Sawahil

A newsletter about West Africa, MENA, Islam, and politics.

By Alex Thurston

· Over 2,000 subscribers

In Defense of Anthropology

(By a wannabe anthropologist.)

Jun 22 • Alex Thurston

West Africa, Horn, MENA: Links for 6/19/2026

News and analysis from Dakar to Riyadh.

Jun 19 • Alex Thurston

"Deals" and "Ceasefires" in an Age of Ambiguity

Leaders claim breakthroughs but peace proves elusive, from Gaza to Iran.

Jun 18 • Alex Thurston

West Africa, Horn, MENA: 6/12/2026

News and analysis from Dakar to Riyadh.

Jun 12 • Alex Thurston

Another Tigray War? Key Background Readings

Elections, power struggles, regional dynamics, and unresolved trauma.

Jun 9 • Alex Thurston

West Africa, Horn, MENA: Links for 6/5/2026

News and analysis from Dakar to Riyadh.

Jun 5 • Alex Thurston

Guest Post: A Turning Point in Burkina Faso? A Cleric's Detention Threatens the Junta's Legitimacy

Abdul Zanya Salifu: "Disillusionment could fragment the [Wayiyan] movement and erode the cohesion that has often shielded the junta from internal…"

Jun 3 • Alex Thurston

How does Mali's President Assimi Goïta Survive?

Five reasons an embattled leader is closing in on six years in power.

Jun 1 • Alex Thurston