Middle East
24 stories from Middle East Affairs.
AI spending boom cushions global economy against multiple shocks
A surge in spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure is helping the global economy absorb shocks from trade conflicts, energy disruptions, and rising borrowing costs, according to analysis from the Wall Street Journal and economists.
U.S. analysis: Iran willing to absorb costs of prolonged conflict
A New York Times report citing U.S. officials says Iran's leadership believes it can sustain a prolonged confrontation while Iranian civilians bear economic hardship.
Three experts assess path to US-Iran deal as conflict deepens
The conflict between the US and Iran appears to be hardening, with little prospect for near-term agreement despite US pressure campaigns combining military strikes and economic sanctions.
Saudi live-shopping startup Rwaj raises $1.2 million
Jeddah-based live-shopping startup Rwaj has raised $1.2 million in a pre-seed round to expand its social commerce platform across the Middle East.
Al-Ahly coach defends squad depth, emphasizes defensive issues
Al-Ahly manager Marino Boseitch said the club needs to strengthen multiple positions and defended recent tactical decisions in a pre-match press conference.
Gold prices rise across Middle East as dollar weakens
Gold prices rose on Thursday across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, driven by a weakening dollar and declining U.S. Treasury yields.
Israeli settlers kill two Palestinians in West Bank village raid
At least 76 Palestinians have been killed in 2026 during settler attacks in the West Bank, prompting warnings from the United Nations and international organizations.
USS Abraham Lincoln crew gets first rest day after 286 days at sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln, after nearly 300 days at sea in Middle East operations, docked in Thailand for crew rest as the Pentagon plans to extend the deployment through 2027.
Israel to release five Lebanese detainees, reports say
Israel is reported to be releasing five Lebanese detainees on Thursday as part of US-brokered negotiations between the two countries.
Russian crude surges as China turns away from Middle East suppliers
Russian ESPO crude has surged to a $10-a-barrel premium over Brent as Chinese refineries turn to the Pacific-shipped oil amid disrupted Middle Eastern supplies.
Scholar examines how Turkey's growing influence is reshaping Middle East dynamics
A researcher at Turkey's SETA foundation discusses how Ankara's growing regional influence is altering Middle Eastern power dynamics and security arrangements.
Gold surges 2% as traders pare rate-hike bets
Gold jumped more than 2% after a Federal Reserve official signaled openness to holding interest rates steady if inflation continues moderating.
Airlines stagger return to Middle East routes amid operational uncertainty
International airlines are resuming some Middle East services while maintaining suspensions on other routes, with cancellations on some lines extending into early 2027.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia call for de-escalation amid regional strains
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged de-escalation of regional tensions during a phone call, citing risks to energy supplies and global trade.
Global bond yields spike to multiyear highs on debt concerns
Major government bond yields have surged to their highest levels in years, driven by rising inflation, swelling budget deficits, and increasing borrowing needs among developed economies.
Taco Bell to return to UAE after 14-year absence
Taco Bell will return to the UAE under a new agreement with Americana Restaurants, which plans to expand the US chain across Gulf markets.
Conflict in Iran drives fertilizer prices higher, straining farming economics
Fertilizer prices have spiked as conflict in Iran disrupts ammonia production and shipping, forcing farmers to absorb higher input costs and driving up food prices.
China's Xi calls for end to "foreign interference" in Middle East
Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Middle Eastern countries to oppose "foreign interference" during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, his first visit to the capital in a decade.
Fitch affirms Qatar's AA rating, expects LNG exports to recover by mid-2025
Fitch Ratings affirmed Qatar's AA credit rating and removed the country from its negative watch list, projecting liquefied natural gas exports will recover to pre-war levels by the second half of 2025.
Dollar rallies as gold and Bitcoin retreat from August peaks
Gold and Bitcoin, which rose together in August on dollar concerns, have retreated as investor bets on higher U.S. interest rates strengthen the dollar.
Forest fires threaten solar power stations across Europe and Middle East
Forest fires have increased sharply across Europe and parts of the Arab world, threatening solar power stations and prompting calls for protective measures.
Tunisia's Court of Cassation to hear final appeal in opposition figures' case
Tunisia's highest court will hear a final appeal on September 3 in a case involving convictions of 34 opposition figures.
Burnham pressed on paying for defence buildup
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faced questions about how he will finance a major increase in UK defence spending during his first Prime Minister's Questions in parliament.
Iran launches missile and drone strikes on U.S. positions across Middle East
Iran launched strikes on U.S. bases and interests in Jordan, Iraq and Bahrain, while a Saudi oil tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz with two Philippine crew members killed, in an escalation following American air strikes that killed at least 11 people in southern Iran.
