Prospects 2020

Middle East / North Africa

Popular demonstrations bring short-term uncertainty but cannot address long-term stagnation

Benny Gantz is likely eventually to become prime minister one way or another; economic growth will trend lower

Syria is dominated by foreign powers allied with local factions, of which the government is by far the strongest

Tehran will mix diplomacy and aggression as it aims to wait out US President Donald Trump

Discontent over living standards will be a test for all countries, but some will address (or contain) this more easily

Perhaps over-confident about the economy, Erdogan will not change course despite mounting difficulties

Iran tensions, succession rivalry and low energy prices cloud the horizon