For decades, the Greater Middle East has been a leading challenge to American foreign policy. This vast region - ranging from North Africa in the west to Afghanistan in the east, and from the borders of Central Asia down to the Horn of Africa in the south - has been a cauldron of turmoil that has affected not just American interests, but generated threats to the American homeland.
For years, Russia’s main tactic to compete with Western news media has been to create alternative outlets, like its television channel RT (previously Russia Today) and the Sputnik multimedia news agency. Now, however, Moscow is stepping up its efforts in two areas where Western media and foundations have long enjoyed an advantage: journalism training and fact-checking.
Biden visits Angola in final push to bolster U.S.-Africa ties;
Chad ends defense pact with France…;
…While Abuja and Paris strengthen economic ties;
Burkina Faso’s latest junta dissolves government;
Mali drone strikes target Tuareg leaders after rebels unite;
Xi visits Morocco, deepens economic ties
Kremlin worries over domestic unrest
Still more foreign fodder for Russia's war;
A delayed economic reckoning...;
...As Putin doubles down
Australia faces fresh extremist threats;
Morocco takes a stand on ties with Israel;
A fatwa against Hamas;
Libya tightens social control;
Baghdad aims to lower age of consent