Tag "MENA"
How will the refugee influx affect Europe?
As wave upon wave of refugees from the Middle East and North Africa break on the shores of Europe, there are no signs of ebbing. Many questions remain as to
Women rise up in the Middle East
As the world focuses on the region’s violent geopolitical struggles, a quiet revolution is taking place. The women of the Middle East are making remarkable gains in politics and businesses.
Middle East sees rise of start-up incubators
The impressive start-up culture in the Middle East has led to the development of myriad seed investment companies looking to support young entrepreneurs. These companies provide startups with greater access
Egyptian pivot to Russia increases political risk
The February 10 meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin in Cairo marks the consolidation of the Egyptian pivot towards Russia and away from
Middle East defense spending fuels security dilemma
Middle East countries are expanding defense budgets at a rapid rate. Between 2014 and 2020, MENA defense spending is expected reach $920 billion despite low oil prices. While investment in
China-Egypt partnership fraught with political risk
Egypt is aggressively courting China to attract more investment and stabilise the already fragile economy. But Beijing must proceed with caution. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is scheduled to visit China
Compliance risks challenge business in the Middle East
Some markets have avoided rigid laws and regulations as a comparative advantage. But that has changed lately. Compliance has gained in importance worldwide as laws approved in one corner of the
Erdogan undermines Turkish Central Bank’s autonomy
On 30 April, the Governor of Turkey’s Central Bank, Erdem Basci, announced an interest rate cut in the near future, but specified neither number nor schedule. The announcement came a week after reaffirming the Bank’s
EU takes steps toward energy independence from Russia
With recent events in Ukraine strongly affecting security relations between the West and Russia, both Brussels and Moscow are increasing efforts to reduce their mutual energy-financial dependency. European energy dependency
Algeria Restores Hope for EU Energy Security
As one of the most resource-rich nations in the Mediterranean region, Algeria has long been identified as a strategic energy partner by European Union policymakers. Reflecting this vision, the development
