Summary: roughly a quarter of countries in the Arab League, including currently suspended member Syria, are suffering from currency depreciation, a US dollar shortage and rising debt levels. Issues are being compounded by surging inflation, while in some countries (in)formal capital controls and sanctions are impacting trade and debt repayments.
Chatham House Iraq expert Renad Mansour joins Arab Digest editor William Law to discuss the impact of America and the UK’s 2003 decision to invade Iraq and overthrow Saddam Hussein. Faulty assumptions, false claims and the decision to dismantle the armed forces and the civil service coupled with the imposition of a sectarian governance structure led to chaos, corruption and violence that scars Iraq to this day.
Summary: with Saudi Arabia’s announcement of a massive purchase of Boeing’s Dreamliner 787s, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman beckons to Washington that fraying diplomatic relations aside, it’s business as usual.
Summary: as peak oil approaches, two decades of diversification have left the UAE relatively well cushioned against the economic downsides. However, and despite MbS’s efforts, Saudi Arabia looks like having to play catch-up into strengthening headwinds.
Summary: the renewal of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a win that takes down the temperature in the region and one that represents a setback for Netanyahu and a message for Biden.
Summary: unequal water treaties have given Israel the ultimate weapon in its efforts to continue its colonisation of the Occupied West Bank and to exert control over Jordan.
Summary: the 2003 war lasted less than a month but the fall-out has reverberated violently for two decades leaving Iraq divided and Iraqis impoverished, fearful and uncertain about what the future will bring.
Summary: after years of decline, the production of oil and gas in Algeria could be given a strong boost by the decision of the Algerian authorities to allow the exploration of the country’s shale resources.
Summary: there have been many dark days in the Middle East and North Africa but events in Tunisia and the Occupied West Bank over the weekend have cast a long and frightening shadow across the region.
Summary: even if Türkiye’s president loses the upcoming elections, his legacy could long outlast him.
