As international and domestic stakeholders become increasingly optimistic over potential political stability in Libya, increasingly systemic insecurity could impede peace. With limited and inaccurate crime statistics unable to paint a clear picture of crime rates in Libya, GABRIELLE REID explores how little we may actually know about the state of crime…
Much of the world waited in anticipation for the outcome of the November 2020 US presidential election and, when the results were announced, a Biden victory prompted much debate on what this will mean for US foreign policy in the Middle East. Gabrielle Reid explores what is likely to be on the new administration’s to-do list in the region.
Islamic State and other armed groups’ intent to stage kidnappings in Turkey never diminished and should be taken seriously, but their capabilities remain limited, writes Saif Islam.
A growing dispute over gas reserves between NATO members Turkey and Greece threatens peace in the eastern Mediterranean, writes Darren Davids. These tensions are compounded by historical grievances and a Turkish state which is growing increasingly isolated in the region.
The 4 August explosions in Beirut opened a new chapter in the ongoing political and socio-economic crisis in Lebanon, rejuvenating the anti-government protest movement and heightening political instability, writes Saif Islam.
The 4 August explosions in Beirut highlight an entrenched political and socio-economic crisis in Lebanon, which is fuelling criminal activity across the country, writes Saif Islam.
Resource scarcity has historically contributed to – and prolonged – various conflicts, both between states, as well as between communities or groups within states.
Piracy, terrorism and geopolitical tensions have presented persistent threats to commercial shipping in 2019. Despite states’ increased focus on securing shipping routes, the overall number of maritime incidents continues to fluctuate, and has declined only marginally over the past year.
The extractive industry – including mining, oil and gas exploration, dredging and quarrying – is one of the most vulnerable to kidnapping and extortion. Looking ahead to 2020, these industries’ often remote operating locations with limited rule of law, and the perception of industry actors as lucrative targets, are likely to persist as key factors contributing…
The largest anti-government protest campaign since 2015 has taken the ruling establishment by surprise, and may have significant implications for Lebanese political stability, writes Saif Islam.
Since the first examples of CBRN agents being used in warfare, developments in treatment and prevention have been struggling to keep up. Options to mitigate the harmful effects of CBRN agents on the civilian population have been relatively limited until recent years.
An attack on the world’s biggest crude processing facility in Saudi Arabia has fueled growing tensions in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and the US pointing to Iran as the culprit. Bilal Bassiouni assesses the possible trajectories of this latest escalation