Qatar: no movement on the dispute with the four. Increasing Qatari confidence, outward investment, arms purchases. Mediation going nowhere, but Qatar itself a mediator.
Articles tagged: ‘Qatar’
Blockchain & cryptocurrencies in the Arab world
Posted onThe Fourth Industrial Revolution impacts on every country in the Arab world but policymaking in response to new fintech like blockchain and cryptocurrencies varies widely.
The maritime boundaries of the Arab Gulf states
Posted onIraq and the six GCC states share the Gulf with Iran and with each other. In many cases, maritime boundaries between them have been agreed; in other cases, disputes remain. Where offshore oil and gas deposits do not fall neatly under the sovereignty of one state, cooperative arrangements have often been instituted.
China and the Middle East
Posted onPresident Xi’s visit to Abu Dhabi marks a change in Chinese policy, with the Middle East a key link in China’s belt and road initiative, and his own emergence as a world leader, not afraid to address problems such as Palestine or Qatar vs. the 4.
Erdoğan
Posted onresets Turkish government, with power moving to the executive presidency. Activity at home and abroad. Turkey ” great and strong” but can he get what he wants from Trump? EU and others react cautiously.
Controlling borders in the Arab world
Posted onFor Arab states, controlling their borders is often a challenging business. Cross-border cooperation and physical measures, aided by the latest technology, may help. Beggar-my-neighbour policies certainly won’t.
Kuwait keeps out of trouble
Posted onKuwait supporting Saudi Arabia, for example over oil production, but with some reservations and with an eye on other alliances. Spat with the Philippines over expat workers.
Bahrain: bellwether on Israel
Posted onBahrain dependent on Saudi Arabia and UAE support. Human rights – mixed picture. Trial balloon on Israel.
Tunisia: economy improving, political tensions
Posted onTunisia cooperating with the IMF, rewarded with a World Bank loan. Political infighting, drawn into the Qatar vs. four dispute.
Gas
Posted ondifferent from oil. Vitally important to some MENA economies – Qatar, Algeria, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt.