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Economics Middle East/North Africa

Egypt Economic Development Conference ignores underlying issues

The Egypt Economic Development Conference this past weekend drew 1,700 investors and government leaders from 90 countries to Egypt’s resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh. The conference brought Egypt’s struggling economy

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Environmental protests challenge Algeria fracking

Algeria is home to world’s third largest shale deposits behind China and Afghanistan. If exploited, shale gas could provide an important boost to its energy exports. A new project to

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Nuclear deal offers only a glimmer of hope for Iran’s economy

Between crippling sanctions and plunging oil prices, Iran’s economy has been under severe pressure in recent years. While the potential for a nuclear deal has caused optimism, entrenched interests of the

Middle East/North Africa Security

Iran nuclear talks closing in on final agreement

With negotiators assembling in Lausanne this week for a critical round of talks on the future of Iran’s nuclear program, the long-running negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program seem to have entered

Middle East/North Africa Security

Islamist militias take key oil fields in Libya

Libya goes from bad to worse and approaches failed state status. The implications could be far-reaching. Bad news out of Libya has become the norm since the ousting of Muammar

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Middle East sees rise of start-up incubators

The impressive start-up culture in the Middle East has led to the development of myriad seed investment companies looking to support young entrepreneurs. These companies provide startups with greater access

Middle East/North Africa Security

Islamic State in Libya targets foreign assets and personnel

Islamic State (IS) is expanding its focus to Libya, with an emphasis on targeting foreigners and foreign assets. As a consequence of the attack led by Sunni extremist fighters against the

Asia Pacific Economics Middle East/North Africa

China forced to rethink role in Middle East

In recent years, China’s presence in the Middle East has taken on greater significance through deepening economic ties. China is now the second largest trading partner with Arab nations, jumping to

Economics Middle East/North Africa

Hope ahead for Baghdad’s future

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Baghdad was on the path towards modernization and prosperity. The decades of conflict that followed left the once vibrant city in stagnation. However, things

Finance Middle East/North Africa

Despite low oil price, Saudi Arabia stays course in opening stock markets

Saudi Arabia is set to stay the course in opening up its stock markets to foreign investment despite the change in leadership and fluctuations in the price of oil. In