North Africa

Libya: oil ports change hands yet again

The Benghazi Defense Brigades seized Libya's key oil ports from warlord Khalifa Haftar, and urged the Tripoli-based "official" government to take control of the country's "oil crescent."

Iran

Iran bank drops dollar amid new sanctions

The Central Bank of Iran formally dropped its use of the US dollar as Trump slapped new sanctions on the Islamic Republic in response to its latest missile test.

Iran

Iran’s land-grab in Syria

Iran's government and companies close to the elite Revolutionary Guards have signed major economic contracts with Syria, gaining control of large areas of the country.

Mexico

‘Gasolinazo’ protests rock Mexico

Several states across Mexico have been shaken by days of angry protests in response to a jump in the price of gasoline sparked by a new deregulation policy.

Iran

Iran: Ahwazi militants blow up pipelines

Ahwazi Arab militants claimed responsibility for two pipeline blasts in Iran's Khuzestan province, amid growing unrest over the ecological impacts of oil exploitation.

Greater Middle East

Emir of Kuwait dissolves parliament

The Emir of Kuwait issued a decree to dissolve the country's parliament after weeks of deadlock over austerity measures imposed due to depressed global oil prices.

Iraq

More US troops to Iraq —on whose side?

The Pentagon will send 600 additional troops to Iraq to help in the offensive to retake Mosul from ISIS—but it is unclear if they will be backing Shi'ite, Sunni or Kurdish forces.

North Africa

Libya: rival governments clash over oil ports

Forces loyal to Libya's eastern government launched an attack on three ports held by Petroleum Facilities Guard troops, loyal to the UN-recognized Tripoli government.