Author: M Barbu

Special Analyses

Syria: Who’s in control of Idlib?

The northern Syrian province of Idlib is the last remaining stronghold controlled by forces opposed to President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian government forces have been pushing into rebel-held territory with the help of Iranian-backed militias and Russian airstrikes. Dozens of towns and villages have been captured by Syrian forces including a key strategic highway, the main economic artery through Syria from north to south, linking Damascus, Homs and Aleppo.

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Jamā’at Nuṣrat al-Islām wa-l-Muslimīn: a propaganda analysis of al-Qaeda’s project for the Sahel

Theme

The lessons that al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has learnt after years of activity in the Sahel have crystallised in the creation of Jamā’at Nuṣrat al-Islām wa-l-Muslimīn, or JNIM. This paper analyses JNIM propaganda to shed light on this new alliance and its relationship with the regional organisational structure of AQIM.

Quand le Sénat se couche devant l’islam politique

Les sénateurs n’ont pas de courage, mais se réservent le droit d’en avoir un jour

« Élections sénatoriales, c’est parti », titrait le 4 septembre dernier sur son site la chaîne parlementaire Public Sénat. Comment ne pas soupçonner que c’est pour ces élections, qui auront lieu le 27 septembre prochain, qu’ont été bâclées les élections municipales ? Les élus locaux étant les grands électeurs des élections sénatoriales, le Président du Sénat ne pouvait que s’inquiéter qu’elles pussent être différées. Lors du premier tour des municipales, certains responsables politiques ne lui ont-ils pas imputé la faible participation des citoyens à ce scrutin (44,66%) ? Le second tour sera pire, avec une participation de 41,6%.

GNA, Haftar delegations agree on criteria for key posts in Libya government

Delegates from Libya’s internationally recognized government and from putschist Gen. Khalifa Haftar’s side on Thursday agreed on the criteria for appointments to their country’s key institutions, a joint statement made at talks in Morocco said, while hundreds of people in the city of Benghazi took to the streets to protest dire living conditions.

Salafist encroachment, ‘alien’ fatwas viewed with concern in eastern Libya

LNA’s complacency with movement risks contributing to the spread of extremism and the change of the religious identity of Libyan society.

Eastern Libya is being increasingly infiltrated by the Salafist movement, and the matter has become of great concern to the local population that views the members of this movement and its fatwas as alien to the cultural and religious environment as Libyan society is known for its moderation and its traditional ties to Sufism. In recent years, however, hardline fatwas have made their way into society.

U.S. Oil Company Hess Attempts To Load Crude From Libya Port

Hess may attempt to load a cargo of crude oil from Libya’s Es Sider port this week. If successful, the loading represents a glimmer of hope for oil-rich Libya who has had its oil production brought down to just 100,000 barrels per day amid port closures as a result of the civil unrest, from 1.2 million bpd at the start of the year.

Is the battle to replace General Khalifa Haftar already on?

Hardly mentioned in local media and rarely appearing in person, Major Hassan Maatouk is being groomed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a possible leading role within General Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA). Since the LNA lost its offensive to take Tripoli last June, when it retreated instead to the Sirte-Jufra region, there have been whispers about the fate of the octogenarian general and whether he could continue his divisive role in war-torn Libya.