Analysis
Can Syria provide a viable alternative to blocked regional trade routes?
Amid upheaval caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Syria is presenting itself as an alternative route for commercial transport.
May 14, 2026
Insights Stay ahead of issues affecting business confidence in MENA.
3 To Watch: tracking trends that matter
This page provides a snapshot of some of our written coverage of financial market and macroeconomic trends, policy issues, and the security, geopolitical and energy landscapes.
Our analysis is forward-looking and directional in focus, pinpointing emerging sector trends and policy issues with the potential to affect decision-making. We are supported by an on-the-ground network and team of international experts.
Subscribe and receive a full breakdown of key developments in succinct reports every seven days – as well as phone/email access to our team.
Latest Insights
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Spending to stand still under Saudi Vision 2030
The impact of the US–Israeli conflict with Iran on Saudi Arabia’s economy is best understood as an intensification of pre-existing constraints.
March 27, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Iran drills, diplomatic deadlines and global energy risk
Despite the timing of recent Iranian naval drills, the drivers of the US-Iran confrontation remain unchanged, with oil being secondary in the dispute.
February 27, 2026
Archive
Analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin
Providing analysis and strategic insights on key developments this week
July 19, 2024
Opinion
Beyond Band-Aid Measures: Addressing inflation
Inflation is a pressing challenge facing the Middle East and requires comprehensive economic reforms to tackle its root causes
May 11, 2023
Opinion
Saudi-Iran Rapprochement: A contrarian view
The resumption of Saudi-Iran diplomatic relations is important – but it is not a watershed moment in Gulf security
April 26, 2023
1 To Watch
Turkey’s earthquakes raise questions over dam safety and its transboundary implications
February’s disaster has renewed international scrutiny of the safety of Turkey’s dams and the risks they pose to downstream states.
March 29, 2023
1 To Watch
Israeli regional soft power expansion through water trade
The Abraham Accords have rapidly increased opportunities for collaboration between signatory states and Israel – a global leader in water management and technology – on improving water and food security.
March 2, 2023
Opinion
Why we need to address the politicisation of aid in Syria now more than ever
February’s catastrophic earthquake is an opportunity for donor governments and aid agencies to correct countless past failures and rethink how to move forward with aid and development.
February 24, 2023
Commentary
Egypt’s food security challenges set to grow in 2023
Cairo must develop a more diverse and secure supply chain of wheat imports and invest in domestic agriculture if the country is to weather the global food shortage and avoid social unrest.
December 12, 2022
1 To Watch
Energy Markets: Volatility is the new normal
Fresh EU sanctions and a G7-led price cap on Russian crude have sought to safeguard global oil supplies and prices, but energy markets will struggle to absorb their impact.
December 6, 2022
Opinion
Can Egypt fix its finances?
As the country sinks further into debt, observers are questioning whether its government can secure the funds it needs to restore stability to the economy
November 19, 2022