Economy and trade

Egypt’s military companies seek private investments

The Egyptian military seeks to expand investments in partnership with the private sector, thus crowding out civilian-run companies, amid the economic recession due to the coronavirus crisis.

Egypt

Lebanon’s central bank to inject dollars as currency crashes

The Lebanese pound trades at roughly 6,000 to the US dollar on the black market; Lebanese officials take action to try to get the parallel market under 4,000 to the dollar.

Lebanon

Protests erupt across Lebanon as government scrambles to rein in crumbling currency

Following the sectarian protests that took place a few days ago, Lebanon's crumbling currency united the Lebanese in a cross-sectarian protests in various Lebanese cities.

Lebanon

Jordan gets high marks for dealing with COVID-19, but economic crisis deepens

Jordanians feel that while the government may have succeeded in thwarting the health crisis related to the coronavirus pandemic, it has failed so far in finding solutions to the deteriorating economy.

Jordan

New report details damage to Iraqi economy during COVID-19 pandemic

The report by the UN-affiliated International Organization for Migration shows how virus-related restrictions have led to revenue and job losses for small and medium-sized businesses in Iraq.

Iraq

Iran’s debt-ridden international broadcasters face closure

Iran’s state-funded international TV channels, including Press TV, could soon be taken off the air due to accumulated debt amid the country’s cash reserve crisis.

Iran

Sanctions on Syrian government also threaten Washington's Kurdish allies

While US and international sanctions aren't specifically targeted at Kurdish-ruled northeast Syria, the area is impacted all the same with cross-border trade practically halted and because of the sudden plunge of the Syrian pound.

Syria

Oman will make it easier for expat workers to switch jobs

Under a previous order, foreign workers were barred from switching companies without explicit permission from their employers.

Oman

China shows greater interest in Syria amid pandemic, US tensions

China is looking to increase its influence in war-torn Syria, and using the coronavirus pandemic to accelerate these plans.

Syria

How Lebanese banks can restore customers’ confidence

Amid reports that the Lebanese government plans to merge and liquidate some banks, citizens are concerned about their deposits while the economic situation continues to deteriorate.

Lebanon

Mohamed Ali returns to slam Sisi on COVID-19 — is anyone listening?

Mohamed Ali, an Egyptian construction contractor who last year called for protests against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has recently appeared on social media, accusing the government of failing to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Egypt

Sudanese immigrants in Lebanon try crossing border into Israel

In recent months, Sudanese refugees have been trying to enter Israel by slipping across the tense border with Lebanon.

Israel