Lebanon’s destiny has often been closely interwoven with that of its larger neighbour, Syria. Indeed, for 15 years, from the end of the civil war until 2005, the Syrian government would simply hand over to the Lebanese prime minister a list of which ministers it wanted in the Lebanese government, according to some reports. 
 

Foreign banks have pledged their faith in the economies of Southeastern Europe. However, lending is down and political pressure is growing on them to open their purses, writes Eva-Luise Schwarz.

In August 2008, the Saudi Arabian stock market finally opened up to foreign investors. After a slow start, volumes are now tripling monthly, and investment banks are racing into the country to position themselves in the new market.