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
Egypt's horse exports growing now that most bans are lifted Now that many countries no longer ban imports of Egyptian horses, the government expects the country to become a hub for investment in purebred Arabian horses. Egypt
Lawmakers to study how Egypt's civil servants are paid The majority coalition in Egypt’s parliament wants to amend the civil service law to increase what government employees are paid, while some experts and economic observers believe the state ought to instead create a work environment that discourages incompetent civil servants. Egypt
Why is Egypt canceling T-bond auctions? For the second time this year, the Egyptian government canceled the sale of treasury bonds after banks demanded higher interest rates. Egypt
Why Iranians are lured by Georgian delights Iranians from different walks of life seek investment opportunities and residency in Georgia, thinking it would be a gateway to Europe — but is it that easy? Iran
Saudi Arabia hires star lawyer to fight anti-oil cartel bill Former Republican Solicitor General Ted Olson is being paid to push back against bipartisan legislation challenging OPEC’s dominance. Saudi Arabia
Rouhani moves closer to Khamenei amid bipartisan backlash President Hassan Rouhani’s appearance before parliament to answer economic questions did not satisfy Principlists or Reformists. It did, however, please Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran
Egypt reaps harvest of Sisi’s visit to China Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi returned a few days ago from a visit to China during which he participated in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in what raised questions about the gains that Egypt will achieve from the visit. Egypt
Unemployment pushes Palestinians to work in Israel Many Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, where jobs are scarce and low-paying, enter Israel to find work, and those who are truly desperate end up building the very settlements they seek to end. Palestine
Egypt to invest in restoration of war-torn countries Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly recently issued a decree to form an action group aimed at investing a great deal of effort in the reconstruction of five Arab countries. Egypt
Will Iran merge banks owned by military institutions? Though the merger of lenders affiliated with Iranian security institutions is an important step toward military divestment, the process faces many obstacles. Iran
When will Jordan-Syria border crossing reopen? Since the Syrian regime has taken control of southern Syria, including the Nassib border crossing, hopes to resume trade and boost the economy between Jordan and Syria have been revived. Jordan
Zarif: Even America’s allies not immune to US sanctions During an unannounced trip to Turkey, Iran’s foreign minister warned America’s allies that they are not immune to US pressure. Syria
