- Iranian leaders are satisfied with the symbolic and compelling nature of their response to the US’s assassination of Qassem Soleimani and have no intention to escalate further.
- Tehran expects regional capitals to exert diplomatic pressure on Washington not to strike back considering the threat levels they would face in this event.
- Regardless of the US response, the next escalatory move could come from Iraq’s PMF units who still wish to exact revenge on the US.
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Turkish power sector looks for COVID-19 restructure
Jon Gorvett
Once a premium destination for overseas investors, Turkey’s power sector has recently been struggling with the impact of lower-than-expected growth rates, partial market liberalisation and fixed, long-term natural gas contracts. Power generation firms face further stress as the economic impact of the pandemic bites. Efforts to arrange a new debt restructuring deal have been delayed by the virus and wider economic woes, casting uncertainty over future demand. However, the sector retains some high-grade assets, however, which may attract future investor interest.
Climate change and migration – the next big challenge for MENA?
The level of disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic has revealed how ill-prepared governments and international institutions are for anything beyond their routine activities. When normality is once again restored, the world must learn the lessons from today’s events in order to prepare for, and mitigate, the worst effects of an even bigger challenge: climate change and global warming. For the MENA region, one of the most pressing questions will be how to handle flows of people displaced by climate change.
How will MENA handle mass urbanisation?
Perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, rapid urbanisation in the MENA region will create significant investment opportunities for a variety of domestic and foreign firms. North Africa will see high-volume, low-tech developments, while capital-intensive projects such as rail and smart cities will be concentrated in higher-income nations in the Gulf. Elsewhere, a widening urban infrastructure deficit will stoke social instability.