George Joffe is a research fellow at the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge and visiting Professor of Geography at Kings College, London University, specializing in the Middle East.
Comment: While trade with northern African nations is important to Paris, it is the relationship with its own minority communities which is crucial, writes George Joffe
Comment: Libya's political deadlock is taking its toll on the country's economic prospects, with falling oil prices adding insult to injury, writes George Joffe.
Comment: Saudi royals like Morocco's beaches. They also value the country's strategic significance - something which Rabat appears happy to exploit, says George Joffe.
Comment: With fears of political violence on the rise, a series of divisive polls might light the touchpaper on a year of explosive instability, writes George Joffe.
Recent reshuffling within Algeria's top ranks signifies a power contest among the presidential clan as ailing President Bouteflika holds on, writes George Joffe.
After a 34 day-long hunger strike, the Moroccan journalist, Ali Lmrabet, ended his ordeal and accepted medical treatment. But the road to freedom has been bumpy, writes George Joffe.