Turkey conducts drone strike against Kurdish forces in Syria Turkey is escalating its attacks on the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. Meanwhile, another Islamic State leader has been confirmed dead in the country. Syria
Analysis Russia’s oil sales to China hurt Saudi revenue despite increased demand Despite oil prices maintaining a seven-week rally and crude demand expected to reach record highs in 2023, the burden of maintaining higher oil prices is pushing Saudi Arabia to the limit. By Salim A. Essaid
Iran inks deal with Pakistan as pipeline project drags The five-year partnership seeks to facilitate and double the current bilateral trade, which has been complicated by US sanctions on doing business with Tehran. Iran
Qatar loans Argentina $775 million to repay IMF Qatar continues its practice of assisting financially strapped countries by providing a loan to Argentina, which is also planning to use the yuan to purchase Chinese imports. Gulf
UAE, Saudi Arabia race for investment in Pakistan Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are prepared to develop closer business ties with less red tape, but experts caution that the Gulf nations stand to benefit most. Gulf
UAE’s ADNOC buys stake in Azerbaijan gas field The move follows a wind and solar energy deal between an Emirati firm and Azerbaijan. Gulf
Turkey’s new economy team wins over foreign investors Turkey’s economy czar and central bank chief have met with foreign investors amid a fresh push to draw foreign funds. Turkey
Analysis Israel's security chiefs fear 'miscalculation' with Hezbollah leading to all-out war Israel’s security brass assess that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah might up the number of provocative incidents on the border to spark a supposedly limited conflict with Israel. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Arab moviegoers wait to see 'Barbie' as UAE, Saudi screenings loom The summer box office hit is maintaining its delayed premier date of Aug. 31 in the UAE, Al-Monitor confirmed with Vox Cinemas. United Arab Emirates
Lebanon marks port blast anniversary amid paralysis, no accountability As the Lebanese observe a day of mourning three years after the massive explosion that killed more than 200 people and destroyed parts of Beirut, the investigation into the blast remains on hold. Lebanon
Hero or villain? Disney ignites fury with ill-fated series on Turkey’s revered Ataturk Disney is thought to have caved to pressure from the US-based Armenian lobby to cancel the biopic on the founder of the Turkish Republic. Turkey
Turkey appoints first female admiral as part of military overhaul The overhaul in the Turkish army's top brass seems to be in line with Erdogan's long-term foreign policy and security agenda, a prominent analyst says. Turkey
Despite Hamas' crackdown, Gaza protests continue in rare defiance The deteriorating situation in Gaza has led to rare anti-Hamas protests amid growing frustration over the poor conditions in the besieged enclave. Palestine
