China, Russia veto scaled-back Hormuz resolution at UN Security Council The vote came hours before the US deadline for Iran to reopen the global chokepoint. Bahrain
AirAsia stays course on Bahrain hub as Iran war clouds aviation growth plans The low-cost carrier’s commitment, while conditional on how the conflict evolves, stands out as most global airlines scale back routes, delay launches and reroute flights to avoid the Middle East. Bahrain
Iran names US tech, finance firms in new Middle East threat list Firms listed as potential targets included Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Palantir and Nvidia, while banking giant JPMorgan and UAE-based AI firm G42 were also listed. Iran
Analysis Oil-rich Gulf states could face power crunch as Iran war hits energy security While the conflict fuels a global oil price shock, the Gulf states must contend with growing threats to their own energy security, from power cuts to desalinated water loss. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How long can markets hold their bet on Gulf resilience as war drags on? By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
As Pompeo pushes for Israel deal, Bahrain reaffirms support for two-state solution Pompeo is trying to persuade Bahrain and other countries in the region to join the United Arab Emirates in recognizing Israel. United Arab Emirates
Bahrain to allow private employers to hire foreigners after four-month suspension Beginning Aug. 9, employers in the private sector can resume hiring workers from abroad. Bahrain
Bahrain upholds death sentences despite torture claims Pro-democracy activists Mohammed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa face imminent execution. Bahrain
GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies. Saudi Arabia
Amnesty blasts Bahrain, Kuwait for 'highly invasive' COVID-19 tracing apps Amnesty International has warned apps used to trace the movements of possible COVID-19 cases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Norway put the privacy of citizens at risk. Bahrain
Bahrain releases human rights activist Nabeel Rajab from prison Rajab's release came just days before the four-year anniversary of his arrest. Bahrain
COVID-19 crisis returns spotlight to Gulf migrant communities Contract migration schemes make citizenship acquisition nearly impossible for migrant workers in the Gulf, and recent economic and health crises make any imminent changes further unlikely. Legacy: Gulf
Coronavirus offers Israel opportunity to strengthen ties with Gulf states Despite recent condemnation by Gulf states of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to annex parts of the West Bank this summer, there are signs that Israeli-Gulf ties might benefit from shared concern over COVID-19. Saudi Arabia
Bahrain eases coronavirus restrictions, allowing shops to reopen Beginning Thursday, shops and industrial businesses in the Gulf kingdom can resume business, though some restrictions remain in place. Bahrain
‘Virtual mall’ in Bahrain opens for shoppers on lockdown The online hub will allows shoppers in Bahrain to purchase from more than 100 brands. Bahrain
For Gulf, South Asia countries, worst is yet to come The pandemic is expected to be especially hard on migrant workers in the Mideast and South Asia, as it has left many of them unemployed and struggling to return home to an uncertain future. Legacy: Gulf
COVID-19 crisis pushes Bahrain to resume flights from Iran after 4-year halt The tiny Gulf kingdom of Bahrain is bringing hundreds of Shiite pilgrims home from Iran, with which it has no diplomatic ties and normally no direct flights. Bahrain
