Culture World Cup: Iran fumes over LGBTQ+ themes as Jordan qualifies for first time Morocco is hoping to build on its historic run in 2022, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and others in the region similarly vying to build on recent successes. Iran
What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Trump’s plan to label Muslim Brotherhood tightens pressure on group in Egypt, Jordan The Muslim Brotherhood has historically had strong support in both countries but has also faced increasing repression from authorities. Egypt
Meet the Silicon Valley-linked AI startup targeting Gulf’s costly inefficiencies Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh, formerly a director at Silicon Valley’s Scale AI, shares how he spotted an opportunity to automate complex workflows that could reduce inefficiencies potentially worth over $10 billion across the Gulf's airports, ports, construction and the energy sector. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Jordan’s water security caught between $5B megaproject, frayed Israel ties By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Jordanian censors try to put 'Jinn' back in the bottle "Jinn," a youth drama that takes place in a private high school in Jordan, has opened a Pandora's box on morals and censorship. Jordan
Jordan likely to attend Bahrain summit despite reservations A US official recently said that Jordan, along with Egypt and Morocco, will attend the Bahrain economic workshop aimed at attracting investments to the Palestinian territories, but Jordanian officials have yet to confirm the reports. Palestine
PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli fuel Following the rupture of US-Palestinian ties and Israeli violations to the Paris Protocol, the PA is moving forward with its plan to break free from reliance on Israeli fuel, particularly since the financial crisis requires purchasing fuel at cheaper prices. Palestine
Israel campaigns against Abbas ahead of Bahrain conference Even before the Bahrain conference started, Israel is busy explaining why Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is no partner for a peace process. Bahrain
After 50 years, Israel opens up 'Land of the Monasteries’ Israel was late in recognizing the potential of the Qasr al-Yahud site, but it hopes to do better now that the region is cleared of landmines and will open to the public. Israel
Despite US pressure, expect regional players to phone in Manama meeting Several regional states will show up for the US-led conference in Bahrain, but none of them really believes it will promote Middle East peace. Saudi Arabia
Why Arabs are pressuring PA to take part in Bahrain summit Some Arab countries are placing political and financial pressure on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider its rejection of the Bahrain economic workshop, which the United States is holding later this month to kick off its peace plan. Legacy: Gulf
Why Jordan is silent on Bahrain summit Jordan has yet to officially announce its position on the US-sponsored Bahrain economic conference that is to kick off the long-awaited US Middle East peace plan. Bahrain
Palestinian Authority gearing up for unrest amid financial crisis Israel has approved the transfer of light armored military vehicles to the West Bank amid fears of the Palestinian Authority's economic collapse. Palestine
Can Russia, France work together to settle Idlib? Moscow, Paris and Berlin have recently intensified talks over Syria's Idlib, but so far there's been more disagreement and defeated expectations than consent and progress. Jordan
The genesis of a Palestinian medical boycott While the decision to stop new Palestinian referrals to Israeli hospitals will save the government $100 million a year, the call was a middle-ground agreement and will not be easy on the most vulnerable. Palestine
Failed Yemeni talks shatter hopes of Yemenis' financial recovery Residents of Houthi-controlled Sanaa pinned their hopes on a recent meeting between Yemen’s warring sides to solve economic crises as the country’s Central Bank remains divided, but no solution was found and differences remain. Saudi Arabia
