MENA
ALL TOMORROW ' S PARTIES
Islamist , nationalist , leftist , reformist , pro-Western and anti-Imperialist , protesting the ruling order or forging new coalitions - Chris Solomon presents the ten political parties that will have an impact on political risks in the Middle East in 2018 .
1 . ENNAHDA ( TUNISIA )
A mainstream Islamist party that has seen success despite a climate of doubt around the future of political Islam in the region - and skepticism in secular Tunisia - Ennahda ' s view of religion as a vehicle for peace and justice , along with its close relationship with Turkey , will make it a key player in North Africa ’ s political discourse . Expect it to be vocal on plans for unpopular economic reforms .
2 . BREAD AND FREEDOM ( EGYPT )
A small leftist party persecuted by the government , it ' s led by Khaled Ali , a human rights lawyer and political activist . Ali has announced he will run in the 2018 presidential elections . Though his chances are slim , his presence in the race could galvanise public dissatisfaction with the dismal state of the economy and continued problems with terrorism .
3 . SADRIST MOVEMENT ( IRAQ )
Once branded “ the most dangerous man in Iraq ”, Shi ‘ ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr remains a dynamic political force . A staunch nationalist , he calls for U . S . troops to be withdrawn , and is critical of Iran . Sadr rallies large-scale demonstrations to demand political reforms and protest corruption . In a key development for the balance of power in Iraq , he recently offered to disarm his militia and is currently exploring electoral alliances , including with the National Accord Party headed by Ayad Allawi .
4 . SYRIAN SOCIAL NATIONALIST PARTY ( SYRIA )
The SSNP has fought alongside Assad from the start of the civil war , and is part of the regime ’ s “ tolerated opposition .” Staunchly secular and favored by sectarian minorities , the SSNP has forged a close relationship with Russia . Its leader , Ali Haidar , is State Minister for Reconciliation and frequently features in the Western press . The party will be sure to flex its ultra-nationalist credentials as a voice within the regime camp for maintaining Syria ’ s territorial integrity in the face of Kurdish autonomy .
5 . PATRIOTIC UNION OF KURDISTAN ( IRAQ )
The PUK is a left-wing party that split from the Kurdistan Democratic Party ( KDP ) in the mid-1970s . Relations between the PUK and the KDP are tense over allegations that the PUK negotiated a quiet withdrawal of their forces ahead of Baghdad ’ s capture of the oil-rich city of Kirkuk . The party has a close relationship with Iran and will use this to repair relations with Baghdad . In Iraqi Kurdistan ’ s post-independence political landscape , it will seek to positions itself as a facilitator for access to oil pipelines .
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