Jordan
NATO mulls opening first-ever office in Arab world in Jordan – top official | Jordan Times
NATO is exploring the possibility of opening its first-ever office in the Arab world, choosing Jordan as its preferred location, a move that emphasises the deep, strategic relationship between Jordan and NATO, marking an advancement in cooperation efforts, according to a top NATO official.
The Muslim World
Turkey sets new Western tilt in foreign policy as economy weighs | Reuters
The turnaround is seen aimed partly at reversing his country's economic downturn and boosting foreign investment.
Iran summons Russian ambassador over comments on Persian Gulf territorial dispute in a rare spat | AP News
Iran has summoned Russia’s ambassador after Moscow released a joint statement with Arab countries this week challenging Iran’s claim to disputed islands in the Persian Gulf.
Medical and aid groups in northwest Syria fear worse conditions if aid flow from Turkey stops | AP News
The United Nations Security Council's failure to renew the critical flow of international aid from Turkey into opposition-held northwestern Syria has rattled Syrians and social workers.
Egypt announces deals to sell $1.9 billion in state assets in its privatization push | AP News
The Egyptian government says that it has inked a series of deals to sell off $1.9 billion worth of stakes in state-owned companies.
Iran's leader, visiting Africa, attacks Western support for homosexuality as among 'dirtiest' things | AP News
Iran’s president on a rare visit to Africa has sharply criticized Western nations’ support for homosexuality as “one of the dirtiest things which have been done in human history.”
IMF approves much-awaited $3 billion bailout for Pakistan, saving it from defaulting on debt | AP News
The International Monetary Fund approved a much-awaited $3 billion bailout for Pakistan on Wednesday, the global lender said, a move that’s likely to save the nation from defaulting on its debt repayments.
Secular Winter
Turkey's pledge of support for Sweden's NATO entry is tied to goals on security and EU membership | AP News
Turkey made a surprise pledge to drop its opposition to Sweden joining NATO, paving the way for the Nordic country to become a member of the Western military alliance.
Finance and Economy
Saudi Arabia imports record Russian fuel oil in June as trade grows | Reuters
Saudi Arabia imported record volumes of discounted Russian fuel oil in June, a near 10-fold annual increase to meet summer power generation demand and maintain crude exports despite OPEC+ production cuts, according to traders, analysts and Kpler data.
Oil prices rise on cooling US inflation, China trade data | Reuters
Oil prices climbed on Thursday after U.S. inflation and economic data sparked hopes that the Federal Reserve may have fewer interest rate hikes in store and Chinese trade figures showed monthly oil imports were the second-highest on record in June.
Quds Matters
Palestinian president visits Jenin refugee camp after devastating Israeli military raid | AP News
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas paid a brief visit to the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank in the wake of a devastating Israeli offensive last week.
The Lizard's Lair
UN human rights body takes up concerns about Quran burnings in Europe | AP News
The U.N. human rights chief used a special debate on burnings of the Quran in Sweden and other European countries to tread the fine line between freedom of expression and respect for religious belief.
European states vote against Quran burning UN resolution
European states vote against Quran burning UN resolution