Special to WorldTribune.com New: New: Geostrategy-Direct.com WASHINGTON — Western diplomatic sources said the U.S. intelligence community, particularly the CIA, has been using foreign and dual nationals to monitor unrest in Egypt, Lebanon and Libya in order to reduce risk of exposure. The sources said the U.S. intelligence community would bolster its program to use foreign […]
Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — A Western major plans to invest in Libya’s damaged energy sector. Italy’s Eni plans to invest up to $35 billion to expand its presence in Libya. Executives said the company, which has been increasing its crude oil production, would allocate the investment over the next 20 years. “We have resumed […]
Special to WorldTribune.com NICOSIA — The Arab world, shaken by major revolts in several countries, has experienced a sharp economic decline. Leading Middle East bankers have warned that Arab League states were plunged into what they termed a “state of emergency.” They said the pro-democracy revolts in such countries as Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Syria and […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Western security firms have arrived to establish a presence in Libya. Industry sources said a range of Western security companies have sought to open offices in several Libyan cities. They said the companies were focusing on Benghazi, the headquarters of the rebel movement. “Benghazi is considered the safest city in […]
John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — After the heady and often dizzying political changes optimistically described as the Arab Spring, many of these same Middle Eastern states may be heading for what sadly looks like an Arab Winter. The seasonal political shift was predictable, but the end results remain in flux. The three great Middle […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Rebels have been named to key ministries in Libya’s interim government. Interim Prime Minister Abdul Rahim Al Kib named rebels to head the Defense Ministry, Energy Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Interior Ministry. The 24-member Cabinet was approved by the National Transitional Council and ministers were expected to resolve disputes with […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Less than two months after the fall of Col. Moammar Gadhafi, Libya’s new government faces a challenge from the military. The new Libyan military has named a chief of staff without approval from the government. About 150 officers, most of them deserters from Gadhafi’s military, named Maj. Gen. Khalifa Haftar […]
Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Egypt has drafted a plan to develop border areas in an effort to increase security. Officials said Egypt’s military regime has approved a proposal to develop areas along the border with Israel and Libya. They said the government would offer incentives for tens of thousands of people to move to […]
Special to WorldTribune.com TEL AVIV — Israel’s intelligence community has warned that shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles may have reached the West Bank. Security sources said several intelligence agencies have assessed that man-portable air defense systems could have been smuggled from Libya through Egypt and to the West Bank. They said the Hamas regime has absorbed scores […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States is preparing to work with the new Islamist regimes in the Middle East. Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama would embrace the Islamic revolutions of Egypt, Libya and Tunisia and seek their cooperation for American policy in the Middle East. “Revolutions are not ours,” Secretary […]