Kuwait's new government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, has announced a four-year programme with 107 projects, including infrastructure developments and the creation of a new sovereign wealth fund named Ciyada. This fund will focus on domestic investments and complement the existing Future Generations Fund and General Reserve Fund managed by the Kuwait Investment Authority. A key challenge for the government is passing a long-stalled public debt law, which is crucial for financing budget deficits. Kuwait has faced budget deficits for most of the past decade, exacerbated by the 2020-2021 oil price drop due to COVID-19. The IMF has suggested phasing out energy subsidies, and the government has three options to address future deficits: raising new revenue, drawing on the Future Generations Fund, or raising debt. However, political opposition and recent ministerial resignations indicate challenges ahead for the government's agenda.

Gulf steel producers are positioned to gain a competitive edge over Chinese and Indian rivals due to their lower-carbon production methods and access to renewable energy and hydrogen. The Gulf's use of electric arc, direct reduced iron technology, which relies on hydrocarbon off-gases and hydrogen instead of coal, results in lower carbon emissions. This is significant as the steel sector accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The region's steel demand is driven by mega-construction and infrastructure projects, such as Saudi Arabia's Neom project. Global commodities giants like Vale are investing in the Gulf to establish steel decarbonisation hubs. The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which taxes embedded emissions, could further enhance the Gulf's cost competitiveness. However, challenges such as the need for desalinated water and competition from countries with more renewable energy in their grids remain.

The article 'Talking Türkiye' by Jonathan Gorvett discusses the political landscape in Türkiye following the re-election of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) for a third term. It highlights the challenges faced by the opposition parties, including the Republican People’s Party (CHP), Iyi (Good) Party, and the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (HEDEP), formerly known as the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). The CHP has replaced its leader with Ozgur Ozel in hopes of revitalizing the party, while the Iyi Party struggles with an identity crisis and defections. HEDEP faces the threat of government intervention in local governance. The article also touches on the broader issues of populism and the crisis of liberal democracy, suggesting that opposition parties need new ideas to effectively challenge the status quo.

Gulf states are significantly expanding their oil refining capacities as part of their diversification strategies and in pursuit of higher value-added products. Despite the move towards net zero and reducing reliance on petroleum and natural gas, these expansions are seen as hedges against future hydrocarbon volatility. Major projects include Kuwait's Az-Zour Refinery, Saudi Arabia's Aramco's Jazan refinery, and Oman's Duqm Refinery, with investments also being made in the green economy to balance emissions. The expansions are expected to continue despite short-term fluctuations in demand and pricing, with the Gulf states benefiting from high oil prices to fund these projects. The article also highlights the integration of refinery output with petrochemical and plastics production, which is less exposed to the energy transition.

Bahrain is restructuring its oil and gas sector by rebranding its oil and gas holding company as Bapco Energies, aiming to improve efficiencies and transition towards a low-carbon future. The reorganization includes integrating various entities under Bapco Energies, such as the Bahrain Petroleum Company refinery and Tatweer Petroleum. Bapco Energies, formerly known as Nogaholding, is crucial for Bahrain's economy, contributing to 70-80% of the government's revenue. Bahrain faces challenges like ageing oil fields, the need to manage public debt, and adapting to the energy transition. The Bapco refinery is undergoing a $7 billion modernization to process heavier crudes and reduce emissions. New gas discoveries and the potential development of the Khalej Al-Bahrain shale oil field are also part of Bahrain's strategy to address its economic and energy challenges. The government is working towards a three-year transition to reorganize the energy sector, focusing on renewables, new technologies, and compliance with a new energy strategy.

The article discusses the current state and future prospects of the aluminium industry, with a focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Despite soft global aluminium prices and waning demand, the GCC has become a significant exporter of aluminium, with nearly 8% of the global market share. The region's production capacity has increased dramatically, from 120,000 tonnes in 1971 to approximately 6.1 million tonnes today. The article highlights the GCC's competitive advantage due to cheap natural gas-generated electricity, which has enabled the production of cost-effective aluminium. However, the region relies on imported bauxite and alumina, with limited local production. China's production cap and global decarbonisation efforts may lead to increased demand for GCC aluminium. The article also touches on the potential of recycling initiatives, like the one by Kings Aluminium Industries, to meet future supply needs and reduce emissions.

