Exclusive Direct Turkey-Armenia land trade to begin amid US-led Caucasus peace push New transit arrangement via Georgia cuts re-export costs, marking accelerating normalization between Ankara and Yerevan amid broader US-led peace efforts. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Meet Fahad Al-Saif, PIF exec and Saudi Arabia's new investment minister Saif previously led investment strategy at the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund and has held senior roles at the Saudi Awwal Bank and HSBC Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Why Algeria's nixing of UAE air deal is more diplomatic than economic Algeria has begun canceling its air services agreement with the UAE amid heightened tensions over the Gulf country’s foreign policy in the region. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Crypto crash collides with UAE’s big bet on digital assets After hitting record highs in 2025, Bitcoin’s sell-off is roiling global markets and making waves in the UAE. United Arab Emirates
Analysis As envoys recalled, what's driving Israel-South Africa rupture? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Saudi Arabia downsizes megaprojects, chases cash amid AI push By Samuel Wendel , Jack Dutton
Abbas seeks to free Palestinian economy from Israel Palestinians are determined to revisit the Paris Protocol on Economic Relations, which they have said deepens their subordination to Israel. Palestine
Middle class, entrepreneurs key to Egypt's economic recovery The Egyptian government is implementing programs to help curb poverty and meet the needs of low- and middle-income citizens, but analysts believe more should be done. Egypt
China’s emerging role in Iran’s petroleum sector Despite the stumbling blocks, China’s strategic goal of securing energy resources for its future demands and Iran’s need for foreign investment will continue to pave the way for a greater Chinese role in the Iranian energy sector. Iran
Forgotten artisans of Beirut seek revival Beirut’s Armenian district, previously a vibrant center of craftsmanship and culture in the country, is going through a decline due to a lack of government planning, with only a few artisans escaping the downturn. Lebanon
How Iran can use rupees to build strategic trade with India Iran and India’s signing of an agreement for how Iranian oil export proceeds can be used could turn into a blessing in disguise for the Islamic Republic. Iran
Has Cairo book fair lost its luster at 50? The Cairo International Book Fair's 50th edition opens amid controversy over its new location and visitor numbers, with some booksellers boycotting the fair. Egypt
Why Rouhani should think beyond price controls to contain inflation In Iran, the Rouhani administration’s tendency to turn to price controls to stave off inflation carries major long-term costs in exchange for only short-term benefits. Iran
Is new energy league an alliance against Ankara? A Cairo-based partnership among Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority is ready to explore energy sources in the eastern Mediterranean — whether Turkey likes it or not. Palestine
Can Iranian sovereign crypto-rial loosen sanctions straitjacket? The United States is gearing up to sanction Iran’s sovereign cryptocurrency in anticipation of its introduction. Russia
Afcon soccer tourney gives Egypt chance for glory both on, off field Egypt is getting only a small amount of time to prepare for Afcon 2019, but the major soccer tournament could pay off big time. Egypt
Expect trade activity boost between Egypt, Gaza Strip Egypt and Hamas are exploring trade options, including a new border crossing, that would skirt Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Why Iran must shake up its approach to state-owned enterprises While the government’s general budget grabs the most attention in Iranian media, it is high time for Iran to revise the way it approaches the dilemma of the vast number of uncompetitive state-owned enterprises. Iran
