Analysis In Libya, maritime dispute could complicate Turkey’s backing of US unity push Turkey and the US increasingly share an interest in stabilizing Libya through a Tripoli-Benghazi power-sharing deal, though their alignment may hinge on the durability of any such deal and Washington's stance on Ankara's disputed 2019 maritime agreement. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Rubio hosts Libya’s Saddam Hifter as US pushes unity plan: What to know The pair discussed "possible avenues for cooperation" to advance Libya's unification. Libya
Analysis US, Turkey boost Libya coordination, but unity push faces political hurdles Washington and Ankara are stepping up coordination on efforts to unify Libya’s divided institutions, but analysts warn that major financial and political obstacles remain. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
In first, Libya’s rival armies to join drill in Turkey: What to know The move follows the first joint exercise inside Libya amid renewed international efforts to unify the country. Turkey
Analysis Italy, Spain eye Algerian gas as Iran war slashes Gulf supplies By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Libya’s oil revival powers on despite shaky investment thesis By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Shells strike near Turkish, Italian embassies in central Tripoli, Libya Turkey supports the embattled Tripoli government against rebel forces from the east led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter. Turkey
Mideast economies to see biggest downturn in four decades, IMF projects Almost every country in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia is expected to have negative gross domestic product this year, and the overall GDP for the region is expected to contract by an average of 3.1%. Legacy: Gulf
Morocco shows support for Egypt in conflict with Ethiopia over Nile Dam Although Moroccan King Mohammed VI's visit to Egypt had been postponed more than five times without clear reasons, a silent alliance between Egypt and Morocco may have been formed. Egypt
Intel: Why Russia's defense minister met with Libyan strongman Hifter Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu hosted Khalifa Hifter, the commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), in Moscow Feb. 19. Turkey
Saudi Arabia steps up role in Libya Saudi Arabia is reported to be providing greater financing to forces associated with Libyan strongman Khalifa Hifter in order to counter Turkey's intervention on the side of Libya's Government of National Accord. Saudi Arabia
Libyan Jews' potential return sends out political shockwaves Some members of the Libyan parliament and public vocally oppose the idea of Jews returning or participating in the country's peace process. Libya
Democrats call on Trump to sanction Libyan warlord Khalifa Hifter Democrats are wary that the Donald Trump administration may be too friendly with Libya’s Khalifa Hifter, so they’re calling for sanctions. Turkey
Is France irked by Erdogan’s passion for Africa? Erdogan’s efforts to boost Turkey’s economic role in Africa have been marked by outbursts maligning France’s colonial past, but there is more to Turkey’s Africa opening that fuels the bilateral spats. Turkey
Escalation in Syria and Libya tests limits of Erdogan-Putin ties The recent escalation in Libya and Syria has put on display the limits of the relationship between the Turkish and Russian presidents. Syria
Will Tunisia have a seat in future Libyan dialogues? Tunisia appears to have lost an opportunity to garner international support to help it cope with the crisis in neighboring Libya when it rejected an invitation to the Berlin conference. Algeria
What brought Iranian forces to Idlib front? A number of developments, including Turkey's greater involvement in Syria and the US assassination of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, may be driving Iran's move to get more involved in Idlib battlefield operations. Syria
Algeria battles larger countries to vie for leading role in Libya peace process Algeria is seeking to recover its diplomatic role in the region, by pushing for a political solution in Libya and condemning foreign interference in its affairs. Egypt
