ME/NAF
US pressure may marginally change Israeli war plans
While again rejecting a UN Gaza ceasefire resolution, US President Joe Biden stepped up criticism of the bombing
IsraelAlgeria's president will move to assert his authority
The president is more aggressively pushing through his priorities to position himself favourably ahead of new polls
AlgeriaElectoral reform will be a flashpoint in Kuwait
Some progress was made in amending the electoral system, but the question of voter distribution remains pending
KuwaitThe UAE's role in Sudan will face more scrutiny
Ties between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates are increasingly fraught
United Arab EmiratesLegislators will battle to boost Iran budget spending
With parliamentary polls due in March, there is little enthusiasm for a more realistic reliance on taxation
IranSierra Leone's government may ramp up repression
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma is being questioned over his alleged involvement in a November 26 coup attempt
Sierra LeoneRiyadh will edge into a more visible role in Africa
Geopolitical and economic imperatives are driving Riyadh’s increasing interest in the continent
Saudi ArabiaYemen’s Huthis signal intent to escalate in Red Sea
The Huthis want to disrupt all shipping bound for Israel, disrupting the country's foreign trade
Yemen
