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The U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, Joey Hood, and three experts from the Washington Institute discuss the evolving great power competition in North Africa. The United States has longstanding relationships with countries in North Africa, particularly Tunisia, focused on economic cooperation and improving livelihoods. The U.S. also provides security assistance to Tunisia, helping to stabilize the country and contribute to security efforts across Africa. In contrast, Russia and China do not engage with Tunisia's civil society or address long-term challenges. The experts also highlight the growing alliance between Russia and Gen. Khalifa Haftar in Libya, and the need for the U.S. to counter this threat. Economic integration in North Africa is crucial for stability and prosperity in the region. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has broader implications for the Western security architecture, making North Africa an important area to counter Russian threats. Russia seeks access to a Libyan port and is using disinformation to shape Africa's perception of Ukraine. The United States should prioritize regional messaging and support Ukrainian information campaigns to counter Russian influence. The flow of people from North Africa is also being weaponized by Russia to destabilize European countries, requiring closer cooperation between the U.S. and Europe to find a solution. [Extracted from the article]

Mar 15, 2023 China brokered the agreement, but this does not signal a new Beijing-led order in the Middle East-in fact, it could make regional tensions worse. In other words, while the deal might de-escalate tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, it could simultaneously exacerbate Tehran's tensions with other actors, potentially raising the possibility of military escalation. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "North Africa in an Era of Great Power Competition: Challenges and Opportunities for the United States," discusses the strategic significance of North African countries to U.S. defense and economic interests. The authors argue for increased U.S. engagement in the region to counter the anti-liberal designs of China and Russia. They suggest that the U.S. should focus on areas such as climate change remediation and economic development to amplify the benefits of cooperation, while also highlighting the dangers posed by these rival powers. The article emphasizes the need for a holistic and state-by-state approach to address the challenges and opportunities in North Africa. [Extracted from the article]

China's response to Iran's attack on Israel presents an opportunity for the United States to highlight the potential risks of closer relations with China. Chinese officials have refrained from condemning Hamas directly and have instead blamed Israel and the United States for the conflict. China's support for Iran's attack, which violated the sovereignty of several Arab countries, demonstrates how Beijing's relationship with Tehran can threaten regional stability. The United States should remind countries in the Middle East and around the world about the limitations of China's "respect for sovereignty." [Extracted from the article]

The article explores how the U.S. leveraged arms sales policy to influence Saudi Arabia's behavior. Topics discussed include the cessation of offensive weapons sales, Saudi Arabia's progress in reducing civilian harm and involvement in Yemen, and the broader implications for U.S. arms export policy.

Though potential customers may have doubts about the ways Russia has used its platforms and forces in Ukraine, they may differentiate the quality of the platforms from Russia's military doctrine and tactics. RUSSIA'S MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA Nowhere is Russia's Middle East presence on the ground more pronounced than in Syria. Chairman Deutch, Ranking Member Wilson, distinguished members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify on the issue of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the Middle East and North Africa. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the U.S. with the goal of restoring his primacy. Topics discussed include campaign against Islamist organization Hamas, ideological gap betweem Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas, and public unrest in Gaza. It also mentions the political document which attempts to show some moderation on issues.