sectarianism is a symptom of the problem, not the underlying problem itself. Many of the region’s conflicts are more about ethnic identity and nationalism, but Arab dictators use sectarianism to bolster their positions.
Articles tagged: ‘Libya’
Major water projects in Arab countries
Posted onDams and pipelines have been among the largest infrastructure projects in the Arab world. Some have been successful, some less so.
Libya – stagnation, the south
Posted onStagnation in Libya but action by Haftar in the south may bring on a crisis. Paris and Rome at odds.
Political prisoners
Posted onMany countries in the region hold disgracefully large numbers of prisoners, but information is patchy and unreliable.
Tunisia – the Central Bank offers hope
Posted onTunisia – continuing corruption, weariness and despair among the young. Only the central bank under Marouane El Abassi tackling Tunisia’s internal and external economic problems.
Mawlid
Posted onMawlid popular holiday, widely celebrated by both Sunnis and Shia but condemned by some including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Prophet’s Birthday (al-Mawlid al-Nabawi, or simply Mawlid) is celebrated in the month of Rabi’ al-awwal, by Sunnis usually on the 12th and by Shia on the 17th. There is some flexibility as the precise date is not recorded. This year 12 Rabi’ al-awwal coincides with 21 November, and in most Arab and Muslim states Mawlid will be today or tomorrow, though the celebrations begin the night before. In some countries …
Sudan coming in from the cold
Posted onSudan – old genocide charge unresolved, but conflicts reduced and security improving. US warming up relations.
The Potus Premium
Posted onTrump has blamed OPEC for the high oil price, but his efforts to shut off Iranian oil may be more to blame – with uncertain political consequences.
Migrants: the turn of Spain and Morocco
Posted onItaly’s clampdown on migration through Libya followed by increased migration through Morocco. Trump has the answer.
Fighting in Tripoli
Posted on, previously relatively calm, between militias nominally loyal to the Government of National Accord. The worst sort of family row, but with tanks.