MENA Region Research Articles

Writing about the Middle East in a Postmodern Era. A Critique

In this paper the complexities of ongoing conflicts in the MENA region are scrutinized through a critical lens. Acknowledging the influence of multiple actors and factors in shaping political history, the paper challenges the prevailing use of postmodern and post-colonial paradigms in framing and assigning responsibility for these conflicts. While recognizing their contributions, the paper argues against their limitations in providing a nuanced understanding of the underlying dynamics and roots of MENA conflicts. The paper argues that postmodern and post-colonial lenses oversimplify conflicts by presenting them in binary terms and focusing solely on the role of Western colonialism. Instead, it advocates for a broader perspective that considers the complexities of the region's history, including the legacies of the Ottoman Empire and local social structures and actors. It suggests a contextual realist approach analysing conflicts at both internal and external levels, examining state formation processes and regional dynamics. While acknowledging the challenges, it asserts that with the right analytical and methodological tools, a deeper understanding of the region's conflicts and the underlying dynamics of its political landscape is possible.

Long-Term Spatiotemporal Trends in Precipitation, Temperature, and Evapotranspiration Across Arid Asia and Africa

This study examines trends in precipitation (PRE), maximum temperature (TMAX), minimum temperature (TMIN), and potential evapotranspiration (PET) using the Modified Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator between 1901 and 2022 in the arid lands of Central Asia, West Asia and North Africa. The results reveal complex spatial and temporal climate change patterns across the study area. Annual PRE shows a slight negative trend (Z = −0.881, p = 0.378), with significant decreases from 1951–2000 (Z = −3.329, p = 0.001). The temperatures exhibit strong warming trends (TMIN: Z = 9.591, p < 0.001; TMAX: Z = 8.405, p < 0.001). PET increased significantly (Z = 6.041, p < 0.001), with acceleration in recent decades. Spatially, precipitation decreased by 10% in maximum annual values, while PET increased by 10–15% in many areas. Temperature increases of 2–3 °C were observed, with TMAX rising from 36–39 °C to 39–42 °C in some MENA regions. Seasonal analysis shows winter precipitation decreasing significantly in recent years (Z = −1.974, p = 0.048), while summer PET shows the strongest increasing trend (Z = 5.647, p < 0.001). Spatial analysis revealed clear latitudinal gradients in temperature and PET, with higher values in southern regions. PRE patterns were more complex, with coastal and mountainous areas receiving more precipitation. The combination of rising temperatures, increasing PET, and variable PRE trends suggest an overall intensification of aridity in many parts of the region. This analysis provides crucial insights into the climate variability of these water-scarce areas, emphasizing the need for targeted adaptation strategies in water resource management, agriculture, and ecosystem conservation.

Institutional Quality and Economic Growth in the Energy Transition of MENA Countries

This paper investigates the energy transition in MENA region countries, emphasizing the pivotal role of institutional quality and its impact on economic growth. It explores the interactions between institutional quality, energy transition initiatives, and economic growth, aiming to understand how strong institutions can facilitate a successful transition. The empirical analysis employs a simultaneous equations model to identify institutional factors that can either support or hinder the energy transition and its influence on economic growth. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and economic stakeholders, underscoring the critical importance of robust institutions in driving the energy transition process and stimulating economic growth in the MENA region from 2000 to 2022.

Seroprevalence and detection of Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) among healthy blood donors residing in Qatar

BackgroundHuman herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is a critical causative agent behind Kaposi sarcoma (KS), an oncogenic disease with profound consequences in immunocompromised individuals. Studies suggested HHV-8 seroprevalence in healthy populations is uncommon, but comprehensive investigations within the Middle East region remain scarce. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by meticulously assessing HHV-8 seroprevalence among healthy blood donors in Qatar, leveraging serological methodologies and PCR. MethodsWe used sera samples collected from 621 healthy blood donors (median age = 36 years, IQR 30-43) from different nationalities residing in Qatar, mainly from the MENA region and Southeast Asia. All sera samples were tested for total anti-HHV-8 IgG antibodies using ELISA. The presence of lytic HHV-8 antibodies was confirmed by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Further, HHV-8 DNA was tested and quantitated by qRT-PCR. ResultsELISA detected anti-HHV-8 IgG total antibodies in 6.9% [43/621, 95%CI 5.2-9.2] of the tested samples. Subsequent testing by IFA revealed that 14% [6/43, 95%CI 3.6-24.3] of these anti-HHV-8 IgG were classified as HHV-8 lytic antibodies. This suggests that 0.97% [6/621, 95%CI 0.2-1.7] of these donors had a recent or ongoing active infection and viral replication. Only one seronegative Qatari blood donor had detectable HHV-8 DNA in his blood. No significant difference was observed between HHV-8 seropositivity and the demographic characteristics of the donors. ConclusionOur study showed that HHV-8 prevalence in Qatar aligns closely with global reports. Moreover, our findings raise considerations regarding HHV-8’s potential transmission via transfusion, which suggests the value of routine HHV-8 screening, particularly for immunocompromised patients vulnerable to KS.

