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Defense and Security

The World Next Week: The EU Meets on Mali, Egypt Hosts the OIC Summit, and Cubans Vote on a National Assembly

<p>French soldiers carry their equipment after arriving in Bamako, Mali on a U.S. transport plane (Eric Gaillard/Courtesy Reuters).</p>
French soldiers carry their equipment after arriving in Bamako, Mali on a U.S. transport plane (Eric Gaillard/Courtesy Reuters).

By experts and staff

Published
  • James M. LindsayCFR Expert
    Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy

The World Next Week podcast is up. Bob McMahon and I discussed the upcoming EU meeting to discuss the situation in Mali, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Cairo, and elections for Cuba’s National Assembly.

[audio: https://www.cfr.org/content/publications/media/editorial/2013/20130131_T…]

The highlights:

For more on the topics we discussed in the podcast check out:

The EU discusses the situation in Mali: Reuters has published a timeline of events in Mali. The EU’s European External Action Service summarizes current EU-Mali relations. Project Syndicate analyzes why other European countries are slow to come to France’s aid in Mali. The Telegraph reports on Britain’s offer to send troops to Mali and surrounding countries.

The OIC meets in Cairo: Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi welcomes the OIC to Cairo for the Islamic Summit Conference. The Express Tribune covers major items on the summit’s agenda. New Europe describes some obstacles to closer relations between Egypt and Iran. Reuters reports that talks between the Egyptian government and opposition groups have begun.

Cubans elect a new parliament: The Havana Times discusses why the world pays little attention to Cuba’s elections.  CFR’s Julia Sweig discusses the elections and the future of the relationship between Cuba and the United States. The Associated Press reports that both John Kerry and Chuck Hagel support better ties with Cuba. The Economist doubts the seriousness of Raul Castro’s plans for further reform in Cuba.