Country Risk Rating

The Lebanese government is increasingly asserting its independent political identity and the visit by Foreign Minister Jean Obeid to Turkey in mid-April illustrated Beirut's attempts... 2004-04-15

As the security situation in Iraq becomes more and more precarious, the Kingdom is increasingly being used as a safe-house for foreign governments and international agencies involved... 2004-04-15

Following Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's visit to Washington in mid-April, it now appears that the disengagement plan will be implemented in summer 2005. However, the scheme is unlikely... 2004-04-15

The ruling conservative AKP party gained a 43% share of the vote in local elections in March (up from 34% in the 2002 parliamentary poll). The size of its victory was partly attributable... 2004-04-08

Despite plans for unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, there are regular Israeli air attacks on the strip, while Palestinians continue to carry out suicide bombings within Israel, illustrating... 2004-03-17

New press legislation, removing the state’s ability to imprison journalists for what they write, has prompted speculation that the government will finally relinquish the... 2004-03-17

In mid-March, serious clashes erupted between members of Syria’s Kurdish community – who enjoy little in the way of civil rights – and the security forces.... 2004-03-16

Although talks between Northern and Southern Cyprus negotiators have made little headway, we anticipate faster progress when high-level teams from Turkey and Greece join in late-March.... 2004-03-10

Events since the announcement by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that Israel will dismantle 17 settlements and withdraw unilaterally from Gaza give little room for optimism. Whilst the... 2004-02-18

Municipal elections, which will be held in May, have bought the idiosyncrasies of Lebanon's constitution to the fore once again. Aside from the fact that the constitution dictates... 2004-02-18