Feature Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025 Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
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 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
Rumors of Turkish deputy PM's departure spook markets The Turkish lira took a tumble amid reports that Mehmet Simsek, the deputy prime minister in charge of Turkey's economy, had resigned. Turkey
Energy, military cooperation dominate Putin’s visit to Turkey Turkey anticipates even deeper ties with Russia as the two countries embark on massive development projects and a major military contract. Turkey
Moroccan government lashes out at protest organizers in mining town The Moroccan government has accused Islamist and leftist movements of being behind the ongoing protests in the city of Jerada. Morocco
Turkey’s impressive growth rate has dark side Turkey has posted a spectacular 7.4% growth rate for 2017, but other key economic indicators suggest there is little to celebrate. Turkey
Jordan, Turkey mending fences over trade agreement dispute During a time of shifting alliances, Ankara views Jordan as an important potential ally — which no doubt has been a factor in Turkey's decision to renegotiate a free trade pact that Amman says favors Turkey. Saudi Arabia
Why economic growth has not led to job creation in Iran Low capital formation and productivity are holding back the Iranian economy. Iran
Trump’s steel tariffs add to US-Turkish bickering Turkish manufacturers see “great injustice” in Washington’s new steel tariffs, as Ankara seeks compromise on the issue amid the tense political climate between the two countries. Turkey
How Trump is prompting Iran to improve ties with its neighbors Iran’s long-touted motto of prioritizing good ties with immediate neighbors is finally taking shape in apparent response to US-led pressure. Iran
Are Iranians ready to 'Buy Iranian'? As Iran rings in the new year, the government has launched a campaign to encourage the public to buy locally made goods, but whether the public has as much enthusiasm for local products is another question. Iran
Egypt’s trade with Turkey grows despite political rift Egyptian efforts to attract investors and openness to Turkish investors have helped reduce Cairo's trade deficit with Ankara, despite ongoing tense bilateral political relations. Egypt
Iran’s supreme leader urges people to support national products In his annual Nowruz speech, Ayatollah Khamenei called on Iranians to support domestic industry by buying locally made products. Iran
Blindsided Bahrain lobbies against Trump tariffs The major aluminum exporter and US Navy host has been blindsided by President Donald Trump’s 10% tariffs on aluminum. Bahrain
