Northern Africa
Mauritania: Western rapprochement after coup leader Aziz wins election
By Brian Smith, August 6, 2009
Following the July 18 presidential election in Mauritania, won by ex-General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, the US and EU were expected to move quickly to normalise relations.
Sri Lankan government launches “war on the underworld”
By Sarath Kumara, August 3, 2009
The increasingly militaristic character of the Sri Lankan government has been underscored by its declaration of a “war on the underworld”. Its purpose is to divert growing popular discontent and t...
Egypt hit by wave of social and industrial unrest
By Jean Shaoul, July 29, 2009
On July 16 thousands of quarry workers in Egypt went on strike in opposition to a decision by the authorities to impose a tax of E£40 on each ton of quarried rock.
Sudan: Humanitarian crisis in south as Comprehensive Peace Agreement unravels
By Brian Smith, June 29, 2009
Southern Sudan faces a massive humanitarian crisis in what the United Nation’s humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, Lise Grande, described as a “perfect storm”.
Algerian presidential election gives Bouteflika a third term in office
By Francis Dubois and Pierre Mabut, May 1, 2009
The presidential election in Algeria on April 9 gave Abdelaziz Bouteflika a third term of office.
Who is responsible for the Libyan refugee boat tragedy?
By Martin Kreickenbaum, April 8, 2009
On March 31 several hundred refugees drowned when their boat capsized off the coast of Libya. A large measure of responsibility for this tragedy rests with the European Union and its anti-immigration ...
More than 230 migrants drown off Libyan coast
By Barry Mason, April 7, 2009
Over 230 migrants were feared drowned at the end of last month when their overcrowded boat capsized in high winds around 30 miles off the coast of Libya.
Growing economic, social and political tensions in Egypt
By Jean Shaoul, March 19, 2009
Not a day goes by in Egypt without demonstrations, strikes, sit-ins and clashes between workers and the police.
Gaza donor conference: conspiracy wrapped up as compassion
By Jean Shaoul, March 5, 2009
The donor conference for Palestine at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt had nothing to do with alleviating the appalling humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but served as a cover for furthering Washington’s geopoli...
Israel bombs Gaza-Egypt border
By Julie Hyland, January 29, 2009
Israeli warplanes bombed Gaza’s border with Egypt early Wednesday morning.
In the wake of the Gaza war
Widespread anger in Egypt at Mubarak regime
By Johannes Stern reports from Cairo, January 24, 2009
On the spot report from Cairo reveals the extent of popular opposition to the Mubarak regime
Britain: Hicham Yezza threatened with imminent deportation to Algeria
By Robert Stevens, November 29, 2008
The British government is stepping up its efforts to deport Hicham Yezza to Algeria. The Home Office has decided to deny Yezza his right to a trial on alleged immigration charges and has stated that, ...
