Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

Ten years after Gaddafi’s demise, Libya’s future remains uncertain

Presidential elections are around the corner, but efforts at democratic transition are threatened by both internal and external actors - as well as a history of authoritarianism.

France’s attempt to become Iraq’s ‘benevolent saviour’ could backfire

While Paris seeks to take a leading role in Iraq, its agenda is likely to prompt further geopolitical tensions for a country already stricken with regional competition.

Balancing act: Emirati foreign policy amid US-China rivalry

Abu Dhabi seeks to design its own independent global and regional foreign policy, but ties with Beijing are the key prize.

Ethiopia’s unilateral ceasefire doesn’t mean peace for Tigray

The international community mustn't be lulled into a false sense of security and should take this opportunity to push for an end to the war.

The limits of the US’ Red Sea strategy

Washington’s attempts to maintain clout against China and Al Qaeda through the UAE is self-defeating and threatens regional stability.

Can Biden’s “America is back” pledge bring stability to Libya?

If Biden could rein in the likes of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, experts say he may pressure such leaders to reduce their involvement in Libya.

Biden’s tolerance of the UAE undermines his criticism of Saudi Arabia

US presidential candidate Joe Biden has displayed a conflicting stance towards the two Gulf allies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while scorning the former and speaking positively about the latter.

Will Saudi Arabia’s Covid-19 cutbacks trigger anti-regime protests?

While the regime tries to justify stripping back on the livelihoods of Saudi citizens, it could worsen pre-existing societal tensions.

Could Europe revise its relations with Israel over annexation plans?

“Israel has occupied Palestinian land for over 50 years and Europe has barely mustered more than a few terse statements in opposition”.

Europe’s ambiguity in the Middle East

European countries quick to condemn Turkey for its anti-terror operation in northern Syria continue to deal with the Middle East's most egregious counter-revolutionary forces and are arming those responsible for the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The UK's alliances violate its stated principles

The UK's annual report on human rights and democracy is a reminder that Britain's leadership pursues profit over principle.

UAE abuses ignored in the shadow of Saudi Arabian human rights violations

The UAE is Saudi Arabia's—and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's—strongest backers. Why then, does the UAE not face any scrutiny for its whitewashing of MBS, and its own egregious human rights violations?