Economy and trade

Privatization of Turkish military factory draws strong criticism

The lease of the Turkish military’s prominent tank factory to the private company BMC has stirred fierce criticism.

Qatar

US sanctions hit Iranian students seeking bank accounts in Europe

While Europe says it remains committed to the nuclear deal with Iran, the US withdrawal from the accord has created overcompliance with sanctions among banks that has made life difficult for Iranian students in Europe; however, Iranian students in the United States tell Al-Monitor they have not experienced such difficulties.

United States

Syria issues coins to replace banknotes worth about a dime

Given the inflation rate and the collapse of the Syrian currency, the Central Bank of Syria issues a new 50-pound coin (worth about 10 US cents) to save on high printing (and reprinting) costs for banknotes.

Syria

Cairo food carts get street of their own

Street carts selling food, books and handmade products come together on Cairo's Street 306, a new, hip space that could become the Arab world's largest food venue.

Egypt

What’s next for Lebanon’s yellow vests?

Analysts believe the momentum recently seen in protests against Lebanon’s state incompetence will die out, as people are losing hope.

Lebanon

Report slams Jordanian governments for gross failure

Jordan’s Economic and Social Council issued a report that highlighted the failure of Jordanian governments over the past 18 years to live up to their promises and meet the people’s economic needs.

Jordan

Istanbul, the flashpoint of Turkey’s crisis and looming elections

Turkey’s commercial capital, Istanbul, is in the grips of economic turmoil, which raises the prospect of the city’s local administration changing hands after more than two decades of dominance by political Islam.

Turkey

Egyptian silk producers hope to spin profits

Egypt hopes that removing tariffs on the import of silkworms will encourage young entrepreneurs to cultivate them to help meet local demand.

Egypt

Iran pushes Iraq to maintain trade without US dollar

Iran is pushing for an agreement with the Iraqi Central Bank to maintain trade in local currencies after dollar-base trade halted following the reimposition of US sanctions.

Iraq

Gaza’s public servants outraged at Hamas’ recent spending

Recent documents were leaked to the media showing that Hamas spent more than $550,000 for the celebrations of its anniversary, which raised the ire of Gaza government employees who have not received their full salaries since 2013.

Palestine

Gaza traders face new taxes, import restrictions

In a bid to protect national products, Hamas’ Ministry of National Economy in Gaza imposed new taxes on imported goods and banned traders from importing any goods without its consent.

Palestine

Israeli factory to be established in Gaza, is this possible?

Israel’s SodaStream announced it will open a manufacturing plant in the Gaza Strip, raising eyebrows since the company was forced to close a factory it previously operated in the West Bank under pressure from the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.

Palestine