“The Region”
By Catherine Perez-Shakdam & Rania Kisar September 18, 2023 ★ Iran’s Tumultuous September: Mahsa Amini Anniversary, $6 Billion U.S. Prisoner Swap, and Strategic Moves by Leadership In a critical month for Iran, protests erupt nationwide to mark the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, intensifying international scrutiny over human rights violations. Meanwhile, the Biden administration carried …
★ Libya’s Dam Catastrophe: Years of Neglect Culminate in a Tragedy of Biblical Proportions By ALMOUTASSIM Al KILANI & Rania Kisar September 18, 2023 Derna has a history of flooding, marked by significant events in 1941, 1959, and 1968. The 1959 flood prompted studies that recommended dam construction. A Yugoslavian company built two dams in …
By Ahmad Barbour & Rania Kisar ★ Sweida Protests Surge, Shaking Assad’s Regime: Unprecedented Uprisings and International Involvement Signal Turning Point The protest movement in Suwayda, primarily led by the Druze minority, has gained significant traction, evolving from economic grievances to calls for political reform under UN Resolution 2254. Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, a Druze spiritual …
By Rania Kisar Published Sept. 13, 2023 ★ When Nature Strikes and Villages Vanish: Morocco’s Seismic Catastrophe Draws a United Global Response Watch the video Marrakech, Morocco — Morocco is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake that has erased entire villages in Al Haouz province. The seismic event has claimed over …
Marrakech, Morocco — Morocco is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake that has erased entire villages in Al Haouz province. The seismic event has claimed over 2,000 lives and left more than 2,400 injured (France 24). With the death toll expected to rise, the situation remains dire. Global Response: The …
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC) has captured worldwide interest owing to its geopolitical significance (Al Jazeera). This transformative initiative secured endorsement during the G20 summit in New Delhi and enjoys support from influential nations, such as the United States, the European Union, Saudi Arabia, India, and Russia (Sharq Al Awsat) (Al Jazeera). The …
Charting a New Geopolitical Course: The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Read More »
Brief Overview of Key Events This weekend’s developments in the MENA region signal a period of heightened activity and changing dynamics across multiple fronts. From escalating tensions and clashes in Syria’s Northeast to diplomatic gambits by Turkey in the Black Sea, the geopolitical landscape is rapidly evolving. Purpose of This Edition This edition of “The …
The Region – September 5, 2023 – Labor Day Weekend Read More »
Executive Summary Russia’s Geopolitical Influence Grows in Africa: Sudan and Niger Showcase Expanding Reach Recent developments emphasize Russia’s heightened engagement in Sudan and Niger, underscoring its persistent pursuit of geopolitical influence in Africa. In Sudan, where political resolutions encounter hurdles, the exposure of Russia’s ties to the Wagner Group and gold smuggling continues to impact …
A Weekly Deep Dive into Strategic Trends in the Middle East Executive Summary: In this week’s analysis, we explore two significant and unpredictable trends in the region’s two most powerful states. In Turkiye, President Erdogan continues to make unexpected U-turns in his foreign and economic policies, driven by the urgent need to revive Turkiye’s struggling …
IRAN 1- Iran’s Latest Escalation: Piracy & Kidnapping In its continuing campaign to gain leverage by provoking confrontations in the region, the Iranian regime has returned to its longstanding tools of piracy, kidnappings, and potentially deceptive military drills. In response, the United States this month has opted for a show of military force. In recent …
