The Takeaway: US-Palestinian ties get upgrade ahead of Netanyahu’s return Plus, US diplomats are evacuated from Syria and prospects sink for a revived Iranian nuclear deal. Palestine
Saudi Arabia announces new natural gas discoveries The kingdom is already a major oil exporter, but it could also start exporting natural gas in the near future. Gulf
Iran’s oil ministry opens offices in Baghdad, Basra, Kurdistan Iran is opening offices for its oil ministries in several Iraqi cities to expand cooperation in oil, gas and other energy sectors. Iraq
Turkey presses Finland, Sweden for ‘asset freeze,’ extraditions Ankara demands “concrete steps” from Sweden and Finland before giving the nod to NATO's Nordic enlargement, including an “asset freeze,” a demand that hasn’t been expressed publicly before. Turkey
Iran claims dozens of foreign spy organizations behind protests The commander of Iran’s Basij Organization says that the United States is engaged in a hybrid war against the country. Iran
The Palestine Briefing: Palestinians see increased solidarity amid violence escalation In this weekly newsletter, Daoud Kuttab rounds up the biggest stories from Palestine. Palestine
Dubai’s AMEA Power advances wind, solar projects in Egypt The project is one of many that Emirati entities have announced this year. Egypt could benefit from more renewable energy, but already has some solar and wind plants in the country. Egypt
Turkish government banks on Gulf financial support to save economy As crucial elections near, Ankara pins hope on financial support from “friendly” countries to ease its foreign currency shortfall and rein in inflation. Turkey
Ultranationalist Ben Gvir supports far-right soldier Soon-to-be National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir is already inciting against IDF top brass, criticizing them for punishing a soldier who clashed with left-wing protesters. Israel
Saudi Arabia to build giant solar power plant The plant, which will be partially owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, will have more output than other solar energy facilities in the region if all goes to plan. Gulf
How Iran squandered social capital While the Islamic Republic of Iran in its early days focused on lifting its people out of poverty and improving access to services, the current regime has failed to maintain this social capital. Iran
