Yearly Archives: 2021

Egypt uses soft power in pursuing medical projects in Africa

Egypt announces health projects and agreements with South Sudan, Djibouti and Rwanda. In a Facebook post on June 19, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the establishment of a malaria control project in South Sudan to be funded by the ministry’s Agency of Partnership for Development. The announcement came …

Read More »

Turkey needs to build support for new Afghan mission

Turkey’s offer to secure Kabul’s airport might turn into a perilous mission unless it reaches some understanding with the Taliban and secures the critical support of regional actors such as Pakistan and Iran. Turkey is out to drum up support for its offer to take charge of Kabul’s airport after …

Read More »

Some variety possible in new Iranian president’s cabinet

With Iranian news outlets speculating about Raisi’s future cabinet, some analysts believe he will form an inclusive government — within limits. Iran’s Interior Ministry announced the official results of the presidential election, cementing President-elect Ebrahim Raisi’s win at over 18 million votes. Raisi received over 60% of the vote in …

Read More »

55 US House members introduce Hamas International Financing Prevention Act

The bill seeks “to impose financial sanctions on foreign persons, agencies, and governments that assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or their affiliates.” A bipartisan group of 55 House members has introduced the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act that seeks “to impose financial sanctions on foreign persons, agencies, and governments …

Read More »

What might be the real target of the sabotage in Iran? – analysis

If a major centrifuge manufacturing site was hit and substantially damaged, it could severely set back Iran’s program for enriching uranium. Contradictory reports about whether the sabotage succeeded and how the sabotage occurred, or was attempted, leave the situation regarding Wednesday’s incident at the buildings of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization …

Read More »

Iran’s new fears: From drones to remote control weapons, sabotage

Confronting its own claims that it is suffering sabotage, attacks by remote control weapons and now drones, must leave the Iranian regime concerned about its internal security. Iranian sources said on Wednesday that a facility in Karaj was targeted by a quadcopter-style drone. Iran says it shot down the drone. …

Read More »

US-Turkey ties set to remain loveless, transactional

The meeting between the Turkish and American presidents left key issues unresolved, with cooperation in Afghanistan emerging as the only progress to speak of. Over 10 days have elapsed since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with US President Joe Biden on June 14 on the sidelines of the NATO …

Read More »

EU leaders back funding but warn Erdogan against ‘instrumentalizing’ Syrian migrants

EU leaders propose further funding to Turkey for Syrian refugees, but, at Greece’s insistence, issue a warning that the bloc “condemns any attempt by third countries to instrumentalize migrants for political purposes.” Top European Union leaders agreed in principle June 24 on a new financial package for Turkey for hosting …

Read More »

Head of U.S. Intelligence: We May Never Know COVID-19’s Origin

On the menu today: Avril Haines, the U.S. director of national intelligence, ominously declares in an interview that the U.S. intelligence community is no closer to determining how the COVID-19 pandemic began, and may never know with certainty; the need to end the crisis mentality on evictions; and Vice President …

Read More »