Analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin
Trump wants a deal with Iran. Amid several stalled or deteriorating foreign policy tracks, the Muscat talks present a timely opportunity for diplomatic progress. The core challenge remains distrust.
April 17, 2025
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.
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Latest Insights
Personality Profile
Decision Makers: A personality profile of Abdul-Malik al-Houthi
An excerpt from our leadership assessment of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik’s key personality traits and how these shape his decision-making.
April 16, 2025
1 To Watch
Trump’s nuclear opportunity in the Middle East
Donald Trump has an historic opportunity to negotiate a much tougher nuclear deal with Iran – will he seize it?
April 3, 2025
Archive
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
Commentary
UAE and KSA: Growth and influence along Red Sea
Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are ramping up investment in military bases and ports as part of efforts to insulate their economies and shore up their security in anticipation of the US’s withdrawal from the region
November 2, 2022
Commentary
US and China on collision course over sea trade routes
Differing security approaches amid tumultuous world events increases the risk of escalation and further disruption to trade around maritime chokepoints
October 18, 2022
Op-ed
UK upgrades ties with Israel
The move will serve the UK’s wider interests in the Gulf and Middle East
September 5, 2022
Op-ed
Biden, MbS and realpolitik
The US-Saudi relationship, though strained, was never at serious risk.
August 4, 2022
1 To Watch
Libya in crisis: political divisions prompt protests
The population is losing patience as the international community loses its appetite – and its credibility.
July 6, 2022