UAE firm’s $1.7B legal threat spotlights Gulf split on Lebanon as Qatar invests Lebanon’s bid to lure Gulf investment into its crisis-stricken economy is facing turbulence as Dubai's Al Habtoor Group threatens legal action over more than $1.7 billion in losses, while Qatar is making an investment push. Lebanon
Syria leans on Jordan, regional gas deals to rebuild energy sector The deal was signed at the Syrian Ministry of Energy between Syrian Petroleum Company and Jordan’s National Electric Power Company, SANA reported. Syria
Qatari, Swiss firms to invest $2.7B in Libya's Misrata port: What to know Libya is seeking to increase its non-oil shipping capacity amid rising oil production and signs of both economic progress and turmoil. Qatar
Saudi Arabia and Qatar ink high-speed rail deal advancing Gulf integration Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its railway infrastructure, and longstanding efforts to connect Gulf states by train are finally gaining momentum. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Iran’s mismanagement in focus as fires ravage 25-million-year-old forests By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Iran revives cross-border rail projects in bid to anchor Eurasian trade routes By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Water for influence: Turkey moves to ease Iraq's water shortages ahead of elections By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Ramon Airport: Israel’s white elephant in the desert It’s been seven months since the festive inauguration of the Ramon Airport, which despite its hefty price tag, has failed to meet anyone's expectations. Israel
Where should Israeli Arabs spend the summer? So long as the Israeli government does not solve the severe housing shortage of its Arab citizens, it is logical that Arab families will try to upgrade their lives by moving to Jewish localities. Israel
Can Iran turn its faltering housing sector around? There are several state initiatives at work aimed at improving housing affordability, but saving Iran’s ailing housing sector will require time and private sector participation. Iran
Baghdad cabbies struggle with change as Green Zone opens up Baghdad's taxi drivers face new challenges with the reopening of the Green Zone having to compete with ride share apps and helicopter and river transport services. Iraq
Egypt keen on joining reconstruction of Libya, Iraq The Builders of Egypt Forum presented opportunities for construction companies to take part in the reconstruction processes in Libya and Iraq to compensate for the lack of projects at home. Egypt
Basra protests build in Iraq as substandard services persist As summer arrives in Iraq, a new wave of demonstrations is beginning in the south, possibly jeopardizing Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government. Iraq
War over vacating most expensive land in Israel Sde Dov airport in the north of Tel Aviv, which serves hundreds of thousands of travelers in domestic flights every year, will soon close to benefit real estate ventures that will change the face of the city. Israel
PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli electricity Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are about to sign an agreement under which the kingdom would supply electricity to the West Bank. Palestine
Sisi sees great promise in China-Egypt partnerships President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi attended China's second forum on its Belt and Road Initiative with the aim of boosting trade and promoting investments. Egypt
New villages are mushrooming in Syria’s opposition-held areas Syria's displaced are creating small towns after having been forced out of their hometowns. Syria
Deadly Cairo train crash brings to surface anger, discontent in Egypt Egyptians are fed up with the government’s negligence of the railway sector after a fatal train crash killed more than 22 people in Cairo. Egypt
Suez Canal tunnels expected to bring new life to Sinai Egypt is expected to complete the construction of four tunnels under the Suez Canal, which will boost economic growth in the marginalized Sinai Peninsula. Egypt
