Al Jazeera Network http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/ http://studies.aljazeera.net/Media/images/logo-print.jpg http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/ © 2013 Aljazeera Network feedback@aljazeera.net webmaster@aljazeera.net Aljazeera Generator AFRICOM’s establishment is not as altruistic as its developmental component might lead one to believe and were it allowed to continue its activities unhindered, the African continent will witness drastic consequences, including an intensification of the second ‘scramble for Africa’. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/2013521122644377724.htm 2013521122644377724 Tue, 21 May 2013 13:52:19 GMT Since Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani blessed his sons’ detention, there have been cautious expectations that the "ninety minutes man" – as he has been nicknamed – intends to return to the centre of political activity and run in the Iranian presidential elections scheduled for mid-June. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/2013520133342235449.htm 2013520133342235449 Mon, 20 May 2013 13:40:00 GMT Hassan Nasrallah has emphasised that Hezbollah’s military involvement in the Syrian conflict reflects a pro-regime position. This heavily burdens Hezbollah, as it must face developments in Syria that are to be responded to according to agreements conforming to major Iranian strategies in the region. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/201351583630252325.htm 201351583630252325 Wed, 15 May 2013 09:30:04 GMT In the past decade, relations between Iran and Turkey have steadied along three mutual concerns: economic transactions, opposition to a separate Kurdistan and support for a Palestinian state. Despite competition and dispute, these created cordial relations amidst occasional outbreaks of rivalry. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/20135139554264452.htm 20135139554264452 Mon, 13 May 2013 10:07:20 GMT Being one of the largest countries in area and population, India is one of the top ten largest economies and will continue to grow. It is hence becoming increasingly dependent on the Middle East for energy security. But, it is also in the interest of the Middle East to pursue good relations with it. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/2013512114447892821.htm 2013512114447892821 Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:57 GMT After the bloodshed of the past 12 years, parties in the Afghan conflict have concluded that a solution to the issue lies in dialogue and negotiation. Now convinced that the use of force is fruitless, the parties have mapped out a number of practical steps toward dialogue and reconciliation. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/20135811747329630.htm 20135811747329630 Wed, 08 May 2013 11:23:23 GMT Turkey and Russia are united by great economic interests and are divided by sensitive political issues. The Syrian issue has highlighted this issue. While Turkey is seeking to topple the Syrian regime, Russia will do anything to defend it. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/05/20135795421533494.htm 20135795421533494 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:03:19 GMT Pakistan's general elections are scheduled for 11 May 2013, with the democratically-elected government having completed its term successfully. This paper discusses the upcoming elections and possibilities for traditionally-dominant and rising political powers. It also discusses possible changes. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/201356114548705792.htm 201356114548705792 Mon, 06 May 2013 12:27:39 GMT The Arab Spring has left permanent scars on the course of domestic and foreign policies of Turkey and Iran. The relations between the two countries have always been complicated and multidimensional. However, maintenance of mutual ties can contribute to the regional security. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/20135572011282586.htm 20135572011282586 Sun, 05 May 2013 07:33:03 GMT The decision to restructure the Yemeni army is a landmark decision in the path of political transition in Yemen. This move has reduced the state of polarisation within the army, weakened the centre of power of former President Ali Saleh and reinforced the authority of President Rabbo Mansour Hadi. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/05/2013528037485262.htm 2013528037485262 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:32:02 GMT Given its geographic location, Ethiopia has always had economic, cultural and commercial ties to the Middle East. What do its relations with the latter, especially Qatar, look like today given the secession of Eritrea, its current security and economy and the premiership of Hailemariam Desalegn? http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/05/20135191126955471.htm 20135191126955471 Wed, 01 May 2013 09:33:34 GMT With its loans, vast investments, and expanding trade with Africa, China is a fierce rival to countries seeking energy security and so on; and overall, African states are quite pleased with their Chinese partners. But how is the China-Africa partnership affecting the process of democratisation? http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/04/201343011415424904.htm 201343011415424904 Wed, 01 May 2013 09:36:40 GMT Tammam Salam's designation to form a new Lebanese government is a mystery. Most Lebanese forces consented although they contend over the Syrian file and are aligned with international powers. Some of them are loyal defenders of the Syrian president while others seek to overthrow his regime. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/04/2013429103357611395.htm 2013429103357611395 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:42:11 GMT Egyptian President Morsi is facing three issues that challenge his regime: political challenge to his power as shown by the National Salvation Front, the government's efforts to reduce support for debt reduction, and the compromise between the control of chaos and reform of the security sector. