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Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
US President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House in Washington last month. Photo: AP
Donald Trump

Syria’s year of ‘epic’ transformation earns it Trump’s protection

Washington is lifting sanctions and has rebuked Israel for its attacks, as the US throws its weight behind Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration.

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Israel-Gaza war

‘My future is paralysed’: Gaza amputees desperate to walk again

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Iran

Iran detains Nobel Prize winner Narges Mohammadi in ‘brutal’ arrest

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SCMP Highlights

Japan, US defence chiefs discuss China; Mexico’s tariffs: SCMP daily highlights

From Trump and Modi’s phone call to scientists addressing implant rejection with a soft brain chip, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, on Friday about the radar row. Photo: Reuters
War and conflict

As I see it | Would the world be safer if the military were in charge of the US?

Capricious political leaders like Donald Trump and his defence chief may be more dangerous than responsible and battle-tested generals.

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Banking & finance

Hong Kong needs to attract global champions to broaden fundraising base: FSDC

Think tank urges the expansion of connect schemes to cover a wider range of asset classes and the promotion of digital asset trading.

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China-South Korea relations

Why South Korea poses a major challenge to China’s Middle East arms export drive

Both neighbours hope to expand exports to the region, but the Koreans may be better placed due to systems integration and political concerns.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
International Property

Hong Kong scion Adrian Cheng forms retail venture with Dubai group

Joint venture will connect ‘the consumers and rich cultural industries of the Middle East and Chinese-speaking markets’ at Dubai’s Wafi City.

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Hong Kong economy

Opinion | How Hong Kong became the trusted bridgehead for China firms going out

Firms eager to escape oversupply and involution at home are looking to leverage Hong Kong’s trusted institutional interface.

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Thailand

‘May he rest in peace’: remains of last Thai hostage in Gaza repatriated

Sudthisak Rinthalak’s remains returned to Thailand after being held in Gaza since 2023, allowing his family to perform funeral rites.

A farewell ceremony was held at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on Tuesday for Sudthisak Rinthalak before his body was flown back to Thailand for burial. Photo: AP
War and conflict

RSF says Israel killed highest number of journalists again this year

Reporters without Borders says the number of journalists killed reached 67 globally.

The aftermath of an Israeli strike that killed several Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza City on August 11. Photo: Reuters
Artificial intelligence

AI spending helps save global economy under threat of trade war, IMF director says

AI investment, especially in the US, helped mute the impacts of increased tariffs, Jihad Azour says at Abu Dhabi Finance Week.

Syria

A year after Assad’s fall, can Syria’s new leader deliver lasting peace?

Despite progress, sectarian violence and Kurdish tensions persist as President Ahmed al-Sharaa pushes toward future elections.

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United Nations

UN hits out at global ‘apathy’ as it slashes aid appeal for 2026

UN unveils streamlined plan to raise at least US$23 billion to help 87 million people in the world’s most dangerous places.

Destroyed buildings in the Nuseirat camp for displaced Palestinians in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: AFP
Israel-Gaza war

Trump UN envoy, EU chief in Jordan to discuss Gaza aid as Israel eyes next phase

Diplomatic visits to Jordan came as Israeli PM Netanyahu says the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire could begin soon.

Destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip. Photo: AP
Israel-Gaza war

Gaza truce incomplete without ‘full withdrawal’ by Israel: Qatar PM

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani says Qatar and fellow truce guarantors are ‘getting together’ to advance the next phase of the deal.

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Timepieces

November’s hottest watch moments, from awards to celebrity wrist candy

Victoria Beckham picked a special watch for Sir David Beckham’s knighting, and Chopard and Vacheron Constantin unveiled exciting new creations.

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United States

‘America First’ reimagined: new Trump strategy readjusts US global presence

The strategy shifts US foreign policy from its traditional global role, prioritising dominance in the Western Hemisphere and ending mass migration.

A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer holds a weapon during a protest outside an ICE facility on September 12. Photo: Reuters
Aviation

Opinion | Why Gulf region’s dreams of aviation domination are built on sand

While Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Istanbul’s plans are already aggressively ambitious, Saudi Arabia’s extravagant vision seems like something from fantasyland.

US Navy

Investigations reveal combat stress a key factor in costly US Navy mishaps

Reports show mission against Yemen’s Houthis took a toll on the US Navy, highlighting a friendly fire incident, loss of three jets and a ship collision.

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Africa

Trump praises African leaders, who sign his deal as fighting continues

‘Historic’ agreement aims to end conflict in eastern DR Congo and unlock access to the region’s critical mineral reserves for the US.

US President Donald Trump at the signing ceremony with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo President FelixTshisekedi in Washington. Photo: AP
Israel-Gaza war

Israel cleared to stay in Eurovision as several countries boycott contest

The walkouts came after the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union met to discuss concerns about Israel’s participation.

A person waves Israel’s national flag while watching Israeli singer Yuval Raphael perform at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Photo: AFP
Israel

Iraq removes Hezbollah and Houthis from asset-freeze list after ‘mistake’

Iraqi PM orders accountability for the error over list meant for Islamic State/al-Qaeda only. Reversal is blow to US efforts curbing Iran.

Israel-Gaza war

Israel receives body from Hamas, says Rafah crossing could soon open

The handover of the final two deceased hostages is an important condition of the first part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

War and conflict

Lebanon and Israel hold first direct civilian talks in decades

Talks were held days after the first anniversary of the start of the fragile truce between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Lebanese army soldiers stand atop a military vehicle overlooking Hanita, an Israeli military base, near the border with Israel in southern Lebanon, last month. Photo: EPA
Banking & finance

Healthcare and tech to drive Asia-Pacific private equity deals amid slower growth

Asia-Pacific private equity managers are forecasting higher returns and fewer geopolitical risks than peers elsewhere, a new survey finds.

Healthcare is one of the sectors expected to drive private equity deals in 2026. Photo: Shutterstock
Lebanon

‘No calm in Beirut’ as more Israeli strikes expected after Hezbollah ultimatum

Israel’s ultimatum to Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah by New Year’s Eve is more about political pressure than an invasion plan, analysts say.

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Israel-Gaza war

Trump invites Netanyahu to White House as US warms to Syria’s president

Another invitation to Israel’s leader was issued after Syria’s president made a historic visit to the White House a few weeks ago.

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