SPECIAL REPORT - ALGERIA - Algiers continues to open up its business environment while making the country more secure, and President Bouteflika is keen to finish the job off. Richard Nield reports. Developments in the hydrocarbons and electricity sectors are also profiled

OIL - After months during which oil prices have exceeded even the most bullish of forecasts, and few signs of a slump around the corner, Gulf economies are swimming in liquidity. Richard Nield analyses governments' responses to the windfall and the effect on their spending priorities.

Nield, Richard, (2004)

SPECIAL REPORTS - DEFENCE - In contrast to the aftermath of the 1990-91 Gulf war, the US-led invasion in 2003 did not prompt a spike in the GCC's defence spending. Richard Nield reports on the region's changing defence procurement priorities

Nield, Richard, (2004)

BEHIND THE BOOM - The Gulf is facing a problem: Despite oil revenues rising sharply, populations are growing even faster, leading to GDP per capita falling in some countries.

Nield, Richard, (2007)