Middle East & North Africa
Five Palestinian Militants Killed in an Israeli Raid in the West Bank
Tensions in the West Bank have risen again after Israeli security forces killed five Palestinian militants in the city of Nablus on Oct. 25. According to Palestinian health officials, over 20 Palestinians were also injured in subsequent clashes.
Russian Oligarch Admits Ties to Wagner Group, Accused of War Crimes in Syria
Less than a decade after the Kremlin had denied the fledgling Wagner Group's existence, a close associate of the Russian president admitted to founding and managing the group.
Iran Ramps up Military Support of Russia by Selling Missiles and Drones
Iranian officials are planning to increase the country’s military support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by sending, for the first time, “surface-to-surface” missiles intended for use against Ukrainian cities and troop positions.
Feminist Protests in Iran Ignite a Larger Movement Against the Regime
As demonstrations in Iran reach their fourth week, it is clear that this wave of unrest concerns more than just women’s rights. Protesters are not just demanding reform in Iran, but outright regime change from the current theocratic leadership.
Tunisia’s Referendum: The End of the Last Hope of the Arab Spring
At 11:30 am on the morning of Dec. 11, 2011, Mohamed Bouazizi, a fruit vendor in the small Tunisian city of Sidi Bouzid, publicly committed an ultimately fatal act of self-immolation in protest of his family’s perceived mistreatment by corrupt and repressive local police. Street protests followed across Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Libya, and beyond, kicking off the period of pro-democracy optimism known as the “Arab Spring.” Muammar Al-Gaddafi was forced from power and executed in Libya, Egypt’s long-time dictator Hosni Mubarak stepped down, and Algeria ended the 19-year-long state of emergency that had allowed unchecked abuses by security forces.
OPEC Cutting Oil Production Defines Saudi Arabia's Global Influence
On Oct. 5, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its partner nations announced a collective production cut to two million barrels of oil per day, spiking energy prices worldwide. OPEC, primarily led by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf State allies, controls an enormous share of the global energy market and utilizes this leverage with little resistance.
Israel’s Efforts to Influence Negotiations on the Iran Nuclear Deal Reflect a Longer History of Opposition
As the Biden administration leads efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Israeli officials have once again expressed their concern that the deal will not be enough to halt Iran’s nuclear development.
Talks to Revive Iran Nuclear Deal in Jeopardy
Talks in Vienna between Iranian and US officials regarding the revival of the nuclear deal have stalled, with Tehran and Washington blaming each other for the failure to reach a new agreement.
Inflation Spreads to North Africa as War in Ukraine Spikes Grain, Fertilizer Prices
More than a month after Russia launched a further invasion against Ukraine, the effects of the war are still reverberating across the world.
US Supplies Saudi Arabia with Patriot Missiles Against Yemen Rebels
Saudi demands for American weaponry were fulfilled this past month by the arrival of Patriot Missile shipments to Riyadh, U.S. officials reported.
Close the Sky: No-Fly Zones in Contemporary Military Conflicts
As pitched resistance continues in the war in Ukraine, Ukrainian activists and peace protestors around the world have called on NATO to counter the invasion in an ostensibly non-military manner
European Union Increases Support to Combat Rise in Immigration in Cyprus
On Feb. 21, the European Union stated that the bloc will increase support to Cyprus to help with the sudden influx of migrants from the nation's ceasefire border.
Confusion Engulfs Libya as PM Fights Replacement
Earlier this month, Libya's House of Representatives (HoR) in Tobruk announced their nomination of Fathi Bashaga for Prime Minister, despite the position of Prime Minister in the UN-backed Government
Turkey, Ukraine, & the Crimean Tatars: Between Diaspora & World Powers
Last week, as the threat of further Russian aggression loomed over Ukraine, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan traveled to Kyiv in an effort to ameliorate tensions.