Category: Blogs

Iran’s Free Pass in the Region

By Frederic C. Hof

In his recent Nowruz address to the people of Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said something I have heard more than once from Iranian counterparts in track two (unofficial) discussions: “The negotiations with America are about the nuclear program and nothing else, everyone should know this . . .

TTIP Action | March 24

By Global Business & Economics Program

Speeches & Official Announcements Malmström and Froman Discuss Way Forward with TTIP “We have made considerable progress today on how to move further in our negotiations in the field of services, and how to move towards new offers before the tenth round. Both sides have shown a good understanding of each other’s sensitivities.” – Cecilia […]

What’s Russia Doing in Africa?

Atlantic Council’s Pham shares insights on Russia’s acitivities on the continent Under pressure from the West over its actions in Ukraine, including the annexation of Crimea, Russia is increasingly turning its attention to Africa, says J. Peter Pham, Director of the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center. “Recent developments have validated these concerns as the siloviki around […]

A Half Victory in the Fight against Police Violence

By Khaled Dawoud

In recent weeks, Egypt has witnessed a series of charges brought against security personnel. Recently, Prosecutor Hisham Barakat announced the decision to charge a police officer with the killing of peaceful protester and Socialist Popular Alliance Party (SPAP) member—Shaimaa al-Sabbagh. A day later, a police general and conscript were also charged with concealing evidence in […]

Top News: South Syria rebels given more arms; Jordan says it will help train rebels

By MENASource

Mainstream rebels in Syria’s Southern Front say foreign states have stepped up weapons supplies to them since Damascus launched an offensive early last month to regain the frontier zone near Jordan and Israel in the provinces of Rif Dimashq, Deraa, and Quneitra.

Top News: Forensics Spokesperson Removed from Post Following Remarks on Activist Death

By EgyptSource

Egypt’s Forensic Medicine Authority removed its spokesperson, Hisham Abdel Hamid, from his post on Tuesday, over televised remarks he made concerning the death of the activist Shaimaa al-Sabbagh. 

EconSource: Egyptian president orders new bonds issued for Suez project

By EconSource

Egypt’s president has issued a decree to offer new bonds to the public to generate revenue to develop the Suez Canal area, where authorities aim to create new infrastructure and industries and draw foreign investment. The canal is currently undergoing expansion aimed at allowing two-way traffic starting in August. That project was also funded by […]

Russia’s Resurgent Interest in Africa

By J. Peter Pham, AfricaSource

One year after the disputed referendum to join Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula to Russia, the Kremlin is increasingly finding in Africa a welcome break from what has otherwise been its continued international diplomatic and economic isolation

NATO Announces French General Denis Mercier to be New Supreme Allied Commander Transformation

By NATO

The North Atlantic Council today, 23 March 2015, approved the nomination of General Denis Mercier, French Air Force, to the post of Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.