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
How crisis with US dealt fresh blow to Turkish press The depreciation of the Turkish lira, fueled by the crisis between Ankara and Washington, has raised the cost of imported paper enormously, pushing already-struggling publications to the brink of collapse. Turkey
Rouhani’s economy minister impeached Just one year into his second term, Hassan Rouhani’s economic team has come under fire with two ministers impeached in one month. United States
Iran turns to economic zones to encourage balanced growth Iranian lawmakers have approved a bill to establish a series of new special economic zones to counter the country's uneven development. Iran
Will Egypt's public sector get longer weekend? The Egyptian government is considering adding Thursdays to the weekend for public sector employees. Egypt
Russia, Turkey seek greater engagement amid US sanctions Russia plans to lift visa requirements for some Turks and to begin delivery of the S-400 missile-defense system to Turkey next year in an attempt to further sway Ankara away from the United States. Turkey
New group forming to alleviate poverty in Palestinian territories As part of the Palestinian Authority's efforts to end poverty, the Islamic Development Bank has set up an investment fund allowing the new Palestinian People’s Economic Empowerment Institution to have its own budget. Palestine
Sanctions, profiteering put Iranian newspapers in a bind A paper crisis exacerbated by US sanctions is weighing down Iranian daily newspapers, which are resorting to everything from closures to online paywalls. Iran
US sanctions put nearly half a million jobs at risk in Iran’s auto parts industry Auto parts suppliers in Iran warn that US sanctions coupled with domestic mismanagement are bringing their industry to its knees. Iran
Who is at the sharp end of Turkey’s currency crisis? After years of bold borrowing from abroad, Turkish conglomerates, including government cronies, are sitting on a powder keg as the country’s currency turmoil keeps augmenting their debt repayment woes. Turkey
Is there hope for reforming Libya’s shattered economy? In an interview with Al-Monitor, Libyan Economy and Industry Minister Nasser al-Dersi talks about the Government of National Accord’s new economic reform program and the challenges it faces. Libya
Saudi Arabia’s diplomacy has costs Saudi Arabia's diplomatic decisions since King Salman took over the rule of the kingdom in 2015 have caused much controversy, with the bombing of a school bus in Yemen and the row with Canada over a tweet as recent examples. Saudi Arabia
The interest group economics wreaking havoc on Iran's currency Absent tackling such root issues as banking and financial sector reform, Iran’s political economy is likely to continue to shape government policy to the detriment of the economy and the society as a whole. Iran
