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Mauritanian president consolidates his power base

Location:

MAURITANIA

The highest-profile event is an ongoing inquiry into alleged corruption under the previous president (and a former ally of the current one), Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who was…

Algerian protests will endure beyond planned election

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ALGERIA

Meanwhile, protests that began in February opposing former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s plans to stand for a fifth term are now in their 40th week, despite his resignation in…

Mauritanian president looks to entrench rule

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MAURITANIA

Implications of the proposal to abolish the Senate.

Egypt’s military will entrench control of public life

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EGYPT

The most notable change institutionalises the control by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) over officers’ participation in elections; another extends the military’s…

Iranian state will get others to enforce dress code

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IRAN

As women push the boundaries of the dress code, the government is adopting a two-pronged strategy. It is shifting responsibility for hijab (Islamic dress) compliance onto the…

Islam is likely to influence Turkish education reform

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TURKEY

Erdogan spoke ten days after instructing the education ministry to change the examination system for secondary-school entrance. His new-found interest in education quality, if…

Next-generation Gulf monarchs will set new rules

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GULF STATES

This brings in different perspectives on issues such as economic diversification, social liberalism, Israel and the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Iraq’s new premier will take drastic economic steps

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IRAQ

This follows a long vacuum after popular protests forced the resignation of Adel Abdel-Mahdi in November, and two earlier nominees failed to be confirmed. Kadhimi’s appointment…

Threats of instability in Libya abound in 2024

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LIBYA

While a 2020 ceasefire still holds, in the absence of new elections, the political landscape is significantly undermined by institutional rivalry. The country's fragmentation…

Tunisian transition is far from over

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TUNISIA

Some observers, and some Tunisians themselves, argue the successes so far achieved are explained by a set of factors unique to Tunisia, including: a homogeneous population; a…