What will 2019 have in store for dysfunctional GCC? The Gulf Cooperation has essentially been split in, with Qatar, Kuwait and Oman resisting the actions of Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman and the UAE's Mohammed bin Zayed. By Giorgio Cafiero
Shrinking pie causes intense struggle over wages in Iran Stuck between a rock and a hard place, the Rouhani administration is under pressure to increase salaries while facing the threat of spiraling inflation. By Zep Kalb
Turkey's 'Olive Branch' takes root in Syrian olive business Kurdish olive growers in Afrin, Syria, complain bitterly that Turkish authorities who control the area aren't doing anything to stop massive exploitation and armed extortion that is costing the local oil economy $100 million. By Fehim Tastekin In Paris, reporting on Turkish politics
How will Egypt integrate its shadow economy in its official one? A study shows that Egypt’s shadow economy amounts to about $400 billion a year, prompting the government to merge it with its official economy through a series of new laws. By Hani Sameer
Iran says US is ‘bragging’ about violating UNSC resolution While the United States has failed to receive European support for scrapping the nuclear deal, Europe is more sympathetic to concerns about Iran’s missile program. By Al-Monitor Staff
Pentagon warns Turkey against operation targeting Syrian Kurds Despite Turkey's threats to attack the US-allied Kurdish militia in Syria, there is little evidence that Washington would let Ankara move into the Syrian Kurdish area under its protection. By Amberin Zaman In London, reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Turkey’s recession becomes official The shrinking Turkish economy needs external funds to start growing again, but luring foreign investors back is a tall task that Turkey is unlikely to accomplish in the short run. By Mustafa Sonmez In Istanbul, reporting on economics
PA looks to France for economic help The Palestinian Authority is seeking the assistance of France to help pressure Israel into reviewing the Paris Economic Protocol that is impeding Palestine’s economic growth. By Ahmad Melhem In Ramallah, reporting on politics
Trust needed between Arabs and Kurds to stabilize Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor A series of attacks and assassinations in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor have heightened tensions between the Arab population and Kurds. By Mona Alami
Is Sisi vying to stay on as president? News is circulating in the media about constitutional amendments that would allow Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to remain in power for additional years or head a constitutional committee. By Amr Mostafa
Price hike: A nightmare for Israel’s finance minister Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon knows that to preserve political support, he must act quickly and curb the recent rise of water, electricity and food prices. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
Netanyahu's stab at premier for life Ahead of Israel's next elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing a bill that would limit the task of forming a coalition to a party leader. By Akiva Eldar
Tunisian documentary smashes taboos with gay love story Nasreddine Shili’s hyperreal documentary takes a tender look at homosexuality, poverty and drug use in Tunis slums. By Amel al-Hilali
Senate votes to end US involvement in Yemen war The Senate voted to end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. By Bryant Harris In Washington, reporting on Congress