<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Other Middle East</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE, Qatar stop trade finance to Iran over sanctions]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56488</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The central banks of UAE and Qatar have told lenders to stop financing trade with Iran, bankers said, cutting another source of credit for a country struggling under Western economic sanctions imposed over its nuclear programme.

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<title><![CDATA[G-20&#039;s Internet economy set to reach US$4.2 trillion by 2016, says The Boston Consulting Group ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56375</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Every business needs to &quot;go digital&quot; if it is to capitalize on the dramatic transformation of the Internet across the world&#039;s biggest economies over the next five years, while governments &quot;should let the market sort out the winners and losers&quot;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[World needs 600 million jobs for economic growth over the next decade]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56332</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The world faces the additional challenge of creating decent jobs for the estimated 900 million workers who subsist on less than US$2 a day.
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<title><![CDATA[Tupperware to educate Iraqi women on entrepreneurship]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56322</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Company announces joint program with Secretary of State&#039;s Office of Global Women&#039;s Issues and Rollins College at World Economic Forum; Aims to create a new generation of female entrepreneurs in post-war Iraq.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Crude oil and the impact of EU sanctions against Iran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56315</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Given what we know in terms of supply and demand we feel that oil prices are trading expensively but the geopolitical risk premium will stay for the foreseeable future leaving selling interest only in the hands of brave hearts.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Crude oil trades near US$100 on concern Iran may respond to European embargo]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56310</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Prices were little changed today, following assurances by Saudi Arabia to keep customers adequately supplied, and signs of rising supplies in the US. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[EU agrees to slap oil embargo on Iran  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56293</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The European Union has agreed to slap an embargo on Iran&#039;s oil exports Monday as the West ramped up pressure over the country&#039;s suspect nuclear drive.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Emirates strengthens services to Iraq on increased passenger and cargo demand]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56260</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Airline announces additional capacity increase between Dubai and Baghdad, growing its services to seven flights per week, starting 2 February 2012.  ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US military chief in Israel talks amid Iran tensions ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56253</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  US military chief General Martin Dempsey urged Israel to keep the channels of communication open with Washington amid concerns the Jewish state could launch a military strike on Iran&#039;s nuclear facilities.

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<title><![CDATA[Oil prices rising on economy rather than Iran, says Goldman Sachs]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56123</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The bank sees little evidence of an Iran premium in crude and says increasing confidence that Europe&#039;s debt crisis will be contained is helping prices.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Japan asks UAE, Saudi Arabia for Iran oil backup]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56089</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Japan is considering cutting its Iranian oil purchases to secure a waiver from the new U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic over its disputed nuclear programme.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran nuclear scientist killed in Tehran blast ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56085</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. An Iranian scientist who worked on uranium enrichment was killed in a bomb blast in Tehran, the state-controlled Fars news agency said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Threat to Hormuz shipping seen receding]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56067</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;I don&#039;t think one can completely discount the risk because the authorities may not control all the factions...but I think that they understand the risks that they run.&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran condemns American to death, starts nuclear bunker]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56044</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. The moves come at a time when new US sanctions are causing real economic pain and Iran has spooked oil markets with threats to international shipping.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IEA &#039;prepared&#039; to react to any oil supply disruption]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=56026</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;As no specific supply disruption is under way, we are not actively considering any action at the present time.&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq bombs kill at least 61 ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55994</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. A spate of attacks against Shiite pilgrims and neighbourhoods in Iraq killed at least 61 as the country grapples with a week-long political row that has stoked sectarian tensions.

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<title><![CDATA[Arab League falters in Syria as options to halt deadly crackdown dwindle]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55977</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Arab League has raised questions about its commitment to halting Syria&#039;s deadly crackdown on protesters by putting a Sudanese general with close ties to an indicted war criminal in charge of a monitoring mission intended to hold the regime accountable. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Carlyle Group acquires 48% stake in private education provider in Turkey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55975</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Bahcesehir Koleji transaction marks Carlyle&#039;s fifth investment in the MENA region.

