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As G20 host, Saudi Arabia might ease its alcohol ban

Location:

SAUDI ARABIA

Following the high-profile end to the female driving ban in mid-2018, the Riyadh leadership launched a slew of social reforms, including new entertainment opportunities. Most…

Saudi social reforms will create economic openings

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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…

Saudi leadership will modernise but uphold religion

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SAUDI ARABIA

In Saudi Arabia, more than 2 million Muslims performed hajj (the annual pilgrimage required of all Muslims in their lifetimes to Islam's holiest sites, Mecca and Medina), reaching…

Volcano will add to Saint Vincent's deep economic woes

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SAINT VINCENT

Thanks to early evacuations, there were no deaths or injuries, but thousands were displaced and perhaps 10% of the 110,000 residents made homeless. Significant support was…

Costa Rica protests to hinder Alvarado’s reforms

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COSTA RICA

The demonstrations form part of a broader backlash against the government’s newly introduced value-added tax (VAT) and indicate the depth of popular feeling building against…

The US feud between DeSantis and Disney will continue

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UNITED STATES

Disney, which has a large presence in Florida, remains locked in a feud with the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, over aspects of his education policy. DeSantis, a candidate for…

East African tourism may aid structural transformation

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EAST AFRICA

East African tourism

Hagia Sofia decision will deepen Turkey’s estrangement

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TURKEY

After 86 years, the 6th-century Byzantine basilica, a world-famous museum, has been restored for full use by Sunni Muslim worshippers. Although tourists may still have access…

Delhi’s spending will not ease Kashmir crisis

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INDIA

Legislation dividing it into two union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh -- was passed in early August, concurrently with the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special…

Bermuda same-sex rights reversal prompts controversy

Location:

BERMUDA

The reversal of same-sex marriage legislation.