Middle East/North Africa
Five trends that will shape the MENA in 2016
Torn between conflicts and insurgency, the Middle East has witnessed a rise of non-state-actors at the expense of states weakened by a struggling global economy and social changes that exceed
Deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq threatens economic ties
The deployment of Turkish troops to northern Iraq has sparked strong criticism from Baghdad, threatening political and economic ties between the two countries. The decision by Turkey to send additional
Did Russia pave the way for peace in Syria?
As the conflict in Syria stretches on, the UN Security Council has tried to come up with a solution for peace. Now many are trying to decipher Russia’s recent intervention,
For Saudi Arabia’s women, change is a gradual and cautious process
Historically, the public role for women has been on the margins in Saudi Arabia. But after decades of gradual change, exciting things are starting to happen. If things carry on in
Weapons exports fuel instability in the MENA region
In its latest report, Amnesty International (AI) details the proliferation of small arms and heavy weaponry in the MENA region through the poorly regulated sale of advanced weapons to fragile
The future of oil production in Iraq
Despite security and financial troubles, Iraq’s crude oil production has grown substantially over the last five years. Moving into 2016, what challenges remain for Iraq’s oil sector? Since 2010, Iraq
Algeria’s austerity bill sparks protests
Last week Algeria’s ruling party introduced a new finance bill with austerity measures sparking strong protests from opposition parties. This comes just before a crucial time for the ruling party,
Family dynasty inextricable from politics in Iran
The Larijani brothers wield tremendous influence over Iran’s foreign and domestic policy. Although personal relationships are a vital part of conducting politics and business in Iran, there are few family dynasties
Morocco will soon have the world’s largest solar power plant
Morocco will soon be known as a solar giant with its world’s largest concentrated solar power plant, providing electricity to 1.1 million Moroccans by 2018. The Moroccan city of Ouarzazte
IMF urges Islamic finance to unlock its full potential
Islamic banking has the potential to promote financial stability, boost SMEs, and contribute to greater financial inclusion. But the IMF recently stressed on the numerous challenges the industry has to
