Dario Cristiani

Mauritania's growing security and governance challenges come at a time of serious turmoil across the region, with protests now spreading all over the Middle East and North Africa. It is understandable for observers to wonder who will be the next Arab despot to fall, even if not all are likely candidates. For a variety of reasons, Mauritania is surely among the countries in which the situation could become critical. more

In early August, at the fourth trilateral summit between Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan held in Tehran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged the leaders of the other two countries to join in an alliance to counterbalance NATO's growing presence in Central Asia. Though any such formal alliance is unlikely, the declaration reflects Tehran's desire to play a larger role in Central Asia's regional dynamics. more

A few major lines have emerged in the Mediterranean policy of the Berlusconi government: clear support for Israel; the development of a privileged partnership with Libya; the effort to create a special relationship with Turkey; and the need to maintain cordial relations and good economic ties with the rest of the Arab and Islamic world, while avoiding any major political involvement. more

The recent diplomatic crisis between Turkey and Israel is only the latest episode illustrating broader shifts in Turkey's foreign policy. A good deal of attention has been paid to renewed Turkish aspirations in Central Asia as well as efforts to engage its neighbors. But less-noticed has been the new, enhanced role that Turkey is playing in the Gulf region, and in particular, its growing ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council. more