Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Oil falls below $71 as US-Iran talks continue, Gulf exports rebound Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an X post on Wednesday that Iran and the United States had made "positive progress." Iran
Kuwait's Zain eyes $1.5B mobile network in postwar Syria: What to know The Kuwaiti company is planning to invest more than $1.5 billion in Syria after securing a license to operate there, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. Syria
Oman's sultan meets Macron in first France visit since 1989: What to know French President Emmanuel Macron has been pushing against any form of toll for the Strait of Hormuz. Iran
Interview Saudi labor localization will take ‘generation or two': Armada CEO Olivier Badard CEO of Armada Holding
Analysis Why the Hormuz oil shock never became an energy catastrophe By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Will Iran’s military really divest from business holdings? Despite its complex challenges, the Iranian military’s planned divestment from the economy holds the potential for more transparency and accountability. Iran
Why Gaza merchants are forgiving debt A new social campaign in the Gaza Strip encourages debt forgiveness in light of people's economic straits due to the 11-year blockade. Palestine
Rouhani moves to leverage unrest to loosen IRGC grip on economy The Hassan Rouhani administration appears to be leveraging the recent protests in Iran to continue pushing for its agenda of greater accountability and lesser military involvement in the economy. Iran
Tunisian protesters get seven-year itch The austerity measures announced by the Tunisian government as part of this year's budget seem to be targeting the most vulnerable groups in society, including the middle class and the poor. Tunisia
Rouhani doubles down on Iran's conservatives with 'digital economy' plan Unlike conservatives, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani sees opportunities rather than threats in the expansion of the country's cyberspace. Iran
Fearing aid slash, PA to collect more customs duties The Palestinian Ministry of Finance is increasing customs duties on a range of goods, allegedly to protect local production, in light of a budget deficit of $1.07 billion in 2017 and threats of a drop in international aid to the PA. Palestine
Controversy ensues in Egypt over Sisi's use of religious endowments President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is discussing the option of investing religious endowment assets in national development projects to promote the economy, although some point to issues of this action's legality. Egypt
Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib? Russian-Turkish relations worsen as Syrian forces advance in Idlib; Al-Monitor leads media coverage of Iran’s financial crisis — by six months; the American University of Beirut dedicates "transformative" Halim and Aida Daniel Academic and Clinical Center. Lebanon
Internet censorship a double-edged sword for Tehran As Iran is home to an increasing number of online businesses, the new internet restrictions imposed by the government in response to the recent unrest are hitting many entrepreneurs. Iran
Tunisians fear another bread revolution Tunisians took to the streets to protest the government’s state budget and austerity measures, leading to violent clashes that raised concerns about a repeat of the bread riots of the 1980s. Tunisia
Egypt to switch to cash subsidies instead of bread The Egyptian Ministry of Supply’s plan to shift from in-kind bread subsidies to cash subsidies triggered controversy amid fears of an increase in the rate of inflation. Egypt
Rouhani’s bad news budget The Rouhani administration’s proposed budget for the coming Iranian year is set to be contractionary in real terms and could lead to a credit crunch. Iran
