US eases foreign investment rules days before Trump Gulf visit: What to know Gulf states are estimated to manage 40% of the world’s sovereign wealth and are some of the biggest investors in the United States. Saudi Arabia
Mideast airlines suspend Pakistan flights following Indian strikes Pakistan closed its airspace for 48 hours starting early Wednesday following Indian airstrikes on several locations that left at least 15 people dead. United Arab Emirates
Interview Qatar’s digital future offers opportunities in AI, energy, says head of US-Qatar Business Council Talent, not just capital, is key to sustainable growth, says Sheikha Mayes Al Thani. Sheikha Mayes Al Thani Managing Director, US-Qatar Business Council
Israel to withhold PA taxes, quietly ask donors to make up difference Israel intends to cut tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority but will need foreign intervention to save the Palestinian Authority from collapse. Qatar
Trump introduced Qatari to donor pursuing nuclear power project, report says A Tennessee businessman says US President Donald Trump introduced him to a potential Qatari investor at his Mar-a-Lago resort in spring 2018. Saudi Arabia
Qatar pledges to keep money pipeline open to Gaza Strip Qatar seems adamant about continuing its financial support to the Gaza Strip, disregarding the Palestinian Authority’s resentment. Qatar
GCC states boxed in by US sanctions on Syria The United States creates dilemmas for GCC in Syria; Qatar steps up with $500 million Lebanon investment; Netanyahu seeks Arab photo-op in Poland. Gulf
For Hamas, reconciliation with Egypt worth more than Qatari cash Qatar financial aid is very important for Hamas, but good relations with neighboring Egypt are essential to its survival. Qatar
Qatar scores symbolic victory in soccer win over UAE An unhealthy rivalry between Qatar and the UAE was on display during the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals, with Emirati fans booing the Qatari national anthem and pelting water bottles at the players. United Arab Emirates
Qatar sinks into Gaza quagmire Qatar wanted to please the United States and help Gaza residents with aid money, but has found itself trapped in a standoff between Hamas and Israel. Qatar
Qatar challenges Saudi influence in Lebanon There has been a vacuum created by a decline of Saudi influence in Lebanon that Qatar now seeks to fill. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan seeks lifeline from Putin in Syria The Turkish president will discuss Syria with his Russian counterpart in Moscow this coming week, as Qatar's Sheikh Tamim takes spotlight in Beirut. Saudi Arabia
Intel: How Trump used his missile defense rollout to take shots at Iran President Trump chastised Iran for attempting to launch a satellite earlier this week and pledged the United States would take a harder line on Iran. Gulf
How this royal portrait boosted Qatari national identity A sense of national identity has been growing steadily in Qatar since the Saudi-led blockade began in June 2017, and it seems as though an image of the Qatari emir has helped it along the way. Qatar
Privatization of Turkish military factory draws strong criticism The lease of the Turkish military’s prominent tank factory to the private company BMC has stirred fierce criticism. Qatar