Egypt Elects Former Army Chief Sisi President
After three years, Egyptians vote to turn back the clock to before the “Arab Spring” uprising.
Middle East and North Africa
Gunmen Storm Parliament in Libya Power Struggle
Forces loyal to a former Muammar Gaddafi general launch an offensive against Islamists in Libya.
Why Turkey Still Considers Chinese Missile Defenses
Turkey might be trying to pressure its Western allies into making concessions. That is not without risks.
Israeli Attitudes Harden as Soldier Jailed
Many are outraged that a soldier was imprisoned after threatening to shoot a Palestinian.
Iraqi Election Unlikely to Effect Major Political Change
Nouri al-Maliki is almost certain to remain in power, even if it takes months of political bickering.
Algeria’s Aging Leader Bouteflika Expected to Win Reelection
While the elections are mostly a ceremonial affair, it is plausible many Algerians want Abdelaziz Bouteflika to stay.
Saudi Spy Chief, Architect of Syria Policy, Replaced
Prince Bandar bin Sultan is removed as intelligence chief just two years after he was appointed.
Assad Hails “Turning Point” in War, Rebels Advance on Latakia
While rebels advance on his Alawite homeland, the Syrian leader claims victory is within reach.
Turkey’s Erdoğan Wins Local Elections Marred by Irregularities
Despite his party’s victories, the local elections were hardly a vindication of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s rule.
Turkish Officials Recorded Discussing Military Action in Syria
Turkey’s security chiefs are allegedly overheard discussing creating a pretext for military intervention in Syria.
Egyptian Army Chief Sisi Declares Presidential Candidacy
The field marshal finally makes official that he intends to lead the Arab world’s most populous nation.
Maliki Accuses Gulf States of Waging “War” Against Iraq
The Iraqi prime minister says Qatar and Saudi Arabia are inciting and encouraging terrorism in his country.
Gulf States Withdraw Diplomats in Rift with Qatar
Saudi Arabia and its allies have had enough of their neighbor’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood.
Syrian Factions Fight Proxy War in Neighboring Lebanon
Radical Sunni groups target Hezbollah, which supports the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad.
Western Sahara: An Unlikely Key to American Strategy in Africa
Do America’s counterterrorism efforts in West Africa require it to look the other way?