IMF slashes Mideast outlook by nearly 3 points as Iran war hits economies The International Monetary Fund cut gross domestic product forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa, with the fallout from the conflict exposing stark divergences between the region’s energy exporters and importers. Iran
'No fear': Pope Leo pushes against Trump attacks as he lands in Algeria President Donald Trump has escalated against the first American pontiff over his criticism of the Israel-US war in Iran. Iran
Analysis Italy, Spain eye Algerian gas as Iran war slashes Gulf supplies Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers Wednesday in an effort maximize additional gas supplies from the North African nation. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Libya, Morocco and Israel: Forces powering the Algeria-UAE rupture Algeria’s recent decision to cancel a 2013 air agreement with the UAE signals an escalation in its rift with the Gulf state and reflects long-standing disputes over Libya and the Western Sahara. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Why Algeria's nixing of UAE air deal is more diplomatic than economic By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Venezuelan crisis unlikely to impact MENA crude exporters in short term By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis From Sputnik to satellites: How China is pulling Egypt and Gulf into its space orbit By Dale Aluf In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East
Algerian protesters maintain pressure on Bouteflika Algerians continue their third week of peaceful protests against the rule of ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Algeria
Moscow monitors situation in Algeria as protests continue Russia is watching widespread Algerian protests with caution, wanting to preserve its assets in the country, as well as its strategic relationship. Algeria
Why Algerian protesters aren't satisfied with Bouteflika's latest 'concession' After protesters rejected President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s offer to step down after one year should he be re-elected, his latest announcement that he will extend his fourth term is being met with more anger. Algeria
Will Algerian protesters accept ailing president’s offer for reforms? Against a background of growing dissent, Algeria’s ailing president has confirmed his intention to run in April’s elections; however, whether a commitment to reform and a fresh vote within the year, delivered by proxy, will be enough to quell protest remains uncertain. Algeria
Algeria gambles on old captain to chart new waters The announcement that Algeria’s ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is running for a fifth term in the country’s elections raised questions about Algerians’ readiness to endorse the man who has played a prominent role in ending the civil war. Algeria
Russia keeps plugging away at cooperation with North Africa During his tour around the Maghreb, Foreign Minister Lavrov showed Russia has a genuine interest in developing stronger ties with regional states, but the number of roadblocks in the way raise questions about Moscow's ability to go past "strategic declarations" anytime soon. Egypt
Fate of Algeria’s missing migrants sparks international concern A group of 120 individuals from Syria, Yemen and Palestine disappeared last month in Algeria, and now rights groups are calling on the authorities to reveal their fate. Algeria
Saudi Arabia's estrangement Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman got into the G-20 group photo, but his brand remains very toxic. Saudi Arabia
Congress seeks more control over North Africa counterterror program Lawmakers want a coherent strategy for the desert region from the Donald Trump administration. North Africa
Gazans flee to Europe, illegally Palestinians are increasingly seeking to leave the Gaza Strip given the deteriorating living conditions, seeking refuge in Europe. Palestine
Middle East pins Oscar hopes on young directors From Lebanon to Egypt to Tunisia, regional countries' Academy Awards nominees for best foreign language film are mostly the works of young directors and center on the lives of young adults and children. Egypt