Interpreting Reform of the Academic Field of Education in the MENA Region

This policy commentary paper reviews the scope and impact of government-led educational reforms in the MENA region, with a particular focus on the role of academic institutions in the improvement of teacher education, educator professional development, and the alignment of educational outcomes with international standards. The paper analyzes the integration of international practices within local contexts, with emphasis on how the academic field of education is understood and how it has evolved within the MENA region.

Cyber Diplomacy Theory and Practice in the MENA Region - Case Study on Artificial Intelligence

Cyber Diplomacy Theory and Practice in the MENA Region - Case Study on Artificial Intelligence

Military Expenditures and the Environment in MENA Region: The Interaction Effects of Wars and Conflicts

Military Expenditures and the Environment in MENA Region: The Interaction Effects of Wars and Conflicts

Photovoltaic Modules’ Cleaning Method Selection for the MENA Region

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are important components of the global shift towards sustainable energy resources, utilizing solar energy to generate electricity. However, the efficiency and performance of PV systems heavily rely on cleanliness, as dust accumulation can significantly obstruct their effectiveness over time. This study undertook a comprehensive literature review and carried out multiple interviews with experts in the PV systems field to propose a map for selecting the optimal PV cleaning method for PV systems within MENA region. These factors, covering meteorological conditions, the local environment, PV system design, module characteristics, dust deposition attributes, exposure time to dust, and socio-economic and environmental considerations, were employed as criteria in a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model, specifically, an Analytic Network Process (ANP). The results indicate that partially automated cleaning is the most suitable method for existing utility-scale PV projects in the MENA region. The findings provide robust guidelines for PV system stakeholders, aiding informed decision-making and enhancing the sustainability of PV cleaning processes.

Developing a Taught Module on ‘Law, Religion, and Environment’

Building on the Arab Barometer seventh wave survey, which highlights the regional priorities on climate change, water resources, and environmental development in Middle East and North Africa, this paper explores the potential for a module on “Law, Religion and Environmental Sustainability”. The module aims to mainstream environmental sustainability in the legal education curriculum through forging the intersections between law, religion, and the environment. The growing body of interdisciplinary research on religion and environmentalism mainly involves scholars from academic disciplines such as sociology, theology, and religious studies, but not law. The Arab Barometer results indicate that citizens’ environmental concerns are mostly linked to the micro level, without directly reflecting on related macro level issues. However, religious beliefs and faith systems often cut across the micro and macro levels, and could potentially advance environmental and sustainable development objectives. Moreso, there have been pockets of non-international armed conflicts that are in some ways tied to religious beliefs and cultural values on access to natural resources such as land and water. This paper addresses how to train law students to embrace and contribute to the emerging field of religion and environmentalism. Such training would equip law graduates to (a) have a good understanding of the contemporary social, economic and political context of environmental governance and sustainable development laws; (b) appreciate the interlinkages between law, religion and environment at a theoretical and practical level; and (c) be better equipped to maximise the opportunities and resolve tensions that may arise from mainstreaming legal principles, including human rights and justice, in advancing sustainable development goals, including environmental sustainability. , , CurriculumDevelopment, MENA region, Legal Education,

Protecting Water Resources in North African Countries as an Entry Point to Achieve the Sixth Sustainable Development Goal

This article examines the legal framework on water in the Maghreb countries and analyzes if the existing legal framework guarantees the achievement of the sixth Sustainable Development Goal by 2030. One of the most important challenges faced by North African countries is the scarcity of water resources. Water scarcity and difficulty of providing the population with potable water, causes a thirst crisis and disruption of biodiversity, and thus preventing the achievement of sustainable economic and social growth, especially since the communities of this region are known for their intensive agricultural activity. The MENA region is among the most exposed to the negative effects of climate change, as the decrease in rainfall and its temporal and spatial variation leads to frequent floods and multiple droughts. All these pose the problem of dealing with the legal system considering the weak official cooperation between these countries to deal with this reality and find the necessary mechanisms to protect water resources from depletion, face climate change and reduce its effects. This article focuses on the Maghreb countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania. The choice of these countries is motivated by the fact that they share the same climatic characteristics and above all they suffer in the same way from the repercussions of global warming. Water resources in these countries are under increasing pressure amid population and industrial growth, irrigated agriculture, urbanization, tourism, climate change, overexploitation of aquifers and deteriorating water quality. In terms of methodology, the article employs a literature review of studies in this field as well as an analysis of legal texts related to water and the environment in the countries surveyed. This study shows that the Maghreb countries have made considerable efforts at the legal level to guarantee access to water for their citizens, however there are many peculiarities and insufficiencies for which the study presents some recommendations susceptible to help with the attainment of the 6 SDG objective within 2030.

