Posts From Rami Ayyub
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
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
With new president, Tunisia hopes for economic stability
Almost four years after the popular uprising that ousted longtime autocrat Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisians completed their formal transition to democracy this month with the election of their first
Top 5 political risks in 2015
From Russian recession and falling oil prices to emerging market reform and divided responses to Islamic State, five areas will define political risk in 2015. One year ago today, the
Jordan-Israel energy deal faces public opposition
With increased conflict in Iraq and Syria and diplomatic disagreements with Israel, the Jordanian public’s dissatisfaction with King Abdullah is growing. With a struggling economy, Jordan must strike a careful
EDA: At risk of collapse Libya leans on oil industry
EXTERNAL DEPENDENCIES ANALYSIS: As rival militias continue their fight for power in Tripoli and across the country, Libya hopes the security of its vital oil industry can provide some semblance of
EDA: Sudan’s economy balances on Chinese investment
EXTERNAL DEPENDENCIES ANALYSIS: Sudan’s economy lies in the hands of its Chinese trading partners, who have invested billions of dollars in the East African nation’s oil industry. As the conflict in
Islamic State takes advantage of cash economies in Iraq and Syria
Backed by hundreds of millions of dollars in locally generated funding, the Islamic State has reaped the benefits of cash-driven economies in Iraq and Syria. The US-led military campaign must
Mosul Dam recapture reveals poor Iraqi infrastructure
The recapture of the Mosul Dam from the Islamic State (IS) by Iraqi and Kurdish forces underscores the instability of Iraq’s infrastructure. Without continued US military support, IS is sure
