Oil Minister Abdelbari al-Arusi has presented the serious situation that the government is faced with, since the lockdown of its oil ports by armed demonstrators a month ago. Production has fallen by almost 60% and the Minister described it as a “big difference.” Demonstrators have vacated some of the oil ports but exportations have not […]
Tag: Libya
Libya shapes future through national dialogue
The Libyan government has finally taken a first step towards the reconciliation of its citizen through a national dialogue. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Zeidan. He said that an independent commission will be set up to work towards reconciliation and disarmament. Libya is yet to be safe haven. The recent tribal clashes show […]
After the ‘Arab Spring’: Winter is Underway for Religious Minorities in the MENA Region
No one can deny that Arab dictatorships have protected religious minorities across the Middle East and North Africa region for decades as a result of tactical decisions meant to win the political backing of Western powers and the financial support of funding agencies. The nomination of Jewish and Christian leaders to cabinet posts in many […]
Is Algeria the Odd One Out in the Arab Spring?
In many ways, it appears as if Algeria is weathering the Arab Spring fairly well. Despite its sheer size, it has dodged the cycle of demonstrations and upheaval, even though the Arab Spring started right in the next door Tunisia. Its long-term president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has maintained a façade of democracy, though his tenure has […]
Libya: Zeidan addresses eastern independent oil sales intention
The Libyan government is running out of patience with protesters who have laid siege on main ports and are now threatening to sell oil independently. Prime Minister Ali Zeidan has warned that the government will use all the force it has without any reservations if such attempts are made. Oil production and exportation is Libya’s […]
Algeria-Libya: Joint Commission activated to fight terrorists
Prime Minister Zeidan has gone to Algeria for a brief visit to discuss “issues of mutual interest” with his counterparts. The rising security threats and smuggling was high on the agenda during their meetings. Both sides have agreed on taking common steps to curb it through their Joint Commission. Algeria’s Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal has […]
After Western Interventions, North African Countries Still Face Many Challenges…
Many North African and Middle Eastern countries are in a state of great uncertainty. The struggles and revolutions of the Arab Spring struck down many oppressive governments, but violence has spread beyond North Africa and given way to insecurity in many states that were beyond the epicentre of the events – and these conflicts are […]
Libya: Oil production falls to 30%
Abdelbari al-Arusi, Libya’s oil minister has become desperate about the ongoing strikes in several eastern ports, which have reduced the country’s oil export to 30%. The minister has warned that if the situation continues, “Libya will plunge into darkness.” The oil rich country wants to surpass its pre-war production and exportations. However, frequent strikes have […]
Libya: UAE embassy comes under attack
The offices of foreign missions have become the new targets of unknown attackers in Libya. Attacks on such institutions have been rising and the United Arab Emirates is the latest victim to such hostilities when a rocket-propelled grenade was directed to the building housing its diplomatic office and the ambassador’s residence. The attack came only […]
China’s Presence in North Africa: A Win-Win Relationship?
In 2010, Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) accounted for approximately 68 billion USD, as compared to 2001, when China invested only 911 million USD overseas. The rapid increase in FDI between 2001 and 2010 was also facilitated by China’s ‘going global policy’ of 2002 that promoted competition for the share in global markets and natural […]