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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Is war in the Straits of Hormuz and US$200 a barrel oil inevitable?]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55962</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The pieces and policies for potential conflict in the Gulf are seemingly drawing inexorably together.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran threatens action if US carrier returns]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55952</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Iran will take action if a US aircraft carrier which left the area because of Iranian naval exercises returns to the Gulf, army chief Ataollah Salehi said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Brent crude oil above US$109 on Iran tension]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55951</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Military exercises in the Gulf by Iran and the movement of US naval vessels in the area raised fears of a confrontation that could cut off oil exports from the region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran tests cruise missile during navy war games ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55938</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran on Monday successfully tested a Ghader ground-to-ship cruise missile on the last day of navy war games near the Strait of Hormuz]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran defiant as US unleashes new sanctions  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55936</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran defiantly announced it had tested a new missile and made an advance in its nuclear programme after the United States unleashed extra sanctions ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US aircraft carrier &#039;spotted&#039; in Iran wargames zone ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55923</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. A US aircraft carrier entered a zone near the Strait of Hormuz being used by the Iranian navy for wargames, an Iranian official said amid rising tensions.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran may hurt itself most by closing Strait of Hormuz ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55917</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. All of Iran&#039;s exports and many of its imports of gasoline, food and consumer goods are shipped through the strait; crude oil accounts for nearly 80% of exports.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Symantec discovers new malware with potential to exploit interest around Arab Spring]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55914</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. New malware found targeting individuals specifically in the Middle East through an app could open the door to more malicious attacks.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran would find it &#039;really easy&#039; to close key oil transit strait ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55904</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran&#039;s navy chief was speaking a day after Iran&#039;s vice president, Mohammad Reza Rahimi, threatened to close the strait if the West imposed more sanctions on Iran.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bombs kill at least 60 as Iraq mired in political crisis]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55860</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. A wave of attacks in Baghdad Thursday killed at least 60 people as Iraq faced a political crisis, with its vice president accused of running death squads and the premier warning he could break off power-sharing.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gulf states issue warnings to Syria and Iran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55862</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA. Gulf Arab states urged Syria&#039;s government to immediately halt its &quot;killing machine&quot;, and called on arch rival Iran to stop interfering in their internal affairs.

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<title><![CDATA[US joins EU in push for Iran oil embargo ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55843</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The US and the EU are seeking help from Arab and Asian allies to reduce Iran&#039;s oil revenues in the dispute over its nuclear program, while trying to avoid causing a surge in prices.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[flydubai doubles Iraqi network with two new routes]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55828</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Low-cost carrier to commence flights to Baghdad and Najaf from January 2012. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55796</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. UN agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations in Yemen sound the alarm as the crisis spreads from people directly affected by conflict to millions of ordinary Yemenis across the country, particularly women and children.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq: An army of soldiers to be replaced by an army of businessmen]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55782</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  &quot;It is not now the generals but the businessmen and the corporations that are at the forefront of Iraq&#039;s future,&quot; Prime minister Nouri al-Maliki said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Last US base handed to Iraq ahead of pullout ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55777</link>
<description><![CDATA[The transfer of the sprawling installation on the outskirts of the southern city of Nasiriyah is a final step ahead of a complete US withdrawal from Iraq in the coming days.

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<title><![CDATA[How to structure a housing Public Private Partnership in Iraq ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55751</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. The BOO/BOT/BOOT/BTO models that we now see being used for infrastructure and utility projects can also be extended for use in the housing sector, although there are a number of important differences that must be recognised and built into a housing concession. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[OPEC ready to maintain oil output target  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55727</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The cartel&#039;s president Iran said the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries would reach consensus over its latest output decision.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Oil surges above US$100 on speculation of Iran disruption]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55728</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The Strait of Hormuz is a bottleneck for oil exports from the Persian Gulf. The Fed is scheduled to release a statement on monitory policy later today.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab states suffer foreign investment slump as political unrest sweeps the region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55709</link>
<description><![CDATA[KUWAIT. Foreign financing will shrink to between US$50 billion-US$55 billion in 2011 from US$66.2 billion the previous year, the Arab Investment &amp; Export Credit Guarantee Corp., known as Dhaman, said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Could war flare again between Iraq and Kuwait? ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55688</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. While Iraq and Kuwait are now at peace, many of the border issues that led to conflict two decades ago remain, which no amount of diplomatic bonhomie can completely paper over.

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<title><![CDATA[ExxonMobil&#039;s 2012 Outlook for Energy sees efficiency, developing world growth and natural gas reshaping demand through 2040]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55685</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Demand to be about 30% higher in 2040 versus 2010 as population grows and global GDP doubles; demand in developing nations rises nearly 60%. 

