UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Egypt eyes economic foothold in Djibouti Egyptian policy involving East Africa takes a new turn, focusing on economics. Egypt
US offers to help Egypt reopen Suez Canal The US offer comes days after a giant vessel ran aground and became lodged sideways in the canal. News Brief
Stuck container ship creates giant traffic jam in Egypt's Suez Canal The massive Rotterdam-bound container ship ran aground Tuesday in poor weather conditions and low visibility, the Suez Canal Authority said. Egypt
No end in sight for Lebanese suffering amid deteriorating economic crisis Lebanon’s ruling elite has yet to form an urgent government to launch reforms to address the country’s worst economic crisis in decades, amid ongoing political bickering. Lebanon
Iraq gives visa on arrival to citizens of 30 countries The list includes the United States, China and other large economies in a bid to attract investment to Iraq; most foreigners need to apply for a visa before traveling to Iraq. Iraq
Egypt seeks land route with Jordan, Iraq to boost trade Egypt recently announced a deal between Jordan and Iraq for the establishment of a land route connecting the three countries, in a bid to boost economic and trade relations between them. Egypt
Is Turkey challenging Egyptian influence in Guinea-Bissau? Amid regional warnings of Turkey's growing role in West Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received a call from Umaro Sissoco Embalo, president of Guinea-Bissau, to discuss ways to develop cooperation in the economic and security fields. Egypt
The Netherlands puts Qatar trade event on hold over foreign workers' deaths The Dutch government postponed a trade mission in Qatar after a report on thousands of workers dying there since the country was awarded the 2022 World Cup. Qatar
Lebanese pound falls to all-time low on black market as people protest Lebanon's harrowing economic crisis worsened when the pound fell against the dollar again on the black market. Lebanon
Turkey emerges with ‘Pyrrhic growth’ from pandemic-hit 2020 Turkey’s economy grew 1.8% last year despite the pandemic, but not without major risks and downsides, including a smaller GDP in terms of dollars. Turkey
Egypt boosts investment in Congo, hoping to secure support in Nile dam crisis As Egypt seeks to grow its influence in Congo by boosting investments, Kinshasa takes over the chairmanship of the African Union, which is currently sponsoring the negotiations to resolve the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
