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
Why is Iraq not profiting from religious tourism? While the number of Shiite pilgrims to Iraqi holy sites has been increasing significantly since 2003, Iraq has failed to benefit economically. Iraq
How secondhand donations are funding development in Ramallah A Ramallah shop is trying to do its part to help lessen Palestinians' reliance on foreign assistance for development. Palestine
Trade union head says labor laws don’t protect Gaza's workers In an interview with Al-Monitor, Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions head Sami al-Amasi discusses working conditions in the Gaza Strip, in light of growing poverty and increasing unemployment levels. Palestine
Are Egypt's lackluster efforts leaving it isolated? Egypt seems to be ignoring chances to upgrade its social standing in the world. Egypt
How Sinai women are fueling Egypt's economy with homemade goods Bedouin women in the Sinai Peninsula defy tribal tradition and help their families by selling handmade crafts. Egypt
Egypt takes new approach to tourism Egypt's long-suffering tourism business might finally be getting some good news: The private sector will take a crack at handling one of the country's ancient sites. Egypt
Why some Palestinians don't trust new electricity deal with Israel The Palestinian Authority and Israel signed an agreement to partially solve the electricity problem Palestinians have been suffering from for years. Palestine
What's the status of IMF loan as Iraq dismisses finance minister? The International Monetary Fund has granted a $3 billion loan to Iraq; however, parliament and the government have not yet reached an agreement over the loan conditions. Iraq
Why is Egypt's army now in the baby formula business? While Egypt's army has long played a large role in the country's economy, recent steps taken by the armed forces in the baby formula and education sector have reignited fears about its financial power. Egypt
Rouhani set to address UNGA amid high expectations at home President Hassan Rouhani is in New York to address the UN General Assembly amid high expectations at home about the outcome of his trip. United States
Can Libya find unity through oil? With the Libyan National Army’s takeover of the crescent oil ports, Gen. Khalifa Hifter may be the key to a true national unity government. Libya
More at stake than meets the eye as Jordan votes While continuing to prepare against external armed threats, Jordan must also focus on improving domestic conditions crucial to long-term stability. Jordan