Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Explainer King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. China
Turkey's homemade booze boom here to stay The Turkish government’s drive to discourage alcohol consumption through high taxes has led to Turks home brewing as an alternative. Turkey
Iran’s debt market emerges as key to economic future The Iranian debt market has emerged as a key venue — and battleground — for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's administration to realize its economic aims. Iran
Gaza traders, consumers welcome end of double taxation Palestinians in the Gaza Strip hope reconciliation will bring economic relief with the end of Hamas-imposed taxes and fees on top of those paid to the Palestinian Authority on imports. Palestine
Putin, Khamenei agree they need each other Iran and Russia deepen energy cooperation; Iran has Hezbollah’s back; does the CIA have a back channel to Assad? Iraq
How Iran can address its informal economy Without massive reforms involving all three branches of government, Iran's ability to formalize vast swathes of its economy will remain a pipe dream. Iran
Turkey's leg of the Silk Road could be smoother Turkish officials are playing up the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as a segment of the new Silk Road linking Beijing to London, but there are many bumps yet to come along the way. Turkey
Jordan considering recipe for revolt: lifting bread subsidies Jordan must decide whether to eliminate the government subsidy on bread to receive assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Jordan
Putin resets Iraqi energy landscape as Barzani steps aside Russian moves maximize leverage as US stumbles on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units; Massoud Barzani resigns as Kurdistan Region president; Syria and Russia take initiative with regard to local governance in Syria. Iraq
Iranian banks slowly reconnect to the world While Iran works to gradually reconnect its banking system to the world, major hurdles remain, even as companies find creative solutions. Iran
Palestinian reconciliation takes its toll on new PA budget The Palestinian reconciliation will require a substantial increase in the PA budget, including new hires for security and resolving the ongoing crisis involving civil servants appointed by Hamas. Palestine
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Turkey does real business with virtual money Bitcoin usage is on the rise in Turkey, where businesses in various sectors, from informatics and engineering companies to pharmacies and taxi stands, have come to accept the virtual currency. Turkey