Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, January 5th, 2024

Orient Weekly Watch: CSIORS Edition - Friday, January 5th, 2024

2024-01-05 09:07

2024-01-05 09:07

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

morocco, Lybia, #Syria, Morocco-Economy, Q1-2024, Agricultural-Challenges, Global-Uncertainties, Oil-Prices-Stabilized, Libyan-Supply-Concerns, Economic-Slowdown-Demand , Geopolitical-Risks-Growth, Drug-Smuggling-Threat, Jordanian-Syrian-Border, Widespread-Concerns , Regional-Security-Threat, jordan,

Let us navigate the Middle East nuances: Morocco's economy; oil prices in Lybia; smuggling drug in Syria.

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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Moroccoworldnews.com: Morocco Anticipates a 2.4% Deceleration in Economic Growth During the First Quarter of 2024

Morocco's economy is expected to slow by 2.4% in Q1 2024, driven by challenges in the agricultural sector and global uncertainties, according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP). Excluding agriculture, overall growth is projected at 2.9%, driven by advancements in the secondary sector. Domestic demand remains a key growth factor, while international trade is anticipated to negatively impact economic activity for the third consecutive quarter.

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Euronews.com: Stabilized Oil Prices Amid Diminished Libyan Supply Worries and Sluggish Demand

Oil prices stabilized after Libyan supply concerns eased, but worries about economic slowdown and demand persisted. Crude oil fell 0.64% to $72.2 per barrel, and Brent crude dipped 0.51% to $77.8 per barrel. The initial surge followed the shutdown of Libya's Sharara oilfield due to protests, with uncertainty about reopening. Geopolitical concerns initially fueled the rally, but attention shifted to economic growth fears amid lackluster data and rising inflation in major European economies. Analysts note cautious trading, prioritizing global growth and demand concerns over geopolitical risks.

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Arabnews.com: Smuggling of Drugs from Syria Poses a Threat to Regional Security

Drug smuggling poses a growing threat to Jordan, with heightened clashes on the Jordanian-Syrian border and a fivefold increase in drug-related offenses since 2011. Surveys show widespread concerns among Jordanians, emphasizing the need for collaboration with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Despite US financial support, broader regional assistance is crucial to address the escalating threat to Jordan and regional security.