Qatar-China

Blinken to visit Africa to counter Russian charm offensive

The head of US diplomacy will travel in August to South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the State Department announced, as the US seeks to counter Russian diplomatic influence. Antony Blinken will aim to show “African countries that they have a critical geostrategic role and are crucial allies on the most pressing […]

Priorities Anyone? – Obama’s Egypt Problem Isn’t Going To Go Away

It was an excruciating experience for observers and journalists alike. Following the coup of 3 July 2013 and the quiet consolidation of power by army chief al-Sissi, the United States had to weigh its future policy vis-à-vis Egypt carefully. But nobody quite expected the diplomatic tussle that followed – an administration unwilling to recognise a […]

Desire to contain Morocco drives Algeria’s Sahel trade plan

Desire to contain Morocco drives Algeria’s Sahel trade plan Algeria’s renewed push to present itself as a commercial gateway for the Sahel came as the latest desperate political maneuver driven by rivalry with Morocco rather than a serious effort to improve regional trade access for landlocked African countries. This week, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf […]