Trump travel ban bars entry from Iran, Libya, Sudan, Yemen The president during his first term issued a number of travel bans largely aimed at Middle Eastern countries, and the new one targets countries the administration says have insufficient vetting procedures and internal security risks. Iran
Analysis Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya A sweeping display of arms and alliances in Benghazi reflects Khalifa Haftar’s effort to project statehood, Moscow’s deeper investment in Libya, and a shifting power balance that could reshape peace prospects. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Protests surge as Libyans demand PM Dbeibeh’s resignation: What to know The latest protests were triggered by clashes between government-aligned militias in mid-May that left eight dead and deepened public frustration over militia control in Tripoli. Libya
Syria’s Sharaa looks to boost ties with Turkey, Azerbaijan during Antalya visit The new Syrian president was seeking international recognition at the Turkish forum, while Saudi and other Arab leaders met to discuss Gaza. Syria
Analysis Following Syria losses, Russia seeks to double down on Africa presence By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics
Libya factions reassess Wagner's operations in light of mutiny in Russia The Wagner issue could significantly impact the conflict in Libya and lead to further instability in the country. Libya
Analysis US sanctions on UAE Wagner Group affiliate could impact Libya operation A brief mutiny in Russia last weekend by the Wagner Group has shifted the spotlight back on the mercenary organization. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Pentagon watching closely Wagner’s Mideast posture as questions surround its future In an excerpt from this week's Security Briefing, Pentagon correspondent Jared Szuba looks at what's next for Wagner's forces in the Middle East and North Africa following the private military company's short-lived mutiny in Russia. Syria
What's next for Wagner in Syria, Africa after Putin mutiny? Yevgeny Prigozhin's mercenary army usually acted as an unofficial extension of Russian foreign policy, but many questions have arisen following last week's aborted revolt. Syria
Wagner base in eastern Libya hit by ‘unknown’ drone strike The strike comes as Russia steps up its campaign against the Wagner group in the countries where it is active following last week’s failed mutiny against President Vladimir Putin. Libya
Qatar dominates fragmented Middle East LNG growth amid global competition Qatar LNG could be as much as 70% of MENA LNG exports by 2025, increasing thereafter. Gerald Kepes In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy trends
Libyan police detain 50 Chinese nationals in crypto farm bust Media from the Tripoli Attorney General Office’s Facebook page show a dingy-looking, windowless room full of hardware, wires and servers being raided by authorities. Libya
Why is Libya’s Hannibal Gadhafi on hunger strike in Lebanon? Hannibal Gadhafi’s health began to deteriorate after he began a hunger strike to protest his detention without trial in 2015. Meanwhile, an Amnesty International report warns of poor conditions in Lebanese prisons. Lebanon
Russia’s Tatneft makes new oil discovery in Libya Russia and the controversial military contractor Wagner Group have longstanding interests in Libya’s oil, but instability has hurt the ability of Russian oil companies to operate in the North African country. Libya
Biden admin 'actively' working to reopen US Embassy in Libya The US has lacked a permanent diplomatic mission in Libya since heavy fighting forced American diplomats to withdraw in 2014. Libya
OPEC+ likely to maintain oil output at meeting, in gesture to US While the OPEC+ group is expected to maintain oil production at its virtual meeting set for Feb. 1, global demand for oil is estimated to reach a record high in 2023. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey's intel chief visits Libya following trip by CIA head Turkey’s intelligence chief Hakan Fidan paid a visit to Libya only days after his American counterpart, William Burns, traveled to the conflict-torn country. Turkey
