Europe flails and Saudis play a waiting game
Summary: MENA hydrocarbons producers and most particularly Saudi Arabia play a strong hand and a waiting game as Europe fumbles its energy strategy.
Europe
Western Sahara: a new envoy looks for solutions
Summary: the UN’s Special Envoy has a deck that is already stacked against him and little chance that his efforts going forward will achieve a fair and balanced outcome.
Oil: A Reality Check
Summary: although decarbonisation does mean painful economic adjustments worldwide the current hype over the ‘energy crisis’ and consequent risk to the global economy is overblown.
Teheran and Riyadh talk
Summary: the Saudis and the Iranians, erstwhile enemies, now find themselves engaged in conversations aimed at de-escalating tensions with Iraq serving as the go-between.
Mauritania and the terror threat
Summary: as the Sahel sees increasing jihadist insurgencies, Mauritania remains free of the scourge of terrorism…for now.
A Yemen roadmap for Hans Grundberg
Summary: the new UN special envoy has a daunting task trying to end the war; a good start is to pressure to replace UNSC 2216.
The View from Tunis
Summary: the view from Tunis is somewhat different to that enjoyed by some Western commentators.
Will Libya’s transition sink or swim?
Summary: after months of negotiations a new Libyan government has emerged but massive corruption and personal ambitions may once again stymy efforts to rebuild a war-shattered country.
The Ever Given Suez Crisis
Summary: a massive container ship blocks the Suez canal for 6 days causing one of the biggest disruptions to trade in recent years; it should also set off alarm bells about regional and global security.
Israel and Palestine: on the eve of annexation
Summary: US views will influence what Netanyahu decides to do on 1 July. Those of other major international actors might do so too. But domestic political considerations may be even more important.