Memos

Expert insights to understand regional trends.

Why COP28 will likely end in compromise on phasing down some fossil fuels

Karim Elgendy

In Woking, reporting on regional politics

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 29: A banner hangs in a venue at the UNFCCC COP28 Climate Conference the day before its official opening on November 29, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The COP28 is bringing together stakeholders, including international heads of state and other leaders, scientists, environmentalists, indigenous peoples representatives, activists and others to discuss and agree on the implementation of global measures towards mitigating the effects of climate change. (Photo by Se

In this picture taken on April 2, 2023, a vendor arranges dates at his shop in Rabat, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (Photo by FADEL SENNA / AFP) (Photo by FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)

Unemployment will be true test of Morocco's government policies

Francisco Serrano

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 25: Fans of Al Ahli support they team during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ahli SFC and Al-Shabab at Prince Abduallh Al Faisal stadium on November 25, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Israel-Hamas war looms over Saudi Arabia’s big bets on sports, entertainment and tourism

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Forces loyal to Yemen's Huthi rebels hold up Palestinian flags as they march in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians on October 15, 2023, in Sanaa. (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Will Yemen's Houthis move on Marib oil fields as Gaza war diverts world's attention?

Kate Dourian

In Dubai, reporting on energy

IDF reservists rest on a military vehicle while at a rest stop where food is prepared by volunteers on November 13, 2023 in Southern Israel.

Gaza war takes manpower toll on Israeli tech sector

David Rosenberg

David Rosenberg

In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech

Cargo ships unload imported goods in the Tunisian port city of Rades on November 12, 2014. The World Bank said in a report published last September that Tunisia's economic model of manufacturing for exports and protecting the domestic market was valid in the 1970s but since then had hindered progress. AFP PHOTO / FETHI BELAID (Photo credit should read FETHI BELAID/AFP via Getty Images)

Tunisia-EU economic links to prevail over political tensions

Francisco Serrano

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

An employee walks on the Expedient regasification ship, anchored off the coast of Israel in the Mediterranean Sea on February 26, 2015, as natural gas began flowing from the vessel, hired by the Israel Electric Corporation, to its power stations. The ship, anchored about ten kilometres from the Hadera coast, was connected the previous week to the marine buoy and as of February 25, natural gas has begun flowing from the LNG (liquid natural gas) ship through an underwater pipeline directly to the company's po

Can the East Med gas hub remain with Israel at its center?

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy

Iranians shop for fruits at a market in Tehran on November 21, 2019. (Photo by STR / AFP) (Photo by STR/afp/AFP via Getty Images)

Can food security help forge Iran-GCC ties?

Bijan Khajehpour

Bijan Khajehpour

In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics

Smoke rises in northern Gaza during Israeli shelling

Israel-Hamas war pivotal moment for Abraham Accords 

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

An elderly woman stands with an Israeli flag next to another holding a sign showing the faces of young Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants since the October 7 attack near Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv on October 18, 2023. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP) (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel's economic rebound hinges on a limited conflict

David Rosenberg

David Rosenberg

In Tel Aviv, reporting on business and tech

Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of the UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and president of this year's COP28 climate, talks during the "UAE Climate Tech" conference in Abu Dhabi Energy centre on May 10, 2023. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP) (Photo by KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)

Achieving consensus at COP28 will be test of UAE’s diplomatic skills

Kate Dourian

In Dubai, reporting on energy

TOPSHOT - A picture taken from the southern Israeli city of Sderot on October 25, 2023, shows smoke ascending over the northern Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP) (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel-Hamas war poised to inflame Middle East arms race, pressure security partnerships

Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech