Movement for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel survives vigorous Israeli attempts to outlaw it but makes little progress. Football may prove the exception.
Yemen: another strike on 29 October by the Saudi led coalition killed sixty. Growing concern in the US and UK about possible war crimes.
The belief that Britain pulls the strings in the Middle East survives all evidence to the contrary. A dash of paranoia and more than a dash of history – result, fantasy.
International search for a ceasefire in Syria destroyed by air strikes. Murderous airstrike in Yemen threatens international support for the Saudi coalition.
Increased concern about human suffering in Yemen. UK rejects an international enquiry – may face a judicial review. Food supplies blocked by Saudi precision bombing. Starvation.
Two grave infringements, one by the US-led coalition and the other by the Syrians or Russians, put the Syria truce on life support. Only Washington and Moscow might save it. Doubts about their resolve to do so.
An IS attack across the Libya/Tunisia border seems to have been a bid for an IS emirate in North Africa. It was defeated, but could increased pressure for intervention..
The US and Russia have stopped the fighting in Syria, so far successfully. UN talks on the core issues planned for 9 March in Geneva.
UN-led negotiations for a unity government in Libya at last produce a deal: Libyans sign up for a unity government, but can the momentum be sustained? Plans for military support from US and Europe – are they premature?
UK parliament votes tomorrow on airstrikes against IS in Syria. Legality settled but effectiveness questionable and political consequences unknown. No long term plan.
