Turkey lifts veil on unemployment data, revealing bigger army of jobless A new, broader set of labor statistics has exposed a big gap between Turkey’s official unemployment rate and the actual joblessness in the crisis-hit country. Turkey
Rights group criticizes Jordan over debt imprisonment Human Rights Watch has highlighted the plight of poor Jordanians imprisoned for failing to pay back loans taken out to meet basic needs. Jordan
COVID accelerates evolution of Gulf economies The economic policy response to COVID-19 is an acceleration of specific trends already underway across the Gulf Cooperation Council members, variously affecting tax policy, labor market regulation and immigration policy. Saudi Arabia
Iran receives COVID-19 vaccine from Cuba Iran enjoys warm relations with the Latin American state and the two countries are also developing a coronavirus vaccine together. Iran
Expensive deposits leave Iranian banks stuck with toxic assets A review of interest rates for bank deposits in Iran shows widespread violations of the interest rate ceiling ordered by the Central Bank of Iran. Iran
Gaza’s power crisis cripples farmers The repercussions of the power crisis hitting the Gaza Strip, receiving less than four hours of daily supply, are now reflected in the agricultural sector and threatening food security in Gaza. Palestine
Palestinians despair as Israel breaks ground on new settlement Despite UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and US President Donald Trump's efforts to resume the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, Israel has approved plans to develop its first new settlement area in 25 years. Palestine
Tunisia can only afford neutrality in Qatar crisis Tunisia has officially remained neutral in the Qatari-Gulf crisis given its economic relations with the two main parties involved. Gulf
Gaza becoming unexpected destination for Egyptian jobseekers After the pound's depreciation against the US dollar, some Egyptian workers are fleeing the difficult economic conditions in their country to work in the Gaza Strip so they can send money to their families back home. Palestine
New generation of Iranian hostels attract younger tourists As Iran's tourism industry grows, a new generation of hostels catering to younger travelers is springing up around the country. Iran
Europeans press terror-finance watchdog to extend Iran sanctions reprieve European countries are pushing a key financial watchdog to suspend sanctions against Iran for a second year to shore up the Iranian economy and the nuclear deal. United States
Syria’s women could be key to the future Idlib province is witnessing a rise in activities aimed at empowering women who have suffered in the ongoing war in the country. Syria
Despite taboo, Hebrew classes open doors for young Egyptians More Egyptian university students are learning Hebrew, though social and political prejudices can still make things difficult. Egypt
Private solar power systems catch on in Gaza The National Economy Ministry in Gaza has lifted taxes and fees on alternative energy equipment to encourage residents to buy it to get through the ongoing electricity crisis. Palestine
Enterprising young Egyptians seize Ramadan business opportunities The festive atmosphere and nightly feasts of Ramadan represent a unique commercial window for young Egyptian entrepreneurs. Egypt
Turkish military hit by food poisoning scandal With hundreds of conscripts hospitalized and one dead from food poisoning, Turks from all political stripes demand answers. Turkey