudan, featuring critical insights from Dallia Abdelmoniem, Mohanad Elnour, Mike Brand, and Magdi Amin. Catch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/es6XW-_C The war in Sudan has resulted in the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, largest displacement crisis, and worst hunger crisis. What should the policy agenda on Sudan look like? Don't miss TIMEP's policy paper informed by Sudanese experts and advocates: https://lnkd.in/epTnN4ft

🚨 HAPPENING TODAY AT 10 AM EST! It's not too late to register to join us for our virtual event in the lead-up to the two year anniversary of the war in Sudan with Dallia Abdelmoniem, Mike Brand, Mohanad Elnour, and Magdi Amin. Register to tune in: https://lnkd.in/eZu2m2ts

Looking forward to being on the panel and for the insightful discussion on an issue very close to my (and others) hearts - Sudan and the upcoming 2 year mark since war erupted

🇸🇩 The War in Sudan: Two Years On 🇸🇩 Two years after the war in Sudan began, the voices of civilians remain overshadowed by ongoing violence and political turmoil. The conflict has devastated communities, worsened humanitarian crises, and disrupted the economy, with international crimes and human rights abuses systematically perpetrated by conflicting parties. Yet, amid the suffering, Sudanese civilians—both within the country and in the diaspora—continue to mobilize, advocate, and push for an end to the fighting. What steps have they taken, and what is the way forward to halt the violence and build a lasting, people-centered peace? Join The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy's virtual event, "The War in Sudan: Two Years On," where experts Dallia Abdelmoniem, Mohanad Elnour, and Mike Brand, moderated by Magdi Amin, will examine these pressing questions. 📅 Date: April 10, 2025 🕒 Time: 10:00 am EST 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/e6zKJxnQ

Ahead of the second anniversary of the war in Sudan, join The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy on April 10 at 10am EST for our virtual event "The War in Sudan: Two Years On" featuring some stellar speakers. They'll discuss the situation on the ground, the latest political developments, the impact on the population, how the Sudanese population (in Sudan but also in exile) have mobilized, and how to bring an end to the war. Make sure to register here: https://lnkd.in/dcR-mtj5

NEW: Since the formation of Nawaf Salam’s government in February 2025, coordinated defamatory campaigns have targeted independent media outlets, economists, local advocacy groups, and even political figures who have been calling for financial and political reform in Lebanon. TIMEP’s Senior Inclusive Economies Associate Ali Noureddeen breaks down in this new piece how Lebanon’s banking lobby ramped up smear campaigns to silence reformists and secure control over key financial appointments. Read more: https://lnkd.in/exCT54th “What took place during the recent media campaign is a clear indication of the banking lobby’s insistence on opposing even the minimal reforms needed to exit the current financial crisis. It also serves as evidence of the media power wielded by this lobby, and its ability to divert attention away from serious discussions about the optimal path for financial recovery,” writes Noureddeen.