Weak vs. Strong State:

Due to the diversity of the MENA region it is difficult to label the region as either strong or weak. In my opinion, strength of a state is defined as the ability of a government to possess territorial control and a strong legitimacy both at the international and national level; the ability to provide its citizens with a secure environment, a functioning legal system to bring justice, and finally a functioning economy that gives equal job opportunities for individuals. With this being said, I think weak and fragile states are easier to be described than strong states. Because, from a Realist point of view, one could also argue that a strong state could still struggle with unemployment and encounter economic inconsistencies as long as it accumulates enough military power over other states. In other words, the definition of a strong state is debatable. 

Weak states, on the other hand, are defined as the inability of any governments to ensure a stable economic and political atmosphere. Not only that, but we also speak of weak states whenever a government fails to take control of certain areas of its own country, which could represent a potential threat especially with the rise of terrorism threat. 

Now, if we were to apply this to the MENA region, I believe that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE could qualify as strong states because they both have strong legitimacy nationally and internationally. They have strong relations with the west and are blessed with natural resources to buy stability in their own countries. Algeria, is another country blessed with natural resources and has been able to buy stability and avoid social upheaval thanks to this advantage. However, and due to the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Algeria become more of a fragile state rather than a strong state. As the neighboring countries, such as Libya and Tunisia, continue to suffer from terrorism, the Algerian borders are becoming very fragile. Despite of the strong military equipment and expertise Algeria has when it comes to fighting terrorism, the country could easily experience another wave of instability. 

As for the post-revolutionary countries such as Egypt and Tunisia, I believe they have the opportunity to become well-governed, prosperous democratic (and thus strong) states, but for now they are just fragile and weak states. Libya, on the other hand, is a failed state along with Yemen.

Lebanon and Jordan have complex border issues that became more complex with the rise of ISIS, further weakening the entire area. Morocco, however, is relatively strong. 

The take away point from this quick analysis is the fact the MENA region is too diverse and complex to be labeled as either strong or weak region. Each country has its own characteristics and unique structure. However, I believe that, and at the exception of few countries such as Saudi Arabia, the entire region could be characterized as fragile due to the various issues it is dealing with at the current moment.