Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, December 22th, 2023

Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, December 22th, 2023

2023-12-22 16:19

2023-12-22 16:19

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

algeria, egypt, Indonesia-Algeria-Bilateral-Ties, Trade-Investment-Cooperation, Pertamina-Energy-Investment, Global-Diplomacy-Palestinian-Concerns, Central-Bank-Egypt-Interest-Rates, Global-Economic-Slowdown, Commodity-Prices-Decrease, GDP-Growth-Assessment, Turkey-Parliamentary-Vote, Sweden-NATO-Membership, Ratification, Fuat-Oktay, Erdogan-Biden-Phone-Call, Stockholm-Protests, Diplomatic-Trust, indonesia, nato,

Let us navigate the Middle East nuances: collaboration between Indonesia and Algeria; unchanged interests from Egypt's Bank; Turkey could vote Sweden to NATO.

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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Zawya.com: Indonesian Foreign Minister Commences Africa Tour, Initiates Discussions on Economic Collaboration in Algeria

Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, visited Algeria to enhance 60-year bilateral ties, emphasizing trade and investment growth. Algeria, a top-five African trading partner for Indonesia, saw discussions on trade, energy collaboration, and the reactivation of bilateral mechanisms. Pertamina's substantial investment in Algeria's energy sector and mutual stances on global issues, including Palestinian concerns, were key diplomatic points.

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Economymiddleeast.com: Egypt's Central Bank Maintains Unchanged Interest Rates for the Third Consecutive Time

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) maintained interest rates for the third time, citing global economic slowdown and geopolitical uncertainties. While global commodity prices, especially energy, decreased, domestic GDP growth slowed due to reduced investment. The CBE projects further deceleration in GDP growth for 2023/2024 but emphasizes ongoing assessment and commitment to restrictive monetary conditions.

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Middleeasteye.net: Turkey's top lawmaker suggests the possibility of accelerating the vote on Sweden's NATO bid as early as next week.

Turkey's parliamentary vote on Sweden's NATO membership ratification may occur next week, according to Fuat Oktay, a key lawmaker. Oktay suggests the foreign relations committee could swiftly approve the protocol as a goodwill gesture. Turkey seeks more action from Sweden on counterterrorism, particularly related to the PKK. Western diplomats anticipate parliamentary approval before the new year, noting positive signs after the recent Erdogan-Biden phone call. Oktay had downplayed a connection between Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's F-16 purchase but acknowledged Erdogan's linkage in a recent interview. Delays are attributed to various issues, including protests and anti-Turkey demonstrations in Stockholm. Oktay emphasizes the need for trust and convincing actions in the process.