Economics & Policy Iraqi insurgents are targeting the country's main northern pipeline, undermining efforts to rehabilitate and grow the hydrocarbons sector. More from Reuters Syria's civil war has halved this year's wheat harvest. More from the Daily Star Saudi Arabia is instituting a program to protect the wages of employees at large firms and all private schools. More from Arabian Business The IMF is refusing to enter loan negotiations with Egypt until the de facto government gains international recognition. More from the Daily Star Banking & Finance The Qatari and Kuwaiti sovereign wealth funds are rumored to be eyeing a stake in Lloyds Banking Group, a major British financial institution. More from Arabian Business Companies & Business State-owned Middle East Airlines has frozen dealings with other Lebanese state institutions over a financial dispute. More from the Daily Star
