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
Turkey's homemade booze boom here to stay The Turkish government’s drive to discourage alcohol consumption through high taxes has led to Turks home brewing as an alternative. Turkey
Iran’s debt market emerges as key to economic future The Iranian debt market has emerged as a key venue — and battleground — for Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's administration to realize its economic aims. Iran
Gaza traders, consumers welcome end of double taxation Palestinians in the Gaza Strip hope reconciliation will bring economic relief with the end of Hamas-imposed taxes and fees on top of those paid to the Palestinian Authority on imports. Palestine
Putin, Khamenei agree they need each other Iran and Russia deepen energy cooperation; Iran has Hezbollah’s back; does the CIA have a back channel to Assad? Iraq
How Iran can address its informal economy Without massive reforms involving all three branches of government, Iran's ability to formalize vast swathes of its economy will remain a pipe dream. Iran
Turkey's leg of the Silk Road could be smoother Turkish officials are playing up the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as a segment of the new Silk Road linking Beijing to London, but there are many bumps yet to come along the way. Turkey
Jordan considering recipe for revolt: lifting bread subsidies Jordan must decide whether to eliminate the government subsidy on bread to receive assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Jordan
Putin resets Iraqi energy landscape as Barzani steps aside Russian moves maximize leverage as US stumbles on Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units; Massoud Barzani resigns as Kurdistan Region president; Syria and Russia take initiative with regard to local governance in Syria. Iraq
Iranian banks slowly reconnect to the world While Iran works to gradually reconnect its banking system to the world, major hurdles remain, even as companies find creative solutions. Iran
Palestinian reconciliation takes its toll on new PA budget The Palestinian reconciliation will require a substantial increase in the PA budget, including new hires for security and resolving the ongoing crisis involving civil servants appointed by Hamas. Palestine
Kurdish crisis could benefit Iran-Turkey-Russia energy deal As markets react to Iraq's reclamation of Kirkuk oil fields, other countries stand ready to take advantage of opportunities being created for energy producers. Iraq
Turkey does real business with virtual money Bitcoin usage is on the rise in Turkey, where businesses in various sectors, from informatics and engineering companies to pharmacies and taxi stands, have come to accept the virtual currency. Turkey
![Yellow capped new bottles of Turkish liquor of "Yeni Raki" remain packed at a alcohol sales spot in Istanbul March 9, 2005. A Turkish alcohol company on Tuesday ordered the recall of millions of bottles of Turkish liquor as the death toll from a bootleg version of the drink rose to at least 22.[ Galip Yorgancioglu, chief executive of Mey Drinks, said the firm was recalling all 0.7-litre bottles of Tekel brand raki, a popular anise-flavoured drink. Other sizes and brands would remain on shelves. ] - PBEAHUOC](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2017/11-1/RTXNAY7.jpg/RTXNAY7.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=UQholvmN)
