Economics

Voices from the Arab press: Gulf tensions over Iran deepen regional fears

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

US President Donald Trump attends a GCC summit photo session in Riyadh, alongside Qatari, Saudi, and  Bahraini leaders, May 2025.
A container ship sails at the Suez Canal, in Ismailia, Egypt March 31, 2021. Suez Canal Authority/Handout via REUTERS

Israel needs a Suez alternative, the Ben-Gurion Canal offers one - opinion

Yasser Abbas, member of the Fatah Central Committee, attends the announcement of results of the 8th General Conference of Fatah during a press conference in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, May 18, 2026.

Europe’s applause for Abbas is failing Palestinian democracy - opinion

David Group founder Stella Cohen and Chairman Raanan Agus

Israeli private equity firm David Group launches to invest in mature businesses


Trump advisers pushing to find Iran off-ramp as oil prices, political backlash risk rise - report

Trump considers ending the US military campaign in Iran sooner due to rising oil prices and political pressure, despite military success.

US President Donald Trump takes a question as he speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, Florida, March 9, 2026.

From loneliness to leadership community drives economic resilience - opinion

Sderot shows how investing in children and community turns resilience into long-term economic growth and social strength.

 AMIT Makif Sderot outdoor campus and play areas

Russia spending half its federal budget on military, war against Ukraine - report

In the last five years, Russia has doubled its military spending and now has the third-largest defense budget in the world. The Kremlin's spending related to Ukraine reached nearly $137.9 billion.

Russian service members attend a ceremony organized by the People's Front political movement to hand over new motocross bikes, quad bikes and unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia's army for use in the ongoing military conflict against Ukraine, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, October 3, 2025.

Why Jerusalem’s last-place quality of life ranking doesn’t tell the full story - opinion

A new quality of life report puts Jerusalem last, yet cranes, jobs, housing, and transit projects point to a great future.

Jerusalem is in the midst of an unprecedented development boom.

Ending US military aid as a national opportunity

This can build security and economic independence, strengthen local industry, promote technological innovation, and empower Israel’s periphery, if government translates declarations into action.

Dr. Esther Luzzatto,  public activist, social impact leader, and businesswoman.

Iran is now an Indo-Pacific test case and Israel should pay attention- opinion

India’s Iran policy is anchored in corridors and connectivity, not in sympathy for Tehran

A supporter of the Iranian people bears the colors of their flag on her face at a rally for the nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic of Iran, in Madrid, Spain, last week.

CEOs cautious on revenue growth despite steady confidence in global economy - poll

Confidence in revenue growth has dropped to its lowest level in a decade. Only 30% of CEOs said they were confident their organizations would increase revenues in the coming year.

 US economy

Likud's Dan Illouz talks defying Netanyahu, haredi draft, and post-war Israel - interview

Dan Illouz discusses his path to the Knesset, his battles inside Likud, and how the October 7 massacre reshaped his sense of responsibility.

Beginning of his Knesset service: Illouz and MK Ze’ev Elkin attend a Jerusalem lobby meeting at the Knesset, May 2023.

Markets react to DOJ Probe Into Fed Chair Powell

U.S. Stock Market.

The US healthcare paradox: Why cheaper can lose, and how Israeli firms can win

Gil Bashe on why winning in America means more than innovation. It means understanding money and trust.

The US healthcare paradox.