Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, March 29th, 2024

Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, March 29th, 2024

2024-03-29 14:04

2024-03-29 14:04

Array( [98271] => Array ( [author_name] => Filip Benes [author_description] => [slug] => filip-benes ) [98272] => Array ( [author_name] => Tomas Krizan [author_description] => [slug] => tomas-krizan ) [98273] => Array ( [author_name] => Issam Khoury [author_description] => Researcher, filmmaker, and journalist with 20+ years of reporting on developments in the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on human rights, terrorism, religious groups, and minorities. [slug] => issam-khoury ) [99632] => Array ( [author_name] => Carmen Gravano [author_description] => [slug] => carmen-gravano ) [100420] => Array ( [author_name] => Jan Záhořík [author_description] => Africanist/social scientist focusing on the modern and contemporary history and politics of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa as well as the issues of nationalism, identity, conflicts, inequalities, European-African relations in the Cold War, and recently also the issues of migration and security related issues particularly in the West African Sahel region [slug] => jan-zahoik ) [102511] => Array ( [author_name] => Fuat Emir Şefkatli [author_description] => Is a researcher specializing in non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in Libya and the Sahel region, as well as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) processes. He holds a master’s degree from Plymouth University, Department of International Relations and Global Security, and is currently pursuing his PhD studies in the Strategy and Security Studies Program at the National Defense University in Turkey. Şefkatli serves as a North African Studies Researcher at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM) and as an Associate Research Fellow at the Czech-Slovak Institute of Oriental Studies (CSIORS). He has contributed scholarly works and his commentaries and opinions have been featured in international media outlets including Al Jazeera English, Daily China, Russia Today, Middle East Monitor, and TRT World. [slug] => fuat-emir-efkatli )) no author 98368

ODNI-Report, Terrorism-in-Africa, Palestinian-Israeli-Tensions, Security-Dynamics-Africa, Egypt-Budget-Subsidies, Social-Programs-Financing, Economic-Support-Partnerships, Saudi-Arabia-UN-Women, Women's-Rights-Backlash, Saudi-Leadership-Criticism, UN-CSW-Saudi-Chair,

Let us navigate the Middle East nuances: security trends in Africa; Egypt invests for bread subsidies; UN Women's right Forum in Saudi Arabia.

Let us guide you through the Middle East with curated links: insightful analyses and forecasts from top sources on regional complexities.

 

---

Middleeastmonitor.com: Evolution of Security Trends in Africa After October 7th

The ODNI's annual report highlights ISIS/Daesh and Al-Qaeda's global expansion, particularly in Africa, where the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is fueling tensions. Recent coups and governance crises provide fertile ground for terrorist propaganda. Al-Shabaab's support for Hamas and ISIS/Daesh activities in the Sahel raise concerns. Political instability in the region increases the risk of attacks by transnational terrorist groups exploiting local grievances.

---

Brecorder.com: Egypt Allocates $2.66 Billion for Bread Subsidies in Latest Budget

Egypt's 2024/2025 budget allocates $2.66 billion for bread subsidies and $147 billion for petroleum products. Finance Minister Mohamed Maait highlighted challenges faced by importers accessing foreign currency. Social programs, including $14.5 billion for goods release, total 596 billion Egyptian pounds. With expenditures at 3.9 trillion pounds and revenues at 2.6 trillion pounds, Egypt aims for a 3.5% budget surplus and to reduce the deficit to 6% of GDP. Additional support from the IMF, EU, and World Bank is expected, with over $20 billion in foreign currency inflows anticipated.

---

Shethepeople.tv: Controversy Arises as Saudi Arabia Leads UN Women's Rights Forum

Saudi Arabia's selection to chair the UN's Commission on the Status of Women has triggered criticism over its record on women's rights. Critics highlight contradictions between Saudi leadership and its domestic policies, urging reforms before assuming such a role.