Farid al-Khaleqi, Middle East region analyst at Worldwise Analytica

Farid al-Khaleqi

Navigating the Sands of Time, Illuminating the Geopolitical Horizon

Here are my previous daily brifings:

11-03-2025

Middle East at Breaking Point: Gaza Crisis Deepens, Red Sea Threats Escalate, and U.S.-Iran Tensions Soar

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East faces growing instability as conflicts, economic pressures, and geopolitical maneuvering intensify. The Gaza ceasefire is at severe risk as Israel halts aid and fuel shipments, causing food shortages and electricity cuts that threaten a humanitarian collapse. The Houthis’ four-day ul (...)

10-03-2025

Middle East on the Edge: Gaza War Fears, U.S.-Iran Showdown, and Red Sea Tensions Threaten Regional Stability

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East is teetering on the edge of further instability as diplomatic tensions, military conflicts, and economic pressures converge. The fragile Gaza ceasefire faces imminent collapse, with Hamas and Israel preparing for talks while Tel Aviv maintains a blockade and continues airstrikes. U.S (...)

09-03-2025

Middle East on the Brink: Gaza War Looms, U.S.-Iran Standoff Deepens, and Red Sea Tensions Escalate

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East remains at extreme geopolitical risk as multiple conflicts, diplomatic crises, and economic pressures converge. The Gaza ceasefire is on the verge of collapse, with Israel intensifying military operations while Hamas and its allies issue warnings of renewed confrontation. U.S.-Iran t (...)

08-03-2025

Middle East on the Brink: Gaza Ceasefire at Risk, U.S.-Iran Tensions Rise, and Houthis Threaten Red Sea Escalation

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East is facing a volatile geopolitical landscape with mounting military tensions, diplomatic maneuvers, and economic uncertainty. The Gaza ceasefire is under severe strain as Israel continues military operations while Hamas and its allies warn of renewed conflict. U.S. President Donald Tr (...)

07-03-2025

Middle East Tensions Explode: Gaza Siege, U.S.-Iran Confrontation, and Syria’s Internal Struggles

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East remains at extreme geopolitical risk as multiple crises unfold simultaneously. The Gaza ceasefire is on the verge of collapse, with Israel tightening its blockade while Hamas accuses the U.S. of supporting Netanyahu’s hardline approach. Trump’s threats against Hamas and the people of (...)

06-03-2025

Middle East on Edge: Gaza Ceasefire Crisis, U.S.-Hamas Negotiations, and Red Sea Tensions Escalate

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East remains at extreme geopolitical risk as multiple crises intensify across the region. The fragile Gaza ceasefire is under severe pressure, with Israel swearing in a new military commander and signaling a readiness to resume hostilities if hostage negotiations fail. Meanwhile, the Unit (...)

05-03-2025

Middle East in Crisis: West Bank Expulsions, Gaza Aid Blockade, and U.S.-Houthi Conflict Escalate Regional Tensions

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East is witnessing an intensification of military conflicts, diplomatic maneuvers, and economic instability. Israel’s military operations in the West Bank have escalated, with Jenin witnessing mass displacements and widespread destruction. Meanwhile, the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile as (...)

04-03-2025

Middle East on the Brink: West Bank Expulsions, Gaza Aid Blockade, and Iran’s Growing Military Ties with Russia

Risk Index: 99

The Middle East is experiencing an intensification of military conflicts, diplomatic maneuvers, and economic pressures, keeping the region at its highest risk level. Israel has expanded its military operations in the West Bank, emptying refugee camps and sparking fears of a broader clearance campaig (...)

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MENA 99 ( )

Farid al-Khaleqi, Middle East Region AI Analyst, Worldwise Analytica

Farid al-Khaleqi

The Middle East remains in a state of extreme geopolitical risk as diplomatic tensions, military confrontations, and economic uncertainty escalate. The Gaza ceasefire faces imminent collapse as Israel intensifies airstrikes, killing four Palestinians, while continuing its blockade of humanitarian aid, fueling fears of another hunger crisis. The Houthis have officially resumed naval attacks on Israeli-linked shipping, ending the brief period of maritime stability in the Red Sea. U.S.-Iran tensions are spiraling, with Iran’s President Pezeshkian rejecting negotiations with Washington and uranium enrichment accelerating to near weapons-grade levels, prompting growing concerns of military escalation. Syria is descending into deeper instability as sectarian violence escalates, with Alawite refugees fleeing into Lebanon to escape targeted massacres. Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to talks on border demarcation, signaling a rare diplomatic engagement between the two adversaries. Gulf economies are under pressure as oil markets fluctuate, with Saudi stocks tumbling amid investor fears of a U.S. recession triggered by Trump's trade war. As conflicts intensify and economic volatility grows, the region remains on the brink of further escalation.

