Politics
Lebanon political crisis threatens investment environment
Lebanon is facing a deep political crisis. The inability of lawmakers to agree on a president to lead the country threatens Lebanon’s already fragile security environment and hinders its ability
Weekly Risk Outlook
Mario Draghi, ECB President, is likely to broaden QE programme early; US Fed may signal the timing of increasing interest rates in December meeting; Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party expected
Four consequences of Obama’s immigration action
The rift between Republican and Democratic characterizations of President Obama’s executive order on undocumented immigrants could hardly be wider. The actions, which were carefully announced after the midterm elections but
What does fall of Compaoré mean for Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso’s president Blaise Compaoré was ousted in a coup d’etat after 27 years in office. Still, the next elected head of state faces significant economic hurdles to regaining social
Is Israel distancing itself from Western allies?
The Swedish government’s decision to officially recognize the state of Palestine is indicative of growing international unrest towards Israel. Several Israeli government decision have alienated several of Israel’s allies and
Russia is further isolated by supporting Syria’s regime
Russia is still holding up the Assad regime economically, politically, and militarily. However, the rapidly unfolding situation in Syria’s civil war may put Putin’s strongest Middle East alliance in jeopardy.
Will Correa’s amendments shift the ground in Ecuador?
Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa will push through a set of constitutional amendments before the end of this year. The amendments will likely produce more polarisation in the country, with the
Can Burkina Faso’s interim leader salvage investor confidence?
Just a few months ago, KPMG listed Ouagadougou as one of West Africa’s three up-and-coming investment cities. Burkina Faso was seen as a hot new frontier market. But with the
Expect increase in US activity in Middle East
There will be a surge in the United States’ Middle East foreign policy between now and the presidential election in 2016. Expect a greater military role in Syria, improved ties
Is China Afghanistan’s new best friend?
China is already a major investor in Afghanistan. President Ghani’s first state visit was to Beijing. Will China step in to take the US’ place when the US-led coalition leaves? Newly-elected Afghan president
