Economy and trade

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

Mainstream Turkish media turn blind eye to country’s worst currency crisis

Although Turkey is suffering one of the worst currency crises in its history, no single mainstream Turkish media outlet has covered the development.

Turkey

Turkey steps up efforts to shun dollar

As the Turkish lira plunges to a record low, some voices in Ankara are warning that the United States is furious over Turkey’s efforts to reduce its dependency on the dollar.

Turkey

Turkey’s economy struggles with new political reality

Turkey’s economic downturn has only grown worse since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan assumed sweeping new powers after the June polls, as some observers fear that the economy might not be Ankara’s primary concern.

Turkey