Sisi goes to Riyadh
Summary: a head of state visit at a time of some tension on bilateral issues, Syria, and Yemen.
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Jordan
Turkish Economy as a Motor of Growth in the Mediterranean Rim?
Chapter 12 of new Arab Digest / Global Policy Journal e-book examines the current state of economic relations around the Mediterranean, traces the regional footprint and outlook for the Turkish economy, and concludes that for conditions to improve regional growth engines are needed in line with the Asian model.
Atheism etc
Summary: atheism, apostasy, blasphemy, heresy condemned but much confusion about definitions. Atheists even in Saudi Arabia, keeping their heads down.
Al-Isra wa’l Mi’raj
Summary: a major Muslim festival on 24 April, celebrated with prayers and light. Some political complications.
Syria: gas, missiles
Summary: much unclear about the consequences of the use of poison gas in Syria and the US missile strike. Friends of the US in the Middle East cautious, enemies vocal.
Refugees and internally-displaced people in the Arab world
Summary: Syria and several other Arab countries have seen their populations displaced on a huge scale in response to conflict. Many of those displaced have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, which have had to bear the burden – with international support – as best they can. Some of these seismic shifts in the demography of the Arab world are unlikely ever to be reversed.
Morocco: two riddles
Summary: a change of PMs may allow formation of a coalition government led by the Islamist PJD, but not yet in the bag. Why did the King not show up at the Arab league summit?
Iraqi Christians: a diminished community with an uncertain future
Summary: Iraqi Christians have long experienced persecution and, since 2003, have been subject to repeated and severe attacks. Many have sought refuge abroad or in the Kurdistan Region. However, despite their greatly-depleted numbers, Iraq is not likely to lose its Christian presence entirely.
Arab League summit: another flop?
Summary: Arab League summit in Jordan today well attended. Political agenda overloaded. The League fails to tackle equally important economic and social problems.
The Hajj: Iran and Saudi Arabia
Summary: Iranians to participate in the Hajj again this year, despite continuing disagreement.