Turkey lifts veil on unemployment data, revealing bigger army of jobless A new, broader set of labor statistics has exposed a big gap between Turkey’s official unemployment rate and the actual joblessness in the crisis-hit country. Turkey
Rights group criticizes Jordan over debt imprisonment Human Rights Watch has highlighted the plight of poor Jordanians imprisoned for failing to pay back loans taken out to meet basic needs. Jordan
COVID accelerates evolution of Gulf economies The economic policy response to COVID-19 is an acceleration of specific trends already underway across the Gulf Cooperation Council members, variously affecting tax policy, labor market regulation and immigration policy. Saudi Arabia
Iran receives COVID-19 vaccine from Cuba Iran enjoys warm relations with the Latin American state and the two countries are also developing a coronavirus vaccine together. Iran
China shows greater interest in Syria amid pandemic, US tensions China is looking to increase its influence in war-torn Syria, and using the coronavirus pandemic to accelerate these plans. Syria
Turkish soccer gears up for return, haunted by financial woes Turkey’s debt-ridden soccer industry is likely to grow more desperate for government support under the bruising impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Turkey
Turkey's Erodgan cancels weekend curfew despite spike in cases Hours after his government announced a weekend curfew for 15 major cities, a public backlash forced Turkey's president to call off the movement restrictions. Turkey
How Lebanese banks can restore customers’ confidence Amid reports that the Lebanese government plans to merge and liquidate some banks, citizens are concerned about their deposits while the economic situation continues to deteriorate. Lebanon
Egyptians returning from the Gulf face uncertain economic future While studies expect an economic catastrophe in Egypt due to the coronavirus-related recession of the Gulf economy and the resulting demobilization of thousands of Egyptians working abroad, some observers believe that the return of Egyptian workers will develop an efficient Egyptian labor market. Gulf
As Turkey gets back to business, doctors warn second wave could follow Cafes and restaurants reopened and intercity travel resumed in Turkey after new cases of the novel coronavirus have steadily declined, though health officials warn failure to follow social distancing measures could lead to new infections. Turkey
COVID-19 crisis returns spotlight to Gulf migrant communities Contract migration schemes make citizenship acquisition nearly impossible for migrant workers in the Gulf, and recent economic and health crises make any imminent changes further unlikely. Gulf
Iran turns to bonds to solve budget crisis Tehran has chosen to issue domestic bonds to address its expected budget deficit, a policy that promises to have complex impacts on Iran's economy. Iran
Oman’s public sector reform risks brain drain By letting go of thousands of foreign experts, Oman risks losing the know-how central to achieving economic diversification. Oman
Intel: State Department approves $1.4 billion upgrade for Kuwait’s missile defenses The US State Department approved Kuwait’s request for $1.425 billion in upgrades for the Gulf country’s Patriot missile defense systems. Kuwait
Kuwait reduces its lockdown to 12 hours as virus cases continue to climb Kuwait previously instituted a 24-hour curfew to stop the spread of COVID-19. Kuwait
Dubai reopens gyms, restaurants after months of closure Dubai, like many cities around the world, is trying to find a "new normal" as businesses reopen with restrictions. United Arab Emirates
![A British Royal Air Force Harrier GR7 groundcrew member cycles along the apron infront of a Patriot Missile defence system on his base in Kuwait April 6, 2003. [U.S. troops have a tight control on Baghdad airport and will move out from there in all directions, Jim Wilkinson, a spokesman for U.S. commander General Tommy Franks, said on Sunday.] - PBEAHUOQIBA](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2020/05/RTXLWAK.jpg/RTXLWAK.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=Rlh7RZgw)
