Socotra: an ecological paradise or the first UAE colony?

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1. The price of oil
   

   Unforeseen rise in the oil price. Middle East factors include Saudi requirements and expected sanctions on Iran....

2. Golan Heights: most Druze boycott elections; more settlers coming
   

   Summary: most of the Druze on the Golan boycotted the 30 October municipal elections. Separately, Israel has announced plans to increase the number of settlers in the territory.  ...

3. Refugees and internally-displaced people in the Arab world
   

   Summary: Syria and several other Arab countries have seen their populations displaced on a huge scale in response to conflict. Many of those displaced have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, which have had to bear the burden – with international support – as best they can. Some of these seismic shifts in the demography of the Arab world are unlikely ever to be reversed. ...

4. Saudi/GCC: economic change, political challenge
   

   Summary: economic pressure changing the balance between government and governed...