Not Much Progress in Tripoli

The noise emerging from Libya’s capital doesn’t bode well for the future of the war-ravaged yet oil-rich country. With factions and tribes fighting over power, the needs of normal people seem to be ignored entirely. Speaking to people in Libya about Libya is a treacherous enterprise, because you inevitably get sucked into the eternal gameContinue reading “Not Much Progress in Tripoli”

Egypt Takes Precautions Against Food Price Increases

The rise in basic food prices as a consequence of the invasion of Ukraine has raised concern in countries such as Egypt, the biggest importer of wheat. The government has reacted with crisis meetings, precautionary measures to improve stockpiles and measures to counter speculation, our correspondent in Cairo writes. Ukraine is one of the biggestContinue reading “Egypt Takes Precautions Against Food Price Increases”

Chad: Confrontation Between France and Russia?

The recent rumblings about a rebel leader in Chad who wants to use Russian mercenaries to get rid of the head of the transitional military council in N’Djamena has caught the attention of a wider audience wary of the developments in a region where the Western powers are challenged by old foes. The leaked transcriptContinue reading “Chad: Confrontation Between France and Russia?”

Turkey’s Role as Guardian of the Straits Is Under Scrutiny

Turkey, which covers NATO’s south-eastern European flank has been cast in a particularly difficult situation by the invasion of Ukraine given its close ties to both Kyiv and aggressor Russia, in addition to its unique geographic position. With the international campaign against the Russian aggression against Ukraine gathering pace, Turkey has a rather unique roleContinue reading “Turkey’s Role as Guardian of the Straits Is Under Scrutiny”

Turkey Sticks to Its Guns and Keeps the Dialogue With Russia Going

For some, it may be ironic to see Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan taking the role of mediator between Russia and Ukraine at a time when NATO is struggling to speak with one voice – given the past tension within the military alliance. But then it isn’t, because Turkey has always done its fair shareContinue reading “Turkey Sticks to Its Guns and Keeps the Dialogue With Russia Going”