Category: Country Reports
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June 2023
Overview. Egypt appears to be aiming to expand its diplomatic position in the Middle East. Re-establishing communications with Türkiye is obviously part of that. Cairo and Ankara have agreed to reinstate diplomatic ties and reopen their Embassies. But while Sisi seeks a higher international profile, at home his economy is in flames.…… Read the rest
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June 2023
Overview. The US has announced a new visa policy whereby they have the right to deny visas to individuals who interfere with Bangladesh’s election process. The government’s estimate for GDP growth this fiscal year is at 6.03%, higher than that of international development organizations such as the ADB and the World Bank.…… Read the rest
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June 2023
Overview. Kazakhstan’s transformation continues. Tokayev’s commitment to economic development is beginning to really pay off. He continues to tackle corruption, bringing money back into the State purse. His country is in the middle of an economic boom. Some argue that the gains made have only happened at the expense of Russia after it invaded Ukraine…
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June 2023
As we anticipated, Bola Tinubu was declared the winner of February’s Presidential election and sworn into office on 29th May. The man who has been a political king maker for decades now, himself, sits on the throne. His victory was fiercely contested by his opposition candidates. Tinubu won with 37% of the vote.…… Read the…
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May 2023
Overview. Rapid progress appears to be being made as a flurry of diplomatic activity has followed the announcement of a China-brokered deal to restore diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia. Embassy openings, mutual presidential and royal visits, and trade deals are being discussed, announced, or arranged in rapid succession. But while regional mood music is improving,…
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May 2023
Overview. Egypt’s economy is one of the most diversified in the Middle East but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t taken an absolute pounding. We have seen many economic reforms implemented over recent years, but it just hasn’t been enough to bring in the much-needed investment to promote stability and growth.…… Read the rest
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May 2023
Overview. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the media is suffering from a lack of press freedom under the current government, while the ruling party has dismissed the need for dialogue with opposition parties before the next elections. Bangladesh’s GDP is expected to grow around 5.2% this fiscal year, according to…
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May 2023
Pakistan’s political scene remains polarised and unstable. The split between the government and the opposition is getting worse by the day. Pakistan lurches from one crisis to another; social, political, economic. Fundamental changes are needed to kick start economic growth, but no one seems to have grasped what they should be yet.…… Read the rest
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May 2023
Overview. In April we saw a politically risky move made by the government as it once again turned its gaze to fuel prices. The move had the potential to come in like a lion but in the end it went out like a lamb. The nation’s calm acceptance seems to have empowered the government to…
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April 2023
Overview. Saudi Arabia and Iran struck an agreement to restore diplomatic ties. Building on progress underway for several months, and with China playing a key role in getting the deal over the line, it is important, but does not fully resolve the complex challenges within the bilateral relationship. This year, the Persian New Year (Nowruz)…