Lebanon’s Hezbollah hosts Hamas chief as rockets fly over Israel border The delegation has reportedly discussed efforts to coordinate action against Israel. Palestine
Turkey’s opposition pledges return to economic orthodoxy, faces uphill task An opposition victory in Turkey’s upcoming elections should put the country back on the path of economic orthodoxy, but the huge cost of the February quakes dictates tough revisions to any economic plans. Turkey
Iran media hails thaw with Saudi Arabia as top diplomats meet in China Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers met in Beijing on Thursday as China's role expands in the Middle East. Iran
Analysis Is China playing long game against dollar in Middle East? Chinese spokesperson says "the internationalization of the [yuan] is a natural process, and the goal is not to replace the dollar or other international currencies." By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti
Gulf's economic transformation will drive air traffic, IATA says Kamil Al-Awadhi, the association's Middle East chief, said countries in the region have spurred air traffic by hosting global business, political and sporting events. Gulf
Israel launches airstrikes in Lebanon, Gaza following rocket attacks In the most serious escalation since 2006, Israel has carried out airstrikes inside Lebanon following a barrage of rockets that was launched from southern Lebanon earlier in the day. Israel
Iran, Saudi Arabia FMs meet in China, agree to expand ties Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have agreed to reinstate diplomatic offices and resume flights between the two countries. Gulf
China’s CICC plans UAE, Saudi expansion as Xi builds Middle East ties CICC has about five to six people in its Middle East offices serving the entire region with a mix of Chinese and regional staff. Gulf
Egypt's rate hike viewed with skepticism as inflation persists Economists question the logic behind Egypt's new interest rate hike, especially after previous raises failed to bring the inflation rate down. Egypt
US softens rhetoric on Arab outreach to Syria’s Assad The Biden administration says "real steps to improve the situation for the people in Syria" should be part of any engagement with the long-boycotted regime. Syria
Turkey’s earthquake victims face torture and abuse by security forces, rights groups say The lack of government oversight in areas destroyed by the earthquakes has only worsened the abuse committed by security forces. Turkey
Sweden's NATO ratification likely to wait until after Turkey's elections As Finland becomes a NATO member, Sweden’s options are limited before the Turkish elections of May 14. Turkey
