European Institute for Studies on
the Middle East and North Africa

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News

What Does the Gulf Want From France in Return for Its Energy?

Speaking on France 24 on 19 October 2026, EISMENA Director Adel Bakawan explains the Gulf states’ demand for reciprocity: Europe may seek their oil and gas, but it must help secure the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. He argues that France and the EU possess significant diplomatic and economic leverage—yet have failed to translate it into concrete action.

Adel Bakawan

October 22, 2026

Analysis

The Middle East and North Africa : Structural Recompositions 

The Middle East and North Africa are undergoing strategic fragmentation, as declining traditional hegemonies and shifting alliances reshape regional power dynamics. Despite economic growth, the region faces structural challenges, including debt, inequality, youth unemployment, hydrocarbon dependence and climate pressures. Digitalisation creates opportunities but also expands surveillance, while ongoing conflicts and the absence of stable regional governance reinforce uncertainty. Fragmentation has become the defining feature of a fragile but emerging regional order.

Martin Raymond Willy Mbog Ibock

October 22, 2026

Analysis

Why language and not borders? Understanding post-integration frustration in Rojava

After 14 years of de facto self-governance, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement on 30 January to integrate their institutions into the Syrian state and incorporate the SDF into the Syrian army as brigades, effectively dissolving the DAANES, at least formally.

Wisam Sedeeq

October 21, 2026

News

Yemen and Saudi Arabia: Renewed Strikes and the Risk of Regional Escalation

The expansion of attacks to Saudi civilian, aviation and energy infrastructure demonstrates the Houthis’ ability to exert direct pressure on Saudi territory, despite the Kingdom’s military capabilities and air defence systems. For Riyadh, the stakes now extend beyond the security of its southern border. They encompass the protection of energy infrastructure, freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the credibility of the economic diversification strategy championed by Mohammed bin Salman. However, international support remains primarily defensive. American reluctance to participate directly in operations against the Houthis, combined with the limitations of its partners’ commitments, leaves Saudi Arabia facing a dilemma: intensify its response at the risk of widening the conflict, or prioritise de-escalation, which could be interpreted as a strategic retreat.

Lyna Ouandjeli

October 15, 2026

Analysis

Egypt and the Saudi-Houthi crisis in Bab al-Mandab

The crisis presents Cairo with a strategic dilemma: Egypt cannot accept that a hostile force should wield lasting coercive power at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, but it must avoid being drawn into a new ground war in Yemen. Egypt’s most likely course of action will therefore combine political and intelligence solidarity with Riyadh, a naval and air force build-up in the Red Sea, and the protection of the Suez Canal and the SUMED oil pipeline, whilst showing extreme reluctance towards a ground campaign aimed at recapturing the Yemeni interior.

Hichem Karoui

October 15, 2026

News

Hormuz, the Houthis and Iran’s Global Economic Leverage

EISMENA Director, Adel Bakawan invited to speak on France 24 to share his analysis that failed military action and diplomacy have pushed the US–Iran conflict into a third phase: economic warfare. As Washington increases pressure on Tehran and Iran leverages strategic maritime chokepoints, the consequences are being felt worldwide—with no clear winner in sight.

Adel Bakawan

October 13, 2026

Research & Analysis

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Research

COP29: A Disappointing Chapter in Climate Diplomacy?

Conference Summary

The conference builds on an EISMENA report funded by Vision Education examining women’s living conditions in Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It highlights both the challenges women face and their progress since 2003 in areas like empowerment, civil society, legislation, economic opportunities, and security. The conference aims to promote dialogue and strengthen women’s roles and rights in both regions.

How Legal Reforms in Iraq’s Personal Status Law Institutionalise Sectarianism and Threaten Women’s Rights

In this article, Hiyam Ali analyses the proposed amendments to Iraq's Personal Status Law that could institutionalize sectarianism and undermine women's rights.

Analysis

The Middle East and North Africa : Structural Recompositions 

The Middle East and North Africa are undergoing strategic fragmentation, as declining traditional hegemonies and shifting alliances reshape regional power dynamics. Despite economic growth, the region faces structural challenges, including debt, inequality, youth unemployment, hydrocarbon dependence and climate pressures. Digitalisation creates opportunities but also expands surveillance, while ongoing conflicts and the absence of stable regional governance reinforce uncertainty. Fragmentation has become the defining feature of a fragile but emerging regional order.

Why language and not borders? Understanding post-integration frustration in Rojava

After 14 years of de facto self-governance, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement on 30 January to integrate their institutions into the Syrian state and incorporate the SDF into the Syrian army as brigades, effectively dissolving the DAANES, at least formally.

