Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RL32063The Middle East and North Africa:Political Succession and Regime StabilityAugust 29, 2003Amy E. ThayerResearch AssociateForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionAlfred B. PradosSpecialist in Middle East AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division