Middle East/North Africa
Pipeline to Turkey intensifies dispute over Iraqi oil
Tension between the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi central government once again escalated as a new pipeline links oil fields in Northern Iraq directly to Turkey. Turkey has
Turkey attempts to curtail judicial independence
Judicial reforms proposed in Turkey, though shelved for the moment, call into question Erdogan’s ability to emerge from the current political crisis with an intact democracy and rule of law.
Western energy companies to re-enter Iran’s oil and gas sector
The interim agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme with the international community began on January 20, and Iran has taken steps to attract foreign investments in its neglected oil and gas
Gulen comments further threaten Turkish stability
Words from the influential preacher Fethullah Gulen from his recluse in a town in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania recently plunged the Turkish state into further political crisis. In a
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
Relations between Iran and UAE begin to improve
The interim deal with Iran could prove an economic boon to the UAE. Close trade relations plus the growing congruence of diplomatic opinion between the U.S., the UAE’s most important
Sustainability fears drive water pipeline in the Gulf
Representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states met recently in Kuwait to discuss the construction of a new pipeline in the region. At a projected cost of $10.5 billion for
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
Iraq’s development suffers as ISIS takes control
In December 2013 insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda captured key strategic cities in Iraq’s largest province, Anbar. Iraqi development is certain to suffer from it. The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
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
