The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy

"On November 8, 2025, I crossed into Syria for the first time in 14 years with my one-year-old, Raya. This is a dream I never thought would happen for myself, let alone my daughter."

If you read one thing this week, let it be this beautiful piece on return by Basma Alloush for @timep.bsky.social.

🔔 Join us in Washington, DC at Exiles this Wednesday from 5:45 to 8:45 PM for our MENA Social Night. Meet us in the private space upstairs and connect with the TIMEP team and MENA professionals from around the DMV!

Join us and bring your friends along: www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...

NEW: Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, hundreds of thousands of Syrians have returned and visited home. Basma Alloush shares her story on returning to Syria after fourteen long years, a trip marked by memory, loss, and possibility: timep.org/2026/02/03/m...

🚨 🚨🚨 It's a super exciting day at @timep.bsky.social today, where we've just launched our call for nonresident fellowship applications!

Don't miss the chance to become a part of this unique program to develop the skills and tools you need to tackle the MENA region's top policy challenges.

📢 We're thrilled to announce our open call for applications to TIMEP's 2026-2027 Nonresident Fellowship program!

If you're an early or mid-career advocate keen on engaging in the MENA policy space, don't miss this unique opportunity. Apply by Feb 27: timep.org/2026/02/02/o...

If you're in DC and you're looking for an escape from the snow, drop by MENA Social Night happening this Wednesday anytime between 5:45 pm and 8:45 pm. It'll be an awesome chance to connect with old friends and make new ones!

Let us know you're coming! www.eventbrite.com/e/mena-socia...

Climate finance actors working in MENA must prioritize climate adaptation in 2026 by preparing and adjusting policy in response to the impacts of climate change, says Haley Schuler-McCoin, as the region remains vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

When it comes to migration, the policy community should pay close attention to the normalization of return of refugees, the deepening stratification of displacement, and the governance around informal and survival economies, stresses Jasmin Lilian Diab: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

“In 2026, Tunisia must address the growing pressures on migration governance and economic fragility, while shifting from reactive management to structural reform.” Iyed Hamadi urges policymakers to revisit Tunisia’s migration policy and external relations: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

In 2026, those monitoring the Egypt justice file should look out for how the new Criminal Procedures Code and asylum law are being implemented and what the conditions of detainees in Egyptian prisons are. More from Dina here: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

Egypt begins the year 2026 with a new parliament. Its composition "raises concerns about potential new legislation that may erode constitutional guarantees or expand exceptional powers granted to the state." @sarah7amza.bsky.social explains more: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

In Syria and Lebanon, there are high levels of misinformation and disinformation. The rapid advancements in AI may also result in an "increase in bad faith actors using technology to undermine their political opponents," warns @justinsalhani.bsky.social: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

I have so much to be grateful for, but @timep.bsky.social's community that cuts across borders, yet shares the same values and mission, tops the list.

Whether you encouraged others to contribute, or whether you donated $5 or $5,000, thank you. We can't do this work without you! 🤍

🎉 Exciting news! Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able to reach 100% of our end-of-year campaign goal for our Bassem Sabry Fellowship. With this support, we'll be able to keep honoring Bassem's legacy by investing in the next generation of MENA policy leaders.

Egypt in 2026: What’s Next? YouTube video by The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP)

🚨 ICYMI: Yesterday, we hosted an online panel discussion that explored key files and policy issues in foreign affairs, the economy, and politics for Egypt in 2026, featuring
@selhussieny.bsky.social, @nancyokail.bsky.social, and @tekaldas.bsky.social.

Catch up here: www.youtube.com/live/rHxgP3_...

In addition to prioritizing reconstruction, Lebanese authorities should pass the financial gap law, put forward a strategy to restructure debt, and fundamentally shift the country’s current fiscal policies. Ali Noureddeen explains: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

“In 2026, the Lebanese government must prioritize rebuilding trust with its citizens in the south and establishing a meaningful state presence there beyond mere rhetoric.” Jad El-Dilati outlines how this should look like and how reconstruction in Lebanon should proceed: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

Should Lebanon elect a new parliament as anticipated later this year, it will be responsible for delivering timely and decisive reform. Read @shehh.bsky.social’s top priorities for justice and accountability for Lebanon in 2026: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

Ahead of parliamentary elections expected later this year, progress on economic reforms, a potential IMF deal, and the disarmament of Hezbollah are key files on the desks of Lebanese authorities. Jean Kassir delves further: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

In 2026, "Syria has a rare opportunity to pursue a growth-oriented model that moves forward while acknowledging its past—integrating reparations and transitional justice as foundations for stability," says Ahmad Helmi: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

Ensuring an inclusive transitional justice process, addressing the issue of the disappeared, advancing women’s rights, and reforming Syria’s armed institutions are top policy priorities in the Syria justice portfolio in 2026, explains Lina Ghoutouk: timep.org/2026/01/26/m...

2026 kicked off with a lot of intense developments on the global stage, but what should policymakers be paying attention to within the MENA region?

Don't miss this round-up from @timep.bsky.social's experts on everything from ending the war in Sudan to the transition in Syria.

A pleasure to moderate today's @timep.bsky.social event bringing together Tim Kaldas, Samar Elhusseiny & Nancy Okail for a rich discussion on the political, economic, foreign policy issues on Egypt's agenda in 2026.

Catch the recording: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHxg...

Highlights in this thread ⤵️

Egypt’s human rights record should remain under scrutiny in 2026, notes @selhussieny.bsky.social. Key areas to monitor include fair trial guarantees, the chronic crisis of arbitrary detention, conditions of prisoners in detention centers, transnational and digital repression and women’s rights.

"Instability in the region means instability for Egypt and vice versa: no one wants Egypt to fall into chaos, as it would affect the whole region.” @nancyokail.bsky.social lays the ground on how geopolitical dynamics, such as the creation of the Board of Peace, may affect Egypt in 2026.

"It's time to think about economic reform," stresses @tekaldas.bsky.social. Ensure Egyptian military companies aren't a burden on the state; push for progressive taxation & increased revenues; & make real investments in social protection & public services, he identifies as top reform priorities.

Egypt's political situation is becoming increasingly vulnerable to changes in the geopolitical context. @nancyokail.bsky.social highlights how the situation in Gaza has created pressure and challenges for the Egyptian gov, which are likely intensify due to ongoing conflicts in the region.

Egypt’s economy hasn't improved structurally in recent years. Instead, there has been considerable external financing amidst turbulent times in the region. Right now, there’s more of a mindset of guaranteeing stabilisation in Egypt rather than prioritizing growth, explains @tekaldas.bsky.social.

“I wouldn't call this a House of Representatives that represents the will of the people at all,” @selhussieny.bsky.social says of the recent Parliamentary election in Egypt. There is unprecedented interference in the selection of the Chairman of the House and other heads of committees.

Egypt in 2026: What’s Next? YouTube video by The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP)

🚨Starting now! @selhussieny.bsky.social, @nancyokail.bsky.social & @tekaldas.bsky.social are joining TIMEP for a moderated conversation with @maitelsadany.bsky.social to explore what's on Egypt's policy agenda in the economy, politics & foreign affairs.

Tune in here: www.youtube.com/live/rHxgP3_...