Does Corporate Governance Explain the Catering Theory of Dividend MENA Region?

Our analysis has several policy implications that are particularly relevant, allowing the passivity to better understand the implication of catering for dividends by examining the moderating role played by certain institutional variables. This idea has not been taken into account in previous studies, neither theoretically or empirically, but our results corroborate a way in which investors value dividends depends on the internal and external characteristics of the company and corporate governance mechanisms. In fact, our study further verifies which institutional variables moderate the payment of the dividend to managers' management actions. We trace firm characteristics and level corporate governance practices in six countries from Mena zone context, and in our empirical tests, we find that firms internal and external environment play an important role on the investor decision to demand or not dividend from firms. Our evidence also provides empirical support that external and internal mechanisms are important to force firms to disgorge cash and force the presence of a more general phenomenon of the catering. Moreover, our empirically estimation indicates a different result from our countries.

Investment Climate in the MENA Region: Are the Stabilisation Clauses in Foreign Direct Investment Agreements an Obstacle to Progress?

Abstract Foreign direct investment agreements between Western corporations and the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) deserve attention. On one side, the MENA region is a developing region rich in natural resources and therefore a destination interesting to Western investors. On the other, the MENA region is perceived as a volatile and unstable investment environment. Therefore, international investment agreements in the said region often include stabilisation clauses that serve as contractual mechanisms protecting investors from any changes in the laws and acts of nationalisation and expropriation by the host states. As stabilisation clauses have serious adverse effects on the sovereignty of the host states and the development of human rights, this article will take a deeper view of the stabilisation practice and aim to reveal how this contractual mechanism might represent a Catch 22 with respect to the further development of the MENA region countries, especially with respect to human rights and internal governance.

Unravelling the EU’s promotional integration strategy in the MENA region: a dialectical analysis of the Agadir and GAFTA Agreements

Given the rhetoric of the EU on the necessity of economic integration for the MENA region, this article sheds light on the ‘puzzling’ fragmentation in its regional integration strategy through the cases of the GAFTA and Agadir Agreements. It problematises mainstream analyses and employs a dialectical approach based on the philosophy of internal relations, aiming to surpass existing critical literature that has only partially illuminated facets of the EU’s strategy. The article situates the EU strategy within the dynamics of neoliberal capitalism (and its interconnected tensions) and considers its spatial and temporal scales. It argues that the complex interplay of developments at the EU scale, global competition scale and MENA scale across three distinct time frames (1995–2003, 2004–11, 2012–21) has shaped the EU’s fragmented strategy. On the EU scale, while Brussels presents itself as a leading proponent of neoliberal ideology for global market openness, it strategically elevates the Agadir Agreement at the expense of the GAFTA to meet its economic needs. The global competitive dynamics, however, have constrained this preference, as the EU has been contested by the US in the Agadir Agreement area and China and, to a lesser extent, Russia in other GAFTA member states. Lastly, the agency of MENA states has been noticeable, since the EU encounters difficulties in influencing GAFTA’s regulatory framework and dealing with the diverse interests of state elites in the region. We conclude that the dialectical method of the article holds promise for analysing the regional integration strategies of other global powers.

Development of Science Diplomacy in the MENA Region: Priorities and Prospects for Cooperation with Russia on the Example of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates

