Archives for March, 2025

NYSE

Analysis

US stock plunge poses dilemmas for Gulf investors while exposing PIF, Mubadala risks

Middle East investors are bracing for steep losses and questioning about their long-term investments in America amid a drop in the US stock market.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Syria electrical poles

In boost to Sharaa, Qatar to supply electricity to Syria via Jordan: What we know

Qatar will begin supplying natural gas to Syria via Jordan to generate 400 megawatts of electricity daily via Jordan. Sources indicated to Reuters that Jordan secured US approval.

TOPSHOT - A Palestinian boy picks flowers close to the rubble of destroyed buildings in the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on March 11, 2025. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) (Photo by EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images)

US, Israel looking to resettle Gaza's Palestinians in Somalia, Somaliland, Sudan: Report

Israeli and American officials have been in contact with Sudan, Somalia and Somaliland for the possible resettling of Gazans there, the Associated Press reported.

Turkish policemen try to secure the area after a strong explosion of unknown origin shook the busy shopping street of Istiklal in Istanbul, on Nov. 13, 2022.

Turkey detains 5 in alleged Iran spy ring as Syria tensions brew: What we know

The spy bust comes amid diplomatic strains between Turkey and Iran that surfaced after a rare rebuke of Tehran by Turkey's top diplomat.

Women pass by a wall covered with photos of hostages that were kidnaped to the Gaza Strip during Hamas deadly attack on Jan. 6, 2025 in Kfar Saba, Israel.

US slams Hamas offer to release American Edan Alexander

US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Hamas faces a fast-approaching deadline to accept Washington’s proposed ceasefire extension.

Israeli army forces patrol in the village of Kfarshuba, southern Lebanon, Feb. 17, 2025.

Analysis

Israel’s two-pronged Lebanon strategy: Pursue border deal, strike Hezbollah

Israel is trying to negotiate a border demarcation with the Lebanese government while continuing to keep Hezbollah in check.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Druze are seen in the village of Majdal Shams, in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, as they wait for the arrival of a delegation from the Syrian side of the Golan

Syrian Druze cross armistice line for pilgrimage to Israel

Agence France-Presse

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on March 16,2023. — UAE Presidency

Analysis

As Gargash delivers Trump letter, can UAE play mediator role on Iran?

While the UAE seeks a greater mediator role in the region, covert rivalries among Gulf states and fragile Emirati-Iranian ties may limit its role.

Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Iran has officially ruled out direct talks as long as sanctions remain, but analysts say it appears it is ready for limited negotiations

China urges end to 'illegal' sanctions as it hosts Iran nuclear talks

Agence France-Presse

The Prism

Culture

AL-Monitor Dubai: Step into The Prism’s world

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is welcomed by Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upon arrival at the Borgo Egnazia resort for the G7 Summit hosted by Italy in Apulia region, on June 14, 2024 in Savelletri. Leaders of the G7 wealthy nations gather in southern Italy this week against the backdrop of global and political turmoil, with boosting support for Ukraine top of the agenda. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

How Italy’s defense deals with UAE, Turkey signal shift in Europe’s industry

Key defense partnerships strengthen Italy’s position as a leading arms supplier to the Middle East while highlighting broader shifts in how European defense industries adapt to a changing global arms market.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Kemal Ozen’s “Healing,” an allegory to the self-sacrificing nature of the mother-child bond.

Culture

AL-Monitor Istanbul: Fairy tales for grown-ups at Ruzy Gallery

A picture shows a military drone on display at an exhibition held by Yemen's Huthi group in the capital Sanaa on Nov. 19, 2024.

Houthis using Chinese-made hydrogen fuel cells to build stealthier drones: Report

A new report reveals that the Houthis are incorporating Chinese-made hydrogen fuel cells into their drones, potentially improving their range and reducing detection by air defenses.

Fidan Syria

Analysis

Turkey, alarmed by sectarian clashes, steps up Syria role, criticizes Iran

As last week’s bloody clashes in Syria have deepened divisions among Turkish experts over the country's future, Turkey’s priorities in Syria remain focused on countering the SDF and combating ISIS.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa receives the country's constitutional declaration, which will be enforced throughout a five-year transitional period, before signing it at the presidential palace in Damascus on March 13, 2025. Sharaa said he hoped the constitutional declaration would mark the start of "a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice", as he signed the document setting out the transitional period. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP) (Photo by BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty I

Syria's draft constitution: Separation of powers, territorial unity and Islamic jurisprudence

After more than a week of uncertainty amid violent clashes and Israeli strikes, Syria's interim president has signed a constitutional declaration.

During a press conference with Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (L), Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) said all weapons must be under state control, including those from 'revolutionary' and Kurdish-led factions

Turkey insists foreign fighters be expelled from Syria: source

Agence France-Presse