Bruno Finel

Nearly 50 years ago, one of the most violent conflicts in the Middle East erupted in a country once described as the “Switzerland of the Middle East.” 

Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move announced Friday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Algeria’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously adopted a law criminalising French colonial rule (1830–1962) and demanding official apologies and compensation from France, further straining already fragile relations between the two countries.

As the Lebanese Army prepares to expand its disarmament operations north of the Litani River, following months of activity in the southern border area with Israel, Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces, has publicly challenged Hezbollah’s long-standing narrative on the scope of the ceasefire agreement and UN Resolution 1701.

Hosting African ministers and heads of delegation in Cairo on Saturday for the second ministerial conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi reaffirmed Egypt’s ambition to play a central role in Africa’s political, economic, and security balance.

The decision by the United States to lift sanctions on Syria marks a major political shift and offers a rare opportunity for a country shattered by more than a decade of war to begin rebuilding. 

Cairo hosted constructive political consultations today between Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Wednesday that negotiations with Israel should not be seen as a form of capitulation, stressing that dialogue is a necessary tool to strengthen security and stability, particularly in southern Lebanon.

Jordan’s leadership has reiterated the Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence as Christians in Jordan and around the world prepare to celebrate Christmas.

During an official visit to Brussels, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Joe Raggi on Tuesday urged the European Union to expand its negotiations with Iran beyond the nuclear file to include Tehran’s regional proxies. 

Russia is intensifying its diplomatic and strategic push into Africa as preparations begin for the third Russia–Africa summit, scheduled for 2026. 

France and Cyprus signed on Monday in Paris a new strategic partnership signalling a decisive step toward deeper political, security and economic cooperation between the two countries.