Analysis

Middle East braces for Trump's tariffs: Gulf gains, North Africa strains as both hedge

The tariffs could be wins for the Gulf states, as many have trade surpluses with the United States, while some in North Africa and the Levant, with trade deficits, stand to lose.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Analysis

US reengages Hifter as Trump pursues dual Libya strategy: What to know

Though the UN Security Council, and by extension Washington, continues to recognize the Tripoli-based GNU as Libya’s legitimate government, the US senior adviser's outreach to both Dbeibah and Hifter points to a dual strategy undertaken by the Trump administration.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

Erdogan’s gamble: Turkey bets on Libya to pursue East Med dominance

The prospect of Libya’s eastern-based parliament approving a crucial maritime deal with Turkey is growing as Ankara-Benghazi rapprochement intensifies.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Turkey defense chief meets Saddam Hifter as thaw with Libya continues

Turkey's defense chief met with the ground forces commander of the Libyan Armed Forces as Ankara reaches out to Libya’s eastern administration.

Turkey

Turkey's Fidan heads to New York for Cyprus talks as Libya tensions flare

The top Turkish diplomat will attend UN-hosted Cyprus talks amid rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey

Libya, Turkey sign agreement to deepen military ties: What to know

The agreement comes at a time when the Libyan Army is struggling to assert control in a capital increasingly dominated by rival militias.

Libya

From Iraq to Algeria, Trump’s looming tariffs could target 4 MENA countries

The United States has a trade deficit with Iraq, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, according to the US government, prompting the president to send them letters warning of new tariffs.

Iraq

Analysis

Dbeibeh’s militia gambit: Power consolidation or prelude to more Libya chaos?

Despite the Tripoli-based government's attempts to rein in militias in the capital following clashes, the long-standing issues and disputes will not be resolved any time soon.

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Amid rapprochement with Libya’s Hifter, Turkey says parliament reviewing maritime deal

The review marks a shift in Libya’s internal dynamics and Turkey’s regional diplomacy, though analysts doubt the deal will be ratified.

Turkey

Sudan army loses border control to RSF after clashes with Libya’s Haftar

Sudan’s army withdrew from a volatile border zone after clashes with Libyan forces tied to Khalifa Hifter, who is accused of supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Sudan

Trump travel ban bars entry from Iran, Libya, Sudan, Yemen

The president during his first term issued a number of travel bans largely aimed at Middle Eastern countries, and the new one targets countries the administration says have insufficient vetting procedures and internal security risks.

Iran

Analysis

Mi-26s and T-62s: What Russia's military backing of Haftar means for Libya

A sweeping display of arms and alliances in Benghazi reflects Khalifa Haftar’s effort to project statehood, Moscow’s deeper investment in Libya, and a shifting power balance that could reshape peace prospects.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance