MENASource

ISIL, Iraq, and Syria: The Strategy Challenge

By Frederic C. Hof

Once again, President Barack Obama is taking grief for having committed truth on the subject of strategy: this time acknowledging the incompleteness thereof in the context of training the Iraqi national army.

Top News: UNESCO Heritage Site Destroyed in Sana’a

By MENASource

Saudi-led airstrikes targeting Houthi strongholds destroyed historic houses in the Old City of Sana’a, a UNESCO world heritage site. At least five civilians were killed and others buried under the rubble, medical officials and witnesses said.

Top News: Police Officer Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Death of Activist Sabbagh; Witnesses Face Retrial

By EgyptSource

An Egyptian court has sentenced a police officer to fifteen years in prison for the killing of a protester during a peaceful demonstration in Cairo in January.

EconSource: World Bank Summary of Global Economic Prospects for MENA

By EconSource

After an easing in tensions in early 2014, the Middle East and North Africa region is again experiencing major—and increasing—security challenges. In addition, since mid-2014, it is also adjusting to the oil price drop.

Why Iran’s Plan B in Syria Will Not Work

By Hanin Ghaddar

Earlier this month, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (ICRG) Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani made a surprise visit to Syria near the frontlines outside Latakia, where he vowed that upcoming developments in Syria will soon “surprise” the world.

Top News: Yemeni Government Names Representatives to the Geneva Talks

By MENASource

In an interview with Al Arabiya television, a Yemeni government official confirmed that there will be seven representatives sent to Geneva to participate in the talks on June 14. Among those named were the Yemeni Foreign Minister, the Minister of Human Rights, and the leader of the General People’s Congress Party.

EconSource: Saudi Aramco Says No Cut in Oil Exports Despite Local Demand

By EconSource

Saudi Arabia is ready to increase its oil output in the coming months to a new record to meet a rise in global demand despite increased domestic use, according to Ahmed al-Subaey, Saudi Aramco’s executive director for marketing.

Top News: Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia Agree to Form Supreme Trilateral Council

By EgyptSource

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Sudanese President Omar Bashir, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn agreed Wednesday to form a supreme council for mutual economic and political issues.

One Year On: Security Under Sisi

By EgyptSource

The security situation in Egypt has shown little signs of improvement since the election of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. While the army continues to conduct vigorous counter terror operations in Sinai, targeting Egypt’s most active militant group, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, the attacks have shown no signs of abating.  

Egypt’s Africa Pivot

In a move which would establish the continent’s largest free trade area, Egypt has signed an agreement with twenty-five other African countries to form a “Cape to Cairo” Free Trade Zone. Integrating the three economic zones of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community, and the East African Community, […]