Archives for May, 2025

Council of Europe denounces 'deliberate starvation' in Gaza

Agence France-Presse

Syria-Israel talks reportedly intensify as Trump asks Sharaa to normalize: What to know

Following President Donald Trump’s call for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords, multiple contacts have reportedly taken place between Israeli and Syrian officials.

Israel

Global acute hunger hits new high, 2025 outlook 'bleak': UN-backed report

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

With Trump’s Syria sanctions relief, Turkey eyes refugee returns, regional gains

Sanctions relief opens the door to Syria's postwar reconstruction and other investment, with Turkish firms and Gulf money poised to lead the charge.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Netanyahu ghosted: Trump’s Gulf pivot sends shockwaves through Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to have misplaced his hopes on President Donald Trump protecting his interests.

By Ben Caspit

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

Syria inks $800M deal with UAE’s DP World to develop Tartous port: What we know

The agreement came days after Donald Trump announced the lifting of all US sanctions against Syria stemming from the Assad government's conduct in the 14-year civil war.

Syria

Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 100 as Hamas makes a plea to lift blockade

Agence France-Presse

France sues Iran at top UN court over detained citizens

Agence France-Presse

Trump caps Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi with dizzying investment pledges

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

Gulf wealth funds weather US stock dip, target Amazon, Bitcoin in Q1

We take a look at the region’s exposure to American equities as the US president departs the Gulf.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Rubio says US 'troubled' on Gaza, open to alternatives on aid

Agence France-Presse

Joel Rayburn commits to helping lift Syria sanctions, boxing in Iranian influence

In a hearing with Senate lawmakers, the White House’s pick to become the State Department’s top diplomat on the Middle East argued for capitalizing on Iran’s losses in Syria and Lebanon while stressing that the Islamic Republic should not have the ability to enrich uranium domestically.

United States

Tunisia Jewish pilgrimage sees low turn out amid security concerns

Agence France-Presse

US-Syria thaw advances as Rubio meets Shaibani in Turkey: What to know

Top US, Syrian and Turkish diplomats discussed counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability in a landmark Turkey meeting.

Turkey

Hadid sister helps launch Palestinian film streaming site

Agence France-Presse

Interview

Syria’s central bank chief: US sanctions relief a ‘turning point’ 

Abdulkader Husrieh discusses how sanctions relief could impact Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system.

Abdulkader Husrieh

Syrian central bank governor