IMF delegation headed for Lebanon to ‘speed up’ reforms

The delivery of the IMF loan has been held up for months as a result of US pressure and a refusal from banks to answer for their role in the economic collapse

Egypt closes in on reaching new IMF loan agreement

The Egyptian Prime Minister Announced that the government is negotiating to reach an accord with the financial institution

Lebanon Parliament Speaker calls for urgent implementation of IMF reform plan

The Lebanese parliament speaker has said he will not call for a parliamentary session to elect a new president until IMF reform policies are passed

Lebanon IMF deal could derail due to deadlock with banks

Banks have said that the state should privatize public assets to foot the bill for the losses

US behind IMF refusal to finance energy imports for Lebanon: Hezbollah official

Despite the plan to import energy from Egypt and Jordan via Syria having been brokered by Washington, US officials have so far failed to issue the necessary sanctions waiver

Lebanon reaches agreement on reform plan with IMF

The reforms include a complete restructuring of the banking sector and the stabilization of currency exchange rates

IMF sets final conditions for Lebanon grant

The IMF says that this is Lebanon's last chance and expects written guarantees that the government will adhere to its stringent demands

IMF sets tough conditions for Lebanon bailout package: Report

Many believe that the Lebanese government is not likely to meet the conditions set by the IMF

Lebanese PM Mikati says talks with IMF nearing draft deal

Talks in the previous year stalled due to differences between the policies of government and those of the banks

Lebanon’s Central Bank to undergo forensic audit as new government hopes to resume IMF talks

The audit comes as the Central Bank's Governor faces embezzlement and graft charges in both France and Switzerland

Yemeni FM condemns IMF decision to disburse $665 million to ousted authorities

The Saudi-backed parallel administration in Aden will receive hundreds of millions in COVID-19 relief funds

IMF blocks Afghanistan from receiving $460 million in COVID-19 aid

The organization alleges that “lack of clarity” over who governs Afghanistan led to the decision

What prompted the urgent, secretive summit in Abu Dhabi?

Key Arab heads of state convened this week for an emergency meeting that excluded the Saudis and Kuwaitis. The likely hot topics under discussion were Egypt's economic collapse and Israel's aggressive escalations.

Global South: Gold-backed currencies to replace the US dollar

The adoption of commodity-backed currencies by the Global South could upend the US dollar’s dominance and level the playing field in international trade.

By the numbers: The de-dollarization of global trade

Data suggests that US dollar reserves in central banks are dwindling, as is the influence of the US on the world economy. This presents a unique opportunity for regional currencies and alternative payment systems to enter the vacuum.

Lebanese migrants responsible for over half of Lebanon’s GDP

Lebanon has become the most remittance-dependent country in the world thanks to decades of systemic corruption and mismanagement in the financial sector

US court ruling opens door for Lebanese banks to be prosecuted on foreign soil

Lebanon's financial institutions have evaded any responsibility for their role in the crisis gripping the nation, and have instead placed the burden on regular citizens

Police commander killed in Jordan as protests turn violent

Jordan's obligation to the IMF has hindered its ability to tackle the fuel crisis in the kingdom, triggering yet another nationwide strike

Lebanon in dire need of ‘equitable’ banking reform, losses exceed $70bn: World Bank

According to the World Bank, Lebanon's inflation rate is expected to average at 186 percent this year

Goodbye G20, hello BRICS+

The increasingly irrelevant G20 Summit concluded with sure signs that BRICS+ will be the way forward for Global South cooperation.

Pakistan’s delicate balancing act between China and the US

Islamabad’s tilt towards Beijing comes as traditional partner, the US looks to grow ties with rival India.

Lebanese president boycotts budget and delays new exchange rate

A dollar currently fetches around 38,000 Lira on the black market

The UK’s transition from Tweedledee to Tweedledum

Don’t expect Britain’s first Asian prime minister to radically reverse the UK's direction, as he is a pillar of the establishment.

Egyptian central bank announces plan to move currency away from US dollar

The central bank chief says the Egyptian pound must be pegged 'against every currency,' not just the greenback

Yemen facing worst food crisis in four years

The number of people who suffer from severe food insecurity in Yemen is expected to rise to 19 million by the end of the year

Lebanon Parliament Speaker suggests open dialogue to elect new president

Just a few days ago, the parliament failed once again to name a successor to President Michel Aoun

Lebanon fails to elect president for third time

The Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has called for another session to avoid a political deadlock before the term of President Michel Aoun ends on 31 October

Winners and losers in the Lebanon-Israel maritime deal?

For Lebanon, the maritime border demarcation agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv is a wash if economic gains do not follow

KSA gave Washington ‘resounding no’ when told to delay OPEC+ cut: Report

While Saudi Arabia opposed Washington's demands, several other Gulf nations advocated to delay the OPEC+ cut by one month, in order to give US democrats breathing room ahead of midterm elections

Oil cuts: A perfect storm in US foreign policy 

The Biden administration’s poor dealings with oil producing countries will have major political and economic ramifications for the west