ME/NAF
Europe’s Palestinian shift will be mainly symbolic
Four EU countries are reportedly preparing to recognise Palestinian statehood on May 21
EUIraqi Kurds’ economic trap will drive instability
Rising financial and legal pressure from Baghdad is further undermining the Kurdistan region’s autonomy
IraqDebate on a new Turkish constitution will pick up
Erdogan is looking to lower tensions with the opposition and set the stage for discussions on amending the constitution
TurkeyThe Israeli-Palestinian Gaza war is at a crisis point
Israel has launched military operations in Rafah, as Hamas accepts the mediators’ latest ceasefire proposal
IsraelTurkey will reduce inflation gradually
Ten months after adopting tighter, orthodox policies, Turkey seems about to make some progress on controlling prices
TurkeyAlgeria will seek Russian coordination in the Sahel
Algeria has grown increasingly concerned over the presence of Russian paramilitary forces in the Sahel
AlgeriaAbu Dhabi prioritises its security in regional policy
Abu Dhabi is taking precautions to ensure it is not in the crossfire of a future Israeli-Iranian-US confrontation
United Arab EmiratesEU Lebanon aid may fulfil neither purported purpose
The EU has offered Lebanon USD1bn -- apparently in aid, but mostly targeted to curb migration
Lebanon
