With escalating geopolitical tensions, increased sanctions, and discussions around de-dollarisation, interest in gold is rising.Central banks, particularly those of Russia and China, have bought gold…
A safe haven in turbulent times, there are deeper reasons why gold still shines, including a possible role in finding a dollar alternative, but drawing lessons from the past is increasingly difficult.
Global production of gold reached approximately 3,000 metric tonnes in 2023. China, Australia, Russia, Canada, and the United States were, respectively, the largest producers of gold in the world…
The country's 'safe-haven' reserves were looted in 2011 when tonnes went missing just before Gaddafi was ousted. Now, after a big purchase last year, there are worries for its security.
The US currency has faced rivals before. Its reserve currency status looks safe while rivals like China's renminbi and the euro are without key advantages underpinning its international appeal.
Key regional powers—Türkiye, Egypt, Iran—do not see eye to eye over what transpired in Syria. One emerges as a winner, the other a loser, and Syria's new Islamist-leaning leaders unsettle the third.
Integrating armed factions, particularly the SDF, will be key, as well as agreeing on an inclusive new government that can unify a country that has been plagued by division
Earlier eras have been characterised by peaceful coexistence in Islam, when people from different religions lived side by side, with equal rights, at a time when violence raged around other faiths