Hope for a better future for development programmes in the MENA region was abundant at the ENPI (the financing instrument of the new European Neighbourhood Policy) Cross Border Cooperation (CBC), discussed at a conference that took place on December 12 in Rome. The event was use

The Russians have lately had a dynamic and innovative diplomacy, leaning towards finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis. With the regional priorities shifting from political resolution to combating terrorism, the Russians are alone in this pursuit. Moscow has been ho

Several months ago, US Secretary of State John Kerry’s stated aim was to achieve a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians, seemingly disregarding the need to deal with the situation in Syria at the time. Kerry’s recent visit to Jordan highlighted the extent to

With the failure of the Geneva II peace conference for Syria, the option of a political resolution seems to be back on the table again. In Geneva, the US’ priority was a political transition, while Russia’s focus was combating terrorism in Syria. The developments of

Across the region, some of the more stable countries continue to face political and military challenges. Of particular note at this point in time are Turkey and Saudi Arabia, for very different reasons. Turkey is currently mired in a dilemma triggered by prioritising its object