Houthi Attacks Threaten Saudi Arabia’s Economic Ambitions
Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport and Saudi Aramco are striking directly at the foundations of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy: tourism, aviation, energy security and foreign investment.
Beirut Wire
Anthropic Forecasts Extraordinary AI-Driven Growth
Anthropic has modeled a scenario in which AI could push the U.S. economy to roughly $44.4 trillion by 2030, implying growth rates almost unprecedented for a developed economy.
Trump Suspends New Russia Sanctions as Energy Crisis Reshapes U.S. Policy
Donald Trump has suspended a sweeping new package of sanctions and tariffs against Russia for 60 days, just before they were due to take effect under legislation passed overwhelmingly by Congress.
IMF Warns of Growing Global Economic Risks
The IMF expects the global economy to grow 3.1% in 2026, but warns that the risks beneath that resilience are increasing. War, high debt, rising borrowing costs, inflation and growing dependence on the AI investment boom are all narrowing the world economy’s margin for error.
France Burns as the Palestinian Flag Flies Over Paris
France endured some of its worst unrest in years as cars burned, public buildings were attacked and more than 1,200 people were arrested. Above the clashes at Place de la République, protesters raised a Palestinian flag.
Qatar Announces Major Electricity Investment in Lebanon
Qatar has announced plans to finance, build and operate a major electricity project in Lebanon without requiring upfront investment from the Lebanese Treasury. QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies are also expected to develop a solar power plant as an initial project.
Another Sovereignty Scandal: Mihrac Ural Taken From Lebanon Into Syrian Custody
Mihrac Ural, a former pro-Assad militia commander accused of involvement in massacres in Syria, reportedly disappeared from his home in Mansourieh before surfacing in Syrian custody.