Analysis

From Sputnik to satellites: How China is pulling Egypt and Gulf into its space orbit

Beijing is emerging as a key partner for Middle Eastern and North African states seeking to develop satellites, navigation services and space industries of their own.

By Dale Aluf

In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East

Analysis

Morocco's UN-backed Western Sahara plan offers investors some reassurance

Last week, the UN Security Council voted in favor of a resolution backing Rabat’s plan for Western Sahara, describing autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty as the “most feasible solution” to the 50-year disagreement over the disputed territory.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Feature

Trump eyes Algeria-Morocco rift over Western Sahara in latest peace bid

With the world’s attention fixed on the Gaza ceasefire, the Trump administration has its sights set on another diplomatic deal: Western Sahara.

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Algeria's Sonatrach latest foreign oil major to resume Libya drilling

Libya has Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, with approximately 48.4 billion barrels, but political instability had led international energy firms to avoid it for more than a decade.

Algeria

Analysis

Algeria hails new $60B energy plan but price slump threatens reform push

The OPEC member recently held its first oil and gas licensing round in a decade, attracting significant international interest and awarding five of six onshore blocks, signaling progress in its energy ambitions despite ongoing challenges.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound

The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%.

Iran

Culture

Algeria, China deepen cultural ties with opening of Confucius Institute

Algeria this week inaugurated the institute, marking a major milestone in cultural and academic cooperation with China.

Algeria

Newsletter: China-Middle East

Beijing's soft power

This week, Algeria inaugurated its first Confucius Institute. The region now boasts 27 of the facilities, a sign of China’s growing educational and cultural footprint.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

India, Morocco open new military factory in Casablanca region

The facility will make WhAP 8x8 armored combat vehicles for the Moroccan military and international markets.

Morocco

Middle Eastern countries face new Trump tariffs: What to know

European and Asian markets fell again on Friday amid a broad selloff due to the economic uncertainty caused by the tariffs.

United States

Analysis

Middle East braces for Trump's tariffs: Gulf gains, North Africa strains as both hedge

The tariffs could be wins for the Gulf states, as many have trade surpluses with the United States, while some in North Africa and the Levant, with trade deficits, stand to lose.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

From Iraq to Algeria, Trump’s looming tariffs could target 4 MENA countries

The United States has a trade deficit with Iraq, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia, according to the US government, prompting the president to send them letters warning of new tariffs.

Iraq