Saudi PIF eyes $27B Japan portfolio as kingdom courts Asian investment Saudi Arabia is strengthening economic ties with Asian countries as it pursues its economic transformation goals. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Beyond Boeing and Airbus: China’s C919 courts Gulf as aviation power dynamics shift Despite strong interest in Chinese jets, skepticism remains about China’s ability to match Western standards of technology and reliability. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Iran's rebuke of Russia, China exposes cracks in its 'look to East' strategy Pezeshkian comments revived a long-running debate over the fragility of Iran's geopolitical alignments and the asymmetry built into its relations with Moscow and Beijing. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Syria FM visits China as Beijing presses Damascus on Uyghur fighters, TIP Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani pledged that his country would not allow foreign fighters to “exploit its territory to carry out activities” that would harm Chinese security. Syria
Analysis Saudi Arabia diversifies with new China naval drills, but military remains Western-centric By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Syrian Olympic Committee takes China's side against US China is facing increased scrutiny in the sports world ahead of the Winter Olympics it is hosting next year, including calls to boycott the games and concern about female tennis star Peng Shuai. News Brief
Egypt's dispute with Chinese company stalls electric car production The manufacture of the first-ever locally made electric car in Egypt has hit a bump due to failed negotiations between the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry and Dongfeng Motor Corporation regarding the agreement to manufacture the E70 electric car. Egypt
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
US pressures Israel on trade with China Washington is calling on Israel to change the way it monitors foreign investments in Israel, and Israel is likely to take appeasing measures. Israel
Chinese foreign minister in Qatar for talks with the Taliban Qatar has a history of mediation related to Afghanistan. News Brief
Friday prayers resume in Tehran amid fears of new virus surge Services were held some 20 months after coronavirus concerns forced Iranian Health Ministry officials to bar Muslim worshippers from attending Friday prayers. Iran
UAE, China discuss 'outstanding friendship' in call China is working on improving its relations with Gulf states, primarily focusing on development. News Brief
Chinese-operated port opens in Israel despite American concerns The Biden administration is relaying to Jerusalem the same fears expressed by former US administrations over Chinese investments in Israel. Israel
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. Egypt
Israel opens Chinese-run terminal at Haifa port Biden's CIA director raised concerns about Beijing's growing investment in Israel, according to a report. Israel
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. Iran
New UN report on Islamic State gives Ankara another headache Security Council report red flags Uyghur diaspora in Turkey as a recruitment source for jihadi networks in Syria and Afghanistan. Turkey
