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Politics South and Central Asia

Resumed trade means hope for India-Pakistan relations

Guest analyst Dr. Kiran Hassan discusses the strained trade relations India and Pakistan have endured since the partition. India’s scheduled elections later this year and thawing political relations could help

Asia Pacific Economics

Growth prospects are strong for Australia

Despite discouraging news towards the end of 2013, the prospects for the Australian economy are strong for 2014. However, dependence on continued Chinese growth and a potential housing bubble may

Middle East/North Africa Security

Iraq’s development suffers as ISIS takes control

In December 2013 insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda captured key strategic cities in Iraq’s largest province, Anbar. Iraqi development is certain to suffer from it. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria

Politics South and Central Asia

Business boom for Turkish contractors in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan’s openness to Turkish investment grows with an increasing number of construction contracts. The Turkish press published reports in December 2013 detailing new projects to be undertaken by the Turkish

Security South and Central Asia

Volgograd attacks spark security fears ahead of Sochi Games

The Volgograd attacks that claimed 34 lives just weeks ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games came as a warning that security is still a concern in a region close

Middle East/North Africa Security

Egypt’s economic lifeline runs through the Suez Canal

Given the political uncertainty and public unrest following the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi, the stability of the Suez Canal is vital to Egypt’s economy. However, short-term security mitigation overlooks

Latin America Security

Increased guerrilla activity in Paraguay threatens FDI

The Paraguayan People’s Army, a burgeoning terrorist organization, is attacking Paraguayan agribusiness and the country’s rural police. In an economy that depends heavily on ranching and agriculture, this particular group

Finance North America

Are loans causing U.S. financial markets to overheat again?

Low interest rates in the U.S. enabled the 2013 bull market but have also created the conditions for another credit bubble. Covenant-lite loans, the latest financial innovation, could spell trouble.

Natural resources and energy North America

Shale boom prompts calls for expanded US oil and gas exports

As US energy production increases from newly tapped shale resources, powerful voices are calling for a reexamination of the limitation on US crude exports and for a faster process permitting exports of liquefied

Asia Pacific Finance

Vietnam increases foreign bank ownership

Vietnam looks to attract more foreign investment to sustain growth trajectories. The government hopes that changing regulations of foreign ownership of its banks will attract more capital. To boost growth