Content

AfricaSource

Aug 23, 2019

Oui, le sport peut être un puissant levier de développement en Afrique

By Rama Yade

English Synopsis: Last month’s African Cup of Nations has generated global enthusiasm and an outpouring of African patriotism, and other important sporting events are taking place on the continent, from South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to Senegal’s hosting of the 2022 Summer Youth Olympics. Next year, the prestigious American National Basketball […]

Africa Economy & Business

IranSource

Aug 23, 2019

The Trump administration’s Iran policy shows meager results

By Holly Dagres

Though there are differences between factions about how to confront the United States, the heavy US pressure on Tehran in recent months has led to a rally-around-the-flag effect as Iranians push back against what many view as a Western imperialism.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

MENASource

Aug 22, 2019

Tunisia could help enforce Libya’s arms embargo

By Keith Jones

In 2020, when Tunisia begins its two-year term as non-permanent member of the Security Council, the country will have the biggest opportunity to influence international affairs since becoming a democracy in 2011. In response to the appointment, Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui declared “Tunisia will be the voice of Africa and the Arab world…Trying to […]

Libya

EnergySource

Aug 22, 2019

Rare opportunity opens for US LNG to reach Greece-Turkey-Ukraine gas corridor

By Aura Sabadus

While the mainstream media’s attention is now focused on the completion of Russia’s two gas pipeline projects—Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream—exceptional, but under-reported changes are afoot in southeast Europe that could challenge Moscow’s regional dominance and geopolitical pressure and help establish a bidirectional north-south corridor linking Greece and Turkey to Ukraine along the Trans-Balkan pipeline. […]

Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

MENASource

Aug 22, 2019

Do Arabs want democracy?

By Richard LeBaron and Leah Hickert

Decades of arguments and analysis continue to discuss whether Arab citizens actually want democracy, whether they are “ready” for it, if appropriate conditions exist for democratic rule, and so on. Fortunately, two recent polls offer answers to some of these questions. Their results demonstrate how important Arabs consider the pursuit of democracy to be relative to other national priorities.

Democratic Transitions Middle East

MENASource

Aug 22, 2019

The Gulf’s economic development is going digital

By Rachel Furlow

Efforts toward economic development among Arab Gulf states are turning digital. Artificial intelligence, financial technology, and technology-based businesses are increasingly considered the most auspicious approach in moving Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states away from oil and gas and toward diversified and sustainable economies.

The Gulf

MENASource

Aug 22, 2019

How the EU can save Tunisia

By Iyad Yousef

The Tunisian presidential and parliamentary elections in 2014 marked the beginning of a new democratic era. In the aftermath of the first wave of the Arab Spring, Tunisia remains the only country to have successfully transitioned from an authoritarian to a democratic government.

North Africa

EnergySource

Aug 21, 2019

Sanctions prompt Iran to remain relevant in the global energy calculus

By Sara Bazoobandi

The Islamic Republic is determined to push back against maximum US pressure. Iran’s actions will not only be disruptive for security of energy transportation through the Gulf but they will also increase the risk of a sudden military escalation.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2019

The financial implications of deploying sanctions in Hong Kong

By Michael B. Greenwald

If the situation worsens in Hong Kong, Washington should not hesitate to not only use Global Magnitsky, but also take tangible steps to boost its hard power position in the region.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

UkraineAlert

Aug 19, 2019

The West needs to act fast to help Ukraine

By Anders Åslund

This might be Ukraine’s greatest chance yet. The West needs to assist as well as it can.

European Union Political Reform