Some Middle East countries in need of cash, such as Oman, are selling assets to Chinese and Malaysian state-owned entities.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Sell-off in Oman reveals privatization with regional characteristics
Budget plan reveals Iran’s shifting priorities in foreign policy
Iran’s proposed budget for next year, in the face of a shrinking economy, reflects its Foreign Ministry’s diminished role in critical political and economic aspects of foreign policy.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Budget plan reveals Iran’s shifting priorities in foreign policy
Secular Shiism on rise in Shiite Crescent
The Shiite Crescent, a fertile area for rising political Shiism in recent decades, is now witnessing the rise of new, secular Shiism.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Secular Shiism on rise in Shiite Crescent
Netanyahu’s election strategy: Play the victim, or hero?
Associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believe that his campaign of being a victim of police and media persecution has run its course and that he should focus on presenting his achievements as an international leader.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Netanyahu’s election strategy: Play the victim, or hero?
Egypt moves into position as regional energy hub
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has announced Egypt is ready to export electricity to Africa at low prices.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt moves into position as regional energy hub
Tehran convenes allies against threats that include US
Iran outlined many concerns it shares with other participants at its recent security conference, especially about Afghanistan and the US presence there.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Tehran convenes allies against threats that include US
For many Gazans, it's another Christmas barred from Bethlehem
While most of Gaza's Christians submitted requests to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem, only a small number were granted access by Israel.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: For many Gazans, it's another Christmas barred from Bethlehem
Syrian Christians on front line have sad Christmas, again
Turkey's Operation Peace Spring has made life ever more difficult for Syrian Christians, some of whom decided not to celebrate Christmas.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syrian Christians on front line have sad Christmas, again
Israel’s national-religious party allies with racist right
By entering the next election in a joint list with the students of Rabbi Meir Kahane, chairman of HaBayit HaYehudi Rabbi Rafi Peretz has betrayed the Jewish people and turning his party into a home of racism.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel’s national-religious party allies with racist right
Could Congress' latest Syria sanctions bill backfire?
The congressional bill will exacerbate the economic situation in Syria and ultimately increase Syria’s dependency on Iran.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Could Congress' latest Syria sanctions bill backfire?