Posts From Rami Ayyub
Part II of IV: Why economics, not politics, should steer energy subsidies
The first part in this series examined why energy subsidies still widely exist, despite a growing consensus arguing for their removal. This section will look at their economic cost and
India balances energy relationship with the Middle East
As India’s demand for energy and investment continues to increase, the Republic must strike a careful balance in its relationships with its many Middle Eastern trading partners. With over 1.2
Is there any hope left for Libya?
Since the fall of Qaddafi, Libya has continuously fallen victim to armed militias and political deadlock, weakening its economy and eroding public trust in the new government. Diversification is key
Lebanon’s new cabinet unlikely to save economy
The newly formed coalition is unlikely to solve the many challenges facing Lebanon. As the Syrian crisis continues to take its toll on the economy, Lebanon must shift its short-term
As global defense spending rises, US firms push abroad
Global defense spending is set to rise for the first time since 2009, as Middle Eastern and Asian-Pacific nations invest more heavily in their militaries. US contractors, squeezed by tight
Pakistan seeks to privatize state-owned companies
Pakistan has begun work to privatize many of its state-owned industries, both to raise revenue and to secure loans from the IMF. Although opposition exists domestically, the government hopes privatization
Iran’s return prompts change to Saudi Arabia’s energy strategy
The Iranian nuclear deal poses a major threat to Saudi Arabia’s influence over both the GCC and OPEC, as Gulf nations reestablish relations with Iran. As a result, Saudi has
EU accession key to Serbia’s economic future
Serbia hopes that European Union entry will lift it out of economic crisis and into prosperity. Deteriorating public finances and conflicts with neighbors, however, undermine confidence in a smooth accession.
High unemployment forces Tunisians into smuggling
With a new constitution hailed as the most liberal in the Arab world, Tunisia seems to be on a path to democracy. Staggering unemployment and economic woes, however, have led to
Egypt’s economic lifeline runs through the Suez Canal
Given the political uncertainty and public unrest following the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi, the stability of the Suez Canal is vital to Egypt’s economy. However, short-term security mitigation overlooks