Introduction. The development of science diplomacy is aimed at promotion of a state’s interests in the international arena. Russia is striving to strengthen cooperation in the field of scientific and technological development, humanitarian exchange with such MENA countries as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. These countries are of significant interest to Russia due to the long-standing forms of cooperation with them. The main purpose of this study is to identify science diplomacy actors, visually present them taking into consideration the process of science development in these countries and determine prospects of cooperation with Russia. Materials and Methods. In their study, the authors used data from open sources, Russian Federal State Statistics Service reports, UNESCO Science reports, World Bank database. The analysis of development of international science and technology cooperation in the three MENA countries was carried out. The authors used the descriptive method to present the main actors of science diplomacy and visually provide the science diplomacy systems. The developed models of science diplomacy of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates enable Russia to identify the priorities in the field of science diplomacy in the context of geopolitical challenges. Results. The study identified the potential partners of Russia in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt to strengthen international science and technology cooperation. The prospects for cooperation with these countries are fixed in the mutual agreements with Russia. The authors studied the policy of these countries in the field of international scientific and technical cooperation, considered strategic directions for the development of science diplomacy. The created models of science diplomacy reflect the main actors of science diplomacy, as well as the current interrelationship between the three MENA countries and Russia in the field of science and technology. The value of this research lies in the preparation of an extensive analytical base that helps to identify potential partners for Russia among the MENA countries, as well as identify key strategies and directions to stimulate the growth of cooperation and knowledge exchange. Discussion and Conclusion. The research has shown that in the studied Arab countries, there is an active development of scientific diplomacy. The governments of these countries are increasingly turning to science to solve political problems. The MENA region has extensive resources and scientific potential, which makes it attractive for scientific cooperation. The analysis of cooperation with these countries made it possible to identify key strategies and priorities to stimulate the growth of cooperation and knowledge exchange between the MENA countries and Russia.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the 2021 Louisiana Needs Assessment Questionnaire for Arabic-speaking people living with HIV

BackgroundDespite the global decline in HIV infections and mortality worldwide, the HIV epidemic is still growing in the MENA region. In the region, People Living with HIV (PLWH) are facing many challenges related to cultural values, norms, and provided services which create significant obstacles to HIV prevention and control efforts. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the “2021 Louisiana Needs Assessment Questionnaire” for use among Egyptians and Arabic-speaking population.MethodsArabic translation and cultural adaptation of the questionnaire passed through five stages. The questionnaire was translated forward and backward then an expert committee reviewed the translated version. Another expert committee reviewed the developed version after modification to assess the content validity using the Content Validity Index (CVI). The last step included a cognitive interview of a convenient sample of 50 adult PLWH in five consecutive rounds to assess subjects’ understanding of questions and response items and their meanings.ResultsModifications were carried out all through the translation and adaptation process of the questionnaire including used words, nomenclature of services, adding or omitting response items, and ordering of questions and response items. The synthesized Arabic-adapted questionnaire has adequate content validity and all questions are clearly understood by the studied subjects. The calculated Content Validity Index of all questionnaire items ranged from 0.82 to 1.ConclusionThe developed culturally adapted questionnaire has adequate content validity/semantic appropriateness. It can be used to assess the needs of PLWH in the MENA region with minor adaptations to fit each country. It can also be used to follow the outcome and impact of implemented programs and services. Further research is recommended to assess its psychometric properties.

Energy Security and Women’s Empowerment: A Generalized Method of Moments Approach from a Global Perspective

The importance of energy security is emphasized in Goal 7 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda to guarantee that everyone has affordable, dependable, and contemporary energy access. In addition to transforming human life, whole economies, and even the planet, sustainable energy offers a chance for a better future. The absence of energy security impacts serious health problems, education, and household difficulties. Research on energy security has emphasized various angles worldwide. However, investigations of the impact of energy security on women’s empowerment are still scant. This study thus investigates the relationship between energy security and women’s empowerment (WE) in 167 countries from 2002 to 2021, as well as the influence of urbanization development levels on this nexus. Moreover, this study explores the variation in women’s empowerment between geographical regions by referencing the MENA, OECD, and SAARC countries. A two-step system GMM was used to achieve the objectives of this research. The findings show first that renewable energy availability has a significant effect on WE worldwide. Secondly, in terms of energy security, the variables total availability of natural resource rents and renewable energy both have a positive impact on women’s empowerment in the MENA, while in the OECD and SAARC countries, they have an indirect link with WE. Third, the integrating effect of total natural resource rents with urbanization significantly affects WE in all five models. Fourth, we used access to electricity to represent resource affordability. Unexpectedly, the results show its negative and significant association with WE. Fifth, in terms of energy security, both energy availability and affordability favor WE in OECD countries. Finally, the coefficient of integration of access to electricity and urbanization shows a positive and significant association with WE in the OECD, MENA, and SAARC regions. However, it is noteworthy to mention that access to electricity alone does not influence WE worldwide. Additionally, a series of tests confirm the robustness of the results. This research provides insight into the development and implications of energy security-related women’s empowerment policies.

