Jordan
A troubled new power plant leaves Jordan in debt to China, raising concerns over Beijing's influence | AP News
Jordan has built a giant power plant meant to fulfill great hopes for energy independence. But the oil shale station in the kingdom’s desert has pushed the country into mounting debt to China.
The Muslim World
Turkey and Egypt reappoint ambassadors and end years of tensions between the regional powers | AP News
Egypt and Turkey have taken a further step toward restoring full diplomatic ties by dispatching ambassadors for the first time in years.
UN commander in contact with Lebanese and Israeli officials about tensions over Hezbollah tents | AP News
The U.N. peacekeeping force along the Lebanon-Israel border says its commander is in contact with officials in both countries over tensions regarding two tents set up by the militant Hezbollah group.
Sudan's army calls for young people, others, to enlist in fight against rival paramilitary | AP News
Sudan's army has called on young people and anyone else capable of fighting to enlist in its battle against the country's rival paramilitary force, known as the Rapid Support Forces.
Turkey to raise corporate tax to fund earthquake rebuilding-draft law | Reuters
Turkey will raise corporate taxes to fund the recovery from major earthquakes that struck the country in February, according to a draft law presented to parliament by President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party.
Secular Winter
Quran burnings have Sweden torn between free speech and respecting minorities | AP News
A Quran burning and requests to approve protest involving the destruction of more holy books have left Sweden torn between its commitment to free speech and respect for religious minorities.
Finance and Economy
Saudi Arabia says new oil cuts show teamwork with Russia is strong | Reuters
Russia-Saudi oil cooperation is still going strong as part of the OPEC+ alliance, which will do "whatever necessary" to support the market, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told a conference on Wednesday.
Oil dips as China demand fears offset tighter supply outlook | Reuters
Oil prices slipped in Asian trade on Thursday as fears of a sluggish demand recovery in the world's top crude importer China offset the prospect of tighter supply, with top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia cutting output.
U.S. Is Top Investment Destination Despite Falling Inflows - WSJ
Worldwide foreign direct investment fell less sharply than feared last year but there are few signs of a rebound this year.
Quds Matters
Palestinian militant kills Israeli soldier in West Bank, a day after Israel's military raid in area | AP News
A Hamas militant opened fire near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, killing an Israeli soldier, before he was shot and killed by Israeli forces.
UAE pledges $15 million to help rebuild occupied West Bank camp hard hit by Israeli offensive | AP News
The United Arab Emirates says it will give $15 million to help rebuild the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.