Analysis Why Trump's infrastructure-focused strikes risk hardening Iran's war posture Targeting infrastructure has opened a new phase in the US-Israel-Iran war, hardening Tehran's stance and pushing the conflict toward attrition with fewer off-ramps. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters Gazans fear that Israel could exploit the wider regional war to reenter Gaza, especially as buffer zones along the border continue to expand and civilians are targeted to keep them away. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Iran strikes Gulf again, hitting Kuwait refinery as UAE shuts gas hub Kuwait’s desalination plant and key refinery have been damaged, and the UAE has suspended Habshan operations after debris from intercepted missiles caused a fire. Kuwait
In UK visit, Syria’s Sharaa doubles down on Western ties amid Iran war, refugee pressures After talks with UK leaders on Tuesday, Syria's president said the country would remain neutral in the Iran conflict unless it was targeted. Syria
Turkish firm brings light back to struggling Syrian city Turkey plans to help restore utilities and other services to Syrian towns, starting with a new power plant for the city of Azaz, which has been running on generators. Syria
Lebanon plans to overhaul its public transportation sector The World Bank has approved a $295 million financing package to reform public transportation in Beirut. Lebanon
Could container homes alleviate Israeli housing crisis? Israeli architects and students explore the concept of using shipping containers as homes and shopping spaces. Israel
Istanbul’s new airport: a looming black hole Istanbul’s giant new airport, scheduled to partially open in October ahead of key elections next year, has become a headache that threatens to carve a black hole in Turkey’s public finances. Turkey
Price hikes alone won't fix Egypt's ailing rail system A deadly train wreck this week spurred calls for improvements to Egypt's poorly maintained railway system and renewed discussion about a delayed increase in ticket prices. Egypt
Umm al-Fahm: Where the streets have no name Israeli authorities are refusing to approve street names selected by the city of Umm al-Fahm to acknowledge and honor Palestinian figures and history. Palestine
Cairo removes Ottoman name amid Egypt-Turkey strife As tensions escalate between Egypt and Turkey, Cairo governorate has decided to rename Selim I street, named for the "grim" Ottoman sultan who conquered Egypt. Egypt
Securing Sinai airport comes at cost to locals President Sisi’s announcement to build a large safe zone around the El-Arish Airport in order for it to resume operations raised the ire of Sinai residents whose houses and lands would be destroyed in the process. Egypt
More skyscrapers pop up along Israeli skyline Israeli urban designers differ on whether condominium towers are the solution for land shortage or they create new problems, such as disconnect with street life. Israel
Local official's insult to Upper Egypt spurs development plans A comment by Local Development Minister Abu Bakr al-Gendy concerning citizens of the Upper Egypt governorates has shone a light on the area's extreme poverty and highlighted the need to pursue economic development. Egypt
Questions persist as Canal Istanbul construction begins We have to hope Ankara has developed contingency plans for the potential political, economic, environmental and especially geostrategic consequences of the Canal Istanbul project. Turkey
Israel seeks to revive long abandoned railway to Gulf Israel is currently discussing a project to reopen the old Hejaz railway to connect it with Saudi Arabia, though many Egyptians are concerned about its impact on trade through the Suez Canal. Egypt
