Europe risks falling into Levant’s powder keg 20 Feb 2024 War in Gaza is worsening already dire economic conditions in Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan. Western aid is unlikely to solve their deep problems. Despite efforts to outsource its migration issues, the European Union may find some displaced by a protracted conflict reach its borders.
Two cheers for Israel’s tri-state water deal 27 Dec 2013 Tel Aviv will share more with Jordan and Palestine. Such regional agreements are crucial where water is scarce. Properly irrigated farmland could boost Palestine’s economy by a fifth. Israel, though, is only giving up a token amount and remains in control. At least it’s a start.
Syria exposes neighbours’ economic vulnerability 24 Jul 2012 While Turkey and Iraq will watch events over the border nervously, they have little direct economic exposure to Syria. But as pressure grows on the Assad regime, Jordan and Lebanon are feeling a financial impact that is weighing on growth.
Jordan caught in economic-political dilemma 17 May 2012 The king is still popular but is struggling to appease both tribal powerbrokers and Jordanians of Palestinian origin. While the dangerous political impasse obstructs urgently needed economic reform, the Hashemite kingdom’s spending - and reliance on foreign aid - is rising.