Saudi oil industry to go public?
Riyadh has hinted that it may sell shares in its oil company. It’s unlikely that the entire industry will go public as that would open the door to foreign influence in the economy and state. This is a sign that the Saudis are facing a fiscal crunch brought on by low oil prices and the high costs of its foreign policy which includes subsidizing says such as Pakistan and Egypt and supporting wars in Syria and Yemen.
Germany to train Libyan troops?
Reports suggest that Germany may send a150-200 troops to Tunisia in order to train Libyan troops.This comes after years of European and American criticism of Germany’s reluctance to play a larger role in the world, besides an economic one. Meanwhile, German aircraft flying out of Incirlik (Turkey) have begun recon missions in the ISIL War.
US drone strike on ISIL in AfghanistanÂ
A US drone strike in Nangarhar province has killed about 20 ISIL troops. ISIL has established itself in a few pockets of Afghanistan, especially int hr east where Pakistan has long supported internationalist jihadis such as Lashkar-i-Taiba. Inasmuch as the Taliban opposes ISIL, it might be suspected that they may be helping the US target ISIL. If they are not, the US should explore the possibility.