In an email interview, William Lawrence, director of International Crisis Group’s North Africa project, explained the landscape of Libya’s armed groups and the international role in Libya’s security sector reform. more

While Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika may return to Algeria following treatment in France for a mini-stroke he suffered in late-April, his health makes it unlikely that he will be able to stand for re-election in Algeria’s presidential ballot set for next year. Whoever does eventually succeed him will face a host of economic, societal, governance and security challenges. more

In an email interview, Arvind Panagariya, a professor of economics and Indian political economy at Columbia University, explained the recent trajectory of India-China trade relations. more

The visit by President Thein Sein of Myanmar to the White House on Monday underlines how far the Southeast Asian country has come. But while the progress in Myanmar is real, the country’s leaders have so far delivered more political than economic reforms. more

The Philippine Coast Guard opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing vessel two weeks ago, killing a Taiwanese fisherman and provoking a diplomatic deadlock between the Philippines and Taiwan in a period of growing tensions over disputed waters in the region. more

In an email interview, Arthur Boutellis, a research fellow and adviser to the Peace Operations and Africa programs at the International Peace Institute, described the state of Cote d’Ivoire’s security sector reform and the obstacles to further progress. more

In an email interview, John M. Kirk, a professor at Canada’s Dalhousie University, explained the history of Cuba’s medical diplomacy and its importance to Cuba’s slowly reforming economy. more

Last week, Efrain Rios Montt, the former Guatemalan dictator who ruled the country during the most violent years of its civil war, was found guilty of crimes against humanity and genocide and sentenced to 80 years in prison. more

In an email interview, Michael M. Gunter, a professor of political science at Tennessee Technological University who focuses on Kurdish issues, discussed the state of internal Kurdish politics. more

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is beginning talks to form a new government in Pakistan after winning the country’s general elections held over the weekend. more