Top Russian security officials tour Egypt, Gulf to discuss Syria, Libya

Over the space of a week, top officials in the Russian security apparatus toured Saudia Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt with some intriguing proposals on Syria and Libya.

Saudi Arabia

Gadhafi-linked Libyan oil tycoon enters Washington lobbying fray

Libyan oil tycoon Hassan Tatanaki has begun lobbying in the US in an effort to get the Donald Trump administration to get behind the push for fresh elections in the war-torn country.

Libya

What's next for Gen. Hifter after moving into southern Libya?

Libya’s eastern military strongman recently launched an offensive to clear out militias from the southern region of the country, in what could be seen as a move to stabilize the whole of Libya.

Libya

Russia keeps plugging away at cooperation with North Africa

During his tour around the Maghreb, Foreign Minister Lavrov showed Russia has a genuine interest in developing stronger ties with regional states, but the number of roadblocks in the way raise questions about Moscow's ability to go past "strategic declarations" anytime soon.

Egypt

Sisi attempts to breathe new life into Egyptian security services

Increasing operations by militants in Egypt's Western Desert have led to personnel changes in the military and security forces.

Egypt

Does Jordan have what it takes to reconcile Libya’s rival parties?

After coinciding visits by Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and the military commander Khalifa Hifter to Amman, Jordan’s possible role in sponsoring Libyan reconciliation talks has come under the spotlight.

Jordan

Are embattled Libyans ready to welcome another Gadhafi?

Russia is playing an increasing role in efforts to end the Libyan crisis and is talking with parties representing all sides, including Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, son of late dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Libya

Is Putin getting serious on Libya?

As Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev led the Russian delegation to the Palermo conference on Libya, Moscow spoke of its economic interests in the country but, most importantly, was sending a strong political message to warring factions.

Libya

Russia sends its own signals on Libya by hosting Hifter

Russia's military embraces Khalifa Hifter ahead of intra-Libyan talks in Palermo that kick off today, but does it signal a shift in Moscow's attitude toward the Libyan crisis?

United Arab Emirates

Putin, Sisi take Russia-Egypt relations to 'strategic level'

Moscow and Cairo signed a strategic cooperation agreement that is supposed to open new venues for bilateral relations in the military, political and cultural domains.

Egypt

Commentary: Can Russia make a positive change in Libya?

Reports on the increase of Russian military presence in Libya sparked international controversy and triggered a debate within Russia over the need for a presence in the distant Mediterranean country. Russia indeed eyes a bigger role in the conflict, but one different from what the reports ascribe Moscow to play.

Libya

Can Libya’s tribes help solve crisis?

In an interview with Al-Monitor, the head of the Supreme Council of the Tuareg Tribes, Mawlay Qudeidi, speaks about the clashes between rival militias in Tripoli, the security situation and illegal immigration in the south, as well as the elections pushed for by the United Nations.

Libya