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Turkey's Diplomatic Approach: Avoiding Confrontation with Israel in Syria

Turkey has adopted a cautious stance in its involvement in Syria, emphasizing the importance of avoiding direct confrontation with Israel. While tensions in the region remain high due to overlapping interests and military operations, Turkey has expressed its commitment to maintaining stability and preventing escalation. This approach aligns with Ankara's broader strategy of balancing its regional ambitions with the need for diplomatic relations. Israel, on the other hand, has been vocal about its concerns regarding Turkey's growing influence in Syria, particularly in areas close to Israeli borders. Despite these concerns, both nations have refrained from direct military engagement, focusing instead on addressing their respective security challenges through indirect measures. The situation in Syria continues to evolve, with Turkey and Israel navigating a complex web of alliances and rivalries. Their mutual interest in avoiding direct conflict underscores the delicate balance of ...

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Bank of Canada keeps interest rate at 5%, warns of future hikes

 

The Bank of Canada (BoC) announced on Wednesday that it is maintaining its key interest rate at 5% for the eighth consecutive time, citing the need to balance the risks of high inflation and a slowing economy.

The central bank said that inflation has been running above its 2% target for several months, mainly due to higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions. However, it also noted that the economy is facing headwinds from the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has led to renewed public health measures and uncertainty.

The BoC said that it expects inflation to moderate in the second half of 2024, as the effects of transitory factors fade and the output gap closes. It also said that it will continue to monitor the evolution of the economy and the pandemic, and that it is prepared to raise interest rates further if needed to achieve its inflation objective.

The BoC’s decision was widely expected by analysts, who have been speculating on the timing of the next rate hike. Some believe that the BoC will raise rates as early as January, while others think that it will wait until April or later, depending on the impact of the Omicron variant on the economy.

The BoC’s key interest rate affects the cost of borrowing for consumers and businesses, as well as the value of the Canadian dollar. A higher interest rate tends to attract foreign investors, boosting the demand for the loonie. The Canadian dollar was trading at 79.32 US cents on Wednesday, up slightly from 79.25 US cents on Tuesday.


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