Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit donec montes luctus, tincidunt commodo vivamus vel curabitur aliquam auctor sem feugiat sodales congue, dictumst aenean sollicitudin aliquet interdum vehicula nullam phasellus lacus. Accumsan malesuada urna ridic

The United States, in cohesion with the Biden administration’s promises, has launched a maritime mission to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, confirmed the US Central Command (CENTCOM) recently. This announcement comes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s commitment days earlier to establish a temporary port to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies into the besieged territory.

The humanitarian vessel, helmed by the US Army and identified as General Frank S. Besson, embarked on its relief mission towards Gaza from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia. This action followed swiftly on the heels of President Biden’s announcement, with General Frank S. Besson setting course “less than 36 hours after President Biden announced the US would provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea,” as outlined in a CENTCOM statement.

Serving as more than simply a conveyance for aid, General Frank S. Besson also has the critical role of carrying the first equipment pieces necessary for the construction of the temporary pier. This pier, once established, aims to streamline the delivery of vital humanitarian supplies directly into the heart of the beleaguered Gaza. A development of this scale demonstrates the commitment of the US government towards alleviating the dire situation currently faced by the inhabitants of Gaza.

Though the US has a multifaceted relationship with the Middle East – one that has often been marked by political and military tensions – it has concurrently maintained an ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid. This latest course of action underscores a reiteration of this commitment while emphasising the proactive role that the country is keen on playing to help improve conditions for civilians caught in the middle of geopolitical conflicts.

Details regarding the intended timeline of the establishment of the temporary port, the specific nature of the supplies being sent, or the exact volume of aid on board General Frank S. Besson remains under wraps. However, given the urgency implied in President Biden’s swift action following his statement of aid and CENTCOM’s subsequent communication, this information is anticipated to be communicated in due course.

The distressing state of affairs revolves around the remarkable hardship that the residents of Gaza continually endure. This crisis could potentially escalate into a catastrophic humanitarian breakdown if not urgently addressed. The US’s rapid response to this crucial issue signals not only an acknowledgement of the impending disaster but also a willingness to employ considerable resources in mitigating it.

As this maritime logistical operation unravels, one can only hope that this bold move will mark a turning point in international empathy towards the Middle East. The construction of the temporary port can act as a conduit for other nations to join the mission and aid in the delivery of crucial supplies. It might also serve as an emblem of potential harmony and goodwill amid the deep-rooted turbulence of Middle East affairs.

The situation underscores the complexity and volatility of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the significant role international powers can play in providing crucial relief during such crises. It is a poignant reminder that humanity, shared empathy, and active support should prevail and guide political actions worldwide, especially when civilians find themselves ensnared in the eye of the storm.

The voyage of General Frank S. Besson sets a precedent of international solidarity and is a potent symbol of the strength and potential of humanitarian intervention in times of strife and hardship. The world waits with bated breath for the fruition of this mission, and with it, hopes of restoring calm and stability to the heart of the crisis emanating from the Middle East.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Fatima Shbair

A tragic suicide bombing occurred near the Board Bazaar in Peshawar, a major city in the north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, on Sunday morning. According to local reports, the devastating attack claimed the lives of two individuals and left another severely wounded. The wounded victim has since been moved to the Khyber Teaching Hospital for treatment.

The bombing, confirmed by Bilal Faizi, the spokesperson for Rescue 1122, took place as locals began to stir for the day. Unverified initial reports suggest that explosives were planted in a nearby motorcycle, detonating to horrifying effect. The area of the attack was promptly cordoned off by police officers as rescue operations were launched, revealing the magnitude of the destruction left in the wake of the blast.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations), Kashif Aftab Abbasi, has categorically termed the explosion as a suicide attack. The investigators at the scene discovered a severely disfigured body along with the wreckage of the motorcycle suspected to hold the explosives. Abbasi revealed that a team from the Counter Terrorism Department, alongside other law enforcement entities, had arrived at the scene to collect evidence, unveil the circumstances of this event, and determine its exact nature.

Thus far, no militant factions have publicly claimed responsibility for this act of terror. This development is concerning for the region, as it follows an uptick in terror-related activities predominately in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the southwestern state of Baluchistan, over the course of the previous year.

Terrorism in Pakistan, especially in these provinces, has been a recurring menace since the cessation of the peace agreement between the Pakistani government and the outlawed militant outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022. The Pakistani authorities have faced significant challenges in curbing the spread of terror since the dissolution of the truce.

This latest bombing raises new concerns surrounding security and safety in the region. Experts suggest that the nature of this attack indicates a potential escalation in disruptive activities, spotlighting the need for a reconsidered, more effective counter-terrorism strategy.

The tragic event has shocked the community, casting a pall over the Board Bazaar as locals struggle to understand the cruelty of such an act. There is a palpable sense of fear and uncertainty in Peshawar as residents grapple with the loss of life and the inevitable disruption this brings to their community. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the extent of the challenges faced by authorities in combatting extremism and maintaining peace in this volatile region.

