Middle East/North Africa
Will Yemen follow in the footsteps of Libya and Syria?
Yemen has been thrown into turmoil in recent months. Its continued existence as a unified state is increasingly called into question. In the middle of a difficult political transition since
OPEC’s influence has long been exaggerated
The nearly 50% decline in oil prices questions the future of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and casts doubt on its ability to influence prices. However, the
Halt of remittances threatens stability in Somalia
Increasing pressure on U.S. banks has led to a complete halt of remittance payments from Somali immigrants to family and friends back home. The decision puts banks in a frustrating
Increased security risk ahead for Golan Heights’ economy
The Syrian Civil War is intensifying along the border with Israel. This will upset the political balance of the region and will impact the economy of the Golan Heights with
Lebanon oil and gas offshore exploration mired in risk
Estimates show that Lebanon has significant offshore energy reserves, including more than 120 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. International firms have lined up to begin exploration into these energy fields,
Egyptian pivot to Russia increases political risk
The February 10 meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin in Cairo marks the consolidation of the Egyptian pivot towards Russia and away from
Israel’s primary education needs work to stay ahead
According to an October 2014 study challenging the fairness of Israeli education, Israeli Arabs are disadvantaged relative to their Jewish peers when it comes to sitting standardized exams because Arabic
Oil price drop reveals Iraq’s structural problems
“Iraq’s state finances are increasingly vulnerable to a drop in oil prices and the government could have difficulty financing this year’s budget plan.” – IMF Mission Chief for Iraq, 27
Financial self-sufficiency fuels terrorist climate
The beginning of 2015 has been marked by further Islamic extremist activities with horrific attacks in Paris, Maiduguri, and Istanbul, to name a few. Aside from the mutual goal of
Oman on the path towards economic diversification
Oman and the Gulf are at a crossroads due to falling oil prices, leading to unprecedented economic development and diversification. The IMF predicts that oil export losses in 2015 are
