Topic: North African Politics

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Briefing
Five reasons to care about the Sudan - South Sudan conflict

Fighting between South Sudan and its rival, Sudan, could restart a 20-year civil war that claimed the lives of millions. It could also affect the price Americans pay for car fuel, China’s ability to keep its economy growing, and the stability of the region. Here’s a few reasons to pay attention to the fighting in Sudan.
10 of TIME's 100 'most influential'

What does it mean to be influential today? TIME Magazine may not have a scientific answer, but they identified scores of people in their 2012 “100 Most Influential People in the World” list, released this week. Here is a sampling of 10 people from around the world who made the cut.
China 'buying out' Africa: Top 5 destinations of Chinese money

On a quest to secure raw materials and energy resources to support the exponential growth of its economy, China has become the fastest-growing investor in Africa. Here are the top five destinations of Chinese capital, in order of estimated Chinese investment.
Three factors that will determine Syria’s future

The most realistic scenario in Syria is quagmire: Assad still has loyalty; the opposition is splintered, though protests continue; and the international community is indecisive, including the Arab League. But stalemate could finally prompt foreign intervention and a needed ‘safe zone. Benedetta Berti, a fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies of Tel Aviv University, lists the three factors that will determine Syria’s future.
5 ways Americans and Iranians are surprisingly similar

Despite escalating US-Iran tensions, remarkable similarities between their peoples have prompted some to suggest that the US and Iran could one day be powerful ‘natural’ allies.

All Content

Former Liberian leader Charles Taylor sentenced to 50 years in prison (+video)

An international court proceeding ended Wednesday with the sentencing of Taylor, who was convicted of aiding and abetting numerous war crimes in Sierra Leone.
With talks, another chance at peace for Sudan and South Sudan

Just a day after South Sudan accused Sudan of attacks inside its territory, the countries send negotiators to Addis Ababa to try to resolve disputes over border, security, and oil revenues.
Angry crowd targets HQ of Egypt's 'candidate for stability,' citing vote fraud (+video)

Ahmed Shafiq, Mubarak's last prime minister, has cast himself as the presidential candidate who can restore stability to Egypt. But last night's protests underscore how polarizing he is.
Egyptian voters will choose from polar opposites in presidential runoff

Egyptian officials announced today that Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, and Ahmed Shafiq, Mubarak's last prime minister, will face each other in a June runoff.
Focus
Are terrorists beyond redemption?

The record shows that some radicals can be persuaded to give up the gun when inducements and local conditions are right. The Pentagon recently spent $4.5 million to find out more.
Likely Egypt election runoff: Muslim Brother vs. Mubarak man (+video)

According to initial returns from Egypt's presidential election, Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood and Ahmed Shafiq, Mubarak's prime minister, are likely to face off in next month's runoff.
Egypt's Elections: Muslim Brotherhood claims exit-poll lead

While only a small number of ballots have been counted, Brotherhood leaders have said that there candidate is sure to advance to a run-off round.
In Egypt's Islamist heartland, voters voice doubts about Muslim Brotherhood

Voters in the Imbaba neighborhood of Cairo are impatient with the Muslim Brotherhood's lack of accomplishments during their short tenure in parliament.
In Egypt presidential poll, fault lines even within families

The first day of voting in Egypt's historic presidential election ended with few reports of irregularities, but evidence of a nation divided over the right choice.
In historic election, Egyptians cast votes for stability, Islam (+video)

Nearly a year and a half after the revolution that ousted former president Hosni Mubarak, Egyptians are getting to choose their president for the first time.
Egypt presidential face-off: Islamists vs. 'regime remnants'

Egypt's first free presidential election in modern times starts tomorrow, with the front-runners the Islamist Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh and Amr Moussa, a former longtime servant of ousted President Hosni Mubarak.
We Egyptians are still marching forward toward democracy

Contrary to the global perception that Egypt is sinking into chaos, presidential election debates reflect hope for a new Egypt. Open debate between secular and Islamist groups was unthinkable over the past 60 years. This openness means the Egyptian body politic is maturing.
Lockerbie convict dies, closing dark chapter for Libya

Abdel Baset al-Megrahi was the only person ever convicted in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. He died at home in Tripoli Sunday, nearly three years after his release from Scottish prison.
Horizons
Howard Carter, the original Indiana Jones (+video)

Google doodle Wednesday remembers Howard Carter, who discovered the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. 
Egypt's military could hand over power this month

After protest clashes, the military sought to reassure all parties that it will hand over power to a civilian president. The first round of elections is May 23-24.
Backchannels
Concerns ahead for Egypt's election monitoring

The rules governing the monitors overseeing Egypt's presidential elections are very restrictive, reducing election transparency and making it easy for monitors to be disqualified.
Backchannels
Egypt political chaos threatening to foment actual chaos

Clashes between gunmen and protesters near the Egyptian Ministry of Defense in Cairo have left at least 11 dead in the past 24 hours, inflaming an already tense and uncertain political transition.
11 dead in Cairo protest clashes

Reports say armed men attacked Egyptian protesters outside the Ministry of Defense in Cairo Wednesday.
Bahrain doctor: If US loses the faith of people like me, it loses the Mideast

Washington’s tepid response to Bahrain's crackdown on nonviolent protesters has forced me to question what America really stands for. Obama must tell the ruling family to stop attacking protesters and to drop sham charges against medics like me and hundreds of others.
Backchannels
Reform and rumblings in Jordan

The Hashemite Kingdom has weathered the past year of regional political upheaval surprisingly well. But the resignation of the prime minister is a reminder of unmet demands for change.
Backchannels
Egypt 'necrophilia law'? Hooey, utter hooey.

'Necrophilia law'? Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, kids. At least until there's like, you know, some proof.
Backchannels
Adel Imam, Egypt's favorite funnyman, dodges a bullet

Adel Imam, arguably Egypt and the Arab world's most famous comedic actor, had his conviction for 'insulting Islam' overturned today. But another was upheld earlier this week.
Keep Calm
Charles Taylor, former Liberian president, found guilty of war crimes (+video)

Charles Taylor: A guilty verdict against the former Liberian president – including charges of murder, rape, use of child soldiers – sets precedent for holding sitting heads of state to account.
Rare success story for Egypt's revolution: ending military trials

After the revolution, some 12,000 Egyptians faced military trials, which were as short as five minutes and denied them basic rights. But a grass-roots group intervened, with surprising success.
Briefing
Five reasons to care about the Sudan - South Sudan conflict

Fighting between South Sudan and its rival, Sudan, could restart a 20-year civil war that claimed the lives of millions. It could also affect the price Americans pay for car fuel, China’s ability to keep its economy growing, and the stability of the region. Here’s a few reasons to pay attention to the fighting in Sudan.