US court overturns Trump global tariffs: What it means for MENA Trump's defining economic policy of his second term has been dealt a key blow, upending a tariff regime that set levies in the Middle East as high as 41% for Syria even as most regional countries were insulated from the fallout. Syria
From Egypt to Lebanon: What’s at stake for regional states on Trump’s visa ban list? The State Department claimed that citizens from the affected countries are more likely to use social welfare services at a high rate. Algeria
India’s Modi eyes closer ties with Jordan, Oman during visits Modi’s two-day visit to Jordan made investments and economic cooperation a central piece of the talks with Amman. Jordan
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
Meet the Silicon Valley-linked AI startup targeting Gulf’s costly inefficiencies 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
Palestinians smuggle cheaper nicotine fix from Jordan Smugglers are finding a profitable business in moving cigarettes into Palestine from Jordan and competing with locally made tobacco and more expensive imported cigarettes. Palestine
Syrian mortar shells sow fear in Jordan border town Many residents of Ramtha, northern Jordan, are calling for military action to contain the violence in Syria that is spilling over onto their city, where mortars fall on houses and parents are afraid to send their children to school. Palestine
Hoping to counter Iran, former Israeli defense official calls on Riyadh to add 'security annex' to Arab Peace Initiative With Iran getting stronger and more self-confident, Saudi Arabia should add a "security annex" to its original Arab Peace Initiative to establish a defense cooperation framework between Israel and select Arab states. Legacy: Gulf
Will Jordan agree to set up a 'safe zone' on Syrian border? Jordan is considering the option of establishing a safe zone along its border with Syria, amid lack of US support for Turkey’s attempts to do the same on its southern border. Jordan
Not one student in 349 Jordanian schools passed critical exam The high failure rates of the General Secondary Educational Certification Exam, or Tawjihi, raised a debate in Jordan about the efficiency of the Education Ministry, the unqualified teachers and the high number of Syrian children attending Jordanian schools. Jordan
Lobbying 2015: Jordan earns $1 billion bonus for battling IS The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan relies on the US-educated king’s 15-year relationship with top lawmakers and military officials to defend a strategic lynchpin at the heart of the Middle East maelstrom. Jordan
Saving Middle East relics needs less talk, more action International action is required to stop the plundering of Middle Eastern treasures and the devastation of historic sites. Iraq
When children have to provide: Syrian refugees struggle in Jordan A lack of schools and teachers in Jordan along with hurdles preventing Syrian adults from working have led to Syrian refugee children increasingly working illegally to support their families. Jordan
Russia's Middle East gamble Russia's historical links with the Middle East run deep, as even amidst challenges Moscow sees opportunities. Saudi Arabia
IS threat could push Jordan beyond its borders Despite the imminent terrorist threat, some Jordanians reject the necessity to intervene in Syrian and Iraqi territory. Iraq
New report outlines Al-Aqsa Mosque recommendations The International Crisis Group report on Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem tackles this controversial issue for Muslim Palestinians and Israeli Jews, and proposes recommendations to de-escalate the tension between all concerned parties, including Jordan. Palestine
Prospects for Egyptian-Jordanian cooperation remain hazy Since the ouster of Mohammed Morsi, economic ties have strengthened. Egypt
