Topic Guide: SSR in the Arab Middle East

Security Sector Reform (SSR) in the Arab Middle East remains a highly sensitive and politicised subject in a region prone to internal and external influences on its security sectors. These influences have a direct impact on global security, making it a pertinent topic for those following developments in the region.

This topic guide aims to present an introduction to literature written on SSR in the region in general. It then presents an overview of the latest and most relevant SSR issues in three countries in the region which are all undergoing phases of SSR within their unique contexts: Iraq – post-war security sector rebuilding in a state with highly volatile armed actors; Lebanon – security sector reform within a delicate civil and political environment and a major armed actor; and Occupied Palestinian Territories – security sector reform within a delicate civil and political environment. Whilst not exhaustive, this guide hopes to cover most of the literature available on SSR in these countries. It must be noted that as of yet literature on the region and countries within it remains limited, but is increasing. Consequently, this guide will be regularly updated.

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Page contents

• A good place to start:
  General texts on SSR in the Arab Middle East
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Occupied Palestine Territories
• Organisations