US Senate approves repeal of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria: What to know The 2019 Caesar Act imposed sweeping sanctions on Syria to hold the government accountable for human rights abuses committed during the country’s civil war. Syria
Saudi investment minister visits Morocco, Senegal on Africa trade drive Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $41 billion in investment in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade. Saudi Arabia
Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations. Iran
World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Will Iraq's new government reconsider dinar exchange rate? A number of leaders of the Coordination Framework, the bloc leading the new Iraqi government, are pushing to increase the value of the dinar in an attempt to support the poor — yet some argue the measure could backfire. Iraq
Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition could upend Israeli democracy Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a dangerous deal with far-right and religious radical partners who are sure to undercut Israeli's democratic institutions. Israel
Gulf banks raise interest rates in response to the Fed, Kuwait stays put Saudi Arabia could be in store for a liquidity crunch, according to a leading credit rating agency. Kuwait has a history of not following the trend on interest rates. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Arabia offers green bonds in push toward net zero While the move signals that the kingdom understands the global trends toward "green," its impact on climate action will require further steps. Legacy: Gulf
Can floating Egyptian pound kill foreign currency black market? Egypt's latest flotation of its currency may rein in its thriving foreign currency black market, but economists cannot see an end to this market in the near future. Egypt
Informal ties grow between Israel, Saudi Arabia With the current rift between Washington and Riyadh, every baby step in informal relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia counts. Israel
Middle East countries must do more to recover, say IMF event panelists While oil producing countries are projected to benefit from a windfall due to high energy prices, for others the coming years "will be more challenging than ever." Legacy: Gulf
Lebanon’s Vinifest returns as local wineries face uncertain future The Middle East’s biggest wine industry showcase returns for its 13th edition with its first full physical event in three years, amid Lebanon's harsh economic conditions. Lebanon
Residents in Israel warn against wave of server farm construction With Google and Amazon winning the tender for a Cloud region in Israel, more data centers will be coming, but some residents have concerns about the environment and quality of life. Israel
Arab Israelis boycott Zara over ties with Jewish ultranationalist The street-initiated boycott against Zara shops in Israel demonstrates the force of the young Israeli Arab generation, seeking to bring about a change through social media. Israel
Amazon Egypt launches page for Egyptian handicrafts Amazon Egypt launched a new page for thousands of Egyptian handicrafts and heritage products, with the aim of supporting and encouraging Egyptian products. Egypt
Israel, Turkey promote increasing bilateral trade On an official visit to Turkey, Minister of Economy and Industry Orna Barbivai met with her counterparts, advancing the re-convening of the joint economic conference. Israel
