The Muslim World
EXPLAINER: Why has Syria's economic crisis hit a new low? | AP News
BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s economy has hit its lowest point since the start of its civil war nearly 12 years ago, with spiraling inflation, a currency plunge and severe fuel shortages in both government-run and rebel-held areas.
UAE top diplomat back in Syria as relations continue to thaw | AP News
BEIRUT (AP) — The United Arab Emirates' top diplomat met with Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday, his second visit to Damascus as relations continue to thaw between the two countries. According to a statement from Assad's office, he and UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed boosting economic ties between their nations.
Leaders of Turkey, Syria could meet for peace - Erdogan | Reuters
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday he may meet Syria's Bashar al-Assad as part of a new peace process, after their defence ministers met last week for the highest-level talks between the two foes since the Syrian war began in 2011.
Egypt's currency weakens more in wake of latest devaluation | Reuters
Egypt's currency weakened on Thursday by about 2.3% against the U.S. dollar, though bankers said trading was thin and demand for dollars high following the third effective devaluation of the pound in less than a year.
U.S.-Saudi Tensions Ease as Concerns About Iran Grow - WSJ
The Biden administration has dropped threats to retaliate against Saudi Arabia for an oil-production cut last year and is moving to step up security coordination to counter Iran, U.S. and Saudi officials said.
Afghan Taliban kill 8 in raids of IS hideouts in Afghanistan | AP News
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Afghanistan's ruling Taliban killed eight Islamic State militants and arrested nine others in a series of raids targeting key figures in a spate of attacks in Kabul, a senior Taliban government spokesman said Thursday.
General News
Interpol says a top human trafficker arrested in Sudan | AP News
CAIRO (AP) — An Eritrean national described as one of ‘’the world’s most wanted″ human traffickers has been arrested in Sudan after an international manhunt led by the United Arab Emirates, Interpol announced on Thursday.
Finance and Economy
U.S. Trade Deficit Narrowed Sharply in November as Global Demand Cooled - WSJ
American imports fell more than exports amid high inflation and interest rates.
Big Banks Predict Recession, Fed Pivot in 2023 - WSJ
More than two-thirds of economists at 23 major financial institutions expect the U.S. to have an economic downturn this year.
Essays
The Campaign to Re-Educate Jordan Peterson - WSJ
For speaking his mind, the psychologist could lose his license.
Quds Matters
Mideast powers condemn Israel minister's visit to Al Aqsa Mosque compound | Jordan Times
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were among nations to condemn a visit on Tuesday by Israel's extreme-right new national security minister to Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound.The move by firebrand Itamar Ben-Gvir has enraged Palestinians, while the United States warned of steps which may harm the status quo."Our government will not surrender to the threats of Hamas," Ben-Gvir vowed in a statement published by his spokesman, after Hamas warned such a step was a "red line".
US leads criticism of Israel minister for Al Aqsa visit | Jordan Times
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — The United Nations and the United States led a chorus of international criticism after Israel's extreme-right new national security minister stormed into Jerusalem's super-sensitive Al Aqsa Mosque Compound on Tuesday.The move by firebrand Itamar Ben-Gvir angered the Palestinians and US allies in the Arab world, while Western governments warned such moves threaten the status quo at Jerusalem's holy sites.
Palestinian backers and Israel at odds over holy site visit | AP News
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Palestinians and many Muslim and non-Muslim supporters sharply disagreed with Israel on Thursday at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting over the visit of an ultranationalist Israeli Cabinet minister to a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site and its impact.
Analysis: New Arab allies face quandary as Israel shifts hard-right | Reuters
Israel's sharp tilt to what is likely to be the most hard right government in its history puts its new Arab allies in the awkward position of having to deal with ultra-nationalists while trying to do more than just pay lip service to the Palestinian cause.