Features
Lebanon may be at the dawn of a new economic era
Economic issues have returned to the spotlight in Lebanon, with prospects of a financial collapse taking centre stage as the country reels from its more than one-year war with Israel.
Russia, facing loss of Syrian base for Africa operations, seen turning to war-torn Sudan or divided Libya
If Putin wants to quickly develop Port Sudan as an alternative to Russia's naval base in Syria, he may need to finally pick a side and align with the SAF, who control the area. Meanwhile, Russia is already landing military aircraft in Libya.
Is Israel embarking on a land grab in Syria?
As Israel’s ceasefire with Hezbollah takes effect and the war with Hamas in Gaza continues to rage, it appeared as if the news spotlight was shifting away from the Jewish state as the fall of the Assad regime in Syria took centre stage.
EXPLAINER: US sanctions on Gazprombank and what they mean for Russian gas in Europe
The sanctions have created some uncertainty and difficulties, but are unlikely to cause disruptions to gas flows, especially now that Russia has eased its own restrictions for payments.
What now for Russia in Syria?
The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) now poses complex challenges for Russia.
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As jubilant Syrian refugees in Turkey celebrate Assad downfall, analysts wonder what comes next in power vacuum
Ankara, meanwhile, already criticised for trying to use chaos as cover for attacks on Kurds as it tries to change map in its favour.
Lebanon's Christian factions rejoice over Assad regime fall
Celebrations erupted across several areas in Lebanon following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. Opposition factions took control of Damascus, leading to public gatherings in Lebanese squares, where revellers set off fireworks.
Assad told to flee Syria as his regime teeters on the edge of collapse
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been told to flee the country and establish a government in exile as three important cities fall to advancing forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels.
Syria’s conflict enters a dangerous new phase as rebels advance
Syria’s long-running civil war has entered a markedly more dangerous phase as opposition forces capture strategic cities and vital infrastructure. Military analysts and diplomatic sources say these developments.
Slovak coalition wobbles but will it fall down?
Robert Fico's populist government now has the slimmest possible majority of 76 legislators, raising speculation about early elections.
Is Russia being dragged back into the Syrian war?
Russia faces mounting pressure to expand its military involvement in Syria as its longtime ally President Bashar al-Assad confronts the most serious challenge to his rule since 2016, with militant groups having launched a major offensive.
Emerging Europe winemakers sparkle as global wine production declines
Global production is set to fall 2% this year, but countries in Emerging Europe including Georgia, Hungary and Russia are bucking the trend, says the OIV.
Poor market conditions start to put Emerging Europe IPOs on hold
In the last few days it was announced that two planned IPOs in Central and Southeast Europe will be postponed, reflecting broader challenges in market conditions.
Protests erupt across Georgia’s regions
The last few days have seen an unprecedented, spontaneous mass mobilisation of citizens in Georgia’s regions.
Russian companies trapped in a debt spiral, borrowing heavily, despite sky-high interest rates
Russian businesses are still actively taking out floating rate loans, despite the sky-high cost of borrowing, in the hope that rates will come down, but pushing rates up as a result, The Bell reported on December 3.
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Hezbollah-linked financial institution reopens in Lebanon
Following more than a year of cross-border violence between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, a sense of calm is slowly returning to Beirut. Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial institution that provides interest-free loans, has reopened some of its branches.
Trump threatens BRICS with tariffs if they dump the dollar
US President-elect Donald Trump has warned the BRICS countries they will be hit with 100% tariffs if they attempt to set up an alternative currency to the dollar to settle trade deals.
Georgia’s heart beats on Rustaveli Avenue
Protesters tell bne IntelliNews the brutal police response has only strengthened their resolve.
Southeast Asia’s rising energy demands and what lies ahead
As Southeast Asia continues to grow economically and urbanise at a rapid pace, the region is emerging as a key player in global energy markets
Aluminium producer Rusal brings fresh legal claims in London High Court case against Russian oligarch Potanin
Russia’s leading aluminium producer Rusal has escalated its legal battle against billionaire Vladimir Potanin, CEO of Norilsk Nickel, by filing additional claims in London’s High Court, bne IntelliNews can report.