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The Union for the Mediteranean: a new French offensive
The Union for the Mediterranean (UPM) was launched on July 13, 2008 in Paris. The concept of a partnership between European and Mediterranean countries is not a new one. In 1995, the European countries had launched the ‘Barcelona Process’. The UPM restores the same spirit as Barcelona, but with a few changes and modifications.
Find out more... | Added on 16 July in Issues
A Fragile Peace in Lebanon
Early May 2008, Lebanon is once again taken in the midst of a civil conflict in which regional powers try to impose their influence in the country; in which the Lebanese are killing each other; in which religious divides govern...
Find out more... | Added on 2 June in Points of View
Syria: a Major actor in the Middle East
It seems too good to be true: an agreement in Lebanon with Hezbollah, the confirmation of negotiations between Israel and Syria and a (thorny) dialogue about a potential truce with the Palestinian Hamas. Bizarrely, neither Teheran nor Washington prevented those...
Find out more... | Added on 30 May in Points of View
Hormuz: a Strategic Chokepoint
If the Persian Gulf is the energetically heart of our world, then the Strait of Hormuz is its Aorta. The Gulf Countries hold 61.1% of the world’s proven reserves and 40% of the world’s gas reserves. 30% of the petroleum produced comes from the region as well as 12% of the world’s gas production. Ghawar is the biggest super giant oil field in the World, and it is located in Saudi Arabia and the South Pars/Asalouyeh is the largest natural gas field, shared by Iran and Qatar. The Persian Gulf plays a dominating role in the international energy arena.
Find out more... | Added on 6 March in Issues
The EU in Egypt: human rights or politics?
On January 17th, the European Parliament passed a resolution by 52 votes and 7 abstentions, condemning the human rights situation in Egypt. This deeply offended Cairo, who saw it as an interference in its sovereignty. Egypt’s Foreign Minister declared that...
Find out more... | Added on 22 February in Close Up
