North Africa

Middle East economy to shrink 2.1% in 2026, Gulf economies by 4.3%, World Bank forecasts

Despite grim forecasts, the World Bank projects regional economies could rebound by 7.8% in 2027 if the conflict ends this year, though the Hormuz blockade and inflation remain major threats.

Now, when Israel looks out at the map, it has an alliance with two countries that face Iran directly across the Gulf
An AI-generated political cartoon.

America, beware: The battle over Israel’s identity could be coming for the US - opinion

A wildfire rages in a mountainous area near the town of Al Hachimia, Bouira Province, on July 21, 2026.

At least 12 killed as wildfires rage across several Algerian provinces

A general view shows a detail of the Zawiya Oil Refinery, some 40 kms west of Tripoli, on October 27, 2011. The complex built in two different stages in 1974 and 1976 receives crude oil from the desert oil fields and treats 120,000 tons of crude daily.

Drone strike causes diesel tank fire at Libya's Zawiya oil depot - statement


UN officials warn of further instability in Libya without elections soon

The country has long been divided into rival administrations based in the east and west, both of which are backed by varying foreign actors, including governments and militias.  

 Libya's Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba

IOM reports 80,000 migrants voluntarily returned from Libya since 2015

The IOM's VHR program aims to provide a safe and dignified return for migrants stranded in Libya, addressing their immediate needs and helping them reintegrate into their home communities.

 Migrants, part of a group of 61 migrants on a wooden boat, are rescued by crew members of the Geo Barents migrant rescue ship, operated by Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), in international waters off the coast of Libya in the central Mediterranean Sea September 28, 2023.

Tunisians mount anti-migrant protests, citing perceived government failures

The International Organization for Migration Tunisia branch says some 7,000 migrants live in or near Jebeniana and El Amra. 

 Sub-Saharan African migrants gather in a field where they live, in Jebiniana, Tunisia September 4, 2023.

As African migration to Europe spikes, Tunisia takes center stage in Italy’s foreign policy agenda

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signed agreements with Tunisian President Kais Saied, aiming to enhance economic relations and address irregular migration.

 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

EU and Egypt forge $8.1 billion deal to tackle migration and boost partnership

The EU announced a $8.1 billion deal with Egypt to enhance partnership and address migrant flows, but some critics argue it prioritizes countering migration over human rights

 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Ittihadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, March 17, 2024, in this handout picture courtesy of the Egyptian Presidency

Libya has no plans to make peace with Israel, eastern Libyan minister says

"We support the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital," Abdulhadi al-Hweij said in a rare interview with Israeli media.

 Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar gestures to the crowd during Independence Day celebrations in Benghazi

Man throws grenade at school over daughter's punishment

The Benghazi security directorate said in a statement on Facebook that the guard, in his 40s, also insulted and cursed teachers at the school. 

 A man launched a grenade into a school in Benghazi. Illustrative.

Global efforts intensify to end female genital mutilation by 2030

Many women worldwide are mutilated every day, causing permanent psychological and physical damage as well as death to many.

 A badge reads "The power of labor aginst FGM" is seen on a volunteer during a conference on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Cairo, Egypt February 6, 2018.

Five Islamist convicts escape from Tunisian jail

The interior ministry published the names and photos of the escaped convicts and urged citizens to contact the police if they see them.

 Police officers stand guard near the site of a suicide bombing attack in downtown Tunis, Tunisia June 27, 2019.

Libya is in a spiral of its design - opinion

Since the 2011 revolt resulting in the death of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has seen a seemingly never-ending revolving cast claiming authority.

 RUBBLE AND signs of destruction following floods in Derna, Libya: The chaos in the country came to a breaking point when Libya experienced historic rainfall earlier this month, the writer notes.