Salafis’ hybrid trajectories of socio-political engagement in Tunisia and Algeria. A social movement perspective

ABSTRACT Over the past decades, numerous studies have enhanced the understanding of the Salafi milieu, revealing a diversity within the movement that goes beyond the traditional classifications of quietist, jihadist, and political Salafism. This research builds on recent scholarly work by exploring the porous boundaries of the Salafi realm, emphasizing the concept of hybridization. It examines the blending of registers and repertoires of action from other social worlds with Salafism, utilizing a social movement perspective and first-hand field data. The study investigates Salafi trajectories of engagement beyond the religious sphere in Tunisia and Algeria during perceived periods of constraint. This comparative analysis is both empirically and theoretically significant, given the distinct socio-political landscapes of the two countries. Tunisia was recognized as a democratic exception in the MENA region in 2011. In contrast, Algeria, rising from the ashes of its civil war, is regarded as a resilient rentier state largely unaffected by the Arab uprisings but significantly impacted by the Hirak movement in 2019. Despite these differences, both countries have experienced revolutionary moments and repressive campaigns, offering opportunities for the transformation of Salafism.

Market Capitalization and Economic Growth Nexus A Mediation Analysis for selected countries

The study examined the mediating role of market capitalization in the relationship between economic growth and macroeconomic variables in twenty countries, including foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, government spending, and inflation. The study has used panel data of twenty countries from the period of 2002-2021. The selection of countries involves three criterions, first; the study selected three regions; Asia, Europe, and Mena region. Secondly, among those selected countries, the study tried to select all three categories, higher income countries, middle income countries, and upper middle-income countries. The selection of these countries follows the criteria of GDP growth rate of 2021. Thirdly, these economies are either emerging economies or the economies who have established the stock market and getting its benefits for sustained GDP growth rate e.g. Australia, China, and Germany etc. Panel regression results show that foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, consumption expenditures, inflation, GDP per employed person, and education expenditures all contribute to economic growth in selected countries, whereas an increase in the real effective exchange rate reduces growth. Hayes (2022) employs a mediation analysis approach that confirms market capitalization as a partially mediating variable between the rate of economic growth and various control variables in case of selected 20 countries. Providing more favorable policies for investors and enterprises, such as special economic zones and free tax breaks. Furthermore, emphasis on the money supply and preserving the currency's balance between face and interior worth. Increased foreign direct investment raises the country's workforce demand.

Deciphering the non-linear nexus between government size and inflation in MENA countries: an application of dynamic-panel threshold model

Contradictory to conventional economic theory, which foresees any increase in the size of government as inflationary, this article provides evidence that the reaction of price levels to changes in the size of government is nonlinear. The price levels do not necessarily increase in response to a rise in the size of the government but only up to a certain threshold or optimal level. Accordingly, this paper utilizes the dynamic panel threshold model to examine the threshold effects of government size (measured as government final consumption expenditure as a proportion of GDP) on inflation using a sample of 10 selected MENA countries from 1980 to 2019. The findings of this study stand out in several ways. First, the results support the nonlinear relationship between government size and inflation in the study area. Second, the government size’s estimated threshold level is equivalent to 12.46%. Third, government size negatively impacts inflation in the regime of small governments up to the threshold level. The impact turns positive once the government size goes beyond the threshold level in a regime of large size of government. These findings have ramifications for the conduct of fiscal policy. Policymakers in the MENA region can increase the size of government till it reaches the threshold level without exerting any upward pressure on price levels.

Examining the multifaceted factors of night eating syndrome among adults in Saudi Arabia: A nursing perspective

BackgroundNight Eating Syndrome (NES) is a prevalent eating disorder that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life and well-being. However, most NES research has focused on adolescent populations, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of its prevalence and predictors among adults, particularly in the MENA region. This study, therefore, presents a novel contribution by filling this gap and determining the prevalence of NES and its predictors among adults in Abha, Saudi Arabia. DesignA descriptive correctional design was conducted on 714 adults randomly recruited from primary healthcare centers (PHCCs). MethodsA self-administered questionnaire, which comprised a demographic and lifestyle data sheet and the Arabic version of the NES questionnaire, was used for data collection. Results13.3 % of the participants reported having full syndrome of NES, with 16.1 % of males and 22.5 % of females reporting high NES awareness. Meanwhile, 14.4 % of the participants were non-emotional eaters. This finding is significant as it sheds light on the high prevalence of NES among Saudi adults. Significant differences were observed between NES and higher education, sleeping patterns, smoking habits, dietary type, and exercise routines, with an OR of 1.422, 40.78, 6.14, 66.70, and 4.47, respectively, and a p-value of <0.001. ConclusionNES was a common eating disorder among Saudi adults. Higher education, inadequate sleep, smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise were the most significant predictors of NES. These findings underline the importance of addressing these factors in preventing and managing NES. Social media campaigns, awareness campaigns, and cognitive behavioral and mindfulness therapies could effectively address NES. However, further research is necessary to identify underlying causes and assess their association with comorbidities, providing a clear direction for future studies.