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
Will Palestine finally recognize local evangelicals? In light of the growing influence of Christian Zionism in the West, the Palestinian leadership is revisiting recognition of evangelicals in the Palestinian territories and engaging local evangelicals to speak with Western Christians about support for Israel and the Palestinian movement. Palestine
Why residents of Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah face eviction Eleven families are about to be thrown out of their home in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood to make room for settlers. Palestine
Hasty Jordan meeting augurs dissonance at upcoming Arab League summit Arab foreign ministers' surprisingly brief meeting in Jordan likely signals disagreement over regional issues such as the return of Syria to the Arab League and a US-proposed coalition against Iran. Jordan
Ankara set to boost naval posture with major exercise Turkey may be planning an ambitious air-naval military drill that would span three seas. Palestine
Is new energy league an alliance against Ankara? A Cairo-based partnership among Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority is ready to explore energy sources in the eastern Mediterranean — whether Turkey likes it or not. Palestine
Jordan moves to restore strategic ties with Iraq While Jordan pins high hopes on restoring strong economic ties with Iraq, some observers believe that the future of such relations will depend on Iran, which continues to wield deep influence over Iraqi politics. Iraq
Report slams Jordanian governments for gross failure Jordan’s Economic and Social Council issued a report that highlighted the failure of Jordanian governments over the past 18 years to live up to their promises and meet the people’s economic needs. Jordan
Pompeo heads to Mideast to stress 'US not going anywhere' Despite President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will stress US commitment to the region and an anti-Iran theme on trip to Jordan, Egypt and Gulf states. Legacy: Gulf
Jordan’s civil society fights for more rights in Personal Status Law Rights and women activists are exerting efforts to convince Jordan’s Senate to amend several articles of the Personal Status Law that allow child marriage, and disregards women’s rights in divorce and inheritance. Jordan
Will Lebanon’s support of UN compacts benefit Syrian refugees? Lebanon has voted in favor of two UN resolutions that improve the treatment of refugees and migrants, but the displaced Syrians in the country may not benefit, as they are not classified as refugees or even migrants. Jordan
Does Jordan have what it takes to reconcile Libya’s rival parties? After coinciding visits by Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and the military commander Khalifa Hifter to Amman, Jordan’s possible role in sponsoring Libyan reconciliation talks has come under the spotlight. Jordan
Has France’s yellow vest fever reached Jordan? Six months into the new Jordanian government term, angry protesters take to the streets to demand economic and political reforms. Jordan
