Middle East & Africa
Fragile US-Brokered Ceasefire in Syria Nears ‘Make or Break’ Moment
A U. S.-backed ceasefire agreement in northeastern Syria has left significant questions unanswered as the Kurds aim to keep some power despite a weakened...
The Strategic Implications of Ethiopia Hosting RSF Training Camps in Sudan’s Civil War
The latest reports of Ethiopia hosting a massive paramilitary training camp for Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are to be interpreted as an addition...
The Only Way to Contain Iran is the One We Abandoned
Iran is one of the most sanctioned countries in the world, alongside Russia. The country has been subjected to all kinds of comprehensive and...
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...
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...