Mauritania like some other countries in the Maghreb region is experiencing a rise in strength of the political arm of AQIM (Al Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb) known as Ansar al-Sharia. But unlike some of its neighbors such as Tunisia and Libya, where the group has a strong foothold, Mauritania has not experienced any popular uprising […]
Headlines
Morocco: will the King’s arbitration defuse the governmental crisis?
The Istiqlal Party on Wednesday handed over to King Mohammed VI a memorandum expounding the reasons behind the decision it made last May to withdraw from the coalition government led by the Islamist PJD (Party for Justice and Development). The audience granted by the sovereign to the Istiqlal Party’s Secretary General Hamid Chabat is placed […]
Emir of Qatar Hands Over Power to Son
The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, has announced this Tuesday he was stepping down and naming his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, 33, as his successor. During the past weeks, there were some swirling rumors circulating in the media and diplomatic spheres that the 61-year-old emir was preparing to step down […]
Egypt: The military no more a spectator
The Egyptian defense minister, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, warned on Sunday that the army would not hesitate to intervene if violence broke out in the country during the planned rally, and that the armed forces has the obligation to do so to stop Egypt from plunging into chaos. He also criticized those who make anti-army statements. […]
Egypt: Counter-revolution begins
The opposition calls for the resignation of president Morsi on the June 30 and organize a rally in Cairo today. The Islamist parties have also decided to organize a rally under the banner a “million-man march to protect the revolution”. A statement released by the headquarters of the Muslim brotherhood referred to it as a […]
Orascom Telecom forgoes Canadian bid
Orascom Telecom has announced that it will be dropping its bid to take over Wind Mobile Canada, under the Investment Canada Act, despite its strong interest in the company after discussions with Canada’s federal government. Wind Mobile Canada is among the rising companies trying to challenge the main cellphone wireless carriers in Canada. In the […]
Algeria: Presidential campaign gathers momentum
With the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for next spring, Algeria seems to be heading toward a direction with uncertain outcomes. President Bouteflika who has ruled the country for 14 years, spanning 3 terms in office has made a recent appearance albeit in photographs, after more than 18 months of absence while undergoing medical treatment in […]
Egypt calls back banned investors
In a move to bring Egypt’s growth back to its pre-revolution era, Investment minister Yehya Hamed declared that he was ready to negotiate with businessmen close to Mubarak who fled Egypt during and after the revolution. The goal is to bring the economy to a 7% annual growth rate, allowing the country to breathe. According […]
Tunisia’s Islamic finance to flourish
A research study by Thomson Reuters has concluded that Islamic finance in Tunisia can grow, and claim at least 25% and up to 40% of the financial sector in 5years, if the required policies are implemented. Islamic finance has previously not been popular in the country because it has been neglected by the previous regime. […]
Libya: Oil production slows down
The production of oil in the leading oil production country in Africa has suffered a drastic decline since its civil war in 2011. The ongoing protest in Libya has led to the closure of two export terminals and an entire oil field. Frequent disruptions in the MENA region has led to North America leading the […]









