Posts From Laura Jepson

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Economics International

Why emerging markets are not collapsing

The recent rout of emerging markets prompt worries over a new emerging market crisis like those of the 1990s and early 2000s. While significant downside risks exist, differentiation is likely

Middle East/North Africa Politics

Relations between Iran and UAE begin to improve

The interim deal with Iran could prove an economic boon to the UAE. Close trade relations plus the growing congruence of diplomatic opinion between the U.S., the UAE’s most important

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Tensions rise as OPEC countries look to increase production

OPEC’s internal tensions rise as producers like Iran, Iraq and Libya, after years of production below capacity, look to increase output. Still, those increases will not come online for some

Middle East/North Africa Politics

7 spoilers to look for after Saudi migrant labour reforms

After decades of relying on migrant labour for most menial labour positions throughout the economy, the Saudi government is cracking down on illegal migrant workers. However, several problems may jeopardise the positive

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Asia-Gulf trade is rebuilding the Silk Road

Trade relations between East Asia and the Gulf are improving as the Silk Road is rebuilt, and comparative advantages become ready to be reaped. Yet, political and cultural differences make

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Jordan’s economy weathers the storm of Syrian refugees

Handling the influx of Syrian refugees into Jordan requires a significant commitment of resources. Will the demands of this situation ultimately prove detrimental? Or will they in fact stimulate the

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Fiscal tightening forces Kuwait to consider welfare reform

As Kuwait undergoes fiscal tightening, the government must begin to consider welfare reform as part of its efforts to tackle debt. Back in mid-October, Finance Minister Sheikh Salem Adbulaziz al-Sabah