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
Debate Over Oil-Revenue Surplus Renewed in Iraq Iraqi lawmakers are considering whether to distribute the surplus among Iraqi citizens or add it to the state’s budget. Iraq
Development Fund to Fill New Role, Hopes Iran's Private Sector Iran’s National Development Fund has been a disappointment, but there is hope that under a new managing director, it can play a meaningful role in job creations and growth. Iran
Economists divided over deletion of zeros on Iraqi dinar While the Central Bank of Iraq has been considering deleting three zeros from the currency for several years, economists remained divided over how markets would be affected. Iraq
Bitcoins: Currency for Criminals? Israeli authorities are examining the possibility of taxing commerce conducted with bitcoins, which secures the identity of its users but is also a tool for drug and arms dealers. Israel
What Egypt Needs Now As Egypt faces a deteriorating security situation and ongoing political turmoil, there are concrete steps the country can take to ensure an improved quality of life and a successful transition to democracy. Culture & Society
Iran Should Reconsider Foreign Exchange Policy Iran would benefit from a shift to a single exchange rate. Iran
Middle East Stability Hinges On Lebanon's Neutrality In his UN speech on Sept. 24, the Lebanese president reminded the world of the importance of helping Lebanon and keeping it neutral. Lebanon
Roma Lose in Urban Development In Turkey A massive urban redevelopment drive in Turkey victimizes already disadvantaged communities, especially the Roma. Turkey
Israel Allows Construction Materials To Enter Gaza Under EU Pressure Israel briefly modified its blockade on Gaza to allow in badly needed construction material, but Gazans say it is not enough to ease the economic crisis. Palestine
Egypt Struggles to Sustain Subsidies Egypt's new government has launched a plan to alleviate poverty, but many doubt its ability to finance the projects. Egypt
Abu Dhabi’s Foreign Assistance Steals Spotlight While Abu Dhabi has developed a reputation for its generous foreign aid, little attention is paid its significant internal aid, which keeps the other emirates afloat. United Arab Emirates
Lebanon's Dismal Economy Often overshadowed by neighboring Syria’s bloody civil conflict, the dire situation of the Lebanese economy appears more dismal than ever. Lebanon
