FIFA, Arab League, World Bank: Who's pledging what toward Gaza’s $70B reconstruction? More than 90% of Gaza’s residential buildings have been damaged, and nearly 70% of all structures have either been severely damaged or leveled over the course of the war. Palestine
Somaliland leader courts Ethiopia in recognition push: What to know Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi visited Ethiopia for talks focused on security and economic cooperation as the Somali breakaway territory seeks global recognition. Somalia
Hong Kong exchange expands Gulf presence with new Dubai commodities arm The emirate has positioned itself as a global commodities trading hub, with the UAE ranking second globally after the US in last year’s Commodity Trade Index. United Arab Emirates
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
Kadhimi deepens cooperation with Saudi Arabia, UAE in Gulf tour Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is pursuing two-track diplomacy, expanding cooperation with both Levant and Gulf countries. Iraq
Post-COVID Saudi Arabia doubles down on Vision 2030 Although foreign investors mostly took a pass on Vision 2030, Saudi companies and the Public Investment Fund will pour money into a $3.2 trillion reform plan. Legacy: Gulf
War over economic routes heats up in Syria Syria’s economic collapse is stoking the struggle over commercial routes between government-held areas and US- and Turkish-backed enclaves, fueling also disagreements on humanitarian aid. Turkey
Why Turkey is wooing Egypt How will improved relations between Cairo and Ankara boost bilateral trade and joint investment? A number of Egyptian businesspeople are keeping fingers crossed that easing tensions between the two Mediterranean countries will open up new opportunities. Egypt
Crisis-hit Turkey risks disastrous foreign investor flight Erdogan’s interference with the central bank is badly damaging foreign investor confidence in Turkey, threatening hard-currency crunches that could send the Turkish lira to new lows. Turkey
Reason for Suez Canal ship's grounding under investigation Authorities are looking for answers as to why the Ever Given got stuck in the canal, causing massive trade losses and danger to hundreds of thousands animals being transported. Egypt
Stars help peel back curtain from Israeli cannabis industry Former Minister Tzipi Livni is the latest in a long list of public figures and celebrities joining the rapidly growing medical cannabis industry in Israel. Israel
Ship stuck in Suez Canal finally freed Ever Given was refloated on Monday after being stuck on the Egyptian canal's bank for nearly a week, allowing for the resumption of traffic. News Brief
Egypt eyes economic foothold in Djibouti Egyptian policy involving East Africa takes a new turn, focusing on economics. Egypt
US offers to help Egypt reopen Suez Canal The US offer comes days after a giant vessel ran aground and became lodged sideways in the canal. News Brief
Stuck container ship creates giant traffic jam in Egypt's Suez Canal The massive Rotterdam-bound container ship ran aground Tuesday in poor weather conditions and low visibility, the Suez Canal Authority said. Egypt
No end in sight for Lebanese suffering amid deteriorating economic crisis Lebanon’s ruling elite has yet to form an urgent government to launch reforms to address the country’s worst economic crisis in decades, amid ongoing political bickering. Lebanon
