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OPEC losing its ability to set global oil prices
The June OPEC meeting should not bring too many surprises, as the cartel’s unofficial leader, Saudi Arabia, will not support production cuts in order to boost falling prices, but will instead focus on...
View ArticleYemen conflict reveals shortcomings of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy
With its vast oil riches and status as custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, Saudi Arabia has long practiced conservative and discreet foreign relations. But since his ascent to the throne, King Salman...
View ArticleWill Saudi Arabia join Iran in a nuclear weapons race?
U.S. President Obama is actively pushing for a deal with Iran that would allow it to maintain a limited nuclear programme. America’s allies in the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, are concerned...
View ArticleWeekly Risk Outlook
Greece faces IMF repayment deadline. Deadline for Iran nuclear deal approaches. President Rousseff meets with President Obama. Burundi prepares parliamentary elections without opposition participation....
View ArticleWeekly Risk Outlook
Greeks reject EU terms in referendum. Key issues still unresolved as extended deadline with Iran approaches. EIA releases energy forecast. UK Chancellor Osborne releases budget. BRICS summit in Russia...
View ArticleHamas struggles to cope with regional and internal challenges
Hamas is experiencing internal divisions and external threats as the organization struggles to adjust to rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region. On July 1, Wilayat Sinai, a local...
View ArticleCan the US and Russia find agreement on Syria after the nuclear deal?
Discussions between high level US and Russian diplomatic officials over Syria may be signaling the conflict is entering its end phase. With the Iranian nuclear agreement finalized, bilateral...
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Uncertainty undermines opportunities for Iranian energy sector
The Iran nuclear deal opens up billions of dollars in investment opportunities in the country’s energy sector. But uncertainty remains about the stability of the deal, the end of sanctions, and how...
View ArticleWhat does the Iran nuclear deal mean for the GCC?
The recently struck Iranian nuclear deal poses tough questions and considerations for members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, who will work to preserve their influence in the Gulf and broader Middle...
View ArticleWomen 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. Will it...
View ArticleAlgeria feels squeezed by falling energy prices
With an economy heavily dependent on oil, Algeria has launched a series of measures to secure falling revenues. Within OPEC, Algeria, perhaps more than other of its oil-producing members, is...
View ArticleStrengthening partnership between China and Iran
The reintegration of Iran in the world economy represents a critical opportunity for the strengthening of strategic ties between the Islamic Republic and the People’s Republic of China. Iran represents...
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The China slowdown: Who loses in the Middle East?
Recent volatility in China’s stock market signals investors’ general skepticism about the economy’s prospects. However, Middle East oil exporters may stand to lose the most if the growth of Chinese oil...
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Will OPEC change its ways as oil continues to tumble?
Once the indisputable ruler of oil markets, the OPEC cartel is under great pressure to revise its current policy as low oil prices are starting to hurt oil exporters’ economies and threaten to split...
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Migrants arrive in Austria as German border tightens
The front line of the European Union’s latest crisis has shifted from Hungary to Austria. Serene and prosperous, the country has a history of successful migrant communities. How will the new refugee...
View ArticleHow strong are the Middle East’s cybersecurity networks?
The Middle East is responsible for a significant share of the world’s energy resources and is also one of the fastest growing regions for personal internet and mobile phone use. How vulnerable is the...
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Three trends in Russia’s oil and gas
The status of Russian oil and gas is a factor near the core of many of the world’s most wide-reaching risks and opportunities. Here are three trends set to shape the complicated Russian relationship...
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Iran’s military and economic investment in Syria
Since the early 1980s, Iran has invested substantial political and economic capital into Syria. Tehran will continue to support the Assad regime, acting as a counter-point alongside Russia to the...
View ArticleOman’s path to Iran
Through economic ties and a careful, long-standing diplomatic posture, Oman has become a key player in the Middle East. Over the last weekend of October, an International trade exhibition was held at...
View ArticleSalafi Shake-Up: ISIS encroaching on the House of Saud
Friday night’s terrorist attacks in Paris moved up the timeline of this showdown between ISIS and the House of Saud, making it vital for the West, particularly the US, to properly understand the...
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