Security Assistance in the Middle East: Challenges. and the Need for Change

“The holistic approach of this book provides precious insights not only for students and scholars but also for policymakers.” ―Elena Potitò, International Spectator

"Multifaceted, rigorously researched, and thoughtful.... The volume offers tremendous value to students and practitioners of security assistance in the Middle East. Solutions will come only with a piercing, honest appraisal of the problem, to which this book makes a tremendous contribution.” ―Thomas W. Ross Jr., Parameters

"One of the first studies of the concepts and practices of modern security assistance that is both devoid of ideology and accessible to scholars, policy analysts, and practitioners alike. A perfect guide to the 'dark arts.'" ―David B. Des Roches, National Defense University "Highly original, bringing new research to bear on a policy question of major importance and filling a gap in the academic literature. This is a must-read for anyone working on Middle East security policy." ―Nicholas Lotito, Yale University Why, given the enormous resources spent by the US and Europe on security assistance to Arab countries, has it led to so little success? Can anything be done to change the disheartening status quo? Addressing these thorny questions, the authors of this state-of-the-art assessment evaluate the costs and benefits to the main providers and recipients of security assistance in the MENA region and explore alternative strategies to improve outcomes for both.  CONTENTS: 

• First, Do No Harm: Curing What Ails Security Assistance to the Middle East―H. Alaoui and R. Springborg.
• Security Assistance in a Changing Region―A.H. Cordesman.
• Political Drivers of Demand for Security Assistance―G.E. Robinson.
• SHARED CHALLENGES, SHARED RESPONSES.
• Tunisia: A Reframed Security-Centered Approach―N. Jebnoun.
• Lebanon: Assessing US-Led Capabilities Development―A. Nerguizian.
• Egypt: Reconsidering the Political Value of US Assistance―Z. Abud-Magd.
• THE ROLES OF MULTILATERAL AND REGIONAL ACTORS.
• EU and Member States’ Security Assistance: Complementary or Contradictory?―F. Gaub and A. Walsh.
• The Politics of Security Assistance by "European NATO"―K. Koehler.
• The Gulf Monarchies: Security Consumers and Providers―Z. Barany.
• Regional Entanglements: MENA States as Providers of Security Assistance―S. Tholens.
• CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS.
• US Security Assistance in Jordan: Militarized Politics and Elusive Metrics―S. Yom.
• Security Assistance and Public Support for Arab Militaries―L.J. Benstead.
• Civilians in Arab Defense Affairs: Implications for Providers of Security Assistance―Y. Sayigh.
• PRACTITIONER PERSPECTIVES.
• US Security Assistance to Egypt: The Importance of Framing a Relationship―F.C. "Pink" Williams.
• Subjectivity and Objectivity in Assessing Security Assistance―J.J. Zavage.
• CONCLUSION.
• Quit Trying, or Try to Cure?―H. Alaoui and R. Springborg.

Hicham Alaoui is research associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University. Robert Springborg is nonresident research fellow of the Italian Institute of International Affairs and adjunct professor in the School of International Studies at Simon Fraser University.

Robert Springborg is nonresident research fellow of the Italian Institute of International Affairs and adjunct professor in the School of International Studies at Simon Fraser University.