Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad is now attending regional summits and has been welcomed back into the fold. It makes sense to invite him back because the Middle East and North Africa region faces unprecedented challenges due to climate change. The United Arab Emirates is hosting COP 28 and could take the lead on the issue. Continue Reading
Criminal political and military elites with mafia-style fiefdoms now rule Libya. They have entrenched themselves in the state apparatus and even in the UN-sponsored peace talks. Only bold initiatives by the international community can change the status quo. Continue Reading
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been the country’s most influential leader since Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Even if Türkiye’s president loses the upcoming elections, his legacy could long outlast him. Continue Reading
In 2022, oil prices had a rocky ride because of persistent economic and geopolitical uncertainty. It seems 2023 might prove even more volatile. Continue Reading
Saudi Arabia’s response to the market threat posed by US shale was to broker a partnership with Russia in 2016. Six years later, that partnership is working very well, allowing the Saudis to exert geopolitical influence while shrugging off demands from the Biden White House. Continue Reading
Opportunity beckons for Algeria as Europe struggles to meet its urgent need for reliable gas supplies. However, much needs to change in the energy, financial and industry sectors for Algeria to realize its full potential as a major European gas supplier. Continue Reading
Results of yet another parliamentary election are likely to lead to more bickering and produce gridlock between the ruling family and MPs. Long-suffering Kuwaiti women are likely to be the biggest losers as a result. Continue Reading
While the shady governor of the central bank eludes arrest and accountability, desperate Lebanese are resorting to armed “robberies” to get their own money out of their banks that are refusing to return it to them. Continue Reading
As the Russian army continues its chaotic retreat, questions are being asked, opportunities being examined as Putin’s warrior image takes a heavy beating. Continue Reading
The Sunni Arab world has trouble coming to terms with its past and imagining its future. It has been dominated by autocrats for the last 100 years. A new kind of pan-Arabism could be the next ideology that delivers freedom from autocracy to this region. Continue Reading
