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The Geopolitical Desk is an independent media and business intelligence platform that provides actionable analysis on some of the world’s most complex regions.

Our work exists to support diplomats, foreign policy teams, energy analysts, commodity traders, business executives and others who are trying to understand or operate in frontier markets across the Middle East and North Africa.

We are not an open-source data aggregator, an AI newsletter or a home for recycled headlines. All our reporting is built on firsthand access and human intelligence, for an audience of intelligent humans.

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Saddam Haftar begins Algeria charm offensive
Saddam Haftar begins Algeria charm offensive

The Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Ground Forces, Saddam Haftar, hopes to reset relations with Algeria, one of the few regional supporters of the rival Government of National Unity (GNU).

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 18, 2025
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Washington’s evolving policy and the tribal balance in northeast Syria
Washington’s evolving policy and the tribal balance in northeast Syria

With the overthrow of Bashar al‑Assad on December 8, 2024, the diplomatic cards in Syria have been completely reshuffled, ushering in a new phase of uncertainty and opportunity. In this context, the United States is subtly but significantly recalibrating its posture in northeast Syria.

SYRIA DESK   -   Jul 17, 2025
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Dabaiba looking to provoke a Rada response

Government of National Unity (GNU) Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba now likely feels confident enough to fight the Rada Special Deterrence Forces in Tripoli, but wants Rada to make the first move.

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 14, 2025
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Navigating Gulf markets through the eyes of a veteran investor
Navigating Gulf markets through the eyes of a veteran investor

In this interview, investor and advisor Munder Shuhumi breaks down the opportunities and risks facing foreign investors in the GCC. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to navigating local partnerships and due diligence, Shuhumi shares essential insights on doing business in the Gulf.

INTERVIEWS   -   Jul 11, 2025
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CBL fighting to keep the economy solvent

Central Bank of Libya (CBL) Governor Naji Issa is doing what he can to keep Libya’s economy functioning, but he is unable to stop the main issue of the growing budget deficit.

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 07, 2025
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Arkenu organises energy showcase in Benghazi

[EXCLUSIVE] - The Libyan oil company Arkenu is holding an energy conference in Benghazi that will feature Libyan and international oil firms.

OIL & GAS   -   Jul 04, 2025
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Libya’s oil output falls short of expectations

The Libyan oil sector continues to develop critical infrastructure, but is ultimately hampered by growing budgetary challenges.

Jul 04, 2025
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The new scramble for the Mediterranean
The new scramble for the Mediterranean

With Turkish claims in the eastern Mediterranean expected to be approved by the Libyan House of Representatives, Athens is looking for a response.

NORTH AFRICA DESK   -   Jul 02, 2025
Saddam Haftar begins Algeria charm offensive
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Saddam Haftar begins Algeria charm offensive

The Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Ground Forces, Saddam Haftar, hopes to reset relations with Algeria, one of the few regional supporters of the rival Government of National Unity (GNU).

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 18, 2025
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Washington’s evolving policy and the tribal balance in northeast Syria
Washington’s evolving policy and the tribal balance in northeast Syria

With the overthrow of Bashar al‑Assad on December 8, 2024, the diplomatic cards in Syria have been completely reshuffled, ushering in a new phase of uncertainty and opportunity. In this context, the United States is subtly but significantly recalibrating its posture in northeast Syria.

SYRIA DESK   -   Jul 17, 2025
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Libya’s oil output falls short of expectations

The Libyan oil sector continues to develop critical infrastructure, but is ultimately hampered by growing budgetary challenges.

OIL & GAS   -   Jul 04, 2025
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Tripoli remains in suspense as tensions continue

Prime Minister Dabaiba continues to hold the capital in suspense as he slowly tries to gain an advantage over Rada without invoking a reaction

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 01, 2025
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Playing a weaker hand? Iran's strategic recalibration for nuclear talks
A collage-style image shows Iranian diplomat Abbas Araqchi superimposed over a United Nations Security Council meeting.

Tehran is weighing diplomacy against strategic ambiguity, seeking to revive nuclear negotiations, rally the Global South and preserve regime survival without surrendering core redlines.

IRAN DESK   -   Jun 30, 2025
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Can regional war be averted as Iran-Israel conflict risks escalation?

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis are ongoing, with the United States setting a two-week timeframe. Yet, mistrust and the continued escalation of attacks risk expanding the conflict.

IRAN DESK   -   Jun 20, 2025
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Scenarios shaping the future of the Israel-Iran conflict

Neither Israel nor the U.S. strategic objectives are set in stone and will continue to oscillate between neutering what they perceive as Iranian threats or pursuing regime change. This creates a highly volatile environment.

