Locusts
Summary: locust swarms around the Red Sea and across Arabia may cause serious harm depending on the next three months.
Menu
Menu
Sudan
Sectarianism in conflicts in the Middle East
Sectarianism in conflicts in the Middle East: 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.
Sudan protests – catch and release
Summary: mainly non-violent protests continue almost daily. Government hot and cold. Major peace agreement for CAR initialled in Khartoum.
Sudan: Bashir’s position threatened
Summary: protests continue to grow. Economic grievances develop to “down, that’s it”. Change now or at elections in 2020?
Sudan – sustained protests
Summary: three weeks of protests more widespread and numerous than previously. Teargas and live ammunition cause some casualties but protests continue.
Saudi Arabia still in the doghouse
Summary: trial of 11 unnamed persons for the Khashoggi murder begins. Any stick will now do to beat Saudi Arabia.
FGM: progress in Africa
Summary: huge decline since 1990 in FGM in Africa where it is most prevalent. Information about the Middle East remains scanty.
Sudan coming in from the cold
Summary: old genocide charge unresolved, but conflicts reduced and security improving. US warming up relations.
Floods: a bad fortnight
Summary: floods throughout the region this month causing death and destruction.
Sudan: new government
Summary: cabinet cut from 31 to 21 members as Sudan faces severe economic problems. Deals with Turkey and China. Torrential rains.