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
Massive drops in migration to Italy bring Libya’s problems to light As the migration flow from Libyan shores to the Italian coast dropped by more than half within a month, analysts say deals between Italy and local armed groups to stop immigrants from boarding the boats are leading to abuses. North Africa
How Islamic State is undermining peace prospects in Libya As Libya’s rival parties are moving forward toward a political solution, it seems that the Islamic State and other extremist organizations are re-emerging on the internal scene in a bid to torpedo any such efforts for peace. Libya
Moscow, Cairo discuss boosting ties Representatives of Russia and Egypt seemed pleased with the outcome of their meetings this week, as they touched base on current regional developments and talked through their perspectives. Qatar
Moscow looking beyond Hifter in Libya Russia has an opportunity to play a significant role in achieving peace and political progress in Libya. North Africa
Russia weighs its role as arbiter in Libya As Moscow works to shore up its influence in bringing Libya’s rival governments together, it is examining whether Gen. Khalifa Hifter is more of an asset or a liability. United Arab Emirates
Libya’s pleas for Italian help unlikely to solve migration issue The Libyan plea to Italy to help counter the migration flow may not bring in the desired results, as the former colonial power has its own interests to serve during this election year. Libya
Rival Libyan leaders agree to elections, but challenges remain Although neither yet recognizes the other’s legitimacy, Libya’s military strongman Khalifa Hifter and Fayez al-Sarraj, the prime minister of the Tripoli-based government, agreed during a meeting in France to hold elections in a bid to end the country's conflict. Libya
Libya's Hifter sets his sights on the capital following Benghazi victory The Libyan National Army, operating under the command of Gen. Khalifa Hifter, declared victory in Benghazi after ousting Islamists, further consolidating the role Hifter could play in shaping Libya's future. Libya
Zuwara, the Libyan city working to stop migrant smuggling A group of local activists from the Amazigh-majority city of Zuwara in Libya are taking matters into their own hands and working to prevent illegal immigration from the shores of North Africa toward Europe. North Africa
New UN Libya envoy faces long road to peace The newly appointed UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, must review all previous steps and policies his predecessors made to avoid repeating their mistakes as the war and chaos continue to weigh heavily on Libya. Libya
French shift on Syria could open doors in Russia France’s newly elected president has indicated he is open to talks that could leave Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in power, bringing the country closer to Russia’s stance. Saudi Arabia
IS loses ground in Sinai, searches for other foothold in Egypt The Islamic State has carried out several terrorist attacks against Copts in different Egyptian governorates, raising questions about anti-terrorism laws and the efficiency of the security services. Egypt
