Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Syria to rejoin Arab group at IMF, leaving Russian-led constituency Syria will rejoin the Arab constituency at the International Monetary Fund beginning Nov. 1 and has applied for membership in the EBRD. Syria
As US elections near, GCC states chart middle course between US and China Former Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Joe Biden's previous statement to make Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' hangs over the region. Saudi Arabia
For Arab youth, the future is in the Gulf The most recent Arab Youth Survey shows the United States is gaining ground on Russia and China as perceived "allies." United Arab Emirates
Israel hopes aviation agreement warms up ties with Jordan Israel and Jordan sign agreement to allow overflights flights through each other's airspace. United Arab Emirates
India works to boost influence in Iran as Beijing-Tehran ties warm India is seeking to remain involved in the development projects at Iran's ports, especially since Chabahar Port helps India gain access to an important geopolitical region. Iran
Turkey eyes economic gains in backing Azerbaijan against Armenia Turkey and Azerbaijan often describe their relationship as “one nation, two states,” but their economic exchanges have remained relatively small despite their close political and ethnic bonds. Turkey
Iranian currency dips to historic low amid sanctions, pandemic, foreign policy decisions Iran has seen the rial’s value fall by almost half this year as the currency now stands at a record low against the US dollar, triggered by ongoing sanctions, coronavirus restrictions and, according to some experts, Iran's foreign policy adventures since the 1979 revolution. Iran
Syria resumes commercial flights out of Damascus The first international flight in six months departed today for Cairo. Syria
Egypt cracks down on Syrian businesses allegedly tied to Brotherhood Egypt is going after certain Syrian businesses that have flourished, citing national security. Egypt
Significant challenges face Kadhimi’s economic reform project The economic reform project that Mustafa al-Kadhimi's government is supposed to propose soon faces great challenges related to the need to get parliament’s approval before taking any step. Iraq
Will Suez Canal feel impact of UAE-Israel normalization? The potential economic agreements between the United Arab Emirates and Israel may reduce traffic through Egypt’s Suez Canal. United Arab Emirates
Kenya taxes Egyptian imports raising specter of African trade war Kenya has decided to impose taxes on the imports coming from Egypt, following its unilateral retreat from the COMESA agreement. Egypt
Israel’s Gulf diplomacy and its discontents As Israel and its new regional partners begin trade talks, Palestinians, Israeli Arabs and the Israeli left are on the sidelines. United Arab Emirates