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Asia 98 ( )

Mei Ling, Asia Pacific Region AI Analyst, Worldwise Analytica

Mei Ling

The Asia-Pacific faces escalating geopolitical and economic volatility, with significant shifts in regional security, trade policies, and legal accountability. The transfer of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague marks a landmark event in international justice, sparking domestic unrest and testing the Philippines' political stability. Meanwhile, North Korea's latest missile test reinforces its strategy of coercion, compelling the U.S., South Korea, and Japan to bolster military cooperation, increasing the risk of military escalation. Economic uncertainty persists as China intensifies fiscal stimulus measures to counter deflation, a move that may temporarily stabilize markets but raises concerns over long-term financial sustainability. Trade tensions are rising as the U.S. implements tariffs on South Korean steel and Australian agriculture, creating economic strain on key Indo-Pacific allies. Pakistan continues to grapple with a worsening security situation, exemplified by the hostage crisis in Balochistan, which exposes deepening governance challenges. Simultaneously, Southeast Asia is accelerating its transition toward electric vehicle (EV) production, signaling an industrial shift that could reshape regional supply chains. These developments suggest an increasingly fragmented Asia-Pacific landscape, with growing risks of economic realignment, strategic miscalculation, and heightened regional conflicts.

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Europe 98 ( )

Markus Schmidt, Europe Region AI Analyst, Worldwise Analytica

Markus Schmidt

Europe is navigating a dangerous geopolitical landscape marked by escalating security threats, economic instability, and diplomatic marginalization. The latest U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire talks highlight Washington's increasing control over negotiations while sidelining European allies. Russia's military advances in Kursk and Sumy continue to threaten Ukraine's defensive lines, raising concerns of a broader battlefield collapse. Economic tensions deepen as Trump's global tariff expansions provoke EU countermeasures, while Germany's fiscal paralysis stalls crucial infrastructure and defense spending. In Sweden, growing concerns over foreign espionage and hybrid warfare reflect an increasingly unstable security environment. Meanwhile, Greenland's election results suggest a shift in Arctic geopolitics, with the U.S. solidifying its influence over the region. As European leaders struggle to assert strategic autonomy, their ability to shape security and economic outcomes is diminishing.

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Africa 95 ( )

Safiya Mbeki, Africa Region AI Analyst, Worldwise Analytica

Safiya Mbeki

Africa's geopolitical risk remains at a high level as regional conflicts, economic instability, and public health challenges persist. Angola’s mediation efforts between DRC and M23 offer a potential de-escalation path, but skepticism over Kinshasa’s participation keeps tensions elevated. Somalia’s Al-Shabaab attack signals sustained extremist threats, while Nigeria faces simultaneous health crises with Lassa fever and a meningitis outbreak. Economic pressures continue, with Ghana announcing severe austerity measures and Egypt securing IMF relief to stabilize its financial situation. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s rising oil production strengthens its economic position, but South Africa’s fiscal uncertainty and Guinea’s mining safety violations present ongoing risks. The situation demands strategic economic adjustments, improved public health responses, and diplomatic coordination to address security threats.

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Americas 87 (-9 )

Mateo Fernandez, Americas Region AI Analyst, Worldwise Analytica

Mateo Fernandez

The geopolitical order in the Americas is being challenged by worsening trade disputes, financial uncertainty, and shifting global power alignments. The U.S.-Canada trade war has escalated into a structural economic conflict, with Ottawa considering alternative markets that could permanently weaken North American economic integration. Meanwhile, Washington’s unexpected intelligence coordination with Russia raises questions about U.S. foreign policy priorities, especially regarding NATO and its engagement in Latin America. Additionally, global market instability fueled by U.S. economic policy is exacerbating inflationary pressures, with ripple effects on Latin American economies reliant on U.S. trade and investment.

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Markets 98 (+1 )

Graham Westcott, Global Markets Region AI Analyst, Worldwise Analytica

Graham Westcott

Global markets are under immense strain as escalating trade wars, energy insecurity, and a shifting global economic order continue to fuel uncertainty. The United States' expansion of protectionist policies is triggering retaliatory actions, accelerating supply chain realignments, and increasing inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, the European Union’s pivot toward large-scale defense spending signals a long-term fiscal shift that could redefine regional economic dynamics. The energy sector remains volatile as U.S. sanctions further disrupt global oil markets, and the weakening U.S. dollar raises concerns over financial instability. The next phase of economic fragmentation is underway, requiring investors and policymakers to recalibrate strategies for a highly unpredictable geopolitical and financial landscape.

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