Economic cooperation between Syria and Iran is growing stronger, and cargo carrier Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) is the driving force behind the two countries' maritime trade. This increased economic partnership comes in the face not only of US sanctions, but of the recent Israeli strikes, which targeted IRISL cargo.
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International Dealmaking 
By proclaiming himself sole president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Bafel Talabani thought he would be able to force his cousin into exile and retain control of his Sulaymaniya stronghold. Unfortunately for him, Lahur Talabani still has support in political and security circles and does not intend to let go of the reins of power so easily.
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With Gazprom now in control of social media group Vkontakte, a jostle for power has begun, heralding greater influence for the head of Gazprom Media, Alexander Zharov, who is well-connected to the Kremlin's networks.
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Keen to attract foreign investors to Kazakhstan, the country's government must get around the problems it faces in its energy infrastructure which are having an impact on investments in cryptocurrency mining.
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Saudi Arabia is keen to be at the cutting edge of cyber in the Gulf. At the @Hack conference in Riyadh in November, UAE cyber distributors such as Spire and Bulwark were out in force, helping their Israeli partners to establish a foothold in the country.
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