Russia’s Putin hosts Saddam Hifter amid instability in Libya: What to know Moscow has built a strong relationship with Libya’s eastern camp, as Washington and Ankara pursue efforts to reunify the country’s political and military institutions. Libya
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Israel moves against West Bank settlers after Huckabee criticism Who benefits from Lebanon’s amnesty law; Turkey's Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi-led defense pact; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Business & Tech Libya's oil revival under threat Libya's energy sector is facing renewed pressure after a string of drone attacks on key infrastructure in the country's west. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Libya’s oil revival faces new test as violence returns amid US peace push A drone strike destroyed a power substation in Zawiya as a US-backed peace push appears to be roiling domestic tensions. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Libya's Hifter sets his sights on the capital following Benghazi victory The Libyan National Army, operating under the command of Gen. Khalifa Hifter, declared victory in Benghazi after ousting Islamists, further consolidating the role Hifter could play in shaping Libya's future. Libya
Zuwara, the Libyan city working to stop migrant smuggling A group of local activists from the Amazigh-majority city of Zuwara in Libya are taking matters into their own hands and working to prevent illegal immigration from the shores of North Africa toward Europe. North Africa
New UN Libya envoy faces long road to peace The newly appointed UN envoy to Libya, Ghassan Salame, must review all previous steps and policies his predecessors made to avoid repeating their mistakes as the war and chaos continue to weigh heavily on Libya. Libya
French shift on Syria could open doors in Russia France’s newly elected president has indicated he is open to talks that could leave Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in power, bringing the country closer to Russia’s stance. Saudi Arabia
IS loses ground in Sinai, searches for other foothold in Egypt The Islamic State has carried out several terrorist attacks against Copts in different Egyptian governorates, raising questions about anti-terrorism laws and the efficiency of the security services. Egypt
Gazans denounce claims Hamas is training extremists in Libya Accusations by the spokesman of the forces of retired Maj. Gen. Khalifa Hifter that Hamas has provided technical support to some armed groups in Libya are rebutted and mocked by Palestinians amid a lack of evidence of Hamas’ involvement in the North African country. Saudi Arabia
Egypt steps up strikes in Libya following Coptic bus attack The recent terrorist attack that killed 26 Copts in southern Egypt pushed the army to launch airstrikes against militant camps inside Libyan territory. Egypt
20th-century Libyan jihadism's role in Manchester attack Suicide bomber Salman Abedi’s multiple trips back and forth to Libya, where his family is widely associated with the Salafi jihadi movement, provided ample opportunity for advanced training to execute the massacre in Manchester. Libya
The rapid rise of Libya's General Hifter On the third anniversary of Operation Dignity to retake Benghazi from Islamist control, Gen. Khalifa Hifter has become a major political player, but his ultimate goals remain unknown. Libya
Russia keeping a close eye on Algeria Algeria’s new legislature, facing tough economic times domestically, needs to make gains in foreign policy to regain citizens’ trust — something Russia might be able to facilitate. Algeria
Can Russia, West cooperate on Libya? Moscow sees an opportunity to engage with Europe to help solve Libya’s crisis, and the US president seems ready and willing to stay out of it. Saudi Arabia
What, if anything, will come of meeting between Libyan rivals? The head of Libya's UN-backed government in Tripoli, Fayez al-Sarraj, spoke recently with military strongman Khalifa Hifter in their first-ever meeting, aimed at ending violence and chaos in Libya. United Arab Emirates