Kuwait's LNG imports climb to highest level since start of Iran war The country's domestic gas production has fallen drastically since the beginning of the US-Israel-Iran war in February. Kuwait
Explainer UAE-Egypt ties keep growing as Cairo navigates shifting Gulf landscape An Emirati investor could soon strike a $2.7 billion deal to develop another tourism project on Egypt's North Coast, the latest in a string of UAE-linked pacts that have continued advancing despite turmoil from the US-Iran war. Egypt
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington Already a leading recipient of US aid, Jordan has secured fresh funds from the United States as the Iran war tests Amman and Washington's partnerships. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
US stock markets soar to new records amid Hormuz deal hopes The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average are on track for their best five-day performance since April 2025. Iran
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
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
