Iraq

We are forecasting an aggregate real GDP growth rate of 5.9% this year, both for the Gulf region (including Iran, Iraq and Yemen), and for the GCC. Next year the GCC will maintain... 2008-04-04

We retain our short-term caution towards the Iraqi US$ Global 2028 as the instrument has continued to lose ground over the last few days, on the back of the ongoing conflict between... 2008-03-28

Under the IMF's new standby arrangement (SBA), which will provide some US$744mn in financial assistance to Iraq's government, the 2008 programme will envisage an increase in oil production... 2008-02-27

BMI View: The presidential candidates slugging it out in the primaries have had to map out their Iraq strategies - whoever wins, there could be a sharp difference from the Bush administration's... 2008-02-19

BMI View: Baghdad's attempt at boosting national reconciliation through an attempt to ease former Baathists back into public life looks set to fail, threatening further communal tensions.... 2008-02-19

BMI View: Having seen a measure of stability return to the country, the Iraqi and US authorities have the space to think about long-term issues - though there is still little unanimity... 2008-02-19

BMI View: The central bank appears to be on top of its game, with the existing strategy of gradually allowing the currency to appreciate apparently working.

BMI View: The Finance Ministry's efforts to use the strong revenue position to engineer an investment-driven expenditure programme could be threatened by political disputes - even... 2008-02-18

BMI View: Crude production will register small but steady increases over the year, with much resting on the fate of a series of short-term technical contracts with oil majors.

Expectations that the improved security situation would trigger a speedy withdrawal of troop numbers look set to be dashed, after US Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced on 11... 2008-02-18