Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 will benefit Islamic finance sector, says Moody’s The kingdom has the largest Islamic banking market in the world, and roughly 83% of its total assets are Sharia-compliant. Saudi Arabia
US top general talks Syria, NATO with new Turkey counterpart Gen. Mark Milley's first announced call with newly appointed Turkish armed forces chief Metin Gurak follows reports that the United States is exploring alternate routes for Ukraine's grain exports. Turkey
Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane acknowledges Arab grievances as tensions ease in Deir Ezzor In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Syrian Kurdish commander Mazlum Kobane discussed the recent clashes in Deir Ezzor between local tribes and Kurdish forces. Syria
Morocco's senate head postpones historic trip to Israel due to illness President of the Moroccan Senate Enaam Mayara was forced to delay his historic visit to Israel after falling ill in Jordan. Israel
Shipping company in Greece fined $2.4B for breaching Iran sanctions In an agreement with the US, the illegal oil export was kept secret for almost five months amid fears of retaliation from Tehran. Iran
Netanyahu calls Zelenskyy as Ukraine-Israel relations take new dive Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under pressure to arrange for thousands of Israeli pilgrims to visit Uman, Ukraine, next week amid tensions with Kyiv. Israel
Lebanon: Backlash as MPs introduce bill to decriminalize LGBTQ+ relationships Some Lebanese leaders have intensified their campaign against the LGBTQ+ community after news emerged of a bill to repeal an anti-LGBTQ+ provision of the Penal Code. Lebanon
Pentagon expands role in Egypt war games as US weighs aid cuts Some 1,500 US military personnel are taking part in this year’s Bright Star exercise in Egypt as the Biden administration faces renewed pressure from Congress to withhold a portion of Cairo’s military aid over rampant human rights abuses. Egypt
The Turkish turnaround: How the central bank's bold actions could reshape investment landscape Piero Cingari
US presses UAE over dual-use goods fueling Russia's war US officials, along with their counterparts from the European Union and United Kingdom, are visiting the UAE this week to discuss the Gulf country's financial dealings with Russia. United Arab Emirates