Category: Country Reports
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June 2019
Overview. The holy month of Ramadan is always a slow one in Egypt as the people and politicians take time to reflect and renew. So, this month there is little news from home. Internationally however, the IMF and foreign investors are cheering President Sisi for his economic performance as he shapes his country into an…
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June 2019
Overview. The month of May has seen a build-up of US military hardware and bellicose rhetoric from both sides. Direct conflict seemed almost inevitable mid-month, until Donald Trump signalled that conflict and regime change were not Administration aims. The economy continues to worsen which, combined with the threat of war, has led to societal debate…
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June 2019
Overview. The new government is heading into its first budget next month. The political and security situation appear to be stable. The Rohingya refugee crisis remains in limbo. There is no evidence that Myanmar will be willing to give the refugees safe passage back. At the same time, the tensions between host communities and refugees…
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May 2019
Overview. The resignation of Finance Minister Asad Umar, PM Khan’s visit to China and Iran, ongoing economic challenges, and extended support from the military to the government for implementation of the National Action Plan, are the major highlights of the month. As anticipated and reported previously, the security situation remained comparatively peaceful except in Balochistan…
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May 2019
Overview. Further pressure was applied to the economy and regime this month as the US said it would not extend sanctions waivers on Iranian oil exports. With inflation rising sharply, particularly for food, and the rial suffering more losses this month, Iranians’ standard of living is set for greater decline.…… Read the rest
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May 2019
Overview. In the last month, security issues have come to the forefront, especially after the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka. A close relative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was killed in Colombo and other members of her family were seriously injured. The Prime Minister had directed the military forces to be on high alert.…… Read…
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April 2019
Overview. During the reporting period, outside of Balochistan and the Afghan border, Pakistan was generally calm. The month featured Pakistan Day celebrations on 23rd March, a visit by the Malaysian premier, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) actions against financial embezzlement, and a visit by an FATF team to assess the actions taken so far by Pakistan…
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April 2019
Overview. President Sisi is in Tunisia participating in the 30th Arab Summit. In April he will travel to the US for meetings with President Trump. The wheels of government will continue to turn in his absence and Egyptians will continue to face inflation, unemployment, subsidy removal, and harsh responses from security forces if they dare…
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April 2019
Overview. Iranian and US leaders issued statements and delivered speeches on the eve of the Iranian New Year (Nowrouz), 21st March. Messages had heavily political tones, with leaders blaming one another for increasing the hardship Iranian people face. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei labelled the new year (1398) “The Year of Production Boom”.…… Read the rest
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April 2019
Overview. Tobacco looks to be attracting more attention from campaigners, but whether or not the state will accede to demands for taxation changes remains to be seen. In the run up to the production of a new budget various groups are voicing their ideas and demands for taxation or funding.…… Read the rest