As the terrorism landscape evolves in Pakistan, the latest attack in Peshawar underscores the urgency of remodelling security strategies and establishing a stronger deterrent against such heinous acts. It also points towards the need for greater regional cooperation and comprehensive approaches to counteract and impede the sinister proliferation of extremist ideologies.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Zahid Hussein

As tensions in the Red Sea continue to escalate, the Houthi militant group, Ansar Allah, has significantly enhanced its operations. This surge in activity comes amid alleged Israeli intentions to launch attacks on Rafah, a city located in southern Gaza, and the continuation of the Israeli-imposed blockade.

A senior officer from Hamas’ military arm, the Al-Qassam Brigades, who requested anonymity, disclosed to Al-Jazeera that the Houthis in Yemen had handed over a file of a detained ship. The Ansar Allah group reached out to Hamas seeking potential intermediaries to negotiate the release of the ship’s crew. Notably, the top Hamas official pointed out that the final say on all matters regarding the ship and its crew rests solely with Hamas.

The escalation of Ansar Allah’s activities in the region aligns with their declared strategic aim to continue fighting in the Red Sea until such actions cease and most crucially, until the lifting of the Gaza blockade by Israel. The Ansar Allah’s commitment to their cause mirrors a broader approach across several combat fronts, reflecting an increasingly tangled web of conflicts throughout the Middle East.

The anonymous Hamas official noted the continued coordination between Hamas and several combat fronts in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq since the 7th of October massacre last year. Observers suggest that this synchronization reflects a new kind of alliance in the region defined by its shared opposition to Israeli policy.

When the US attempted to mediate separate ceasefires on both fronts, it was met with resistance rather than cooperation. All fronts remained unanimous in their decision to resist until the Gaza fighting subsided, underscoring the intertwined nature of these conflicts and the shared opposition to outside engagement.

The relationship between Ansar Allah and Hamas provides an insightful context in which to understand the emerging alliances and the shifting dynamics in the Middle East. It demonstrates how regional and local forces are manoeuvring carefully amidst the complex matrix of conflicts, presenting another layer of challenge in the pursuit of peace and stability.

Despite various attempts by international players to broker peace, the situation remains volatile. With both the Houthis and Hamas remaining resolute in their terms for a ceasefire, prospects for peace in the strife-ridden region are far from clear.

As ceasefire talks continue to hit dead ends, the tensions appear to be straining the infamously fragile peace in the region further. With no resolution in sight, many question how this prolonged conflict will morph, and what impacts it will have on the stability of an increasingly ailing Middle East.

This intensification of hostile action in the Red Sea amidst resistance to outside mediation underscores the enduring complexities of the situation. The ability of international authorities to restore calm and broker peace agreements is being brought under increasing scrutiny, particularly as existing conflict alliances change in response to ongoing antagonism and prospective plans of attack.

In sum, the convoluted situation in the Middle East, characterized by operational alliances, fraught negotiations, and an inherent resistance to outside interference is a daunting challenge for peace-makers. To make progress, it will be necessary to understand this new landscape and formulate diplomatic initiatives that acknowledge and engage with these shifting realities.

As per a resolution proposed by the United Kingdom, the United Nations Security Council has appealed for a ceasefire in Sudan. The appeal comes in view of Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims, which is anticipated to commence on Sunday. The resolution has urged all conflicting parties in Sudan to strive for a sustainable resolution to the protracted conflict via dialogue, thereby calling for an end to the brutal power strife.

The conflict in question, connecting the army of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under the command of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has resulted in a turmoil-ridden Sudan. The UN Security Council’s comprehensive resolution, adopted on a recent Friday, demands an immediate halt to the hostilities in this war-torn country during the revered month of Ramadan.

The coming month carries particular significance; not only does it mark a season of prayer and fasting for Muslims worldwide, but it also provides a potential haven of peace for Sudan in the midst of conflict. The UN’s resolution, unanimously endorsed, sends out a clear signal to Sudan’s conflicted parties. The international community insists on immediate peace, anticipating a ceasefire would act as a bridge towards a more permanent solution to the strife.

The hope behind this ceasefire is two-fold. Firstly, within a humanitarian context, a cessation of hostilities would address the immediate physical and psychological needs of the population trapped amidst fighting. Secondly, a ceasefire could mark the first step towards a peaceful dialogue, thereby feeding into the UN’s broader objective of a robust, sustainable resolution.

Perpetual conflict between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s forces and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, led Sudan into a period of sustained violence and left it teetering on the brink of disaster. In this climate, the resolution brings hope that a ceasefire might represent the first step towards a broader dialogue, wherein the varied parties can negotiate a more lasting peace agreement.

