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Turkey may narrow its aims in protecting Syria’s Idlib

Location:

SYRIA

On August 30, Moscow announced a unilateral ceasefire, pausing a Russian-backed offensive that has been ongoing since late April, during which time over 1,000 civilians have been…

IS will rebuild in rural areas of northern Iraq

Location:

IRAQ

Over the past year, IS has transitioned into an insurgent movement across the north, and the risk of militants fleeing Syria into Iraq has heightened fears of a growing threat.

Militias could push the Syrian president towards Iran

Location:

SYRIA

President Bashar al-Assad does not control most of the local and foreign militias that operate in his name in Syria. Some of those follow the policies of Iran’s Islamic Revolution…

Israel-UAE deal will expand existing security ties

Location:

ISRAEL/UAE

The US-brokered deal reflects Washington’s priorities in fostering regional partnerships against Iran and in upgrading Israel’s relationships in the Gulf (ostensibly as a step…

Algerian efforts to diversify the economy will be slow

Location:

ALGERIA

Beijing is already involved in several investment projects in Algeria, largely focused on exploiting the country’s untapped mineral resources. China will reportedly now invest…

A new accommodation over Syria’s Idlib is probable

Location:

SYRIA

Last week, a second major rebel counterattack cut the road between Suqaylabiyah and Muhradah, two strongholds of paramilitaries supportive of President Bashar al-Assad. Rebels’…

Iraqi measures to rein in militias will be cosmetic

Location:

IRAQ

Meanwhile, concern is growing that Israel is mounting regular airstrikes on Iran-backed militia bases inside Iraq. The conflict against Islamic State (IS) led to the emergence of…

Egypt will resist pressure to improve rights record

Location:

EGYPT

Three members of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) were arrested between November 15 and 19, after meeting top European diplomats two weeks earlier to discuss the…

Morocco's AU bid will reopen Western Sahara issue

Location:

MOROCCO

Morocco has been seeking re-admittance to the AU and has spent the past two years courting its African neighbours. King Mohammed VI toured West Africa in 2014 and concluded 2016…

Damascus may press on in Idlib, at high human cost

Location:

SYRIA

Troops supporting President Bashar al-Assad launched their latest offensive in Syria’s last large rebel-held region in November 2019. Russian air support has enabled them to make…