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Bahrain’s tourism strategy will face stiff challenges

Location:

BAHRAIN

Tourism development forms a key plank of Bahrain’s long-term economic growth strategy. However, almost all its Gulf peers are pursuing the same goal, armed with often-superior…

Israeli-US leader ties will be functional but fraught

Location:

ISRAEL/US

This also comes as indirect US nuclear talks with Iran resume in Vienna, despite concerted Israeli opposition. US President Joe Biden is in effect withdrawing the unconditional…

Israel's political crisis will raise security risks

Location:

ISRAEL

The proposals are part of a controversial package of reforms to weaken the courts, which Netanyahu’s critics say would eliminate checks on executive power. The reforms have…

Saudi social change will lag, especially for women

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

Nearly a year into the ‘Vision 2030’ strategic plan, Riyadh is also seeking to boost the economy and combat boredom among Saudi youth through some cautious steps towards social…

Iraqi Kurdish militias could return to fraught Kirkuk

Location:

IRAQ

Iraqi security forces took control of Kirkuk following a controversial independence referendum in September 2017. Since then, security in the area has deteriorated, with an…

Paris attacks boost Russia's Syria stance

Location:

INTERNATIONAL

The Paris attacks may mark the metamorphosis of Islamic State group (ISG) into a terrorist network with global reach, capable of mobilising local-born radicals in Western Europe…

Copts will bear the brunt of terrorism in Egypt

Location:

EGYPT

Islamic State (IS) in the Sinai Peninsula claimed responsibility for the attacks in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria. Sectarianism is on the rise in Egypt and IS is looking to…

Saudi social reforms will create economic openings

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

The rapid social changes under way, such as letting women drive and reopening cinemas, largely focus on creating new economic opportunities. They also serve a political purpose…

Turkish foreign policy will seek a power balance

Location:

TURKEY

Turkey’s confrontation with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is a key driver of regional and to some extent international policy. Erdogan’s comfortable victory in the May 2023…

Iran allies will further divide Iraq’s weakened Sunnis

Location:

IRAQ

The supreme court deposed prominent Sunni leader Mohammed al-Halbousi in November 2023, during a long campaign against him by pro-Iranian Shia forces. His ally Shaalan al-Karim…