One of the world's poorest nations currently has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Looking at the map and surveys of its mineral deposits shows why that might continue.
A recent jihadist attack on Mali's capital and a growing threat from northern rebels reportedly getting help from Ukraine begs the question: is the Sahel a new Russia-West battleground?
The US and French withdrawal from the Sahel lets the Russians, Chinese, and Iranians in. Tehran, in particular, will be keen to buy Niger's uranium, despite this being a red line for Washington.
A huge belt of land dividing the dry Sahara from the tropical savannah has become a playground for mercenaries. An absence of state security, poverty, and a lack of education create the perfect storm.
Until the West can prove that it can address the economic and security challenges Sahel countries face, the governance models represented by China or Russia will continue to gain more appeal.
Syria's new president says he wants to build a country based on tolerance and inclusivity, but it remains doubtful his HTS base shares this view. Recent sectarian killings are a discouraging sign.
Will the trend of war, displacement, and escalation continue or will negotiations and deal-making put an end to the cycle of violence? The months ahead will be telling.
Speaking to Al Majalla, the Palestinian co-director of Best Documentary winner 'No Other Land' says he believes that solidarity with Gaza's suffering was a factor in his film's Oscars success
Tariffs and countermeasures are fracturing the system of globalisation on which the post-Cold War world was built. Prosperity and interconnectedness may break with it. The world stands on the brink.