Diyaruna

2022-06-30

Militia leaders' kids flaunt wealth as ordinary Iraqis scrape by

As ordinary Iraqis face poverty, unemployment and food and energy shortages, the pampered sons of militia leaders are living a life of luxury.

'Blackmail': Russia threatens world famine with blockade of Ukraine

Economy

2022-06-23

'Blackmail': Russia threatens world famine with blockade of Ukraine

Moscow is demanding sanctions be scrapped in exchange for re-opening Ukrainian seaports. At the same time, Russian forces are looting and selling Ukrainian grain, observers say.

Iconic Iranian factory closes while regime courts foreign powers with megadeals

Economy

2022-04-29

Iconic Iranian factory closes while regime courts foreign powers with megadeals

The Middle East's first tire company, Kian Tire, closed April 13. Critics say the bankruptcy was the result of the regime's neglect of domestic industry as it courts foreign powers.

Iraq's ballooning oil revenues whet appetite of Iran and its proxies

Economy

2022-04-27

Iraq's ballooning oil revenues whet appetite of Iran and its proxies

Iraq's oil revenue is soaring as global prices rise amid Russia's war in Ukraine, but officials warn that Iran and its proxies will take measures to seize these funds through pressure and fraud.

IRGC's outsized role traps Iran in vicious cycle

Economy

2022-04-07

IRGC's outsized role traps Iran in vicious cycle

The IRGC dominates the economy and funds its proxies at the expense of the people, maintaining the status quo by suppressing protests.

Muslims face frugal Ramadan as Ukraine war drives up food prices

Economy

2022-04-01

Muslims face frugal Ramadan as Ukraine war drives up food prices

Muslims in the Arab region who traditionally break the dawn-to-dusk fast with lavish family meals are now struggling to secure even the most basic staples.

Hizbullah abuses Lebanon's financial sector, drains its resources

Economy

2022-03-09

Hizbullah abuses Lebanon's financial sector, drains its resources

Many Lebanese blame Hizbullah for the dire conditions they face, with new revelations of its corruption coming to light on a regular basis.

Smuggling profits fuel dispute between Hizbullah and Syria's 4th Division

Economy

2022-02-08

Smuggling profits fuel dispute between Hizbullah and Syria's 4th Division

Tensions have been brewing for months over the division of profits generated from drug and fuel smuggling operations, and the 4th Division's pursuit of territorial control.

Iran-backed militias paving way for China's economic takeover of Iraq

Economy

2022-02-03

Iran-backed militias paving way for China's economic takeover of Iraq

By creating a hostile climate for investment in Iraq, Iran-backed militias have been attempting to clear the way for Chinese investment, but Iraqi citizens are pushing back.

Lebanese face a cold winter without mazout

Economy

2022-01-26

Lebanese face a cold winter without mazout

Between the lifting of the subsidy on mazout and Hizbullah's large-scale campaign of smuggling fuel to Syria, the Lebanese are left to fend off the bitter cold with firewood.