The Middle East & North Africa
Up in arms: Warring over Europe's arms export regime
10 September 2019
The European Union's poorly co-ordinated arms export policy is undermining Europe's foreign policy, credibility as a principled power and defence industry. The EU should take steps to move towards convergence.
A troubled partnership: The US and Europe in the Middle East
10 July 2019
Trump's policies towards the Middle East have led to a serious transatlantic rift, particularly over Iran. To secure its interests in the region, Europe will need to shake off its passivity.
You never listen to me: The European-Saudi relationship after Khashoggi
02 May 2019
The EU has avoided confronting Saudi Arabia on its violations of international law. Now is the time for recalibration: the EU needs a firm, united policy towards the kingdom.
Beyond firefighting: An EU strategy for Gaza
29 June 2018
The EU should respond more robustly to the recent violence in Gaza. The Trump administration is not a credible mediator; the EU should step in.
Trump and the Iran deal: Not yet the nuclear option?
13 December 2017
Trump has placed the international nuclear agreement with Iran in jeopardy. The EU should try to save the deal, but be prepared in case it fails.
Trump, Europe and the Middle East peace process: A path out of the quicksand
23 June 2017
The Middle East peace process is frozen. Rather than attempting to reach an all-or-nothing final agreement, Europe and the US should pursue an incremental approach.
The EU and Libya: Realism or irrelevance
03 February 2017
Europe cannot view Libya only through the lens of migration. It needs to stabilise the country, brokering a compromise between different factions.
Beware of cheap oil!
07 October 2015
Europe’s economies welcome the collapse of oil prices. But serious foreign policy problems await if oil remains cheap.
The insoluble Syrian problem: Only wrong answers?
29 September 2015
No-one, including Putin, has a peace plan for Syria. The EU should stop pursuing unrealistic military and political aims and focus on helping the war’s victims.
Iran nuclear talks: Patience is a virtue
13 November 2014
The EU and US should extend the nuclear negotiations with Iran. The falling oil price could pressure Tehran to compromise.
Issue 98 - 2014
26 September 2014
- Juncker and his college: The unexpected reformer?, Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska
- How to pull the eurozone out of the mire, Christian Odendahl, John Springford
- No easy choices: Realpolitik in Mesopotamia, Rem Korteweg
No easy choices: Realpolitik in Mesopotamia
26 September 2014
To fight ISIS, the West will have to engage with its friends in the region, and its foes.
Issue 94 - 2014
27 January 2014
- Britain's populist arms race over immigration , John Springford, Simon Tilford
- EU-Russia relations: Partnership on ice?, Ian Bond
- Why Europe should broaden its horizons in the Sahel, Rem Korteweg
Why Europe should broaden its horizons in the Sahel
27 January 2014
The Sahel stretches from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, touching on 13 countries from Senegal to Eritrea. Turmoil is spreading across the region, putting European security interests at risk, yet Brussels is scrambling to respond.
Gas on troubled waters?
13 January 2014
Cyprus must find a way to export its natural gas. A grand bargain with Israel and Turkey would improve politics in the region and benefit Europe.
Running into the sand? The EU's faltering response to the Arab revolutions
18 December 2013
A new, pragmatic approach to the southern neighbourhood is needed if the EU wants to address the political, economic, social and security challenges following the Arab Spring.
Division and indecision over Syria
18 September 2013
The Syrian crisis has split Europe and the US. They should push for a common Security Council position, but an ambiguous resolution may lead to military action and further division.
The Commons vote on Syria: The world turned upside down
04 September 2013
Britain has long boasted of punching above its weight. Does Parliament's vote on Syria change that? Will others take over Britain's role or follow its example?
Europe's struggle for influence in Egypt
23 August 2013
The EU has stopped some arms sales to Egypt but it tells the new regime that Europe accepts the coup and it chooses stability, not democracy.
How the EU can help Kerry with Israeli and Palestinian peace talks
07 August 2013
The US convinced Israelis and Palestinians to sign up to new negotiations. The EU's actions helped, and it can do more.