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.
The former US envoy to Damascus tells Al Majalla how to find a path to a lasting settlement and a new place in the Middle East, from his unique perspective and first-hand experience in Assad-era talks
A US federal court has blocked Trump's tariffs and ruled that the president doesn't have unilateral authority to impose them, dealing a major blow to his economic policy
The US-based writer does not hold back in what he pens for American readers, nor is he censored. There is just one word that he is forbidden from using.
As global climate finance falters and US support disappears, the MENA region faces a widening funding gap. Now is the time to create a regional climate finance mechanism.