How Iraq Avoided a New Round of U.S. Sanctions on Its Banks
In recent weeks, Iraq’s banking sector has witnessed a series of rapid developments that reflect mounting external — particularly American — pressure on state-owned financial institutions, foremost among them Al Rafidain Bank, the country’s largest and oldest lender. These developments…
Market Resilience Defies Middle East Turmoil
De-escalation and Calm Risk Assessment Recent weeks have seen limited military escalation between Iran and Israel, including retaliatory attacks, which initially triggered concern in markets. However, the market’s reaction hasn’t reflected this alarm with the same intensity that the nature…
How might Trump’s “Make Iran Great Again” harm the economy of ‘Great America’?
Introduction: The Paradox of Presidential Slogans Donald Trump’s presidential campaign promises have always centered on the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA), built on fostering a strong and prosperous U.S. economy: creating jobs, curbing inflation, achieving energy self-sufficiency, and reducing…
Hormuz: A Looming Danger… Can the Global Economy Survive?
A Three-Dimensional Shock to Energy Markets The Strait of Hormuz serves as an indispensable lifeline for global energy supplies. Approximately 17 to 20 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and refined petroleum products transit the Strait, accounting for…
Iraq Moves to Strengthen Sovereign Credit Rating amid Economic Overhauls
Iraq is entering a pivotal phase of economic transformation, with fresh fiscal and administrative reforms aimed at securing an upgrade to its sovereign credit rating, according to a new report by the London-based International Center for Development Studies (ICDS). The…
New Platform Tracks Iraq’s Emerging Market Opportunities
The International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) has announced the launch of “Iraq Business Update“, a specialized media platform dedicated to tracking investment flows, corporate developments, and partnership initiatives within Iraq’s evolving economic landscape. The platform emerges at a pivotal…
ICDS to Participate in Pivotal Energy Disputes Conference in London
The International Center for Development Studies (ICDS) will participate in the 8th Annual conference on Energy Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in the Middle East and Africa, taking place on June 12–13, 2025, at the prestigious London offices of Herbert Smith…
Is the global economy at a crossroads?
The global economy, having overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, now faces new and accelerating obstacles. Debt crises, rising inflation and interest rates, and declining trade performance have significantly pressured global economic growth, diminishing opportunities anticipated by investors…
Have Syrians Escaped the Specter of Division?
By Mohammad Ammar Khaled Al-Saeed* Yesterday, Syrians celebrated what many described as a national milestone, if not a dream come true—the downfall of the tyrant who fled the country after years of oppressive rule. Yet, while the people’s uprising succeeded…
France’s Strategic Shift in the Middle East: Navigating Ties with Iraq Post-Coalition Withdrawal
France’s New Approach As its political and military influence wanes in Africa, France seeks to bolster its presence in the Middle East, specifically Iraq. While Iraqi Prime Minister Muhamad Shia Al-Sudani called for the international coalition, led by the United…
The Impact of Red Sea Tensions on the Global Economy
The Red Sea in the Spotlight Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza, escalating events suggest a widening scope of the conflict to encompass broader regions in the Middle East. Daily military incidents along the Lebanese border, missile strikes, and…
Will Iraq’s Economy Escape the Ramifications of the Gaza War?
Confronting the factions The aftermath of the recent war in Gaza has quickly expanded to encompass other countries in the region, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. American bases in both Syria and Iraq witnessed multiple missile and drone attacks…