2023 in review: Gaza war tests Gulf economic overhauls at pivotal moment Amid a year of headlines and hype in Gulf dealmaking, the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7 complicates the GCC's economic overhauls. Gulf
Sudan’s army faces backlash over fall of Wad Madani Calls are growing in Sudan to remove the army commander and hold accountable those who allowed the city of Wad Madani to fall into the hands of the RSF. Sudan
Houthi attacks: Hundreds of ships to reroute from Red Sea, 44% cost spike for China The Red Sea is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil, fuel and consumer goods, and shipments between Asia and Europe typically go through the sea and the Suez Canal. Yemen
EU adopts $130 million aid package for Palestinians The European Commission approved the first part of an aid package for the Palestinians in 2024, with the adoption of the second part expected early next year. Palestine
Is Turkey-Egypt rapprochement turning into a long-term defense partnership? Rapidly improving defense cooperation between Cario and Ankara falls in line with Turkey's multidimensional strategic outlook, observes believe. Turkey
US, Arab partners raise the stakes for Israel in post-war Gaza A Palestinian state may again be the price for Saudi normalization. Israel
Middle East’s economic woes to drive interest in 'stablecoins' in 2024 Experts say the crypto industry has a bright year ahead in the Middle East and North Africa, one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralized finance. Gulf
Analysis As Hezbollah clashes intensify, Israel pours cold water on Lebanon deal Hezbollah's increasing provocations give Israel cause for concern, as the country lacks the energy to take on another enemy far more powerful than Hamas. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis 2023 in review: The year Saudi Arabia became sports superpower The kingdom has been laying the groundwork to become a sporting leader for decades, but this year marked a turning point as investment ramped up. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
2023 in review: From Sudan to Syria, here are Mideast's forgotten conflicts More than 12,000 people were killed in the war in Sudan this year, while violence persisted in parts of Syria, Iraq and other countries across the Middle East and North Africa. North Africa
Can Turkey's Erdogan help push for Palestinian Hamas-Fatah reconciliation? Turkey is pursuing an initiative to gather senior members of Fatah and Hamas at a conference. Turkey