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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: The covert intelligence war against Iran ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55668</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. &quot;We don&#039;t believe that a military attack against Iran&#039;s nuclear facilities alone is the answer to the regional threat posed by Iran. Iran&#039;s power comes from its ability to employ its conventional forces and not nuclear weapons.&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[An increase of output by non-OPEC nations will make up for rising demand in 2012, says Deloitte report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55635</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Oil &amp; Gas reality check report, released at the World Petroleum Congress, sees Iraq and Libya playing a major role in the global oil industry.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Honeywell expands in Iraq with opening of Basra office]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55611</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Honeywell&#039;s second office to open in Iraq since 2010 will further strengthen the company&#039;s commitment to its customers and partners in Southern Iraq.

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<title><![CDATA[Iran downs US drone, threatens reprisal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55602</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN.  Iran&#039;s military said it shot down a US Army drone inside its territory near the Afghan and Pakistani borders on Sunday and threatened to retaliate for the violation.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East tensions, US jobs data push oil higher]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55597</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Royal Dutch Shell said it was ceasing operations in Syria because of ongoing unrest and in line with EU sanctions on Damascus.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Viewpoint: Playing &#039;what if?&#039; with oil prices and a potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55586</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Any major disruption in the supply of oil from Iran could have either subtle or profound global repercussions - especially as excess capacity is virtually exhausted and we doubt that other OPEC nations would be able to compensate for a reduction in Iranian oil production.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US hands Victory Base Complex over to Iraqi control]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55583</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The United States on Friday handed over to Iraqi control the sprawling Victory Base Complex near Baghdad, the main base from which the US war in Iraq was run.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran sanctions update: Banking sector sanctioned]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55578</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. On 21 November 2011 the UK government introduced major new restrictions on dealings with the Iranian banking sector by The Financial Restrictions (Iran) Order 2011.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Pakistan, Russia and the threat to the Afghan war]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55561</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Days after the Pakistanis closed their borders to the passage of fuel and supplies for the NATO-led war effort in Afghanistan, for very different reasons the Russians threatened to close the alternative Russia-controlled Northern Distribution Network. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UK orders closure of Iranian Embassy over Tehran attack]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55558</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. William Hague ordered the closure of the Iranian Embassy in London, saying the Tehran attack happened with the consent of Iran&#039;s government.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iranian protesters storm British embassy ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55537</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iranian protesters have stormed the British embassy in Tehran, removing the mission&#039;s flag and ransacking offices before police went in after them.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GE announces US$40 million agreement with BP Iraq for Produced Water Re-Injection]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55498</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. GE units team up to offer pumps, gas engines and related equipment to increase production in the Rumaila oil field of southern Iraq. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN urges inclusive development and good governance in Arab countries]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55474</link>
<description><![CDATA[LEBANON. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro today urged countries in the Arab region to steer their economies towards sustainable development. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Zain Iraq in strategic US$650 million five-year network outsourcing and optimization agreement with Ericsson]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55446</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Deal expected to deliver Zain customers in Iraq a better mobile experience on a high- quality network; Ericsson will modernize, manage, operate and improve the wireless network and IT operations. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Arab Thought Foundation conference to be held under the title: Arab Spring - What&#039;s next? ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55415</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. &quot;Our interest lies in presenting an objective comparison that aims to distinguish between the causes of the Arab Spring and its consequences, as well as in the research implications of Foreign Affairs, and the cultural and social dimensions of the Arab Spring.&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Syria, Iran and the balance of power in the Middle East]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55405</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The withdrawal of US troops from Iraq brings the potential for a massive shift in the balance of power in the region, with Iran moving from a fairly marginal power to potentially a dominant power. 

