Analysis

Will Iran and Bahrain open new chapter in bilateral ties?

Iran and Bahrain are signalling rapprochement, which could be significant for the regional dynamics; yet amid deep-seated tensions and clashing interests, any genuine thaw will need trust-building and a willingness to navigate a complex web of regional rivalries.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Bahrain king pardons 457 prisoners: What we know

Bahrain’s human rights record has been widely criticized, despite recent pardons, and the latest move follows efforts to repair relations with Iran.

Bahrain

Culture

Middle East athletes rack up 44 medals at Paris Olympics

Ten Middle Eastern countries won medals at this year's Paris games.

Algeria

US cautious on Iran’s Bahrain frozen funds claims, warns of sanctions

The official Islamic Republic News Agency reported on Monday that officials from Iran's and Bahrain’s central banks held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the release of Iran's “foreign exchange resources in Bahrain.”

Bahrain

Who is Saraya al-Ashtar, Bahraini group that claimed to target Israel?

US and Bahraini officials have said Saraya al-Ashtar operates from Iranian territory.

Bahrain

Bahrain's Investcorp, China's CIC launch $1B Sino-Gulf investment platform

The companies the fund will target are expected to have high growth potential in attractive sectors, including consumer, health care, logistics and business services, the Bahrain-based alternative asset manager said.

Bahrain

What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean?

Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them.

Saudi Arabia

Middle East sees 23% drop in VC funding: Qatar, Bahrain, UAE hardest hit

Qatar saw VC investments tumble by 57% to 43 million QR ($11.81 million), eclipsed only by Bahrain with an 82% drop.

Qatar

Davos 2024: Inside Investcorp’s plan to build China-Gulf 'investment bridge'

In an interview with Al-Monitor, co-CEO Hazem Ben-Gacem said there is a big push for infrastructure funding in the Asia-Pacific region, controlled buyouts in Japan and growth investments in India and China.

Bahrain

Analysis

Explainer: Why Bahrain supported US strikes on Yemen’s Houthis

Bahrain’s geographical position and close ties to the US are influencing its policy on the Houthis’ attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Bahrain's Investcorp buys 50% of Corsair's $4.8B infrastructure business

The new entity, Investcorp Corsair, will continue to grow with a particular focus on transportation, logistics and related subsectors, a statement from the two companies said.

Bahrain

In first, Bahrain asset manager targets up to $550 million in China yuan fund

Gulf buyers have announced 13 acquisitions of public and private Chinese companies so far in 2023, compared to just one in the same period of last year, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Bahrain