Jun 17, 2025
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Israel’s strike on Iran and what comes next
Israel’s strike on Iran and what comes next

Israel’s latest strike on Iran marks a sharp escalation, killing key military commanders and damaging strategic assets. Iran’s response is unfolding in stages, aiming to restore deterrence without triggering full-scale war. This article considers the strategic implications and regional risks ahead.

Jun 13, 2025
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Beyond binary scenarios for Iran-U.S. relations
Beyond binary scenarios for Iran-U.S. relations

Trump's "deal or kneel" rhetoric frames Iran's future as a stark choice: compliance or chaos. Yet, all signs point to protracted negotiations and tactical maneuvers rather than swift resolutions or outright war.

May 13, 2025
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Political tensions, blockades and future scenarios for Libyan oil

August has seen escalating crises in Libya, with a fuel blockade crippling oil production and political tensions rising amidst contested elections. The National Oil Corporation faces pressure as competing factions threaten stability, while UN efforts to mediate remain untested and uncertain.

Sep 12, 2024
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What’s next for Libya after the Central Bank takeover and oil blockade?

Libya faces a precarious future after a Central Bank takeover and an oil blockade, igniting fears of potential conflict and further economic collapse. With key stakeholders divided, this article examines what happened and what's next for Libya.

Aug 31, 2024
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Why the United States is stepping up engagement in a fragile Libya

A U.S. delegation, led by AFRICOM leaders, engaged with key Libyan figures to enhance counterterrorism and military collaboration, aiming to counter Russian influence. As Libya's political landscape shifts, the U.S. seeks strategic partnerships to address complex security challenges.

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 24, 2024
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Why clashes look imminent for Libya’s capital

A second week of efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the ongoing tensions in Tripoli has failed. Neither of Libya’s rival groups have attempted serious reconciliation efforts until now, and within the past month, have depleted most mediators capable of helping.

LIBYA DESK   -   May 06, 2024
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Tehran’s endgame in nuclear talks with Washington
Tehran’s endgame in nuclear talks with Washington

Tehran's cautious diplomacy signals a shift in U.S.-Iran relations, as President Pezeshkian seeks economic relief while avoiding past pitfalls.

IRAN DESK   -   Apr 25, 2025
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Banking crisis throws Libyan status quo into jeopardy
Banking crisis throws Libyan status quo into jeopardy

Libya's economic crisis deepens as rival governments' spending outstrips revenue, risking collapse. The Central Bank warns of unsustainable finances, while both factions blame each other. Urgent reforms are needed, but self-preservation may lead to further conflict and instability.

LIBYA DESK   -   Apr 11, 2025
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Libya’s political architecture shows signs of imminent collapse
Libya’s political architecture shows signs of imminent collapse

Libya's political class is unraveling as public anger rises, revealing their failure to manage corruption and instability. Politicians deflect blame, while economic dysfunction threatens the status quo. Real action is needed to address the crisis, not empty rhetoric.

LIBYA DESK   -   Apr 11, 2025
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A new opening for the Levant
A digital collage of Middle Eastern and global political figures, including Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan, Donald Trump, Mohammed bin Zayed, Mohammed bin Salman, and others, standing on a chessboard.

Recent shifts in the Levant signal a transformative geopolitical landscape, marked by Bashar Assad's fall and Gulf states normalizing ties with Syria and Lebanon. As Iran retreats, regional powers must seize this moment to foster stability and collaboration, avoiding past mistakes.

MIDDLE EAST DESK   -   Jan 29, 2025
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Why Libya appears poised for change in 2025

Libya's trajectory in 2024 has been defined by a familiar narrative: a fractured nation grappling with the repercussions of a broken state, where elites compete over wealth and territorial control. The year ahead holds both the faintest glimmer of hope and the looming risk of renewed conflict.

LIBYA DESK   -   Dec 23, 2024
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An overview of the Central Bank of Libya crisis

On August 18th, the Presidential Council reshuffled Libya's Central Bank leadership, ousting Sadiq al-Kabir amid rising tensions. This article provides a quick recap on the ongoing crisis.

LIBYA DESK   -   Oct 03, 2024
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Macroeconomic turmoil lays groundwork for social unrest in Libya

Libya faces looming macroeconomic shocks as the Central Bank crisis deepens, risking social unrest amid rising prices and unstable infrastructure. With political divisions stalling solutions, ordinary Libyans may soon voice their frustrations, escalating tensions and uncertainty across the nation.

LIBYA DESK   -   Sep 23, 2024
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The Central Bank crisis puts Libya at an impasse

Libya's Central Bank leadership crisis deepens as opposing political factions reject dialogue, fueling an economic impasse. With oil output halved and conflicting narratives from former and current leaders, the nation faces a ticking time bomb for its economy.

LIBYA DESK   -   Sep 21, 2024
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