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British Typhoon intercepts Russian Su-34 jets over Baltic airspace, July 24, 2015

NATOSource

Jan 8, 2016

NATO Jets Scrambled 160 Times to Protect Lithuanian Airspace in 2015

By Lithuania Tribune

Lithuania’s Defence Ministry said that NATO jets patrolling airspace over the Baltic Countries scrambled 160 times to intercept Russian planes in 2015, up 14% on the previous year.

NATO Northern Europe

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2016

Has Turkey Become a Distraction in the War on ISIS?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Turkey is a helpful coalition partner, but Ankara-Baghdad rift puts Iraqi Prime Minister in a tough spot, says Aaron Stein Turkey’s entry into the US-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) last summer was marked by Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish militias—a departure from the coalition’s mission. In November, Turkey shot down […]

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jan 8, 2016

The Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Oil Policy

By Haytham Tabesh

The ongoing price war continues between crude oil producers, as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) maintains its Saudi Arabia-led policies to maintain high oil output, contributing to a glut that has brought prices to record lows.

Energy & Environment Saudi Arabia

MENASource

Jan 8, 2016

Top News: ISIS-Affiliated Group Claims Attack on Giza Hotel, Bombing of Sinai Gas Pipeline

By EgyptSource

The Islamic State’s (ISIS or ISIL) Egypt affiliate, Sinai State, claimed responsibility for an attack on a hotel near the Giza Pyramids the previous day,  according to a statement circulated Friday by sympathizers of the militant group.

MENASource

Jan 8, 2016

Top News: Sixteen members of Tunisia’s ruling party resign from parliamentary bloc

By MENASource

On Thursday, 12 Nidaa Tounes members of parliament submitted their resignation from the Nidaa Tounes parliamentary bloc. This brings the number of resigning members to 16, including four representatives who resigned at the end of December.

SyriaSource

Jan 8, 2016

Top News: January 8, 2016

By SyriaSource

– Aid to reach Syrian town of Madaya by Monday– ISIS militant ‘executes own mother’ in Raqqa– UN envoy in Syria ahead of upcoming peace talks in Geneva– Idlib rebels execute ISIS-linked assassination cell– Top US commander shares Ankara’s concerns over PKK-affiliate PYD– Special forces target ISIS in Hawija, Iraq

Syria

MENASource

Jan 8, 2016

EconSource: Saudi Aramco Confirms it is Studying Potential Share Sale

By EconSource

Saudi Arabia’s government is considering selling shares in state oil giant Saudi Aramco as part of a privatization drive to raise money in an era of cheap oil, Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman told The Economist in an interview.

MENASource

Jan 8, 2016

ISIS Expansion in Libya and the Government of National Accord

By Karim Mezran

Libya’s Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) branch has expanded its grip on Libyan territory through multiple parallel tactics and the sluggish pace of negotiations between the feuding governments in Tripoli and Beida has contributed to this expansion.

Libya

Trade in Action

Jan 7, 2016

TTIP&TRADEinAction Wishes You a Happy New Year

By Global Business & Economics Program

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands met EP President Martin Schulz during a visit to Brussels . The Monarch also visited the Council as part of his country taking over the presidency of the European Council on  1 January 2016. (European Parliament) Make your tax-deductable to support TTIP&TRADEinAction.  Donate Now Did you know? Every six months a different […]

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

MENASource

Jan 7, 2016

Egypt’s New Parliament: What Do the Results Mean?

By Yussef Auf

With the newly-elected Egyptian parliament about to convene, several questions have been posed regarding the election in which the members were chosen: was it fair? Is it a genuine addition towards democracy? And what do the numbers indicate?

North Africa