Middle East & Africa
Spirits of resistance
West African booze is becoming a luxury product
Female entrepreneurs are leading the charge
The Arabs, Iran and Israel
First, the ceasefire. Next the Trump effect could upend the Middle East
Will Israel and Donald Trump use the threat of annexation to secure a new grand bargain?
A ceasefire in Gaza at last
After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal
Donald Trump provided the X factor by putting heat on Binyamin Netanyahu, who insists the war isn’t over yet
Heading for a break-up
A hidden refuge in Sudan that the internet, banks—and war—can’t reach
A visit to the Nuba mountains provides a glimpse into the future of the country
A new leader under pressure
Violent jihadists are getting frustrated by the new Syria
Tipsy dancers, Christmas decorations, Shias and women’s rights are in the crosshairs
No easy fix
The West is making a muddle of its Syria sanctions
Outsiders should be much clearer about how and when they will be lifted
Certifiably genocidal
America concludes genocide has been committed in Sudan—again
The move highlights the magnitude of Sudan’s civil war but does little to end it
Thirteenth time lucky?
Lebanon tries yet again to elect a new president
But it will not be easy to convince its corrupt politicians to reform
The end of a Faustian bargain
Alawites formed Syria’s elite. Now they are terrified
Fear of reprisal stalks the heartlands of the Assad regime
All talk and no truce
From inside an obliterated Gaza, gunfire not a ceasefire
In north Gaza the IDF is now facing “a bitter guerrilla war”
Halfway to revolution
Mozambique’s opposition leader flies home into chaos
Will Venâncio Mondlane’s arrival on January 9th deepen or ease political crisis?
All together now?
The fate of minorities in post-Assad Syria
The country’s new rulers have yet to include other groups in their government