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[First GE Day in Erbil highlights region-focused partnerships to drive the growth of Kurdistan ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55398</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. High-profile panel discussion explores developmental opportunities in the Kurdistan Region.  
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MerchantBridge outlines changing investment landscape in Iraq ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55397</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. International private equity group, MerchantBridge, announced today the launch of &quot;The New Iraq - Discovering Business 2012&quot;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GE partners with the Iraqi Government to drive sustainable growth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55391</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. GE and National Investment Commission hosts panel discussion on &#039;Public Private Partnerships Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth&#039;; Underlines commitment to localization and knowledge transfer; Plans to recruit more than 200 Iraqi nationals. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UK orders banks to halt Iran business, US expected to tighten sanctions]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55388</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  Britain ordered its financial institutions on Monday to halt all business with Iranian counterparts, including the central bank.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[&#039;Deep, increasing concern&#039; on Iran, says IAEA resolution]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55341</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The resolution from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany &quot;expresses deep and increasing concern about the unresolved issues regarding the Iranian nuclear program.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia wants UN vote on assassination plot]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55338</link>
<description><![CDATA[SAUDI ARABIA.  Saudi Arabia is pressing for a UN vote Friday on a resolution condemning an alleged plot to assassinate its US envoy and calling on Iran to cooperate with the investigation.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US election ups risk of Israeli strike on Iran, says expert]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55323</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. An Israeli strike on Iran&#039;s nuclear sites may become likelier in 2012 if Israel calculates it has more room to act alone in a US presidential election year, a former US official and nuclear diplomacy expert said.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Countering Iran in the covert world]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55321</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Director of Analysis Reva Bhalla examines how a recent chain of Iran-related events sheds light on the geopolitical environment in which Iran&#039;s adversaries are operating.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Gas exporters seek &#039;high&#039; prices as they cooperate on supply]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55300</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. The world&#039;s largest natural-gas exporters aim to cooperate in developing projects for production and sale of the fuel to raise prices and boost supply. 

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<title><![CDATA[Iraq approves US$17 billion contract for gas capture with Shell, Mitsubishi]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55294</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. &quot;The government has a 51% stake in the partnership, and the companies 49%, including 44% for Shell and the rest for Mitsubishi.&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Exxon deal good for all Iraq, says Kurdish minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55262</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. An Iraqi Kurdish minister sought to allay the Baghdad government&#039;s concerns about an oil exploration deal his region signed with ExxonMobil.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq reaches agreement with Kurds on oil contracts]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55247</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The central government and the Kurdish Regional Government have reached &quot;mutually acceptable&quot; solutions to long-standing disputes.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IAEA, Iran spar over bomb work allegations]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55242</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UN nuclear watchdog showed letters and satellite images as part of evidence pointing to military dimensions to Iran&#039;s atomic activities.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraqi minister to address Urban Development Summit in Turkey]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55206</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Leading international experts from across the construction and investment sectors will gather later this month to meet key Iraqi government stakeholders.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran moved nuclear material to bunker, says UN watchdog]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55197</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL.  Iran has started moving nuclear material to an underground facility for the pursuit of sensitive atomic activities, a U.N. nuclear agency report showed]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran sought miniaturized nuclear-weapon design, says UN report]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55183</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported yesterday that Iran carried out &quot;work on the development of an indigenous design of a nuclear weapon including the testing of components.&quot; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran used foreign expertise for atom work, say diplomats]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55172</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A UN report is expected to show that Iran benefited from foreign expertise to help develop technology that could be used to build atomic bombs.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IAEA report on Iran set to stoke Middle East tension]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55167</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UN nuclear watchdog is expected this week to issue its most detailed report yet on research in Iran seen as geared to developing atomic bombs.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran wants Bahrain as its &#039;crown jewel,&#039; says Bahrain foreign minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55108</link>
<description><![CDATA[BAHRAIN. &quot;Gulf countries should not have to stand alone facing Iran, (other) Arab countries must be responsible, and Arab publics must pay attention to Iran&#039;s dangers.&quot;]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qatar Airways announces new route to Isfahan as part of massive expansion drive across Iran]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55084</link>
<description><![CDATA[QATAR. Daily flights to central Iranian city Of Isfahan begin in January 2012; 31 extra flights each week across four cities represent 150% capacity hike.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq is ready for mobile broadband, says Ericsson  ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55072</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Ericsson highlights its longstanding presence in Iraq at Iraq Telecom 2011 event; Telecom networks in Iraq are ready for 3G and LTE.
]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Libya and Iraq: The Price of Success]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55006</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The universal congratulations on the death of Moammar Gadhafi are as ominous as all victory celebrations are, because they ignore the critical question: Now what?

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<title><![CDATA[IMF Regional Economic Outlook: Unprecedented change holds the promise of a more prosperous future for MENA]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=55008</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Real GDP growth of oil exporters to pick up in 2011 to almost 5%, then moderate to about 4% in 2012; GCC GDP growth projected at more than 7% in 2011; Possible sharp downturn in global activity and further political unrest in the region are the main threats facing the region.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq upstream legal update]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54951</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. With proven oil reserves of approximately 115 billion barrels, Iraq&#039;s oil industry has seen considerable growth. The opportunities, however, are not without their challenges. The existing legal framework within which the IFG and the KRG operate is based on constitutional provisions. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Amid rising violence in Yemen, Security Council calls for speedy transition of power]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54922</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Condemning human rights violations and the excessive use of force, the Security Council called on all sides to quickly implement a regional plan for an orderly transition of power.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN human rights office calls for probe into Gadhafi&#039;s death]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54920</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The United Nations human rights office yesterday called for a probe into Muammar Gadhafi&#039;s death to determine whether he was killed during fighting or after his capture. 

