Search results

Gaza war will test Saudi-Iranian rapprochement

Location:

IRAN/SAUDI ARABIA

The call was the first between the leaders since Tehran and Riyadh restored diplomatic relations in March 2023. As well signalling a positive step in building relations, it was…

Hijab bill will pass but defiance will continue

Location:

IRAN

The state is attempting to pass a new bill proposing severe punishments for refusal of mandatory hijab-wearing, as the anniversary of the outbreak of the Mahsa Amini hijab…

Iraqi Kurds likely to de-escalate political crisis

Location:

IRAQ

Government crisis in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Iranian football will stay politicised after World Cup

Location:

IRAN

The state used Iran’s matches to brand protesters at home and in Qatar as enemies of the Iranian people. Those in Qatar and Iran who support the protests were divided over whether…

Iranian state will get others to enforce dress code

Location:

IRAN

As women push the boundaries of the dress code, the government is adopting a two-pronged strategy. It is shifting responsibility for hijab (Islamic dress) compliance onto the…

Iraq’s new premier will take drastic economic steps

Location:

IRAQ

This follows a long vacuum after popular protests forced the resignation of Adel Abdel-Mahdi in November, and two earlier nominees failed to be confirmed. Kadhimi’s appointment…

Iraqi premier and militias in slow-burn confrontation

Location:

IRAQ

He has moved to roll back some of their penetration of state structures and revenue streams. However, they are striking back, with ongoing rocket attacks targeting US interests…

Iraqi 2021 polls may help Sadrists but hurt austerity

Location:

IRAQ

This follows the finalisation in October of a new electoral law introducing a higher degree of proportional representation (PR), and fraught parliamentary agreement on…

Internal security will drive Bahrain’s foreign policy

Location:

BAHRAIN

Ten years after it experienced mass protests during the 2011 Arab uprisings, Manama remains deeply concerned about the potential threat from a Shia-led opposition -- and its…

Prospects for Iran to end-2021

Location:

PROSPECTS H2 2021

Prospects for Iran to end-2021.