Iran
As elections loom, powerful conservative elements move to slow the pace of change.
As divisions emerge over improving relations with the West, Tehran will become increasingly polarised.
The geopolitical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran will drive regional developments in 2016.
As Iran resumes large-scale exports and OPEC fails to limit production, oil will remain cheap in 2016.
Concerned about developments on its southern border, Turkey will adopt a more assertive stance towards the Syrian and possibly engage in a limited intervention.
While the lifting of sanctions may signal a broader shift in U.S.-Iranian relations, the historically fraught relationship faces many challenges.
Islam has become the central ideological battle ground in the new Middle Eastern Cold War