Turkey: $30M credit card scam hits tourists in coastal resort, 20 arrested

The alleged ringleader, a hotel owner identified as "H.O.," stole the money by sharing credit card details of tourists checking into the property.

Turkey

Syria to rejoin SWIFT payment system ‘within a few weeks’: What to know

It marks a major milestone in Syria’s economic recovery from sanctions imposed in 2011 in response to human rights abuse allegations against the regime of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Syria

Analysis

Israel posts record $14.7B in defense deals as European demand soars: What to know

European customers are largely behind the jump in Israeli weapons sales, and one expert said concerns over Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza appears to have had only a limited effect on Europe’s demand for Israeli weapons.

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Analysis

North Africa’s rail race spurred by World Cup, trade and bullet trains

Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are betting on high-speed rail, long-distance routes and expanded networks to improve their economic outlook and project power.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Morocco’s agricultural, fishing sectors plunge in 2024 amid drought, climate strain

Agriculture is a pillar of the Moroccan economy, and in 2023, it amounted to more than 11% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Morocco

Egypt launches 5G network as North Africa's digital push accelerates

North African states are moving to introduce high-speed internet and data-intensive applications to business and government sectors in the face of increasing demand.

Egypt

Iran oil exports to China fall sharply amid US sanctions, weakened demand

China is by far Iran’s largest customer for oil, snapping up around 90% of the Islamic Republic’s shipments.

Iran

UAE's Alterra targets Italian solar as part of $250B green finance drive

The Emirati private investment fund aims to mobilize $250 billion through partnerships in global climate finance annually.

United Arab Emirates

Mideast airlines to deliver industry’s highest profit margins in 2025

The region's airlines are forecast to hit a profit margin of 8.7% in 2025, slightly lower than last year's figure of 8.9% but the highest in the industry.

Saudi Arabia

Japan unfreezes assets of 4 Syrian banks while most sanctions remain

Tokyo has been moving more cautiously than its Western allies in liftin sanctions on Syria and still has many in place.

Syria

Qatari-led consortium signs $7B deal with Syria for 5,000 MW of electricity

Syria’s electricity grid needs extensive expansion after 14 years of civil war.

Syria

China expands visa-free policy to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait

During a landmark summit in Malaysia, China announced an exemption for nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait from the need for entry visas.

China