World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Turkey's FM heads to Italy amid rising tensions with Greece over EastMed, Libya The top Turkish diplomat is set to meet with his Italian counterpart, as Ankara seeks deeper cooperation with Rome amid a rivalry with Greece and ongoing Libya diplomacy. Turkey
Analysis After setbacks in Syria and Turkish gains in Libya, Russia scrambles to retain Mediterranean sway Moscow faces growing challenges coordinating in Libya and sustaining its regional presence after losing its key Syrian ally and confronting Ankara’s expanding influence. By Anton Mardasov
Turkey resumes flights to Libya's Misrata as Ankara courts Tripoli, Hifter The first direct flight from Istanbul to Misrata since 2015 underscores Turkey’s efforts to maintain good relations with the Tripoli government as well as its eastern-based rival. Turkey
Analysis Turkey’s power play in Libya tests Greece’s red lines By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
How my hometown became major smuggling route in Libya Libya's interior has become a hub for human smugglers who utilize the uncontrolled roads to transport migrants wishing to travel to Europe by sea. Libya
Migration from Libya down but threat of torture, death remains Despite the risks of getting caught and tortured or killed, migrants still chance the route to Europe through Libya, where the volatile security situation can work in their favor. Syria
Interview Can Cairo talks succeed in uniting Libya's divided armed forces? In an interview with Al-Monitor, the spokesman for the Libyan armed forces led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter speaks about the UN-sponsored elections and Egyptian efforts to unite the army, as Libya further sinks into chaos and division. Khalifa Hifter Commander of the Libyan National Army
France’s 'diplomatic signaling' on Syria A recent Paris meeting on chemical weapons signaled a French attempt to regain a diplomatic foothold in Syria, but also acknowledged Russia as the main arbiter of the Syrian crisis. Syria
With countering migration in mind, Italy to deploy troops to North Africa As elections are approaching in Italy, questions arise about why parliament approved the increase of Italian troops in North Africa. North Africa
Libyan slave trade feeds on endless supply of migrants Heavy migration from sub-Saharan Africa combined with rampant lawlessness and poverty in the northwestern and southern regions make the smuggling business irresistible to some Libyans. Libya
Libya's revolutionaries: Where are they now? Several politicians, ministers, diplomats and high-ranking civil servants who were once a part of the Libyan revolution now find themselves in different circumstances. Libya
Hifter set to cast wide influence in potential Libyan elections Libya’s military strongman, Khalifa Hifter, announced his support for UN-backed elections in the country in a surprising move that could see Hifter and his supporters sweep up power. Libya
Algeria takes independent approach to Qatar crisis A recent meeting between Qatar's foreign minister and Algeria's prime minister highlights Algiers' unique strategy in the wake of the GCC-Qatar rift. Saudi Arabia
Ready or not, Libya to hold elections in spring Libya is set to hold elections in the spring of 2018, although political and security instability bode ill for the process. Libya
In retreat, IS takes advantage of Libya's political divide Rival forces in Libya are fighting an Islamic State insurgency after the group suffered major blows across the country. Libya
Sufi sites in Libya under attack Sufis and other religious minorities in Libya are under constant threat of attack by extremist Salafists. Libya