Egypt’s Sisi, Putin meet as Russia steps up Africa push: What to know Wednesday’s meeting comes on the sidelines of the third Russia-Africa Summit, a two-day gathering in Moscow bringing together African leaders and officials. Egypt
Canada, UAE sign trade pact as Ottawa seeks to diversify beyond US The agreement is set to broadly lift tariffs on key products as Canadian officials hope to boost bilateral trade to $7 billion within a decade. United Arab Emirates
Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
As US disengages in North Africa, France's Macron looks to boost his profile During his visit to Tunisia, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bolster the country’s faltering economy. Tunisia
MBS plans first US visit since becoming Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation is high on the agenda for the upcoming trip. Saudi Arabia
Will Brexit jump-start Iran-UK trade? While bilateral trade has increased following the implementation of the nuclear deal, trade between Iran and Britain remains far below its potential. Iran
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
