Political Risk

BMI View: Saudi diplomacy helped decide a political dispute between Qatar and Bahrain in the former's favour. The tensions will undermine GCC coherence at a critical time in the region's... 2010-06-15

BMI View: Though Qatar has firmly established credentials as a diplomatic powerhouse, it must negotiate some difficult relationships closer to home.

BMI View : The fourth round of economic sanctions approved by the UN against Iran are unlikely to significantly alter the regime's stance on uranium enrichment and nuclear arms... 2010-06-10

BMI View : The fourth round of economic sanctions approved by the UN against Iran are unlikely to significantly alter the regime's stance on uranium enrichment and nuclear arms... 2010-06-10

BMI View: Kuwait's political backdrop is complicated by labour and population imbalances, and a parliament which has consistently blocked the government's reform efforts. Meanwhile,... 2010-05-21

Despite the eleventh-hour announcement of a nuclear fuel 'deal' between Brazil, Turkey and Iran on May 17, the UN Security Council (UNSC) is likely to approve a fourth round of sanctions... 2010-05-19

BMI View: The Saudi royal family depends on steady oil revenues and Western support to maintain its tight grip on the population. The loss of either one of these could lead to substantial... 2010-05-18

BMI View: For now, Saudi Arabia will maintain its role as a counterweight to Iran. To tip the scales, it will require a downturn in the fortunes of its neighbour, whether through economic... 2010-05-18

Iraq is at its most stable since the 2003 US-led invasion, but the numerous challenges it faces present significant risks that it could descend in to chaos once again. That said, our... 2010-05-18

UN sanctions against Iran are likely to be postponed, following an agreement reached between Turkey, Brazil and Iran, according to which the latter will send uranium to be enriched... 2010-05-18