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
Revitalizing Iraq's ports, airways in the shadow of IS In an interview with Al-Monitor, Transport Minister Baqir Jabr al-Zubeidi elaborates on his ministry’s commitment to overcoming the budget deficit amid the country’s troubled security situation. Iraq
Switch to digital television faces bumpy road in Palestine As the date to move Palestinian TV frequencies from analogue to digital is approaching, concerned parties and ministries are worried about potential issues including interference by Israeli authorities and costs for poorer families. Palestine
Iran's water crisis reaches critical levels Iran's political leadership must move quickly, and non-ideologically, to resolve the current water use crisis and avoid the possibility of mass migrations. Iran
Iraq, Syria crises cost billions for Turkey The amount Turkey has paid for the Iraqi and Syrian crises in the last four years has reached over $16 billion. Turkey
Ancient market at heart of modern Baghdad The Iraqi capital's ancient and well-preserved Shorja market has long been a meeting point for Iraqis and a barometer of the political and economic situation in the country. Iraq
Gazans pursue jobs in Israel despite danger Difficult living conditions inside the Gaza Strip have pushed citizens to risk their lives to emigrate in search of work even without the proper Israeli permits. Palestine
Fast food booms in Gaza Gaza's restaurant sector is thriving as residents flock to one of the few available diversions. Palestine
Iran targets 'MI6 Shiites' The Iranian government is engaged in a media offensive against the Shiite Shirazi movement, which runs a broadcasting network to spread its message. Iran
Hamas imposes new taxes to meet payroll dues In an attempt to raise the payrolls of employees appointed by the previous Hamas government, new taxes have been levied on goods and services in Gaza, angering importers and consumers. Palestine
Iran's tourism industry scrambles to catch up with demand As Iranian President Hassan Rouhani improves relations with the West, Iranian officials announce they will build more hotels to meet the expected demand of foreign tourists. Iran
Iran official warns water crisis could lead to mass migration The adviser for water, agricultural and environment to Iran’s vice president warns that if Iran doesn't cut its water exploitation in half, the country could see a mass exodus. Iran
US CEOs find crowded field in Iran A group of American executives found a warm welcome in Iran and plenty of company from other foreigners investigating post-sanctions business opportunities. Iran
