Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: July 28, 2025
Syria expected to hold parliamentary election in September
Syria is expected to hold its first parliamentary election under the new administration from September 15 to 20, expanding seats from 150 to 210, with one third appointed by the president. (Reuters, Reuters)
Insight
The election marks a significant step in Syria’s political reorganization, but the president’s power to appoint many members may limit real pluralism. It reflects a controlled transition rather than a fully open democratic process.
IAEA will visit Iran in next two weeks, Iranian foreign ministry says
Iran’s foreign ministry announced that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is scheduled to visit Iran within the next two weeks. The visit comes as Tehran prepares a manual outlining future cooperation terms in response to a recent parliamentary bill restricting engagement. (Reuters, Arab News)
Insight
The visit suggests tentative technical dialogue is resuming, but Iran’s legislative restrictions signal continued caution. The outcome may shape the future framework of nuclear oversight cooperation.
Tunisia plastic collectors spread as economic, migration woes deepen
Economic hardship in Tunisia has led to growing involvement by informal plastic collectors (“barbechas”) who collect waste for modest income. This reflects broader challenges: rising migration, limited formal recycling capacity, and deepening social distress. (Africanews, LinkedIn)
Insight
The proliferation of informal collectors highlights both grassroots resilience and state failure. Plastic collection offers income but signals need for institutional reform in waste management and economic diversification.