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/04/201342491950908791.htm 201342491950908791 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:25:52 GMT The drafting of a new constitution remains a top priority to the Sudanese regime. This highlights an issue of great importance: the current constitution does not allow President al-Bashir to run for a third term and is incompatible with the structure of power that prevailed before the south seceded. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/04/201342211952673945.htm 201342211952673945 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:31:37 GMT Despite China's veto on the UN resolution for Syria, and as a result of the resentment that caused among Arab masses, China currently seeks to clarify its position, detach itself from Russia, and establish friendly relations in the Arab region to guarantee a steady supply of energy and expand trade. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/04/201341611204179344.htm 201341611204179344 Sun, 12 May 2013 07:42:30 GMT The structure of the new Tunisian government signals the line of the ruling parties and their acceptance of some of the opposition's demands to reduce political tension. It also reflects the formation of a broad consensus to confront the insecurity that threatens the completion of the interim phase. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/04/20134141154417291.htm 20134141154417291 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:35:17 GMT The Israeli right wing continues to control the composition of the new government but this time with a new force that polarises secular and religious camps, potentially disintegrating the Likud base. Yet, it still poses a threat to the Palestinians with its emphasis on settlements and Judaisation. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/04/201348112538798612.htm 201348112538798612 Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:54:59 GMT Although Hindu political parties such as BJP are committed to a "civilisational" tie to Israel, their political weakness makes for dialogue about the consequences. Also, the government's censure of Israel for Cast Lead and Pillar of Defence shows there are currents loyal to the Palestinian cause. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/04/201347114923799215.htm 201347114923799215 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:34:18 GMT Libya is threatened by many challenges and risks, but it lacks the consensus required for a constitution that can give the government the legitimacy to resolve disputes over the monopoly of arms and move the country from revolutionary legitimacy to institutional legitimacy. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/04/20134282438798512.htm 20134282438798512 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:02:31 GMT The upcoming Iranian presidential elections will be a referendum confirming the legitimacy of the Iranian regime and provide an opportunity for the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to put President Ahmadinejad’s term in the past. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/03/2013324950532105.htm 2013324950532105 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 07:44:43 GMT The activities of militant Islamist sects in north Nigeria is now a growing source of security concern to the West. Driving much of the attention is Boko Haram's violent attacks on diverse civilian and military targets using such violent tactics like placement of explosive devices & suicide bombing. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/04/20134412740282470.htm 20134412740282470 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:26:30 GMT The appointment of Senator John Kerry, former chairman of the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee and one of the active American personalities in foreign politics throughout Obama's first term, has provoked speculation in many circles as to whether the USA is at a new juncture regarding the reorganisation of its global strategic priorities. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/03/201331378291385.htm 201331378291385 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 06:52:30 GMT The Sadrist movement is unique among the Shi’a groups in the current crisis in Iraq in that it is in a partnership with Nouri Al Maliki’s government yet it engages in protests that oppose his policies. This position is part of a long-standing tradition that gives the movement a wide margin to manoeuvre and jump from the sidelines to the centre of the political process in a short space of time. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/03/201331384858751104.htm 201331384858751104 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 06:41:07 GMT The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, needs to institute a new constitution before next autumn as the current system does not allow him to stay in power with sufficient authority or to address the Turkish nation’s framework for resolving the Kurdish issue. His opportunity lies in the link between constitutional amendment and solving the Kurdish issue. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/03/2013336372537622.htm 2013336372537622 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 06:54:05 GMT The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) came into power in 2009 with promises of bringing long-term change to the Japanese political system: giving the cabinet policy making power, changing the U.S.-Japan security relationship and moving away from massive infrastructure and public works spending. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/2013225115522814626.htm 2013225115522814626 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:18:59 GMT The decision of Bulgarian authorities to speak up about the available evidence concerning the Burgas attack has failed to stir up a diplomatic storm. Nonetheless, the issue will not simply go away; it is firmly on the EU agenda and has implications on Europe’s relations with both Israel and the US. