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About Geopolitical Desk

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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Egypt mediates between Libyan and Sudanese armies
Egypt mediates between Libyan and Sudanese armies

The growing regional prominence of the Libyan National Army (LNA) has led Egypt to seek a stronger relationship with al-Rajma in order to address the geopolitical concerns of Cairo.

NORTH AFRICA DESK   -   Jul 19, 2025
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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.

OIL & GAS   -   Jul 04, 2025
Egypt mediates between Libyan and Sudanese armies
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Egypt mediates between Libyan and Sudanese armies

The growing regional prominence of the Libyan National Army (LNA) has led Egypt to seek a stronger relationship with al-Rajma in order to address the geopolitical concerns of Cairo.

NORTH AFRICA DESK   -   Jul 19, 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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Libya's energy sector set to grow, though challenges remain

In spite of turbulent political times for Libya and its energy sector, there are positive developments regarding the signing of new contracts and the continuation of small-scale works to gradually increase the country’s oil output.

OIL & GAS   -   Jul 11, 2024
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Unpacking future scenarios for Libya’s political process

This article examines three possible scenarios that Libya could be facing in the coming weeks, depending on whether it manages to achieve a breakthrough in its political process or whether it goes towards less promising paths.

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 09, 2024
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Sudan's conflict fuels humanitarian crisis in Africa and beyond

The situation could deteriorate even further given that meeting the basic needs of refugees has become increasingly difficult due to a lack of funding –with serious implications for migration and security dynamics in Africa and beyond.

SUDAN DESK   -   Jul 04, 2024
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Libya-Tunisia border crisis risks sparking wider conflict

The situation at the Ras Ajdir border crossing remains western Libya’s most dangerous fault line with serious risks of escalating.

LIBYA DESK   -   Jul 01, 2024
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Who will win the struggle for leadership at Libya’s Ministry of Oil & Gas?

Earlier this month, Mohamed Aoun was said to be reinstated as Minister of Oil & Gas. However, he has been unable to assume his duties as the acting O&G Minister Khalifa Abdulsadek continues to occupy his seat.

OIL & GAS   -   Jun 27, 2024
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Libyan NOC backs Eni on NC7 gas field development despite regulatory and political challenges

Despite facing strong opposition from various Libyan entities, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) is pushing ahead with its decision to develop the NC7 gas field through an international consortium led by Italy’s energy giant ENI.

OIL & GAS   -   Jun 13, 2024
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Libya-Nicaragua: Who's behind the new migration route?

After conducting site visits and interviews with officials, diplomats, airport personnel, and security actors in both western and eastern Libya, our team has uncovered exclusive details about a new migration route that could be backed by a foreign actor to create disruptions ahead of U.S. elections.

LIBYA DESK   -   Jun 11, 2024
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Renewal of EU's Operation Irini reflects international divide over Libya

Launched in March 2020 by the EU's Foreign Affairs Council and in response to recommendations from the Berlin Conference on Libya, Operation Irini aims to enforce arms embargo decisions following the armed conflict in Libya.

LIBYA DESK   -   Jun 05, 2024
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