MENASource

EconSource: World Bank Summary of Global Economic Prospects for MENA

By EconSource

After an easing in tensions in early 2014, the Middle East and North Africa region is again experiencing major—and increasing—security challenges. In addition, since mid-2014, it is also adjusting to the oil price drop.

Why Iran’s Plan B in Syria Will Not Work

By Hanin Ghaddar

Earlier this month, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (ICRG) Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani made a surprise visit to Syria near the frontlines outside Latakia, where he vowed that upcoming developments in Syria will soon “surprise” the world.

Top News: Yemeni Government Names Representatives to the Geneva Talks

By MENASource

In an interview with Al Arabiya television, a Yemeni government official confirmed that there will be seven representatives sent to Geneva to participate in the talks on June 14. Among those named were the Yemeni Foreign Minister, the Minister of Human Rights, and the leader of the General People’s Congress Party.

EconSource: Saudi Aramco Says No Cut in Oil Exports Despite Local Demand

By EconSource

Saudi Arabia is ready to increase its oil output in the coming months to a new record to meet a rise in global demand despite increased domestic use, according to Ahmed al-Subaey, Saudi Aramco’s executive director for marketing.

Top News: Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia Agree to Form Supreme Trilateral Council

By EgyptSource

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Sudanese President Omar Bashir, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn agreed Wednesday to form a supreme council for mutual economic and political issues.

One Year On: Security Under Sisi

By EgyptSource

The security situation in Egypt has shown little signs of improvement since the election of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. While the army continues to conduct vigorous counter terror operations in Sinai, targeting Egypt’s most active militant group, Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, the attacks have shown no signs of abating.  

Egypt’s Africa Pivot

In a move which would establish the continent’s largest free trade area, Egypt has signed an agreement with twenty-five other African countries to form a “Cape to Cairo” Free Trade Zone. Integrating the three economic zones of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the Southern African Development Community, and the East African Community, […]

Top News: United States Prepares Plans for More Troops and New Base in Iraq

By MENASource

The United States is expected on Wednesday to announce plans for a new military base in Iraq’s Anbar province and the deployment of around 400 additional US trainers to help Iraqi forces fight the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) and help plan a counterattack to retake Ramadi.

Top News: Police Foil Terrorist Attack at Karnak Temple in Luxor

By EgyptSource

Egypt’s security forces said they foiled a suicide bomb attack at the ancient Karnak temple in the southern city of Luxor on Wednesday.

EconSource: World Bank Says GCC countries Need to Slash Public Spending

By EconSource

The World Bank’s chief economist for the Middle East and North Africa, Shanta Devarajan, said Tuesday that while falling oil prices have led to welcome subsidy reforms in Gulf countries, they urgently need to develop new ways to distribute oil wealth and shrink the public sector.