Analysis Will Pashinyan’s victory in Armenia be enough to unlock peace with Turkey, Azerbaijan? Armenia’s election result strengthens Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, but his push to normalize ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan still faces major political and constitutional hurdles. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Azerbaijan envoy hits raw nerve with reminder of Baku’s sway on Turkey-Armenia ties Baku’s ambassador says borders with Armenia will remain closed until Yerevan changes its constitution, hardening positions just weeks before a pivotal Armenian election seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s peace agenda with Turkey and Azerbaijan. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Somaliland's first ambassador to Israel announces embassy in Jerusalem: What to know Israel was the first country to recognize the breakaway region on the Horn of Africa last year. Israel
New Turkey maritime draft bill fuels EastMed tensions with Greece, Cyprus Turkey’s draft maritime bill seeks to formalize Ankara’s claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, raising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over contested maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights. Turkey
UN reports severe human rights abuses in Western Sahara Most of Western Sahara is controlled by Morocco, and is considered a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations. News Brief
Will new Red Sea airport spark development on Egypt-Sudan border? With the opening of a new international airport in the Red Sea, residents of the disputed Halayeb and Shalateen region are hoping the government will step up development efforts. Egypt
Intel: Biden dispatches US senators to forge further ties with Sudan Two US senators met with Sudan’s interim leaders in Khartoum on Tuesday as the Biden administration seeks to forge lasting ties with the new government. Washington Pulse
Eritrean president meets Sudan leaders over border dispute Eritrea is seeking to defuse allegations that it has aided Ethiopia in its border dispute with Sudan, Sudan
Libyan prime minister visits Ankara The visit of the prime minister of Libya's Government of National Unity highlights an ongoing, close relationship with Turkey, with implications for the Libyan political process, and a likely signal to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey
Ankara in risky geopolitical gamble in Black Sea Fiddling with the delicate balance of power in the Black Sea might leave Turkey in a worse squeeze between Russia and the United States. Turkey
Freedom House: Syria, Western Sahara worst in world for political rights The think tank also downgraded Jordan to "not free" in its 2021 democracy rankings. Jordan
Turkey to purchase fourth drilling ship to expand energy projects Amid maritime boundary disputes in the eastern Mediterranean and after a 2020 gas field discovery the Black Sea, Turkey’s state-owned oil and gas company is finalizing the purchase of a fourth drilling ship to expand its energy development activities. Turkey
Will Sudan-Ethiopia border conflict affect GERD talks? Border tensions have escalated between Sudan and Ethiopia in the past few days, coupled with Ethiopian threats to Sudan if it does not respond to peaceful solutions, which has triggered questions about the impact of such developments on the GERD issue. Egypt
Egypt, Greece conduct naval drills amid EastMed tensions Egypt and Greece carried out military exercises in the Northern Fleet in the Mediterranean to counter potential threats on their maritime borders amid tensions with Turkey. Egypt
Israel reopens liaison office in Morocco The mission's reopening comes a month after Israel and Morocco agreed to establish diplomatic and economic ties. United Arab Emirates
How Egypt is supporting Sudan in border conflict As tensions escalate between Sudan and Ethiopia on the border, a Sudanese delegation headed to Cairo raising questions about Egypt’s role in the conflict. Egypt
