Recent Posts

The Insurgency Against Big Oil

While Australian politicians languish in a world blotched by climate change scepticism and fossil fuel love-ins, global oil and gas companies have been shaken. Three titans of oil fame – Shell, ExxonMobil and Chevron – faced a range of decisions in May that promise to dramatically shape their future operations. …

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Egypt looks to Islamic bond market for foreign investment boost

Egypt’s sovereign bonds bill paves the way for Egypt to join the Islamic finance market, allowing foreign investment in national projects such as the Suez Canal and Aswan Dam, which affects Egyptian national security. The Egyptian parliament gave June 6 initial approval for a bill on the issuance of Sharia-compliant …

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Egypt uses soft power in pursuing medical projects in Africa

Egypt announces health projects and agreements with South Sudan, Djibouti and Rwanda. In a Facebook post on June 19, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the establishment of a malaria control project in South Sudan to be funded by the ministry’s Agency of Partnership for Development. The announcement came …

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Some variety possible in new Iranian president’s cabinet

With Iranian news outlets speculating about Raisi’s future cabinet, some analysts believe he will form an inclusive government — within limits. Iran’s Interior Ministry announced the official results of the presidential election, cementing President-elect Ebrahim Raisi’s win at over 18 million votes. Raisi received over 60% of the vote in …

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55 US House members introduce Hamas International Financing Prevention Act

The bill seeks “to impose financial sanctions on foreign persons, agencies, and governments that assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or their affiliates.” A bipartisan group of 55 House members has introduced the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act that seeks “to impose financial sanctions on foreign persons, agencies, and governments …

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US-Turkey ties set to remain loveless, transactional

The meeting between the Turkish and American presidents left key issues unresolved, with cooperation in Afghanistan emerging as the only progress to speak of. Over 10 days have elapsed since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with US President Joe Biden on June 14 on the sidelines of the NATO …

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