The article discusses the volatility of copper prices and the potential for price increases due to supply issues and rising demand. The Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are major consumers of copper and are investing in local resource development and overseas mining ventures. The region accounts for about 5 percent of global copper consumption but has minimal production capacity. The article highlights the impact of global economic growth, speculation, and political events on copper prices. It also addresses the challenges of recycling copper and the under-investment in new mining projects. The article suggests that copper shortages could arise, prompting Gulf countries to invest in copper exploration and development, with Saudi Arabia's Ma'aden at the forefront.

Oman is investing heavily in renewable energy to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen, dedicating an area the size of Slovakia for solar power projects. The country has signed contracts worth $20 billion with BP, Shell, and Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) to produce green hydrogen, aiming to export 500,000 tonnes annually. By 2050, Oman's green hydrogen exports could be worth double its current LNG exports. However, challenges such as transportation, regulation, and market development remain. Other Gulf nations are also investing in various types of hydrogen, with strategies differing from Oman's state-involved approach. The global market for hydrogen is still evolving, with potential for local demand to shape the industry in the near term.

The article discusses the arrival of the rabbitfish, a species native to the Indian Ocean, to the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in Cyprus. Due to the Mediterranean's rising temperatures, which are increasing at a rate 10 times the global average, tropical species like the rabbitfish are migrating into the area and impacting native species by consuming large amounts of native algae, which are crucial for other species and act as carbon sinks. In Cyprus, instead of trying to eradicate these invasive species, locals have opted to include them in their diet. The article also touches on the socio-political context of Cyprus, mentioning the UN-patrolled buffer zone and the Turkish Cypriot exclave. It concludes with the author's personal experience of cooking and enjoying rabbitfish as a response to climate change.

The article describes a visit to La Trinxera, a private museum in Corbera d’Ebre, Catalonia, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Spanish Civil War. The collection includes items such as weapons, uniforms, and personal items, many of which were found by the museum's owner, Pere Sans. The article recounts Sans's efforts in bomb disposal and his determination to find the remains of Robert Merriman, a leader of the US volunteers. The piece also touches on the history of the Battle of the Ebro, the role of the International Brigades, and the aftermath of the Republicans' defeat. It concludes with reflections on the civil war's ongoing relevance, especially in light of the rise of the political party Vox, which the author refers to as 'Spain's new franquistas'.

In the article 'Talking Türkiye,' Jonathan Gorvett discusses the political landscape of Türkiye following the re-election of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May 2023. Erdogan's victory, which coincided with the centennial of the Turkish Republic, was seen as a symbol of defiance against Western influence and a continuation of his party's power, the Justice and Development Party (AKP). The article highlights the AKP's extensive patronage network, control over media, and economic strategies, such as salary raises for public workers and a rebuilding program for earthquake-hit areas, which contributed to Erdogan's win. The opposition, a coalition named the Nation Alliance, faced internal struggles and failed to present a unified vision, leading to their defeat. The article also touches on the future political landscape, with local elections approaching and Erdogan's potential exit due to term limits.

The article discusses the waning momentum of the Catalan independence movement in Spain, particularly in the town of Altafulla. It highlights the historical context of Catalonia's quest for independence and the significant events that have shaped its current political landscape, such as the 2017 independence referendum and the subsequent crackdown by Spanish authorities. The piece also touches on the internal divisions among pro-independence parties and the impact of international events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the independence movement. The upcoming municipal elections and the EU Court of Justice's ruling on the extradition of Catalan exiles are presented as potential turning points for the separatist cause. Despite the decline in support for independence, the article suggests that a strong sense of Catalan identity persists among the population.

The article by Jonathan Gorvett in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs discusses the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye on February 6, 2023. The quakes resulted in over 48,448 deaths in Türkiye and around 6,000 in Syria. The article highlights the grief and shock experienced by the victims and survivors, as well as the widespread anger over poor governance and lack of enforcement of building regulations that could have mitigated the disaster's impact. It also touches on the political implications, with the Turkish government facing criticism for its disaster response and the upcoming general election. Despite the tragedy, there has been a notable outpouring of solidarity and aid from both domestic and international sources, including traditional adversaries. The article also explores the potential for improved Kurdish-Turkish relations in the wake of the disaster, as evidenced by the PKK's ceasefire and the aid provided by Kurdish organizations.

