Atlantic Council blogs

Atlantic Council blogs provide short-form analyses from Council experts and a wider community of global voices on the world’s most important news stories.
View all
of our blogs
Subscribe to our
newsletters

Latest from across our blogs

MENASource

Jan 9, 2014

Normalizing Conspiracies with an Egyptian Puppet

By Sarah El Sirgany

Officials from the mobile phone operator Vodafone were questioned last week by Egypt’s public prosecutor about coded messages allegedly hidden in one of their online ads. The video, said to contain a secret message for terrorists, features internet sensation Abla Fahita, a puppet who rose to fame mocking Egyptian housewives who use the internet as […]

North Africa

MENASource

Jan 9, 2014

Point/Counterpoint: Is Reform in Jordan Truly Necessary?

By Ramzy Mardini & Faysal Itani

Over the past few years, Jordan has weathered the storm of the Arab revolutions and emerged largely unscathed. The monarchy retains control of the kingdom despite the occasional protest demanding reform.

Germany's former defence minister Thomas de Maiziere

NATOSource

Jan 9, 2014

Outgoing German Defense Minister Takes Parting Shots at France, Britain

By AFP

Germany’s former defence minister on Wednesday took an unusually undiplomatic parting shot at allies France and Britain, saying Berlin had met its responsibilities when it came to overseas military operations.

France Germany

MENASource

Jan 9, 2014

Top News: Washington Committed to Longstanding Ties with Egypt Despite Concerns

By EgyptSource

In a statement Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Jennifer Psaki said the United States is committed to its “longstanding relationship” with Egypt as it continues to voice alarm about the climate of freedom in the country.

MENASource

Jan 9, 2014

The Half-Full Cup of Egypt’s New Constitution

By Tamer Nagy Mahmoud

Within days, Egyptians are going to vote in a public referendum on an amended proposed constitution, the nation’s second in two years. The proposed document includes a number of significant improvements as compared to the now-suspended 2012 constitution. 

North Africa Political Reform
HMS Defender

NATOSource

Jan 8, 2014

Royal Navy Needed 24 Hours to Reach Russian Missile Ship Off UK Coast

By Mark Nicol, Daily Mail

A fully armed Royal Navy warship was scrambled to challenge a missile-carrying Russian vessel in the waters off Britain just days before Christmas, defence sources revealed last night.

Russia United Kingdom

MENASource

Jan 8, 2014

Top News: Protesters besiege Libya’s GNC demanding it sack the prime minister

By MENASource

The General National Congress (GNC) was blockaded Tuesday afternoon by protesters demanding that it vote to withdraw confidence from Prime Minister Ali Zidan. MOne hundred and twenty members must vote in favor for such a measure to pass.

Syria's 1st batch of chemical weapons materials now onboard the Ark Futura

NATOSource

Jan 8, 2014

First Chemical Weapons Removed From Syria to Danish Ship

By BBC and AP

From BBC:  The first consignment of Syrian chemical weapons materials has left the country on a Danish ship.

China Northern Europe

MENASource

Jan 8, 2014

Top News: Bad Weather Prevents Morsi’s Second Appearance in Court

By EgyptSource

The trial of deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi on charges of inciting murder of protesters was postponed on Wednesday until February 1 after officials said that bad weather prevented him being flown to court. 

MENASource

Jan 8, 2014

EconSource Headlines- January 8, 2014

By EconSource

Follow the latest in economic news and developments about the Arab transition countries.