Ghassan-Salame

Algeria: Bouteflika suspected of strengthening strategic allies

President Bouteflika has carried a major political decision since returning from his treatment in France by reshuffling his cabinet. Principal ministerial posts such as interior, defense and foreign affairs ministries have been affected. Critics claim that the reshuffling is aimed at strengthening the 76 year old president’s grip to power while enthusiasts believe that it […]

Libya’s Rival Factions vie for Control of Eastern Oil Terminals

The oil export terminals in eastern Libya are subject of fierce rivalry between the warring factions in Libya. The infantry brigades of General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) which entered the town of Zueitina on August 14 are likely to continue their advance to the oil terminals controlled by the rival militia of the […]

Allies Let Down Morocco in FIFA 2026 World Cup Vote

Morocco lost the right to host the 2016 World Cup to the United bid of the US, Canada and Mexico by 134 votes against and 65 votes in favor. The vote revealed the geopolitics of football with Moroccan allies surprisingly voting for the North American Joint bid. On Moroccan social media, indignation at Saudi Arabia […]