Economics and Policy Hamas is struggling to meet its payroll in the Gaza Strip, where income from taxes has been badly hit since neighboring Egypt started destroying a network of tunnels used to smuggle food, fuel and weapons into the Islamist-run enclave. More from Reuters War and sanctions are taking an increasing toll on Syria’s vital seaborne trade, with fewer vessels calling at its cargo ports as ship owners shy away from the risks. More from Reuters The Arab Spring uprisings will end up costing Middle Eastern economies about $800 billion in lost output by the end of next year as countries struggle to restore stability, banking giant HSBC has estimated. More from Reuters Lebanon recorded the highest balance of trade surplus with Syria thanks to exports of fuel oil to its war-ravaged neighbor, according to figures released this week by the Beirut Chamber of Commerce. More from
