Analysis Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Iran currency plunges to historic low amid factional blame game As Iran's judiciary publicly rebukes the central bank over the rial's collapse, the currency crisis is no longer economic and is fast becoming a test of political accountability and regime stability. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare Yemen's Saudi-backed government criticized the statements in support of the Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE, as Gulf states deliberate on how to move forward. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi The Gulf’s top financial hubs have posted another strong year in 2025, with the UAE spearheading a regional push to attract hedge funds, asset managers, crypto and fintech firms as regional neighbors target growth of their own. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Syria has high hopes for ties with Crimea — maybe too high? Damascus expects to take part in Crimea’s Yalta International Economic Forum next year, aiming to boost trade and economic relations. Syria
Iranian pension funds on brink absent major reforms Iran’s main pension funds appear to be in dire need of prompt reform in order to survive without government bailouts. Iran
Iraq’s governorates reject 2019 draft budget Iraq's 2019 draft budget is the target of major criticism by the Iraqi governorates and Kurdistan Region for not fulfilling their needs and demands. Iraq
Morocco eyes privatization to fill its budget deficit The 2019 finance bill shows a return of the privatization process in Morocco as a step in the direction of opening up the economy, but economists believe this is the ultimate proof of a failing fiscal policy. Morocco
Sanctions push Rouhani to boost state involvement in Iran’s economy The impact of the re-imposed US sanctions has forced the Rouhani administration to shift its market-oriented approach to the economy to focus on active involvement by the state. Iran
Turkey’s first 'communist' grocery chain goes global Led by Turkey’s first and only communist mayor, the small town of Ovacik boasts a flourishing farming cooperative whose organic products have taken customers across the country by storm. Turkey
Can new PM make Iraq's grand plans a reality? Iraq's new prime minister is making the economy a priority, but some question whether he will be able to tackle longstanding roadblocks that threaten his plan's success. Iraq
Humor helps Egyptians let off steam during potato crisis Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's comments about youth obesity and a potato shortage at a recent youth conference have unleashed a wave of sarcasm on social media, giving disaffected Egyptians an opportunity to vent their frustration with the rising cost of living. Egypt
Turkey's Finance Ministry, Moody's have opposite views on economy's direction Moody's sees the Turkish economy as likely in recession, while Erdogan's son-in-law says positive results are on their way. Turkey
Iran’s plan to sell oil on local energy exchange could boost economy Iran’s plan to develop an alternative channel to monetize its oil through a local energy exchange faces many obstacles but holds real potential of boosting domestic capacities. Iran
Turkey's skyrocketing food prices show no sign of slowing Ill-advised policies over the decades have reduced Turkey to a net food importer despite its significant agricultural potential, fueling a dramatic increase in food prices that deals the hardest blows to the poorest citizens. Turkey
Al-Bab’s historical covered marketplace back in business Store owners at a market in al-Bab have reopened their shops, which were heavily damaged in the fight against the Islamic State. Syria