Egypt and the Saudi-Houthi crisis in Bab al-Mandab

The crisis presents Cairo with a strategic dilemma: Egypt cannot accept that a hostile force should wield lasting coercive power at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, but it must avoid being drawn into a new ground war in Yemen. Egypt’s most likely course of action will therefore combine political and intelligence solidarity with Riyadh, a naval and air force build-up in the Red Sea, and the protection of the Suez Canal and the SUMED oil pipeline, whilst showing extreme reluctance towards a ground campaign aimed at recapturing the Yemeni interior.

News

What Does the Gulf Want From France in Return for Its Energy?

Speaking on France 24 on 19 October 2026, EISMENA Director Adel Bakawan explains the Gulf states’ demand for reciprocity: Europe may seek their oil and gas, but it must help secure the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. He argues that France and the EU possess significant diplomatic and economic leverage—yet have failed to translate it into concrete action.

Yemen and Saudi Arabia: Renewed Strikes and the Risk of Regional Escalation

The expansion of attacks to Saudi civilian, aviation and energy infrastructure demonstrates the Houthis’ ability to exert direct pressure on Saudi territory, despite the Kingdom’s military capabilities and air defence systems. For Riyadh, the stakes now extend beyond the security of its southern border. They encompass the protection of energy infrastructure, freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the credibility of the economic diversification strategy championed by Mohammed bin Salman. However, international support remains primarily defensive. American reluctance to participate directly in operations against the Houthis, combined with the limitations of its partners’ commitments, leaves Saudi Arabia facing a dilemma: intensify its response at the risk of widening the conflict, or prioritise de-escalation, which could be interpreted as a strategic retreat.

Hormuz, the Houthis and Iran’s Global Economic Leverage

EISMENA Director, Adel Bakawan invited to speak on France 24 to share his analysis that failed military action and diplomacy have pushed the US–Iran conflict into a third phase: economic warfare. As Washington increases pressure on Tehran and Iran leverages strategic maritime chokepoints, the consequences are being felt worldwide—with no clear winner in sight.

Who we have met

Meeting with President Nechirvan Barzani

Dr. Adel Bakawan, director of EISMENA, met with Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Erbil to discuss the changing geopolitical landscape of the Middle East (August 2026).

Meeting with Sami Ben Naceur

EISMENA spoke with Mr BEN NACEUR, an expert in banking, economic advisory and financial analysis with the World Bank, European commission and several consulting firms in Tunisia, Europe and MENA region for more than 15 years. He is an accomplished financier with a deep knowledge of the financial market and financial institutions in the MENA region.

Meeting with Consul General Yann Braem

EISMENA met with the French Consul General, Yann Braem, in Iraqi Kurdistan, who delivered an opening speech for EISMENA’s project on Research Methodology with NSI and UKH.

Meeting with President Nechirvan Barzani

Adel Bakawan had an exchange with President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani on key issues such as the future of the Middle East amidst ongoing conflicts, post-election expectations in Kurdistan, regional diplomacy, and the evolving role of the Kurdish youth (April, 2025).

Meeting with Anne-Claire Legendre

Adel Bakawan was received to discuss the ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

Meeting with Ala Talabani

EISMENA met Mrs. Ala Talabani and the First Secretary at the Iraqi Embassy in Paris, France.

Meeting with President Masoud Barzani

Michel Wieviorka and Adel Bakawan discussed regional dynamics and took part of the Symposium event on the impact of climate change on Iraq.

Meeting with President Abdel Latif Rashid

Adel Bakawan met with the president (at the time) of the Federal Republic of Iraq during the Symposium event on on the impact of climate change on Iraq.

Events

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Seminar: The Kurdish Position in a Fragmenting Middle East

EISMENA was invited to speak at ULB University in Brussels on the Kurdish question in the Middle East. This event took place on October 10th, 2026.

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EISMENA at the Embassy of Iraq in Paris

EISMENA took part in a special event at the Embassy of Iraq in Paris marking a new chapter in Iraqi sovereignty following the withdrawal of the international coalition and highlighting the importance of strong regional relations. The program opened with remarks Lyna Ouandjeli from EISMENA, followed by an address from Thair AL-JUMALI, the Minister Plenipotentiary Chargé d'Affaires of Iraq.

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It’s Time to Think France

Adel Bakawan, Director of EISMENA, was invited to speak at an event hosted by It’s Time to Think France, cultural movement dedicated to promoting freedom of thought and critical thinking through inspiring voices and meaningful encounters. The discussion focused on geopolitics in the Middle East and North Africa, offering insights into the region’s shifting dynamics, current tensions, and future challenges. This event took place May 16th, 2026 in Paris, France

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Videos

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Olivier Roy: The Middle East Is Entering an Age of “Disorder”

In this wide-ranging EISMENA interview, Maxime Lechat speaks with renowned French political scientist Olivier Roy about the profound transformations reshaping the Middle East.

