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More Gulf bank mergers likely, within national borders

Location:

GULF STATES

After a decade of stasis, consolidation in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) banking sector has grown to fever pitch, with rumours about new combinations emerging on an almost…

Stability in Yemen awaits deal on new political order

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YEMEN

This, combined with a conciliatory speech from Huthi leader Abd al-Malik al-Huthi, signals that a compromise may be negotiated to end the impasse triggered by the resignation of…

New Zealand talks will test new trade agenda

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NEW ZEALAND

For New Zealand, the agreement is a critical addition to its FTAs, which include the yet-to-be-ratified Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTTP). For the…

Europe will likely accept a weakened Iran nuclear deal

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IRAN/EU

Mogherini said Tehran’s actions did not constitute an act of significant non-compliance. That comes after Iran raised the level of uranium enrichment above the permitted limit…

Israeli-Emirati deal only formalises existing reality

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UAE/ISRAEL

The agreement provides US President Donald Trump a signature foreign policy achievement ahead of US elections in November, while giving Abu Dhabi an opportunity to cement ties…

African states hope the Gulf crisis will end soon

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AFRICA

The split between Qatar and its neighbours has pushed a few small African countries to side with Saudi Arabia, but leaves the continent’s leading powers and several…

Tehran and Muscat could deepen economic ties

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IRAN/OMAN

Oman has historically maintained strong business and diplomatic links with Iran, cutting across the anti-Iranian political agenda pressed by Saudi Arabia on the other Gulf…

Covert Iran-Israel clashes could spiral out of control

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IRAN/ISRAEL

The incident, which is being widely attributed to Israel, is part of a series of unexplained fires and explosions at sensitive military and industrial sites. It follows heightened…

Iraqi efforts to curb Iran energy dependence will fail

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IRAQ/IRAN

Failures of Iranian gas and electricity supplies have combined with attacks on pylons and a heatwave to cause severe power cuts in Iraq this summer. In the longer term, Tehran’s…

Green bond issuance will gradually grow in the Gulf

Location:

GULF STATES

Meanwhile, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a surge in green issuance from Emirati banks highlights the growth in a debt market that can help fund efforts to mitigate and adapt…