Analysis The important counternarrative on Biden’s Middle East trip Symbolism matters, but progress matters more — and there was progress. By Week in Review
Breaking | Last Updated: July 22, 2022, 4:45 pm US commends Turkey, UN for Ukraine-Russia grain deal The US welcomed the grain agreement signed in Istanbul but cautioned the devil is in the details. Turkey
UAE bank to allow cryptocurrency trading in dirhams A bank in the United Arab Emirates will soon allow its customers to trade cryptocurrencies using Emirati currency. Gulf
How realistic are Ankara’s hopes of trading in Turkish liras? While the Turkish lira continues to tumble, Turkey’s currency swaps with China and other countries have failed to live up to their stated objective of boosting trade in local currencies, official data show. Turkey
Saudi man arrested, accused of helping non-Muslim journalist enter Mecca Israeli press reports identified the journalist as Israeli television reporter Gil Tamary, though Saudi authorities referred to the journalist as a “US citizen.” Gulf
Iranian women under pressure as Raisi stiffens hijab mandate The Iranian government is cracking down on hijab violations in what many say is a bid to divert attention from the nation’s economic hardships. Iran
Coordination Framework establishes committee to select next Iraqi prime minister The Coordination Framework, which became the largest Shiite bloc in the parliament after the withdrawal of Sadrists, have set up a committee to nominate the prime minister as a part of forming the next government. Iraq
Oil falls below $100 to lowest price in two weeks US President Joe Biden failed to convince Saudi Arabia to significantly increase oil production during his recent trip to the region but the boosts endorsed by the OPEC+ alliance came into effect this month. By Al-Monitor Staff
Egypt diversifies wheat suppliers as large international purchases resume Cairo halted tenders after the steep rise in prices that followed the outbreak of war in Europe, but since June it has locked in new large quantities that also show which countries are filling the gap left by Ukraine. Egypt