Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal The Israeli prime minister's frustration with Trump administration strong-arming continues, with pressure to sign Egypt gas deal and now a reported push for Sisi meeting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B natural gas megadeal with Egypt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will sell Egypt natural gas worth $35 billion, in the biggest-ever deal of its kind for the country. Israel
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties The economic agenda of the meetings in Moscow and Tehran reflected a deliberate effort by both governments to signal momentum in a partnership increasingly shaped by isolation from the West. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
France scores big Iraqi construction project at Turkey's expense A French company has beaten out a Turkish one for the Mosul airport project; political considerations along with economic concerns seem to have factored into Baghdad's decision. Iraq
Jordan bets on GCC deal to boost economy Jordan has attempted to remain neutral in the Gulf feud that erupted in 2017 when a Saudi-led bloc of nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar. The kingdom has welcomed the agreement recently signed to end the Gulf dispute. Jordan
PA shuts down Palestinian Airlines, shuttering hopes for airport The Palestinian Authority decides to shut down the Palestinian Airlines, which is seen as a symbol of sovereignty, citing financial burdens and maintenance costs of its only two aircrafts. Palestine
Is the worst behind in Turkey’s economic turmoil? Ankara’s policy reversal on interest rates has led to some positive developments in the economy, but many observers warn that it is still too early to rejoice. Turkey
Iraq devalues dinar to boost economy, factory production The Central Bank of Iraq cuts the value of the dinar against the dollar in the context of policies to address Iraq's economic crisis. Iraq
Saudi, Kuwaiti investments boost Cairo, Sphinx airports Egypt received offers from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to invest in projects to expand the Cairo and Sphinx international airports, as part of efforts to boost tourism and put Egypt on the global transit map. Egypt
Gulf economies face major challenges in post-COVID 19 world Signals indicate the embargo imposed on Qatar could come to an end, but can the Gulf Cooperation Council play a coordinating role vital to diversify Gulf economies post-pandemic? Legacy: Gulf
Lebanese citizens see no relief as economic downturn worsens Amid plans to lift subsidies and private universities’ decision to raise tuition fees, the Lebanese people continue to suffer under the country’s crumbling economy with no end in sight. Lebanon
Turkish Central Bank to pursue tight monetary policy against inflation Turkey’s Central Bank Governor Naci Agbal said Wednesday he would seek to stem inflation, possibly through further rate hikes, pledging to continue tight monetary policies and stabilize the nation’s currency. Turkey
Iran’s budget banking on US lifting sanctions The projected reliance on oil revenues is wildly optimistic, likely making the budget a wish list, at best. Iran
Iraqi government considers sales tax to relieve budget crisis Iraq is mulling the possibility of imposing a sales tax amid concerns over the consequences of such a move on Iraqis already struggling in a down economy. Iraq
Jordan’s 2021 budget is a harbinger of worse things to come The Jordanian government approved the 2021 draft budget law, which suggests an even tougher and more unstable year for Jordanians, who are witnessing a growing economic crisis worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. Jordan
