Jordan
Jordan holds $17.5b in foreign currency reserves — Central Bank governor | Jordan Times
AMMAN — Adel Sharkas, governor of the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ), on Saturday revealed that the Kingdom possesses foreign currency reserves worth $17.5 billion, sufficient to cover imports for more than seven months. Speaking during the second session of the 8th Jordanian Expatriate Businessmen and Investors Conference, Sharkas anticipated that the inflation rate in the Kingdom would remain at a steady 2.7 per cent by the end of the year which is consistent with the inflation levels observed since the beginning of 2023.
The Muslim World
Israel will expand gas exports to Egypt, says energy ministry | Reuters
Israel on Wednesday said it will boost natural gas production from its offshore Tamar field and increase exports to Egypt, which is contending with rising demand and falling output.
Residents in southern Syria raid ruling party offices, block road as protests over economy intensify | AP News
Angry protesters have raided the local offices of the ruling Baath party in a southern Syrian province.
Top Turkish diplomat calls for Iraq to designate PKK a terrorist organization during Baghdad visit | AP News
Turkey’s foreign minister has denounced the separatist Kurdish Workers Party, or PKK, which operates in northern Iraqi territory, as an enemy of both Turkey and Iraq.
Iran unveils armed drone resembling America's MQ-9 Reaper and says it could potentially reach Israel | AP News
Iran’s Defense Ministry has unveiled a drone resembling America’s armed MQ-9 Reaper, claiming that the aircraft is capable of staying airborne for 24 hours and has the range to reach the country's archenemy Israel.
Libya’s central bank announces reunification after nearly a decade of division due to civil war | AP News
Libya’s central bank has announced its reunification after being split for nearly a decade due to the country’s long-running civil war that resulted in two rival administrations, in the east and the west.
Saudi storm brings lightning, fierce winds to Mecca | Jordan Times
RIYADH — Fierce storms closed schools Wednesday in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca region, home to Islam’s holiest site, the Grand Mosque, which was lashed by heavy rains and wind overnight, witnesses said.As pilgrims tried to circumambulate the Kaaba, the giant black cube towards which all Muslims pray, a bolt of lightning struck the iconic Fairmont Mecca Clock Royal Tower hotel, illuminating the night sky late Tuesday.The storm brought gale force winds exceeding 80 kilometres per hour, Hussein Al Qahtani, spokesman for the National Centre for Meteorology, told AFP.
Kuwait's economic recovery faces 'substantial' risks - IMF | Reuters
Kuwait's economic recovery is ongoing but risks to the oil producer's outlook "remain substantial" and gridlock between the government and parliament continues to delay reforms, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday.
Finance and Economy
Iran, Saudi Arabia, Others Invited to Join Brics Group - WSJ
Six additional countries will join the bloc in an effort to grow its global importance and ability to challenge the West on key political and economic issues.
Saudi Arabia will likely roll over 1 mln bpd cut into October, analysts say | Reuters
Saudi Arabia will likely roll over a voluntary oil cut of 1 million barrels per day for a third consecutive month into October, five analysts said, amid uncertainty about supplies and as the kingdom targets drawing down global inventories further.
The Ghost Fleet Helping Russia Evade Sanctions and Pursue Its War in Ukraine - WSJ
Turkish companies have bought dozens of tankers that ship Russian oil, playing a critical role in Moscow’s efforts to fund its war in Ukraine.
Quds Matters
3 small Palestinian villages emptied out this summer. Residents blame Israeli settler attacks | AP News
United Nations monitors say three small Palestinian herding villages have emptied out over the past four months, with residents blaming mounting violence by Israeli settlers.