Middle East/North Africa
UAE’s relations with Somalia flounder over Qatar
Since the election of the new Somali President in 2017, the country’s relationship with the UAE has deteriorated steadily. The UAE risks undoing its record of progress in the Horn of Africa.
Iraq: Impact of the Syrian war’s next stage
The Syrian Civil war is nearing its end game. This article, part three of a five-part series on the regional impact of this news, examines the current economic obstacles and opportunities for Iraq. Part one of the series considered Syria, the second part assessed Jordan.
The solidifying Arab-Israeli Alliance
How the strengthening multilateral alliance between Israel, Egypt and the Gulf States is aimed at containing and combating not only Iran but also Turkey.
Yemen – Hopeful Ceasefire in Hodeida
An immediate ceasefire in Yemen’s besieged city of Hodeida came into effect on 18 December and was the first serious step towards establishing peace in the war-torn kingdom. A resumption in violence now threatens the fragile agreement. However, the shifting narrative concerning Saudi Arabia’s role will play a critical role in resolving the conflict – or at least in alleviating the tragic humanitarian crisis.
Jordan: Economic impact of the Syrian war’s next stage
The Syrian Civil war is nearing its end game. This article, part two of a five-part series on the regional impact of this news, examines the current economic obstacles and opportunities for Jordan.
Syria: Economic impact of the war’s next stage
The Syrian Civil war is nearing its end game. This article examines the current economic obstacles and opportunities for Syria and President Assad. It also considers the implications of President Trump’s decision to withdraw American troops from the ground.
US troops withdrawal from Syria and the threat of Islamic State
President Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria has infuriated allies and strengthened adversaries on the ground. This has allowed Turkey to potentially eliminate a key Kurdish fighting force. This article assesses who stands to win and lose from this decision and the long-term impact for relations in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia can manage Turkey’s Khashoggi pressure campaign
President Erodgan has used the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to discredit his rival, the Saudi Crown Prince. How will Erdogan continue to leverage this incident?
Putin’s Middle East gamble
Since 2015 Russia has used the Syrian civil conflict as a platform to gain power within the Middle East. Engaging militarily and economically with the region, Russia has renewed its place in the global power structure and has invested in securing a share of the Middle East’s energy wealth.
Khashoggi and Saudi relations with the West: How much damage has been done?
The murder of Saudi Journalist Jamal Khashoggi on 2 October at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul triggered an international crisis that has put Saudi Arabian relations with the US and other important allies to the test.