The article discusses the concept of 'net zero,' a term that has gained significant popularity among governments and corporations, with many countries and companies adopting net zero strategies. Net zero refers to the balance between greenhouse gases emitted and those removed from the atmosphere. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change defines it as a state where the amount of greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere is equal to the amount being removed. The article explains that net zero is different from zero emissions or carbon neutrality, as it includes all greenhouse gases, not just carbon. Techniques for achieving net zero include direct air capture and storage, as well as planting trees. The article also mentions that countries like Bhutan and Suriname have achieved net negative status, and it provides an example of the UAE's Adnoc's Habshan carbon capture and storage project.

The article discusses the uncertain future of Gibraltar, a British overseas territory, in the aftermath of Brexit. Despite numerous negotiations, Gibraltar's residents are still unsure about their future relationship with the EU and Spain. The territory, which voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, faces potential challenges such as the end of interim trade and movement arrangements with Spain, property price surges, and the impact on local businesses. The Spanish government acknowledges the negative consequences of a 'no deal' scenario for both Gibraltar and the surrounding Spanish region. Political changes in Spain, with upcoming elections and the possibility of a right-wing government, add to the uncertainty. Gibraltarians fear sovereignty claims over Gibraltar and are concerned about the management of their airport post-Brexit. The article highlights the anxiety and anticipation of Gibraltarians as they await a resolution to their liminal status.

The article discusses the dominance of Morocco and Saudi Arabia in the global phosphate mining industry. Morocco holds around 70% of the world's phosphate reserves, with the state-owned enterprise OCP managing a significant portion of the global trade. Saudi Arabia, through the mining company Ma'aden, is rapidly expanding its phosphate industry, leveraging its natural gas reserves to produce ammonia for fertilizer processing. The article also touches on the geopolitical and market shifts affecting the industry, such as the depletion of reserves in other countries, the impact of the Ukraine invasion on Russian supplies, and the US import duties on Moroccan phosphates. Both countries are expanding their capacities, with Morocco investing in green energy and desalination for sustainable production and planning to enter the electric vehicle battery market with lithium-ferro-phosphate batteries.

The article discusses Ireland's struggle with its long-standing principle of neutrality in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While there is widespread support for Ukraine, the idea of providing military aid is controversial due to Ireland's history of non-involvement in foreign wars. The Irish government has condemned the war and increased humanitarian aid, but its military capabilities are lacking. A defense review highlighted Ireland's inability to protect its own territory, and there is pressure to reconsider the policy of neutrality. The taoiseach, Micheal Martin, has indicated that neutrality could change. The article also touches on Ireland's non-participation in NATO and the EU's defense initiatives, as well as the potential need for a constitutional referendum to change Ireland's stance on military activities. The public opinion is divided, with some polls showing a shift towards supporting a European defense force, while others maintain the desire for neutrality. The article concludes with the uncertainty of Ireland's position, as it tries to reconcile its foundational principles with the current geopolitical landscape.

The article discusses the economic crisis in Turkey, focusing on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's controversial economic policies, including the decision to support the Turkish lira with state funds and cover foreign exchange losses on certain bank deposits. Despite initial positive reactions, the lira's value has continued to fluctuate, and the country faces high inflation and price rises. The government's economic decisions are seen as politically motivated, aiming to maintain power. Erdogan faces a dilemma over whether to call a snap election before the scheduled date in June 2023. The article also touches on the political pressure on the opposition, with potential crackdowns and legal actions against opposition figures. The economic situation and political tensions are creating a challenging environment for Erdogan and his party as the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic approaches.

The article by Jonathan Gorvett discusses the recent political maneuvers of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, both domestically and internationally, ahead of the June 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections in Türkiye. Erdogan has made surprising overtures to former regional adversaries, including Egypt, Syria, and Israel, while also attempting to engage with Kurdish political movements within Türkiye. However, a bombing in Istanbul has led to a crackdown on Kurdish groups and a tightening of media censorship laws. The Turkish economy is struggling with high inflation and a weak currency, but Erdogan has introduced new policies to win over voters. The opposition faces challenges in uniting behind a single candidate and dealing with the pro-Kurdish HDP's role in the alliance. The article also touches on Türkiye's strategic relations with Russia and Iran amidst regional tensions and economic needs.

