The new UN representative in Libya Ghassan Salamé sets out an action plan: amend the Libyan Political Agreement, a National Conference open to a wide range of players including armed groups, followed by a constitutional referendum and elections.
Newsletter Archive
Below are some excerpts from recent editions of the Arab Digest daily newsletter.
Arab Digest members...
- receive the complete newsletter daily via email
- can login to read the newsletter online
- can post comments about the newsletter and read other members' comments online
- can search the archive of hundreds of old newsletters
To receive the complete daily newsletter click on the link below for your Free 30-day Trial or Join Arab Digest now to receive full membership benefits.
Gaza: some hope
Posted onA move by Hamas for reconciliation with Fatah. Possibly some relief for the misery of Gaza.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s independence referendum: a Pyrrhic victory for Barzani?
Posted onThe Iraqi Kurds appear determined to go ahead with their referendum on independence on 25 September, despite almost universal international opposition. (Israel is a notable exception.) The result will undoubtedly be in favour but a unilateral declaration of independence the day after seems unlikely.
Saudi Arabia: demonstrations flop, arrests continue
Posted onThe 15 September protest in Saudi Arabia failed. Another planned for the National Day on 23 September. 20 or 30 political arrests.
Living together in Tunisia
Posted onTunisia is rich in diverse cultures, religions and races which has made it one of the most open-minded countries in the region. Yet resistance to plurality remains, in particular among Islamist groups.
Kuwait under the spotlight
Posted onAs mediator (and as Security Council member next year) Kuwait increasingly exposed. Proceeding cautiously with nothing to win and much to lose.
Israeli settlements bode ill for US peace-making
Posted onIsraeli settlements continue to expand. A Palestinian family are evicted from their home in East Jerusalem. Israeli banks are criticised for supporting settlements. Israeli PM Netanyahu and Education Minister Bennett say settlements will stay. Not an auspicious backdrop to US peace efforts.
Prerequisites for Peace in Palestine/Israel
Posted onMoving beyond the cycles of failure requires engagement in a process of decolonization of Palestine, new framings and new assumptions about why this conflict persists. Only by addressing the imbalance of power and ending the Israeli occupation in the short term can future long-term solutions be discussed.
Saudi Arabia in a Twitter storm
Posted onProminent clerics and others arrested. MBS moving towards the throne. Possible mass demonstrations on Friday.
Qatar crisis: cat-fight continues
Posted onDespite Washington, Moscow, Paris, increasingly baroque twists in “The four vs. Qatar”.