Political Risk

The momentum of Libya's diplomatic transformation is gathering pace, with Saudi Arabia and the US reciprocating Tripoli's conciliatory moves.

In the wake of the release of the remaining Moroccan prisoners of war from Polisario camps, there are signs that US pressure is now turning towards Morocco to compromise on the Western... 2005-10-03

The restoration of full diplomatic ties with Washington is firmly on the agenda, after a positive message from the US State Department in late August about the country's progress... 2005-09-09

After the disappointing cancellation of the Arab Maghreb Union summit in May due to tensions between Morocco and Algeria, there is finally some good news regarding the Western Sahara.... 2005-09-05

In August, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced that a referendum on his much-vaunted amnesty project would be held on September 29. The president's plan, which would offer pardons... 2005-09-02

In August, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced that a referendum on his much-vaunted amnesty project would be held on September 29. The president's plan, which would offer pardons... 2005-09-01

Despite boasting the freest press in North Africa, Morocco is once again coming in for criticism on the freedom of expression front. This latest affair centres around a newspaper... 2005-08-01

Algerian Islamist terrorist group, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), has claimed responsibility for a raid in Mauritania in June, in what could be a worrying indication... 2005-07-12

Encouraging signs of Spanish diplomatic engagement with the long-running Western Sahara conflict emerged in June. Tensions in the disputed territory itself rose in May and June, when... 2005-07-06

On the face of it, Tunisia appears the model of an old-style one party state. President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali's ability to stockpile votes is undiminished and his ruling Rassemblement... 2005-07-05