As the US readies itself for a complete withdrawal from Iraq by the end of the year, the rest of the Middle East have also been preparing for this eventuality. The dynamics between Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel could determine the future of the region as Washington’s influence becomes increasingly distant and irrelevant.
When Bahrain’s pro-democracy movement began its demonstrations in Pearl Square last month, Atif Abdulmalik was supportive.
An American-educated investment banker and a member of the Sunni Muslim elite,
he favored a constitutional monarchy and increasing opportunities and support for the poorer Shiite majority.
But in the past week or two, the nature of the protest shifted —
and so did any hope that demands for change would cross sectarian lines
and unite Bahrainis in a cohesive democracy movement.
The turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East has helped drive oil prices up to more than $102 a barrel for an important benchmark crude, Brent,
although so far there have been no significant disruptions in production or supply, according to experts at the International Energy Agency.
While Egypt and Tunisia have little oil,
The Middle East and Central Asia economies have been reliant on oil exportation for a long time. Since the Middle East includes Egypt, as well as the southwest area of Asia, this would be expected in that this region of the world is known for having rich oil deposits. Therefore, these parts of the world depend on mining to sustain a healthy economy.
| Country | Type |
| Algeria | LMC |
| Djibouti | LMC |
| Egypt, Arab Rep. | LMC |
| Iran, Islamic Rep. | LMC |
| Iraq |
Today, countries that are members of the European Union are trying hard to reduce cost for imports and exports, adopt a better standard of living, and agree to a common currency. Although not all countries in Europe are members of the European Union, this government has a goal of increasing trade throughout Europe while enhancing power politically and economically. People need to remember that economic differences are seen for each country that is a member of the European Union, which means facing different challenges but also enjoying different successes.
The United States has discovered nearly $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits in Afghanistan,
far beyond any previously known reserves and enough to fundamentally alter the Afghan economy and perhaps the Afghan war itself,
according to senior American government officials.
