Libya

Russia is to open a naval base in Libya in the coming years, according to Russian military officials. The base is part of a drive by Russia to increase the security of its shipping... 2009-01-29

Despite the sharp downturn in oil prices, which will slash export revenues by more than 45% y-o-y in 2009, we are still forecasting a small current account surplus. This will undoubtedly... 2009-01-29

Given its dependence on hydrocarbons, Libya's economy will be highly affected by the prolonged slump in oil prices that we are forecasting for 2009. The budget and balance of payments... 2009-01-06

Given its dependence on hydrocarbons, Libya's economy will be highly affected by the prolonged slump in oil prices that we are forecasting for 2009. The budget and balance of payments... 2009-01-06

We are forecasting a strong disinflationary trend to take hold in Libya in 2009, leading to a year-end inflation rate of 5.0% y-o-y, compared with our estimated end-2208 level of... 2009-01-06

Libya's failure to prevent illegal immigration from its shores is creating discord between itself and southern Europe. While the bulk of migrants come from outside Libya, Qadhafi's... 2008-12-30

Rioting and fighting has spread from southern Libya to the second city of Benghazi, and has so far left 11 people dead, according to reports in London-based Al-Sharq al-Awsat. The... 2008-11-12

Libya's trade surplus will fall sharply in 2009 due to lower oil prices (we are forecasting the OPEC Basket to average 30% lower in 2009 than 2008, at US$71.50/bbl). The trade surplus... 2008-11-12

Political transformation will remain hard to come by in Libya. In practical terms, little has changed so far and despite Qadhafi's rhetoric, we believe that many within the ruling... 2008-11-06

In mid-October, Libya released a high-profile political dissident, jailed in 2007 for trying to hold a demonstration in Tripoli. Idris Boufayed was charged with attempting to overthrow... 2008-10-23