Higher turnout in Iraq’s elections signals progress, but major challenges lie ahead. @iswerenfelsi.bsky.social & @hamidrezaaz.bsky.social examine how the next government must balance between the US & Iran while tackling domestic strains, militias, climate change & financial fragility. Read it now👇

The higher turnout in Iraq’s elections signals progress in security, infrastructure, and political stability. But the next government faces tough domestic challenges and a balancing act between the US and Iran, say @hamidrezaaz.bsky.social and Isabelle Werenfels. www.swp-berlin.org/publikation/...

As the rivalry between Algeria 🇩🇿 and Morocco 🇲🇦 intensifies, #Mauritania 🇲🇷 is balancing its position. Discover the potential destabilizing effects and the role of propaganda in this rivalry in the latest spotlight by @wlacher.bsky.social and iswerenfelsi.bsky.social 👉 t1p.de/fsg7y

This ICG focus on Algeria-Morocco dynamics is very relevant. Whilst much attention is on Syria, and some (not enough!) on Gaza these days, aggressive rhetoric in the Maghreb is on the rise. Not a single day without polemic headlines against the neighbour. Often based on twisted facts.

Remarkable. All 8 VP’s of Algeria’s oil and gas giant Sonatrach dismissed - a few weeks after replacement of Sonatrach’s president. The usual clientelist clan struggles? Pre-electoral moves? Or - best of all cases - not politics but strategy related?

Tunisian NGOs must feel they are between a rock and a hard place, as they face severe domestic repression and at the same time feel alienated from Europe (that supported them) due to European double standards on Israel/Palestine.

Returned from Algeria a few days ago. Surprised at almost complete absence of signs of popular support for Palestine in the streets, virtually no (visible) mobilization. Several reasons for this.