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
Egypt grants new incentives to foreign investors The Egyptian government announced the granting of a special license to foreign investments in three specific fields, which expedites procedures to implement projects, as part of efforts to revive the ailing economy in the country. Egypt
Visiting Israel, Turkish foreign minister rehabilitates bilateral ties After two years of Turkish courtship, and with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu now on a historic visit to Israel, Jerusalem is willing to rehabilitate bilateral relations. Israel
The economics of social unrest in Iran While the protests themselves are unsurprising, given the economic crises plaguing the country, the fact that they were centered in the southwestern province of Khuzestan is significant. Iran
Egypt to sell state-owned firms amid economic crisis Ten of Egypt's largest state-owned companies will be listed this year on the stock exchange, while others will be sold in the coming years as the government tries to attract foreign investors to relieve economic hardships. Egypt
Iran vows harsh crackdown on economic protests Despite a massive security presence, many Iranian cities continue to witness rallies triggered by soaring prices, with protesters chanting slogans against the country's top leadership. Iran
Egypt looks to Gulf to revive tourism sector affected by Russian-Ukrainian war Egypt is seeking to increase Arab tourism from the Gulf at a time when this vital sector has struggled to overcome the recession it suffered with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
Ukraine war drives more traffic to Egypt's Suez Canal, increasing revenues Although Egypt is being adversely affected by the war in Ukraine, the Suez Canal is benefiting greatly from Western countries sailing into the Gulf in search of oil. Egypt
Interview Israeli Minister Frej joins Palestinian aid summit in Brussels In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Israel’s Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej said that while a strong Palestinian Authority is "of course a Palestinian interest ... it is also an Israeli and international interest." Esawi Frej Minister for Regional Cooperation of Israel
World Bank praises Palestinian easing of COVID rules, criticizes Israeli control The international financial body recommended several governance reforms for the Palestinian Authority to increase economic growth. Palestine
UAE, Greece sign $4.2 billion agreement The UAE and Greece have become close allies in recent years. United Arab Emirates
International pressure compounds Tunisian economic crisis There are international and local concerns over the political and economic situation in Tunisia, which is hoping for a deal with the IMF in return for implementing reforms that are rejected by the powerful UGTT labor union. Tunisia
Turkish inflation jumps from 20% to 70% in just six months Even if monthly price increases ease to an average of 5% in the coming months, Turkey would face an annual consumer inflation of over 100% in the fall and finish the year with a rate of some 90%. Turkey
