Analysis From F-35s to real estate: Key Gulf-Trump business deals, ties to watch Donald Trump has a varied track record of personal and official dealmaking in the Gulf states, whose leaders appear to be prepping for his return to the White House. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Driven by geopolitics and trade, India-Saudi ties get boost from FM visit Indian and Saudi foreign ministers discussed regional stability after Donald Trump's election and what his presidency might mean for foreign relations autonomy, trade and investment. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Trump hands intel post to Tulsi Gabbard, ex-Democrat with Assad controversy Gabbard, a former congresswoman-turned Trump diehard, is likely to face scrutiny for her secret 2017 meeting with Syria's dictator. Syria
In first since Trump win, nuclear watchdog chief Grossi arrives in Iran for talks As Iran braces for another Trump presidency, which last time saw the dissolution of the Iran nuclear deal, the director of the UN's nuclear watchdog agency holds talks in Tehran regarding the Iranian nuclear program. Iran
Turkey postpones debate on controversial ‘foreign agent’ law amid public outcry The move follows criticism from the opposition and civil society over potential threats to free speech and media independence. Turkey
As floods ravage Spain, Morocco utilizes disaster diplomacy, offers help Relations between Morocco and Spain are warming after years of tensions, and a railway linkage project is gaining momentum. Morocco
Trump stuns Pentagon by naming Fox News host Pete Hegseth defense chief The president-elect’s made-for-TV decision to name Fox News host Pete Hegseth is reinforcing broad doubts about the seriousness of Trump's foreign policy. United States
Three years after fleeing, Afghanistan's last Jew arrives in Israel Having fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, heading to Istanbul via Pakistan, Afghanistan's last Jew has now arrived in Israel. Israel
From golf to the Gulf: Who is Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff? Trump's long-time friend will face a tough job in trying to quell a regional war that has been raging since Oct. 7, 2023, between Israel, Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. United States
After Trump win, Turkey hopeful on Syria reconciliation, US withdrawal Ankara expresses hope for mending ties with Damascus as well as a potential US military exit from northern Syria following Trump’s victory. Turkey
Trump's CIA pick John Ratcliffe seen as loyalist insider, hawkish on Iran Ratcliffe would replace outgoing CIA director Bill Burns, who has led the Biden administration’s push for a Gaza cease-fire and hostage deal. United States
