Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline Gulf countries find themselves in a difficult position as they navigate placating Trump, maintaining good relations with Russia, and engaging with Ukraine while also providing mediation and humanitarian aid. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Battle for Khartoum at tipping point as Sudan military advances After years of fighting between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, the two groups’ battle for the capital city of Khartoum could be coming to a head. Sudan
‘People are anxious’: USAID staff rattled by Trump's foreign aid freeze Humanitarian organizations were bracing for foreign aid cuts but were taken aback when President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order pausing assistance for the next 90 days. United States
Interview WFP chief McCain urges funding to alleviate Syria's hunger crisis WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain warned of donor fatigue after nearly 14 years of civil war in Syria. Cindy McCain WFP Executive Director
Analysis From war to governance: Hamas challenged by security vacuum in Gaza By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
Interview WFP’s McCain: 'No difference' in Gaza aid flow despite Israel’s tactical pause Cindy McCain World Food Programme Executive Director
Russia expresses 'understanding' for Turkey’s security concerns in north Syria Receiving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu maintains that the creation of a safe maritime corridor for Ukrainian grain exports should be accompanied by the easing of sanctions against Russia. Turkey
Retirees join Iran protests over economic grievances The rallies were sparked by unprecedented rising prices across the food sector under President Ebrahim Raisi's economic policies. Iran
Egypt asks World Bank for $500 million to buy wheat Egypt is asking the World Bank for $500 million to cover its wheat needs in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Egypt
Abraham Accords accelerate Israel-Africa rapprochement Israeli and African diplomats are engaged in expanding bilateral relations and taking them much further then ever before in many fields. Israel
Egypt to receive wheat shipments from Ukraine by rail from Poland Cairo agreed with Kyiv on four wheat cargoes, which will reach Egypt by rail to Poland, raising hopes of restoring food security. Egypt
Nationwide protests in Iran as food prices increase Subsidy cuts have led to nationwide protests in Iran. Iran
What do rising wheat prices, India’s export ban mean for Egypt? Egypt is seeking to import wheat from India due to the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
US announces $800M in Syria aid as border-access vote looms US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged the international community to ensure the latest Syria aid "actually reaches those in need." Syria
Egyptian scientist creates new rice variety that requires less water An Egyptian scientist and head of the National Rice Development Project at the Ministry of Agriculture invented a new type of rice that does not need much water, after the Egyptian government announced that the country is suffering from water poverty. Egypt
Israel's Liberman talks wheat, strategy in visit to Azerbaijan Officially, the visit of Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman to Azerbaijan focused on exporting wheat to Israel, but reports suggest that the minister also discussed strategic and energy issues. Israel
Iraq grapples with rising food costs as a result of Ukraine war Ripple effects from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are driving the Iraqi government to allot additional funds to ensure the food supply is stable. Iraq
US urges Iraqi government formation as stalemate drags on The deadlock has left Iraq without a new budget amid the economic uncertainty stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine. Iraq
