Middle East Policy

World

UK's Gridworks Inks $400M Ethiopia Power Deals as Foreign Minister Visits to Address Migration Pressures

During UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's visit to Addis Ababa, British investor Gridworks signed landmark agreements to develop two major transmission projects. The deals, part of a broader UK strategy linking economic development with migration management, mark Ethiopia's first public-private partnerships in its power transmission sector.

Feb 2, 2026

As AI Penetrates Patient Care, a Patchwork of State Rules Replaces Federal Guardrails

With pharmaceutical companies increasingly deploying AI in direct-to-consumer platforms, the regulatory landscape remains fragmented. In the absence of comprehensive federal action, states are stepping in with disparate laws to address privacy and safety concerns, creating a complex compliance challenge for the industry.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Japan Achieves Deep-Sea Breakthrough in Quest for Rare Earth Independence

Japan has successfully retrieved rare-earth-rich sediment from the deep Pacific seabed in a world-first test, marking a significant step in its national strategy to diversify critical mineral supplies and reduce dependence on China.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

From Sportsbooks to Spreadsheets: Prediction Markets Now Let You Wager on U.S. Home Prices

A new breed of online platforms is enabling speculation on housing market trends without the need to buy property, drawing both intrigued investors and sharp regulatory criticism.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Bets Big on Pennsylvania with $3.5 Billion Plant for Next-Gen Weight Loss Drugs

The pharmaceutical giant's final major U.S. facility will rise in Pennsylvania's historic Lehigh Valley, aiming to produce its promising triple-hormone drug retatrutide and bolster domestic supply chains for blockbuster obesity treatments.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Reports Brief Respite in Energy Strikes, But Frontline Attacks Continue

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy notes a 24-hour pause in targeted Russian strikes on energy grids, yet civilian casualties mount in frontline regions. The reported lull follows a disputed, short-term truce brokered by the U.S., as both sides prepare for talks in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Qatar Bets Big on AI: $3 Billion Fund and Subsidized Compute Power to Fuel Startup Ambitions

Qatar has tripled its flagship venture capital fund to $3 billion, adding a strategic sweetener: subsidized access to AI computing power. The move aims to position Doha as a competitive hub for tech talent and deep-tech startups in the Gulf region.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff Heads to Israel for High-Stakes Talks on Iran, Gaza

Senior U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is set to arrive in Jerusalem for meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and military leaders, as Washington seeks to navigate escalating regional tensions with Iran and advance efforts to end the Gaza conflict.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens: A Lifeline for Gaza's Civilians Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Rafah border crossing, Gaza's sole gateway to Egypt, has partially reopened for pedestrian traffic after a prolonged Israeli closure, offering a fragile hope for medical evacuations and family reunifications.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Precious Metals Rout Rattles Global Markets as Investors Seek Shelter

A sharp sell-off in gold and silver, alongside falling oil prices, has sparked volatility across global markets at the start of a week packed with major earnings and central bank decisions.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Released but Not Resolved: A Father and Son's Uncertain Future After Immigration Detention

A Minnesota judge has freed five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father from federal custody, but their asylum case—and a heated national debate over immigration enforcement—rages on.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Exclusive: India in Talks to Integrate Alipay+ with UPI for Cross-Border Payments

India is negotiating with Ant International to link its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Alipay+ network, a move that could simplify overseas transactions for Indian travelers and signal a thaw in economic relations with China, according to government sources.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Aid Groups Draw 'Red Line' at Israeli Data Demands, Vow to Stay in Gaza Despite MSF Ban

A coalition of major international NGOs is refusing to comply with Israeli orders to hand over detailed staff information, calling it a safety risk and an obstruction of aid, as tensions escalate following the expulsion of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Blackstone Boosts Dividend Payout, But Sustainability Questions Linger

The private equity giant announced a dividend increase to $1.49 per share, pushing its yield above the industry average. While future earnings projections are robust, analysts flag concerns over the current payout ratio and the firm's mixed dividend history.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

WisdomTree Announces Quarterly Dividend Amid Strong Share Price Surge

The asset manager declares a $0.03 per share payout, with its dividend yield sitting below industry average as a rising stock price and robust earnings growth paint a complex picture for income-focused investors.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Truist Financial's Steady Q4 Amid Mixed Bag for Diversified Banking Giants

As major U.S. banks wrap up their fourth-quarter earnings, a clear divergence emerges. While PNC and Bank of America post strong results, Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase face headwinds. Truist Financial charts a middle course, meeting revenue expectations as the sector navigates a complex economic landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

LifeWise Academy Sees Revenue Climb to $39M Amid Expansion, But Profits Narrow

Financial disclosures show the growing religious instruction nonprofit LifeWise Academy increased its fundraising haul last year while its net profit fell, as it expands its reach into public schools across Ohio and nationwide.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great American Restaurant Split: How a K-Shaped Economy Is Reshaping Where We Eat

The traditional rulebook for dining during economic stress is obsolete. As a K-shaped recovery widens the gap between income groups, fast-food giants are struggling with deep discounts while casual dining chains unexpectedly thrive by redefining value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Tumble as Geopolitical Tensions Cool, Broader Commodities Rout Weighs

Crude oil benchmarks plunged over 7%, with Brent near $66 and WTI around $62, as President Trump's comments eased fears of a U.S.-Iran conflict and a sell-off in metals markets spilled over. Analysts suggest the drop reflects a rapid unwinding of risk premiums rather than a fundamental change in supply dynamics.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thailand's Political Survivor: Anutin Charnvirakul's Canny Path to Power Faces Voter Test

As Thailand heads to the polls, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—a master political operator known for his ability to navigate crises—seeks to retain power. His tenure has been marked by strategic reversals, controversial policies, and the delicate balancing of conservative elites and public expectations.

Feb 2, 2026