Welcome back to our handpicked specials! This week we take you to Europe, the Middle East and Russia. First Europe, with the controversial Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). We dive into the bill’s specificities and how the EU can respond to prevent its industry from being wiped out by US rivals. We turn to Syria where we assess (dim) prospects for stabilization. Onto Iran, where protests triggered by Mahsa Amini's death continue to roil and concern the international community. Finally, Russia, where the situation is also grim and where Putin is caught in a death spiral of his own making. Before we sign off for new year festivities, we’ll see you next week in what will be our final newsletter of 2022!