Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, March 22th, 2024

Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, March 22th, 2024

2024-03-22 15:11

2024-03-22 15:11

Array( [98271] => Array ( [author_name] => Filip Benes [author_description] => [slug] => filip-benes ) [98272] => Array ( [author_name] => Tomas Krizan [author_description] => [slug] => tomas-krizan ) [98273] => Array ( [author_name] => Issam Khoury [author_description] => Researcher, filmmaker, and journalist with 20+ years of reporting on developments in the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on human rights, terrorism, religious groups, and minorities. [slug] => issam-khoury ) [99632] => Array ( [author_name] => Carmen Gravano [author_description] => [slug] => carmen-gravano ) [100420] => Array ( [author_name] => Jan Záhořík [author_description] => Africanist/social scientist focusing on the modern and contemporary history and politics of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa as well as the issues of nationalism, identity, conflicts, inequalities, European-African relations in the Cold War, and recently also the issues of migration and security related issues particularly in the West African Sahel region [slug] => jan-zahoik ) [102511] => Array ( [author_name] => Fuat Emir Şefkatli [author_description] => Is a researcher specializing in non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in Libya and the Sahel region, as well as disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) processes. He holds a master’s degree from Plymouth University, Department of International Relations and Global Security, and is currently pursuing his PhD studies in the Strategy and Security Studies Program at the National Defense University in Turkey. Şefkatli serves as a North African Studies Researcher at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM) and as an Associate Research Fellow at the Czech-Slovak Institute of Oriental Studies (CSIORS). He has contributed scholarly works and his commentaries and opinions have been featured in international media outlets including Al Jazeera English, Daily China, Russia Today, Middle East Monitor, and TRT World. [slug] => fuat-emir-efkatli )) no author 98368

Tunisia-Libya, Ras-Jedir , Libya-Insecurity, Border-Tensions, Egypt-Fuel-Price-Rise, Currency-Depreciation, Global-Price-Surges, Economic-Challenges-Inflation, Iran-Central-Bank-Rial, Currency-Instability-Warning, Economic-Challenges-Gold, Policy-Intervention-Trends,

Let us navigate the Middle East nuances: Egypt raises fuel prices; border between Libya and Tunisia closed; Rial declines in Iran.

Let us guide you through the Middle East with curated links: insightful analyses and forecasts from top sources on regional complexities.

 

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Africanews.com: Egypt Raises Fuel Prices Amid Depreciation of Local Currency

Egypt raised fuel prices due to higher energy import costs caused by currency depreciation and global price surges. Diesel increased from 8.5 to 10 Egyptian pounds per liter, and 95 octane gasoline rose to 13.5 pounds per liter. These adjustments, along with higher butane gas cylinder costs, will likely exacerbate inflation and strain consumer purchasing power. Economic challenges, including austerity measures, the pandemic, and Suez Canal disruptions, have led the IMF to conditionally offer increased loans to Egypt.

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Aljazeera.com: Border Crossing Between Libya and Tunisia Shut Down After Conflict

Tunisia and Libya have closed the Ras Jedir border crossing following armed clashes, impacting both trade and travel. This underscores the persistent security challenges in Libya since the 2011 uprising.

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Iranwire.com: Iran's Central Bank Sounds Alarm as Rial Declines in Currency Crisis

Iran's Central Bank President, Mohammad Reza Farzin, warns of the Rial's instability, urging immediate action to protect its value. He notes the increasing use of alternative currencies in transactions and calls for legal intervention, marking a departure from past denials. Economic instability and high inflation rates have eroded trust in the Rial, prompting businesses to seek alternatives. Policy measures, like importing gold bullion, face challenges such as smuggling. Farzin's enforcement-focused approach reflects broader governance trends in Iran.