Near East Policy Forum

02/03/2023

In 2011, the World Bank estimated Iraqis endured, on average, 40 power outages every month – placing Iraq in the unenviable position of sixth globally in terms of frequency of outages after Bangladesh, Pakistan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Papua New Guinea.

04/05/2022

Russian Roulette: Repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian War on the Middle East

Join us on Monday 9 May @ 7:30pm for a fascinating online panel discussion joinly hosted by the Near East Policy Forum and The Australian National University’s Centre for Arab & Islamic Studies.

Register for free: https://anu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrcemhpj4pE9XYEHXPMU1zOPI_yi7od4Hn

09/04/2022

"The Sino-Iranian relationship is defined by a great power-middle power dynamic where Iran is continuously concerned about being abandoned and China fears being dragged into Iran’s conflicts with the West. Limiting its cooperation with Iran and siding with the West on many nuclear issues was a means of China mitigating these fears. But now that the new Cold War posture seems to have been ossified into the Sino-American relationship, the logic of keeping Tehran at arm’s length seems less compelling in Beijing. China’s former Ambassador to Tehran specifically cited the fact that a new Cold War is fait accompli as a reason to enhance ties with Iran." Writes Ali Ahmadi for the Near East Policy Forum

Iran presents important opportunities for China’s regional and continental ambitions. It has one of the world’s largest proven reserves of oil and natural gas which is important to the famously energy insecure Chinese economy. Iran also occupies a geographic region between the Caspian Sea and th...

03/03/2022

by Bamo Nouri | Mar 1, 2022 | Economics, International Relations, Iran, Iraq, Military and Technology, NEPF's Long Read, Security | 0 comments

03/03/2022

In Near East Policy Forum latest publication, Dr Bamo Nouri writes:
As Iran influence & popularity wanes, it should be noted that Tehran's approaches to securing influence in the region have been dynamic,hard-wearing & effective in managing challenges.
Read the full article here:

by Bamo Nouri | Mar 1, 2022 | Economics, International Relations, Iran, Iraq, Military and Technology, NEPF's Long Read, Security | 0 comments

25/01/2022

"Perhaps the most consequential repercussion unrest has on is the favourable conditions it projects onto Australia’s resource industries, particularly within the uranium sector" I Writes Conor McLaughlin for the Near East Policy Forum

by Conor McLaughlin | Jan 25, 2022 | Central Asia, Economics, Energy, International Relations, Kazakhstan, Trade | 0 comments

21/11/2021

"As the current political status quo is deeply woven into society, counter-sectarian opposition groups have struggled to manufacture a unifying force" I Writes Stuart Maan & Tony Kesserwany on 's Counter-Sectarian movement.

Near East Policy Forum

On an early evening in late 2019, bells and sirens sounded throughout Beirut as thousands of Lebanese flooded the streets chanting, “down with the regime.” Simultaneously, buildings and blockades around the city were being spray-painted with calls for revolution alongside satirical caricatures l...

21/11/2021

The is embedding itself in militarily and socially; in the absence of pressure to withdraw this will continue & become more difficult to unpick | Argue Dr Neil Quilliam & Alice Gower on UAE’s strategic consolidation of Socotra.

Near East Policy Forum

by Neil Quilliam and Alice Gower | Nov 16, 2021 | Arabian Peninsula, Economics, International Relations, Saudi Arabia, Security, Trade, United Arab Emirates, Yemen | 0 comments

12/10/2021

"The loss to the economy because of gender discrimination has been significant, escalating unemployment rates, poverty, and the budget deficit" | Argues Dr Akram Deek for
on effects of on female labour participation in

COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges of female labour participation in Jordan. Female social involvement has significantly decreased by virtue of caring for their children and other familial responsibilities – especially since kindergartens were one of the first common areas to be closed during...

10/10/2021

’s sector is a blessing & a curse: "Through ease of entry, it provides employment for those shut out of the formal sector, but it is also characterised by poor working conditions & weak worker protections." | Argues Dr. Alia El Mahdi for Near East Policy Forum

For many Egyptians and policymakers alike, Egypt’s informal sector represents both a blessing and a curse. Through ease of entry, it provides employment for those shut out of the formal sector, but it is also characterised by poor working conditions and weak worker protections. The Egyptian govern...

07/10/2021

“The recent developments in fully reveal the falsity of the reconciliation agreements and how such agreements are a Russian cover for the regime forces and militias to expand inside communities” | Argues Suhail al-Ghazi for the Near East Policy Forum

The Syrian regime forces besieged Daraa al-Balad area at the beginning of last August 2021, when the forces of the Iranian-backed Fourth Division brought military reinforcements to the area, and the Military Security Branch set up several checkpoints at the entrances and exits of the area, while clo...

06/10/2021

" pressure is tilting the global business in favour of the giant state-owned oil companies in the Persian . As oil demand plateaus and starts to decline, these firms have market advantages that will allow them to dominate shareholder-owned oil companies which face a tougher regulatory and price environment." | Argues Jim Krane for the Near East Policy Forum.

Climate pressure is tilting the global oil business in favour of the giant state-owned oil companies in the Persian Gulf. As oil demand plateaus and starts to decline, these firms have market advantages that will allow them to dominate shareholder-owned oil companies which face a tougher regulatory....