Middle East/North Africa
Jordan’s intensifies its campaign against ISIS
Jordan’s decision to deepen its involvement in Iraq and Syria has widespread implications, including dramatically increasing the country’s power and regional influence. It also emphasizes the uncertainty of the region’s economic
Amid chaos, Libya risks losing greatest trading partner
The power struggle in Libya poses a great risk to Italian investment in the war-torn country, as thousands of migrants flee to Italy’s southern shores. Decades-old oil vessels, once a
Yemen’s Houthi rebels’ goals remain unclear
Yemen is rudderless following the resignation of its president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi on January 22. The Houthi rebels’ ultimate goals and Yemen’s future, tied to regional stability, remain in
Will Al-Qaeda groups cooperate with Islamic State?
The terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris from January 7th to January 9th have shocked Europe and the world. These attacks bore a specificity that underscores a new tendency in
Economic woes fuel the conflict in Yemen
Conflict in Yemen continues this week as Houthi rebels seek to overthrow President Hadi’s Western-aligned government, threatening an already fragile security environment. Economic woes play a major role in shaping
Gaza financial crisis may spark renewed instability
While international headlines are focusing on the new battleground of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel, the worsening financial troubles looming over the Gaza Strip have the potential to
In Saudi Arabia, new king Salman seeks stability
The formal succession of power in Saudi Arabia brings former Crown Prince Salman to the throne of the Arab world’s largest economy. When news broke of the death of King
Will ‘Economic Cities’ bring diversity to Saudi Arabia?
The Saudi government hopes new special economic zones can spur foreign investment and lessen the Kingdom’s reliance on oil. Regulatory reforms are needed, however, to convince foreign firms that Saudi
Falling oil prices hamstring Iran’s economy
The recent drop in oil prices has hurt an already struggling Iranian economy as international sanctions continue to cripple the country’s economic growth. Relief from these restrictive measures could revitalize the economy.
Middle East defense spending fuels security dilemma
Middle East countries are expanding defense budgets at a rapid rate. Between 2014 and 2020, MENA defense spending is expected reach $920 billion despite low oil prices. While investment in
