Analysis UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement The UAE is doubling down on bilateral free trade agreements as it hedges against economic headwinds fueled by the United States' universal tariff policy. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
France expels 12 Algerian diplomats in tit-for-tat escalation Paris decided to retaliate symmetrically after the expulsion on Monday of 12 of its diplomats from Algeria. Algeria
Analysis France recalibrates Turkey ties as east Med dynamics shift: What to know After years of strain between France and Turkey, the two countries seem to be seeking rapprochement on regional issues. By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics
Italy's Eni to invest $26B in Egypt, Libya, Algeria energy projects Eni is already a leading foreign energy company in the region, with footholds in Algeria, Egypt and Libya. Libya
Spain arrests 3 suspects accused of supplying Hezbollah with drone parts By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
UAE orders Italy to withdraw forces from base in arms sale row The Emirates is kicking Italy's forces out of Al Minhad airbase United Arab Emirates
Lapid calls out Poland for bill limiting Holocaust compensation Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid objects to Polish legislation designed to limit restitution rights for Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Israel
EU leaders back funding but warn Erdogan against 'instrumentalizing' Syrian migrants EU leaders propose further funding to Turkey for Syrian refugees, but, at Greece’s insistence, issue a warning that the bloc “condemns any attempt by third countries to instrumentalize migrants for political purposes.” Turkey
Advocates call for greater focus on democratic rights in Turkey ahead of European summit As European leaders prepare to review EU-Turkey relations in a summit this week, advocates urged greater links between future cooperation and improvements in basic rights and the rule of law in Turkey. Turkey
Erdogan’s meeting with Biden more spin than substance The two leaders' first meeting as heads of state led to detailed discussions, but there were no breakthroughs. Turkey
European Parliament calls for suspension of Turkey accession talks In a critical report, the European Parliament has suggested suspending Turkey’s long-stalled EU accession negotiations unless negative domestic and foreign policy trends are reversed. Turkey
European countries urge Israel to halt planned settlement expansion Five foreign ministries call on Israel to scuttle plans to build more West Bank settlements. Israel
The cost of Turkey’s grey passport scandal Turkey’s service passport scandal may be more costly than imagined. On the domestic front, the case is one more sign that organized crime fuels corruption. In the international arena, Turkey is expected to encounter more embarrassment and court cases for smugglers. Turkey
Turkey sees turning point in failed Cyprus summit Turkey hopes for British support as it takes on a more hawkish posture on the Cyprus conflict, risking fresh tensions with the European Union. Turkey
Greece to loan Patriot missile units to Saudi Arabia Athens is lending a hand to help defend Saudi Arabia amid continued barrages as the United States moves its assets elsewhere. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's efforts to woo rivals yield mixed results Diplomatically isolated and economically weak, Turkey is seeking to repair relations with its regional foes. But it's no easy task. Turkey
EU blacklist of Iran commanders strikes a nerve in Tehran Tehran said the European Union cannot preach human rights and announced a halt in cooperation with the bloc on fighting terrorism and narcotics after the latter sanctioned Iranian commanders over human rights violations. Iran
