Middle East/North Africa
Does a New Parliament Signal a Shift for Egypt?
Last Sunday, Egypt’s newly-elected parliament held its first meeting since the 2012 expulsion of former President Mohammed Morsi. But the new class of legislators have little chance of serving as
Breaking down the Middle East’s sectarian tensions
The impact of rising Saudi-Iran tension has serious repercussions for peace talks. However, simple-minded sectarianism isn’t always so clear-cut when considering the region’s complex conflicts. One of the messages that
How will the Saudi-Iranian conflict affect oil markets?
The recent Saudi-Iranian clash is unlikely to affect oil markets for now, but the redistribution of political power between Saudi Arabia and Iran, along with the US disengagement from the
What the Istanbul bombing means for Turkey’s security and economic climate
While business won’t be heavily impacted for now, this week’s suicide attack in Istanbul’s tourism quarter reveals a complex terror threat. On January 12th, a single suicide bomber detonated his
Saudi Arabia budget 2016: domestic and regional effects
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has released their budget forecasts for the next financial year, and the numbers are worrying. The oil-dependent economy has run a record deficit of around
Fighting ISIS may not be the core of the Saudi Arabia-led coalition
The Saudi Arabia-led coalition of 34 countries announced on Tuesday seems to represent a real change in the country’s foreign policy; however several factors lead to think it is another
Can Ramadi be rebuilt?
The success of the elite Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service in driving ISIS out of Ramadi offers a lesson for success to those who want to rebuild this demolished city. Iraq
Iran in 2016: Top 5 Risks and Landmarks
2015 saw dramatic changes in the formal relationship between Iran and the major world powers, yet the significance of signing the Nuclear Agreement (JCPOA) does not lie in the signing
Middle East and North Africa in 2015: A Year in Review
As the sun sets on 2015, the MENA region continues to suffer from political instability, regional insecurity, and a weak economic climate. It has been five years since the Arab
Can Iraq’s Prime Minister Al-Abadi hold on?
Division within Iraq’s ruling Dawa Party threatens to jeopardize the position of the Prime Minister. The United States’ key ally in Iraq is struggling to find a balance that ensures
