Middle East/North Africa
The Houthis: Sunni-Shiite conflict as a self-fulfilling prophecy
After failing to confront Iran’s growing power in Iraq and the Levant, Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s attempt to prevent Iranian meddling seems to have reinforced the sectarian split in Yemen – handing Iran the chance to integrate the Houthi movement into its network of proxies.
The prospects for Saudi women’s participation in the labor market
In the new Saudi economy, women are essential as workers and consumers, and they are being granted new rights at an unprecedented pace. But to appease conservative forces, female empowerment is likely to remain limited.
Under the Radar: Minorities pose threat to Iranian stability
At a time when serious talk of regime change resurfaces in Washington, an understanding of Iran’s domestic stability is more important than ever. Alongside economic and political pressure, the rifts between ethnic and sectarian groups within Iran will be one of the key risks to the regime which Tehran’s foes could target.
Iraq’s tainted elections may not derail government formation
Over a month after the election, Iraqi politics is undergoing a bifurcated dynamic of proceeding with the government formation process, while simultaneously trying to address credible allegation of serious electoral irregularities.
National cynicism and foreign outcry overshadow Lebanese elections
Having postponed elections twice, Lebanon now has a new parliament after nine years. The results of the elections raise questions about the internal and external issues that threaten Lebanon’s stability and prosperity.
Round Five for President Bouteflika?
Despite serious health problems, Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika may stand for a fifth term in office, leaving many to question if the country’s political elite are bereft of a feasible transition plan.
Special report: The impact of Iraq’s 2018 parliamentary elections
On 12 May, Iraqis chose their representatives for Parliament. In an environment influenced by the four-year conflict with the Islamic State and the fragmentation of politics, these elections are a critical test.
All sides deepen the conflict in Yemen
Over the past three years, the civil war in Yemen has expanded internationally. Most recently, the Houthis have increased missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, and though Saudi air defenses have neutralized these launches, they propagate further escalation of the conflict in Yemen.
The not-so-uncertain future of British-Iranian relations
In August 2015, after four years of closure, the British Embassy in Tehran reopened its doors. As Ambassador to the Islamic Republic, Nicholas Hopton, is a seasoned diplomat familiar with the Gulf region with previous experience serving as Ambassador to Qatar.
Trade agreement holds key economic, security benefits for Tunisia and the EU
Tunisia and the EU are negotiating an extension of the existing free trade agreement. The agreement would, if prudently negotiated, offer benefits for both sides of the Mediterranean and could help strengthening political ties. But first, two fiddly subjects remain for the negotiators: services and agricultural goods.
