A climate of relative stability in preparation for the Lebanese Parliament's election of a new head of state on 9 January. A framework that remains fragile, given Hezbollah's determination to reorganise its forces, Iranian influence and the IDF troops still present. Elements that undermine institutions, border security and economic recovery.
A long report by Article18, CSW, Open Doors and Middle East Concern raises the issue. The future for migrants is uncertain with abuse and violence potentially waiting for them should they return to Iran. In 2023, 20 per cent of asylum seekers in Georgia came from Iran, 90 per cent fleeing after converting to Christianity.
In an exclusive sit down with AsiaNews, Prof. Saad Salloum draws a parallel between the overthrow of the Rais in Iraq and the flight of the Syrian dictator. In both cases it took 13 years for their ouster to ‘drain’ the resources around the leader. Baghdad must ‘take tangible measures to ensure the recovery of the new Syria’ starting with the fight against drugs. Limit the role of Turkey and Iran, set up a reconstruction fund.
With the end of the Assad regime, there are questions about the possibility of a change of government even in Tehran, which appears increasingly weakened. As Prof. Pejman Abdolmohammadi, professor of Middle East international relations at Trent University, in the new U.S. view of the region, the Houthis and the Shiite militias in Iraq are the next elements of the so-called Iranian "Axis of Resistance" that could be affected
From education to the oil industry, discontent is growing among workers, who are demanding better wages and working conditions. Declining energy and a poor economy are sinking prospects for recovery, in a country already affected by Western sanctions. The cost of essential goods and services has increased by up to 40 per cent in recent months. Pressure is growing on the Pezeshkian administration.
Despite incentives and family support, Iran’s birth rate is constantly decreasing. By 2101, the population could be halved, with about half being elderly. The Islamic Republic has seen one of the fastest drops in fertility in the world. Supreme leader Ali Khamenei’s appeal falls on deaf ears.
