Analysis How Afghanistan's Bagram base became focal point of US-China-Iran rivalry Trump’s push to regain control of Bagram underscores Washington’s broader strategy to monitor China, counter Iran and project power across Central Asia. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Algeria, China deepen cultural ties with opening of Confucius Institute Algeria this week inaugurated the institute, marking a major milestone in cultural and academic cooperation with China. Algeria
Saudi Arabia courts Chinese firms in mining investment drive Mining and Industry Minister Bandar Alkhorayef met with executives from more than 20 mining firms in Beijing on Thursday. Saudi Arabia
Analysis As Israelis sour on China, Netanyahu provokes Beijing — but to what end? With China already opposing Israeli actions in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused China and Qatar of orchestrating anti-Israel campaigns on social media. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Google Pay, China’s Alipay+ launch in Saudi Arabia amid cashless push By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Is France irked by Erdogan’s passion for Africa? Erdogan’s efforts to boost Turkey’s economic role in Africa have been marked by outbursts maligning France’s colonial past, but there is more to Turkey’s Africa opening that fuels the bilateral spats. Turkey
Iraq's outgoing government keeps mum on China pact Iraq's economic agreement with China was signed in October but its details are still a mystery, providing fodder for conspiracy theories and potential legal objections. Iraq
Libya is only small part of Turkey’s ambitious Africa overture Although Turkey’s moves in Libya capture a lot of headlines these days, Ankara has been busy on other fronts in Africa. Egypt
Sell-off in Oman reveals privatization with regional characteristics Some Middle East countries in need of cash, such as Oman, are selling assets to Chinese and Malaysian state-owned entities. Oman
Intel: Why US is likely to raise concerns about China’s investment in Oman A Chinese state-owned company has inked a deal to take over nearly half of Oman’s power transmission firm, which is valued at $2 billion. Oman
Report: China, Russia worried about militants' return from Syria Beijing and Moscow are concerned that citizens who left to fight with jihadi groups in Syria could stoke radicalization at home following their return. Syria
Report: Iran likely to buy Russian and Chinese arms Tehran will likely look to Russia and China to purchase advanced weapons when a UN arms embargo against the country expires next year, a senior defense intelligence official said Nov. 19. United States
Tehran welcomes China’s presence in Middle East Iran and China have much to offer each other, though on a limited basis. Iran
Turkey-China economic cooperation on rise Turkey has a special place in China’s Belt and Road initiative, as confirmed by the increase in Chinese direct investment in Turkey. Turkey
Chinese investment in Iraq provides gains for Baghdad, Beijing Iraqi prime minister trip to China has paved the ground for China to invest in Iraq. Iraq
Iranian fishermen feel waves of tension from the US Friction between the West and Iran threatens to rile the waters for fishermen near the Strait of Hormuz. United States
Iran reinforces partnership with China for economic relief Tehran appears to be staking its financial future on China, a move full of potential rewards — and risks. Iran
