Middle East & Africa
ECOWAS Commission Extends Regional Integration Strategy Until 2027
After an extensive high-level consultation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have agreed to extend...
How China’s ‘20+20’ University Pact with Africa Is Shaping Egypt’s Defense and 2026 Education Strategy
China launched the “20+20 China-Africa University Cooperation Plan” in 2010 (later activated) to connect 20 leading Chinese universities with 20 prominent African universities. The...
Securing Information Integrity and Countering Disinformation in West Africa Through Media Training
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Directorate of Communication, has taken diverse measures to counter disinformation while further sustaining...
Well-Reasoned Scenarios: Israel, Iran and Nuclear War
“Then fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”-Archilochus
At first glance, the June 2025 military operation against Iran carried no risks...
Between Rafah & Ruin: The Unresolved Future of the Trump Gaza Plan
The reopening of the Rafah crossing marks an important step in Trump’s plan for Gaza, relating specifically to the plan’s ceasefire and humanitarian access...
Iran – A US Demurral is not Necessarily a De-escalation
Fear of a wider war is influencing Washington’s latest decision to forego an immediate attack on Iran—the UAE, Qatar, and the Saudis have been...
U.S. Condemns South Africa’s Expulsion of Israeli Diplomat as Political Retaliation
The United States has sharply criticized South Africa’s decision to expel Israel’s top diplomat, escalating an already tense diplomatic standoff involving Israel, South Africa,...
Qualities of Contemporary Leader: Adaptive Thinking, Collaborative Influence and Innovative Leadership
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the United States' signature step to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Since its establishment...
China Eyes Turkey’s Ethnic Outreach Warily as Ankara Courts Lebanese Turkmens
China adopts a reserved and cautious stance towards Turkish policies that rely on “ethnic ties,” or what is known as “Turkish nationalism,” to extend...
Who Really Holds Power in Iran?
The United States is contemplating military strikes against Iran due to its violent response to recent protests. Understanding Iran's political system is complex, especially...