Category: Middle East

Airline Stocks Tumble as Iran War Expands Across Middle East

The New York Times – Business:
Higher fuel prices and lower demand for international flights are eating into airlines’ profits.
What Would It Cost to Rebuild Gaza?

A fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is stoking hopes for a surge in investment in the region, and the Middle East more broadly.
As Witkoff Pitched Mideast Peace, His Son Pitched Mideast Investors

Steve Witkoff’s son recently sought money from Gulf states including Qatar, which has previously invested in Witkoff family projects to win favor with President Trump.
Football Is Coming to Saudi Arabia, Where Soccer Is King

Saudi Arabia will host a flag football tournament featuring N.F.L. stars in the spring, in a mutually beneficial sports expansion.
The First Income Tax in the Persian Gulf Signals a Changing Economic Reality

A plan by Oman is being closely watched by other governments in the region that are preparing for a future beyond oil.
From Iran-Israel Strikes to Russia’s War: How Conflicts Reshape Air Travel

Whether caused by a long war or brief skirmish, the closing of skies to air travel is having big effects on cost, convenience and safety.
White House Faces Risk of Economic Fallout From Iran Strike

President Trump, aware of how high gas prices could affect his popularity, demanded on social media that the U.S. “KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN.”
Bank Transfer Signals Syria Is Making Strides in Ending Economic Isolation

The bank-to-bank transfer using the SWIFT system was symbolically important, indicating the war-torn country was reintegrating into the global financial community.
Investors Brace for Oil Market Fallout From Israel and Iran’s Fight

Energy prices have jumped since the onset of clashes between Israel and Iran. Investors worry the conflict could have a big economic consequences.
A Lebanese Woman Fights for Women’s Rights in the Middle East

Lina Abou-Habib is fighting inequality, working to change laws that make it difficult for women to keep custody of their children and block residency for children in a mother’s home country.
OpenAI Courts Trump With Vision for ‘A.I. in America’

The maker of ChatGPT hopes to spur investment from the Middle East and avoid strict regulations on the development of new technologies.
Trump’s Middle East Envoy Has Prior Ties to Oil-Rich Nations There

Steve Witkoff’s involvement with two sovereign wealth funds as he bought and then sold Manhattan’s Park Lane Hotel demonstrates the conflicts his new role will present.