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Syrian currency collapse will drive food shortages

Location:

SYRIA

The Syrian pound's exchange rate fell by 40% in the first week of June before recovering slightly. After nine years of ruinous conflict, the struggling economy has been brought to…

Stolen antiquities trade fuels conflict worldwide

Location:

INTERNATIONAL

The effects of the illicit antiquities and art trade.

Iraqi measures to rein in militias will be cosmetic

Location:

IRAQ

Meanwhile, concern is growing that Israel is mounting regular airstrikes on Iran-backed militia bases inside Iraq. The conflict against Islamic State (IS) led to the emergence of…

Shared aims could trump Turkey-Iran tensions in Iraq

Location:

IRAN/TURKEY

Abadi is walking a difficult line between Turkish and Iranian allies, who fear each other’s intentions in Iraq. These tensions are focused on the post-Mosul era, which opens the…

NEOM is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s green rebranding

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

NEOM is a futuristic smart urban centre and tourism hub in north-western Saudi Arabia. The official rhetoric associated with the launch of NEOM emphasises the project’s…

Syrian Kurds face a possible loss of autonomy

Location:

SYRIA

After the outbreak of civil war in 2011 and the rise of Islamic State (IS), the US-backed SDF managed to establish an autonomous administration in northeast Syria. However, it…

Egypt aims to delay the filling of Ethiopia’s Nile dam

Location:

EGYPT

His visit will focus on discussions about the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Ethiopia is keen to complete the dam to drive its…

Saudi Arabia can sustain high spending in medium term

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

The 2015 budget statement from the Ministry of Finance provides a glimpse into the government's fiscal policy response to the fall. Saudi Arabia opted not to try to stem the slide…

More Syrians will go hungry, at home and abroad

Location:

SYRIA

Donors have over the past year sharply cut humanitarian assistance to Syrians both inside and outside the country, citing funding shortfalls and record levels of global need. Food…

Islam is likely to influence Turkish education reform

Location:

TURKEY

Erdogan spoke ten days after instructing the education ministry to change the examination system for secondary-school entrance. His new-found interest in education quality, if…