After Assad, Who Controls Religion in Syria? With Zakaria Taha

In this EISMENA interview, Christine Simatos and Lyna Ouandjeli speak with Zakaria Taha about the evolving relationship between religion, communal identity and political power in Syria. Tracing the country’s trajectory from Hafez and Bashar al-Assad to Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Algeria under Tebboune: Reform, Regional Rivalries and the Quest for Power with Jamil Sayah

From infrastructure modernisation and economic diversification to the relationship between the military and civilian authorities, he explores the role of nationalism and Algeria’s ambitions as a regional power. The discussion also addresses Western Sahara, rivalry with Morocco, the Abraham Accords, Algeria’s strategy in the Sahel and Africa, its energy relations with Europe, and the continuing influence of colonial memory on Franco-Algerian relations.

In The Media

FRANCE 24

France 24 is a French state-owned, publicly funded international news network based in Paris. Broadcasting 24/7 in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish, it delivers global affairs with a French perspective through hourly news bulletins, in-depth reports, debate-driven talk shows, and a massive network of international correspondents.

TV5MONDE

TV5MONDE is the premier global French-language television network, broadcasting the best programs from the Francophonie. It operates as a public broadcasting service, showcasing a diverse mix of international news, films, series, documentaries, sports, and lifestyle programming subtitled in multiple languages to over 400 million households worldwide.

ARTE

ARTE is a Franco-German public service television network dedicated to European culture and the arts. Financed jointly by France and Germany, its programming focuses on high-quality documentaries, in-depth reports, independent cinema, and performing arts, available for free across Europe via broadcast and the ARTE streaming platform.

FRANCE CULTURE

France Culture is a French public radio channel and part of Radio France. Its programming encompasses various features on historical, philosophical, sociopolitical, and scientific themes (including debates, discussions, and exciting documentaries), as well as literary readings, radio plays, and experimental productions.

SUD RADIO

Sud Radio is a private, French generalist radio station owned by Fiducial Media. Operating under the slogan "Parlons Vrai!" (Speak True), it focuses on political debates, societal issues, and interactive listener call-ins.

LCI

LCI (La Chaîne Info) is a leading French 24/7 rolling news channel owned by the TF1 Group. Known for its emphasis on debate and political analysis, LCI provides rolling domestic and international news, talk shows, and in-depth reporting.

LE FIGARO

Le Figaro is a French daily morning newspaper founded in 1826. The oldest national newspaper in France, Le Figaro is considered a French newspaper of record, along with Le Monde and (to a lesser extent) Libération.

LES ECHOS

Les Echos, is the first daily French financial newspaper, founded in 1908 by brothers Robert and Émile Servan-Schreiber.

BRUT.

French online media platform founded in November 2016 by Renaud Le Van Kim, Guillaume Lacroix, Laurent Lucas et Roger Coste.

FRANCEINFO

French public broadcasting service as a brand of news service participated by France Télévisions, Radio France, France Médias Monde and the Institut national de l'audiovisuel.

LE PARISIEN

French newspaper that covers international and national news as well as local news from the Paris area.

L’ORIENT LE JOUR

French-language daily newspaper in Lebanon. Its English-language edition is L'Orient Today.

LIBÉRATION

Daily newspaper in France, founded in Paris by Jean-Paul Sartre and Serge July in 1973 in the wake of the protest movements of May 1968.

THE HUFF POST

United States progressive news website, with localized and international editions.

RTL

French commercial radio network owned by the RTL Group through Groupe M6.

RFI

The state-owned international radio news network of France. One of the most-listened-to international radio stations in the world.

CHANNEL 8

Independent contemporary media corporation, established in 2023 in the Kurdistan Region with its headquarter in Sulaymaniyah.

20 MINUTES

Free, daily newspaper aimed at commuters in France.

CNEWS

French free-to-air opinion channel launched on 4 November 1999 by Canal+.

BFM TV

French news broadcast television and radio network, wholly owned by RMC BFM.

AREION 24 NEWS

Areion24.news is the news website of the Areion Group, an independent media group and research center founded in 2003 by French geographer and political scientist Alexis Bautzmann.

LE MONDE

French newspaper founded in 1944 by Hubert Beuve-Méry. It is the most widely read paid national daily newspaper in France.

TVA NOUVELLES

French language television network in Canada.

CAIRN

French-language web portal, founded in 2005, containing scholarly materials in the humanities and social sciences and recently scientific, technical, and medical sciences.

LA CROIX

Daily French general-interest Catholic newspaper.

BFM BUSINESS

France's first business news channel. It is also the most-listened to business news radio station in this country. From November 2010, BFM Business is a national economic television station offering regional variation in Ile-de-France.

ALSHARQIYA TUBE

"The Eastern One" is Iraq's first privately owned satellite channel.

MEDIAPART

Independent nonprofit French investigative online newspaper created in 2008 by Edwy Plenel, former editor-in-chief of Le Monde.