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/20132248493380835.htm 20132248493380835 Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:44:12 GMT An instrumental step towards toppling the dictator in Syria was the formation of the “Syrian National Coalition” after two years of armed uprising against Assad’s regime. However, forming a representative interim government and building consensus on the transitional period priorities and time line, are equally important steps still needed to avoid the transitional hardships. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/20132209526299197.htm 20132209526299197 Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:53:44 GMT French military intervention in Mali has achieved some success including the recapture of important towns and the salvation of the weak transitional government in Bamako. Whether the war will end soon or persist is unclear but military intervention is sure to effect security in and outside Africa. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/201321984743627825.htm 201321984743627825 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:46:20 GMT The conference on the Arab Maghreb and current regional transformations addressed shifts in the Arab Maghreb in the light of the Arab Spring, and the possibility of activating the Arab Maghreb Union to address the challenges and obstacles that prevent the integration of its states at all levels. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/events/2013/04/201342104624548637.htm 201342104624548637 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:03:48 GMT To ECOWAS, the AU and the UN, the crisis in Mali indicates the need for shift of mission and focus from purely hard security to building a legitimate democratic state that can deliver. Securitising and democratising Mali requires more resilient democratic states in the Sahel region. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/20132148940690455.htm 20132148940690455 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:28:56 GMT Egypt’s stability has again been shaken as a result of political disorder, this time characterised both by the opposition’s ever weakening ability to control the vandalism, crime and rising Salafi influence in its ranks and President Muhammad Mursi’s faltering ability to promote coherence within state institutions. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/02/201327103350815755.htm 201327103350815755 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:44:33 GMT Lebanon stands amid a paradox. The country is currently seeking to formulate an electoral law that will rid the state of its sectarian character and aims at doing that through consensus between sectarian political powers. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/20132673918235210.htm 20132673918235210 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:52:40 GMT Jordan’s new parliament suffers from numerous shortcomings because of the boycott by certain major political forces of its recent election. As a result of the boycott, parliament now consists mostly of former members of parliament and is based on tribal forces who are not experienced in parliamentary politics. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/201323111215861709.htm 201323111215861709 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:55:43 GMT Shinzo Abe, the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan’s (LDP) leader, is back in power for his second stint as prime minister, six years after his first. Abe is known inside and outside Japan as an ultra-nationalist with often hawkish views on combating Chinese power in the region. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/20132375353689375.htm 20132375353689375 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:54:50 GMT While Obama has used hard and soft power to maintain a stable course, he has neither tapped into the presidency’s extraordinary power nor fully utilised extraordinary events in the Middle East after the Arab uprisings to effect change in America’s interaction with the region. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/01/201313195532579566.htm 201313195532579566 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:10:12 GMT Although Obama’s rhetoric had given the impression of heightened US involvement and commitment to the region, his actual foreign policy priorities lie elsewhere. Still, by the end of Obama’s first term, the major Arab popular uprisings that forced him to become more involved in the region. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/01/2013130113522813837.htm 2013130113522813837 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:11:03 GMT The promotion of the Qatar-Ukraine cooperation in the field of energy guarantees the reformulation of the main active and influential elements in the international arena and may result in significant changes in the political map of the world. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/02/20132711047377684.htm 20132711047377684 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:08:49 GMT As the United States prepares to withdraw combat troops from Afghanistan in 2014, the region is abuzz with developments over the country’s future, particularly in the context of the Taliban’s role. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/01/2013124111354190395.htm 2013124111354190395 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:36:54 GMT Although France and ECOWAS member countries began beating the drums of war in Mali several months ago and an international resolution from the UN Security Council was acquired, the breakthrough sparking military action was a surprise to everyone, coming months before the time set for intervention. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/01/2013120113020737609.htm 2013120113020737609 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:01:59 GMT Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki faces the most dangerous dilemma since the beginning of his tenure, as the latest demonstrations against his policies relate to the extension of peace across the country and across all social strata’s, which could ultimately spell the weakening of his rule. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/01/201312885617985214.htm 201312885617985214 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:11:30 GMT The regimes in Sudan and South Sudan face domestic and foreign pressures that make it in their interests to come to an agreement on the contentious issues between them and unite against the troubles that compromise their stability. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2013/01/201312493428799940.htm 201312493428799940 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:44:32 GMT Despite the separation of north Mali in March 2012, security and political problems are not contained within this region. The south is also facing a political stalemate which, if not dealt with, can lead to the collapse of the state in which case would make it impossible to regain the north. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/01/2013116123125579338.htm 2013116123125579338 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:41:18 GMT This paper touches on the most important aspects of the eighth general conference of the Communist Party of China and its outcomes and decisions – such as electing a new leadership for the party and the country. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/01/201311012238939521.htm 201311012238939521 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:14:51 GMT Conflict between Baghdad and Erbil over areas of influence has escalated into armed clashes. This is fuelled by the policies of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki which incline towards autocracy, and the divisions that impact on the establishment of a coherent Iraqi force that might provide stability to Iraq and ensure its unity. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/01/20131893838188845.htm 20131893838188845 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:39:40 GMT Although the BH had incubated in northern Nigeria for over a decade, it was not until July 2009 when it provoked a short-lived anti-government uprising in northern Nigeria that it became a subject of serious security concern in national and international security desks. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2012/12/2012122491416595337.htm 2012122491416595337 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 07:35:52 GMT The political situation in Jordan is no different from that of other Arab countries which have experienced revolutionary uprisings over the past two years. In particular, strong similarities exist in terms of political despotism, absolute autocracy and the emergence of a ruling elite. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2012/12/2012121995612798705.htm 2012121995612798705 Wed, 19 Dec 2012 10:23:14 GMT Egyptian president Muhammad Mursi has succeeded in defeating his opponents in the battle over the constitutional referendum. This crisis, however, resulted in divisions amongst the revolutionary forces, fermenting rivalry between Islamists and secularists and making the army look like the last safety net for the Republic. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2012/12/201212166202252244.htm 201212166202252244 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 06:50:10 GMT On 23 November 2012, the General Assembly of the United Nations issued resolution No. 67/19 with a majority of 138 votes against 9 with 41 countries abstaining, by which it ruled to upgrade the status of Palestine in the United Nations to the description of “nonmember state”. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2013/01/2013115104944924689.htm 2013115104944924689 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:23:45 GMT The Free Syrian army was able to gain the initiative by virtue of a two-pronged strategy: to tear apart the Syrian regime’s forces on a number of front and to weaken their grip over large areas in Syria. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2012/12/201212117386376948.htm 201212117386376948 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 07:39:40 GMT Egypt's President, Muhammad Mursi, unexpectedly issued a new constitutional decree on Thursday, 22 November 2012. No one had expected him to go as far as he did with his new constitutional decree and the stormy responses that followed were as extraordinary as the decree itself. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2012/12/2012126742876179.htm 2012126742876179 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 07:30:17 GMT Algerians are concerned that foreign military intervention in Mali will exacerbate the already explosive conditions in the Sahel. To them, separating Tuareg groups from terrorist organisations and establishing dialogue between Ansar Dine and MNLA are a better alternative to resolving the situation. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2012/11/2012112595748907324.htm 2012112595748907324 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 10:06:31 GMT With its celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the constitution half a century ago, the state of Kuwait is witnessing a fragile moment and milestone in its contemporary political history, which is the occurrence of holding early elections for the fourteenth National Assembly beginning in December. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2012/11/2012112564831970746.htm 2012112564831970746 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 08:13:50 GMT After having pointed fingers at the Syrian regime for the assassination of the Intelligence Chief of the Internal Security Forces, Lebanon’s most prominent security branch, Brigadier General Wissam Al-Hassan some crucial questions were raised in Lebanon. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/reports/2012/11/20121120114428938339.htm 20121120114428938339 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 08:15:21 GMT The Israeli leadership is facing two options in attacking Gaza: ground invasion, which is highly costly politically and militarily, and with no guaranteed outcome; and a truce which would limit the operational action of its forces as opposed to the past. http://studies.aljazeera.net/en/positionpapers/2012/12/201212178213829563.htm 201212178213829563 Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:42:22 GMT