Country Risk Rating

Indications of a government clampdown on Islamists emerged in December and January. In one key incident, riot police surrounded the headquarters of the Islamist-dominated professional... 2005-02-11

Renewed high-level talks between the Israeli and Palestinian premiers are boosting hopes for a ceasefire. Optimism about the prospects for peace now appears to be higher than at any... 2005-02-08

There have been several signals of goodwill between Israel and Egypt in recent weeks, in the context of cautious optimism about the regional peace process. As well as signing a partial... 2005-02-07

2005 will be a difficult year for Turkish diplomacy. Ankara's primary objective is to pursue closer ties with the EU. However, it cannot afford to ignore developments in Iraq. Kurds... 2005-02-07

There have been several signals of goodwill between Israel and Egypt in recent weeks, in the context of cautious optimism about the regional peace process. As well as signing a partial... 2005-02-04

2005 will be a difficult year for Turkish diplomacy. Ankara's primary objective is to pursue closer ties with the EU. However, it cannot afford to ignore developments in Iraq. Kurds... 2005-01-31

A presidential referendum is scheduled for H205, as are parliamentary elections. The ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) is set to retain its dominance, and we expect President... 2005-01-12

In a surprise move at the end of November, King Abdullah stripped his half-brother Prince Hamzah of his position as heir to the throne. Although a new Crown Prince had not been named... 2005-01-10

Prime Minister Omar Karami, who took office in October following the resignation of Rafik al-Hariri, has promised a 'government in concord'. Karami is seen to be closer to President... 2005-01-10

As expected, former Palestinian prime minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) won the Palestinian presidential elections in January. Israel agreed to pull back troops to allow the first... 2005-01-10