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<title><![CDATA[Obama foes blast Iraq withdrawal amid Iran worries]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54912</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. President Barack Obama&#039;s conservative critics blasted his announcement that all US troops will leave Iraq by year&#039;s end.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi reports Iran to UN over alleged plot]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54832</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Saudi Arabia has taken a first step to have Iran reported to the UN Security Council but Tehran dismissed allegations it plotted to kill Saudi ambassador to the US Adel al-Jubeir as a ploy to isolate it.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Leighton awarded US$518 million Iraq crude oil project]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54817</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The project aims to stabilize and expand Iraq&#039;s crude oil export capacity by constructing a pipeline connecting crude oil storage facilities to the offshore crude oil export terminal in Fao, Basrah in Southern Iraq.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Iran will be held accountable for plot, says US Vice President]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54784</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. US Vice President Joe Biden said Iran would be held accountable for an alleged plot to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador in Washington.
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<title><![CDATA[US charges men in Saudi ambassador plot]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54776</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Manssor Arbabsiar, and Gholam Shakuri were charged with conspiracy to murder Ambassador Adel Al-Jubeir and attack Saudi installations in the US.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Young Arab Entrepreneurs set to compete at annual INJAZ Al-Arab regional competition 2011]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54737</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Students from 12 Arab nations to vie for highly converted &#039;Best Company of the year Award&#039; ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Siemens and UNDP launch joint anti-corruption efforts for Arab region]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54713</link>
<description><![CDATA[TUNISIA. Under a 3-year agreement focusing on clean business practices and compliance measures, Siemens will link with UNDP.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Geopolitical analysis: Iran at a crossroads]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54670</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Whether or not Iran will achieve its goals and to what extent remains unclear. The combination of geography, demography and resources means Iran will remain at the center of an intense geopolitical struggle]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ahmadinejad anti-West speech sparks UN walkout]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54582</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Iran&#039;s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad went on the warpath against the West at the United Nations again Thursday sparking a mass walkout by outraged US and European delegations.

]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Middle East growth to slow, says IMF]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54514</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Instability in the Middle East and North Africa along with high unemployment and rising food prices will hinder the region&#039;s growth, the International Monetary Fund said.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Iraq to boost oil output to 3 million barrels a day by year end]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54511</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The Iraqi government&#039;s projected increases are regarded as overly optimistic in some quarters, including the International Monetary Fund.]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[Investment opportunities seen in Iraq&#039;s energy sector]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54496</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Figures suggest the growing potential for international energy companies in Iraq.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Major markets in MENA face shortage of 3.5 million affordable housing units]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54486</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Latest Jones Lang LaSalle report confirms that whilst governments across the region are increasing their attention on the supply of new homes, demand is far out-stripping supply.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Kuwait Energy optimistic about oil and gas opportunities in Iraq and Egypt]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54479</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Kuwait Energy&#039;s Senior Vice President for Iraq discusses the significant opportunities in the MENA region.

]]></description>
</item>
<item>
<title><![CDATA[Risk assessment of Iraq for regional maritime industry]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54478</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. International marine insurance expert to examine risks involved shipping cargo to Iraq at Middle East Money &amp; Ships conference.  

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<title><![CDATA[Analysis: Yemen&#039;s prolonged political crisis ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54467</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Analyst Reva Bhalla discusses the factors that have allowed Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to gradually regain authority in Sanaa and the reasons for the protracted political stalemate in the country.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[World Bank&#039;s Global Gas Flaring Reduction Advisor explains the significant value of flared gas]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54464</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Expert to deliver comprehensive insights into the opportunities and threats of failing to utilize flared gas Efficiently at Iraq 2011: Future Energy.

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[First Official Iraq Defence &amp; Security Summit 2011 announced]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=1&amp;t=1&amp;id=54461</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. A rare opportunity to engage with the new Iraqi Government and assist in their multi-billion dollar defence and security procurement programme. ]]></description>
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