PUBLIC SENAT

"The Parliamentary Channel" is a French television network created that combines the station LCP - Assemblée nationale along with its sister station Public Sénat, under one channel station, by law on 30 December 1999.

iReMMO

The Institute for Research and Studies on the Mediterranean and the Middle East is an independent French institute based in Paris, organized as a non-profit association under the French Law of 1901 and recognized as serving the public interest.

L’EXPRESS

French weekly news magazine headquartered in Paris.

Catalan Association for Peace

An organization committed to transforming the living conditions of the most disadvantaged populations and to achieving more just social structures, the full expression of individual and collective rights, and the eradication of poverty.

TV83

Web TV channel that covers the Var region in general and everything else in particular.

LE VIF.

Weekly news magazine published in Brussels, Belgium.

RADIO ORIENT

Arab international radio station based in Paris, France with retransmissions in various cities in France, Europe and the Arab World.

COURTHOUSE NEWS

American news service primarily focusing on civil litigation. Its core audience is lawyers and law firms, who subscribe to the service; other subscribers include nonprofits, government agencies, corporations, other media outlets, and academic institutions.

Our Partners and Collaborators

Azal Advisors

An independent strategic consulting firm specializing in advising sovereign and institutional clients in frontier markets.

OSE in Africa

OSE is the scientific observatory of entrepreneurship support ecosystems — 60,500+ qualified actors across Africa, MENA, the Gulf and Europe, 14 observed quality indicators, 10+ years of longitudinal data. The evidence governments, DFIs and sovereign funds use to decide.

iReMMO Institute for Research and Studies on the Mediterranean and the Middle East

iReMMO is an independent French institute based in Paris, working and committed to making available to the widest possible number of people scientific knowledge on major political, cultural, economic and social issues related to the regions of the Middle East and the Mediterranean basin.

TotalEnergies Iraq

TotalEnergies, the third-largest electricity and gas player in France, allows everyone to save money responsibly. At the heart of its strategy: innovation and customer satisfaction to offer as many people as possible reliable, affordable and clean energy in order to participate in a more responsible energy future.

Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies

The FMES is a research center that deciphers geopolitical and strategic issues, particularly those of the southern neighborhood of the European continent: Southern Europe, Balkans, Black Sea, Caucasus, Middle East, Indian Ocean, Africa. It also has a maritime department working on legal, environmental, economic, security and military issues specific to the seas and oceans. Finally, it supports the defense and dual economy, in particular to facilitate the international development of companies from the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Expertise France

Expertise France is the public technical cooperation agency, a subsidiary of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) group and second in size in Europe. Our mission: to sustainably strengthen public policies in our partner countries. At their request, together with public actors, civil society and the private sector, we design and implement projects that stimulate innovation and strengthen their action for the benefit of all. Governance, security, climate, health, education, entrepreneurship, cultural and creative industries... Expertise France contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in more than 140 countries, with French and European public funding.

CAIRN.info

Cairn.info, a reference platform for French-language scientific publications, aims to promote the discovery of quality research while cultivating the independence and diversity of actors in the knowledge ecosystem.

Vision Education (VE)

Vision Education, established in 2018 and headquartered in Erbil, leads and manages progressive educational entities in the Kurdistan Region. Its diverse portfolio includes schools and universities, in which all profits generated by these private educational institutions are reinvested back into the public education and higher education sectors.

Sciences Po Grenoble

UGA is a prestigious, highly selective Grande École specializing in political and social sciences. Located on the main university campus in Grenoble, France, it offers a rigorous five-year multidisciplinary curriculum and is globally renowned for its heavy emphasis on international exchange and research.

Nishtman Strategy Institute (NSI)

The NSI is a non-profit research and analysis institute that provides decision-makers and the public with informed analysis on the most pressing issues of the day in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Rudaw

Rudaw Media Network is an independent media establishment owned by RUDAW Co. FOR MEDIA AFFAIRS /Ltd., It disseminates written, visual and audio content. It is a for-profit establishment; however it considers broadcasting information and facts in a professional manner as its main goal. In delivering content, it does not bind itself to any geographic borders or ideologies, but has a wide global view.

BCF

The BCF is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit organization that was founded in 2005 in Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The BCF’s humanitarian activities have transcended Iraq’s borders and it has carried out various activities to assist the most vulnerable in Turkey, Syria, Australia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Lebanon, and South Sudan. The BCF’s projects rely on its sponsors and donors and are supported by volunteers.

Bahralolom Forum

The Bahr Alolom Forum was created in 2010 to foster dialogue between Iraqi leadership and decision-makers, addressing political system issues and seeking solutions for economic, social, and environmental challenges. Our mission is to cultivate intellectual collaborations, facilitating discussions for a conducive national success environment.