Could War with Iran Disrupt Britain’s Gas Supplies?
The unfolding confrontation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other presents a fresh test for the global energy system. This is a particularly sensitive juncture for the world economy, as geopolitical risks intensify…
The U.S. National Security Strategy and the Reshaping of the Global Economy
The U.S. National Security Strategy issued in 2025 signals a profound structural shift in Washington’s vision of its global role. After decades of managing the international order through military dominance, broad alliances, and direct intervention in crises, the United States…
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…
Beijing’s Risky Calculus: US-China Tensions Fuel Strategic Support for Iran
Amidst volatile geopolitical dynamics and escalating regional conflicts, mounting reports alleging China’s provision of sensitive military equipment to Iran underscore a deeper reality: Beijing’s support for Tehran is not an isolated reaction but a profound reflection of its long-term strategic…
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…
AI Middle East: Unlocking the Region’s Next Tech Frontier
The International Center for Development Studies has announced the launch of “AI Middle East“, a specialized media platform aimed at enhancing understanding and development of artificial intelligence technologies across the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative comes at…
Infrastructure Diplomacy: The New Power Game
By: Haydar Al-Rikabi* The global race for artificial intelligence leadership has created a new form of statecraft, “infrastructure diplomacy”. Rather than wielding influence through military power or ideological alignment, nations are now building strategic relationships through control of the computational…
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…
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…
The New Financial Capital of the Middle East
From Choice to Strategic Financial Hub Abu Dhabi is anticipated to emerge as the financial capital of the Middle East within the next decade. This prediction is based on the diversity of its capital markets, robust banking infrastructure, and flexible…