Middle East/North Africa
Israel’s 99 Problems
Israel is facing what may be its most politically tumultuous period in years. What can we expect from Benjamin Netanyahu following the tornado of international events that threaten the status
Bouteflika tightens grip on Algeria
Following last September´s removal of General Mohamed Mediène as head of Algeria´s military intelligence service, President Bouteflika has undertaken measures to exert even greater control over the country´s intelligence and
Yemen’s civil war risks southern secession
Yemen’s ongoing civil war is often represented as being purely about control over the country. However, due to historical grievances, much of the South would prefer outright secession. As the
How do Iranians feel about the nuclear deal?
A great deal has been written on the economic impact this will have and the related political and financial risks associated with the opening up of Iran. However, much less
Militaries will remain a powerful political and economic force in the Arab world
The MENA region and its militaries have had a tumultuous past. Militaries have held the prime position in the political and economic sphere in the region, and have asserted their own
Xi Jinping’s visit to the Middle East: what’s in store for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran?
The Chinese president’s visits to Riyadh, Cairo, and Tehran signal an expanding role for China in the Middle East. But China’s uncertain economic prospects and antagonism toward Western dominance mean
10 Middle East start-ups to watch in 2016
For many, the Middle East hardly seems the locale for a burgeoning entrepreneurial scene. But over the last decade, the region has witnessed strong advances made by young minds to
Iran’s return to oil markets puts additional pressure on oil prices
The end of sanctions is a lifesaver for Iran’s economy, but oil producers will have to bear the additional brunt as new barrels flood the already oil-saturated markets. After seven
Lifting of Iran’s sanctions: a turning point for the region
After watchdogs confirmed that Iran has complied with the deal signed with the US in July 2014, sanctions were lifted last week. Implementation day represents a turning point for Iran’s
Terrorism, tourism, and Oman
Tourism in the greater Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has been dampened by security concerns; what does this mean for Oman in 2016, especially in tandem with falling oil
