On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman Tunisian people’s choice is clear with referendum vote, says Ambassador Hanene Tajouri Bessassi, responding to US criticism
Analysis The Takeaway: Yemen’s truce renewed but permanent peace elusive Strains in Israel-Russia ties; psychological toll of Israeli warplanes over Lebanon; Gulf expands ESG investment; Tunisia’s water shortage and Erdogan's diplomatic star turn on Black Sea grain initiative. By Elizabeth Hagedorn, Andrew Parasiliti
Regional View Netanyahu slams Lapid over Israeli inflation spike Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu believes the high cost of living is where he can turn Israeli citizens against Prime Minister Yair Lapid and his government. Israel
Quick Take World Bank blames Lebanon for 'deliberate' economic crisis The World Bank accused Lebanon’s elites of conducting “Ponzi finance” and deliberately pursuing harmful fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the Beirut port has caught fire again. Lebanon
Regional View Iraqi government initiates dialogue to end national crisis Iraqi and international leaders are responding positively to the prime minister's call fior national dialogue among the various political parties. Iraq
Breaking | Last Updated: 03/08/2022 11:48 OPEC+ agrees to small oil production increase US President Joe Biden may have been hoping for a larger boost in production. Gulf
Regional View Turkey’s inflation hits almost 80% as Erdogan insists on low-rate policy Despite a relative slowdown in July, Turkey’s consumer inflation appears on course to overshoot the central bank’s newly revised year-end forecast of 60.4%. Turkey
Regional View Taliban on edge after US kills al-Qaeda chief in upscale Kabul neighborhood The US and the Taliban traded accusations of violating a key 2020 accord after Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed by a US drone attack in a part of the Afghan capital long known for its ostentatious villas. Iraq
Regional View Negotiators head to Vienna for Iran nuclear talks An Iranian lawmaker says recent proposals have grown closer to Iran’s positions. Iran
Regional View Israel expands West Bank security fence as violence escalates in Jenin Following the wave of violence in March and April, Israeli security authorities are working on the unfinished security wall in the north of the West Bank. Israel
Quick Take First Ukrainian grain shipment en route to Lebanon amidst food crisis Ukraine claims a Syrian ship docked in Lebanon is carrying Ukrainian wheat and barley that was stolen by Russia and is being offering at a discount. Lebanon