The article discusses the aftermath of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the personal story of Patricia Burns, whose father was killed in 1972. It highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and the impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which proposes to close current legal avenues for redress and offer amnesties for Troubles-era crimes. The bill faces widespread opposition from victims' groups, political parties, and international bodies, including the Council of Europe and the UK parliamentary committee on human rights. The article also touches on the broader implications for reconciliation and the controversy over the treatment of veterans, with the government's commitment to the bill being questioned. Patricia Burns' case is emblematic of the challenges faced by many seeking truth and justice for past violence.

The article by Jonathan Gorvett discusses the political climate in Turkey ahead of the 2023 presidential and parliamentary elections. It highlights the significance of the elections as a pivotal moment for Turkey's future direction, either towards further authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan or a potential shift if the opposition succeeds. The economic challenges facing Turkey, including high inflation and a devalued currency, are emphasized as key issues influencing voter sentiment. The Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has been in power since 2002, is now seen as the 'old guard' by many voters. The opposition, despite facing media control and intimidation by the government, has united into the Nation Alliance (NA) but has yet to decide on a joint presidential candidate. Erdogan's international diplomacy, particularly with Russia and Ukraine, is also discussed as a factor that could influence the election outcome. The article suggests that the Turkish elections could provide lessons for other countries experiencing democratic erosion.

Northern Ireland commemorates the 'Day of Reflection' annually on June 21 to remember the 3,500 lives lost during the conflict known as 'The Troubles.' This year's event was especially significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of 1972, the most violent year of the conflict, with 479 deaths. The Troubles, which lasted four decades, involved British forces, loyalist gunmen, and the Irish nationalist group PIRA, ending with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Many victims' families are still seeking justice for the deaths, which were often inadequately investigated at the time. However, there is concern that a new bill in the U.K. parliament may prevent any future possibility of addressing these grievances.

The article by Jonathan Gorvett discusses the political and economic situation in Turkey, drawing parallels between the current state and the period around 2002 when the Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power. It highlights the high inflation rates, the devaluation of the Turkish lira, and the increase in poverty and income inequality. The article also touches on the potential for political change with the rise of opposition figures like Ekrem Imamoglu of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the challenges they face from the current government. Concerns about President Erdogan's increasingly autocratic tendencies and the potential for a crackdown on opposition are also discussed. The article provides insights from various experts and organizations, including RDM Advisory and Koc University, and references data from Transparency International and the World Bank.

Jonathan Gorvett's article 'Talking Türkiye' discusses the reopening of Varosha, a once-abandoned resort in Cyprus, following the 1974 Turkish invasion. The Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, has shifted from seeking reunification to advocating for international recognition of two separate states on the island. Varosha, previously a bargaining chip in reunification talks, has been partially reopened to visitors, with over 200,000 people visiting by August 2021. Tatar has invited former Greek Cypriot residents to return or seek restitution, but only as residents of the Turkish Cypriot state, which is recognized only by Türkiye. The move has been backed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but is opposed by Greek Cypriots who desire reunification. The article also touches on the emotional impact on former residents and the potential for the area to be developed by Turkish investors, which could further entrench the island's division.

The article discusses the recent diplomatic engagements between Saudi Arabia and Iran, indicating a potential shift in their historically tense relationship. The meetings, held in Baghdad and New York, suggest both nations are exploring rapprochement amidst a backdrop of changing U.S. foreign policy and regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia, predominantly Sunni, and Iran, predominantly Shiite, have been at odds, particularly since the Arab Spring, which Riyadh believed Tehran was using to expand its influence. The Saudi intervention in Yemen and the changing stance of the U.S. under President Biden have further complicated matters. The article also touches on the uncertainties surrounding the JCPOA, with Iran's new hardline President Ebrahim Raisi potentially taking a tougher stance. Both countries have their reasons for seeking better relations, with Saudi Arabia looking to de-escalate tensions and Iran aiming to alleviate economic sanctions. The article quotes experts from the International Crisis Group and King’s College London, providing insights into the motivations and implications of the ongoing talks.

Jonathan Gorvett discusses the various challenges facing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, including domestic economic struggles with high inflation, a weakening currency, and rising cost of living, as well as political issues such as falling government popularity and opposition unity. Internationally, Türkiye's involvement in conflicts and tense relations with neighboring countries, particularly Greece, are highlighted. The article also touches on the Kurdish issue within Turkish politics and the implications of the Pandora Papers for Erdogan's party. Additionally, the potential for conflict over energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean is mentioned, with reference to drilling operations by ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum, and a defense deal between Greece and France.