The UN Security Council emphasises the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution. This proposed cessation of hostilities is not seen as an end in itself but as the means to fostering discussion between the warring parties. It serves as a stepping stone for the players in the Sudanese conflict to come to the negotiation table without distraction or threat.

The resolution, proposed by the UK, has been voted in favour by the UN Security Council, marking a substantial step forward in the multinational effort to bring an end to the Sudanese turmoil. The international community has echoed the importance of the ceasefire, expressing collective hope that as the holy month begins, so too will Sudan’s journey towards lasting peace.

Although the ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, the adoption of this resolution adds a substantial international voice to calls for its resolution. As the world watches, the ball now lies squarely in Sudan’s court. With civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict, it is vitally essential that both sides lay down their arms and engage in meaningful dialogue international arbiters hope will lead to an enduring peace deal.

Thus, in this holy month of Ramadan, the stage is set for Sudan to begin a ceasefire, encouraged by a wider international community, hoping that this will provide respite and lay the foundation for a peaceful dialogue and a more harmonious Sudan in the foreseeable future.

In this momentous time, Sudan and the international community are united in hope, a hope that a ceasefire will make the holy month of Ramadan a time for new beginnings and reconciliation, marking a decisive shift in Sudan’s turbulent narrative.

Image credit: AP Photo/Marwan Ali

Egypt has recently clinched a substantial financial lifeline, securing a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bolster its economic resilience. This agreement, doubling Egypt’s IMF bailout to a significant $8 billion, follows a series of pivotal economic reforms initiated by Cairo.

One of the critical measures taken by Egypt was allowing its currency, the pound, to undergo a substantial devaluation against the US dollar, plummeting to record lows. This decision, aimed at fostering a more flexible exchange rate regime, was pivotal in unlocking much-needed support from the IMF to stave off what could have been Egypt’s most severe economic crisis in decades.

The devaluation of the pound, by a staggering 40 per cent, coupled with significant hikes in interest rates, was undertaken to alleviate the strain caused by a shortage of foreign currency. It’s worth noting that permitting market forces to dictate the value of the pound was a precondition for Egypt to access additional IMF funds, following a previous $3 billion bailout secured in 2022.

The impact of these economic manoeuvres was palpable as the pound plummeted beyond 50 against the dollar, a stark contrast to its artificial stability around 31 to the dollar for nearly a year. This sharp decline in the official exchange rate brought it more in line with the prevailing black market rates, which had soared to more than twice the official rate.

Despite the inevitable challenges posed by such drastic measures, with an inflation rate hovering around 30 per cent as of January, Egyptian authorities were cognizant of the potential hardships facing their populace. However, the injection of $35 billion into Egypt by ADQ, a prominent Abu Dhabi-based investment vehicle, provided a much-needed cushion for the central bank to navigate the aftermath of currency controls being lifted.

The significance of ADQ’s investment cannot be overstated, as it played a pivotal role in facilitating the IMF deal. With the influx of funds, the currency found a more stable footing, and Egypt’s foreign reserves experienced a notable boost. This, in turn, significantly mitigated the risk of a currency freefall, providing much-needed reassurance to investors and stakeholders alike.

Egypt’s economic woes were further compounded by external factors, including the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Given Egypt’s strategic proximity to the besieged strip, it plays a crucial role in facilitating aid delivery and negotiation efforts with Hamas. Moreover, disruptions to foreign currency revenue, stemming from attacks on vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels in Yemen, added to Egypt’s economic challenges.

The magnitude of ADQ’s investment, earmarked for the development of vast coastal expanses along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, effectively served as a bailout from the Gulf state. This infusion of fresh capital, coupled with a rapid disbursement schedule, provided much-needed relief to Egypt’s foreign currency crisis and helped cement the IMF deal.

In concrete terms, the agreement entailed a staggering $24 billion in fresh investments, complemented by the conversion of $11 billion of UAE deposits into local currency for use in various projects across Egypt. Notably, the initial tranche of $10 billion had already been disbursed, with the remaining funds scheduled to arrive within six weeks, as per Egypt’s announcement.

Egypt’s reliance on IMF support dates back to 2016, making it the fund’s second-largest debtor after Argentina. Previous agreements, such as the $3 billion support package in October 2022, mandated pivotal reforms, including a shift towards a more flexible exchange rate and the privatization of state-owned assets, including those under military ownership.

The Central Bank of Egypt has underscored its commitment to maintaining stability amidst these economic upheavals. In addition to floating the currency, the central bank implemented a significant hike in interest rates, increasing the overnight lending rate to 28.25 per cent and the overnight deposit rate to 27.25 per cent. These measures are aimed at bridging the gap between official and black market exchange rates, while also addressing inflationary pressures.

In conclusion, Egypt’s recent economic reforms, including the devaluation of its currency and securing substantial investments from abroad, have positioned the country on a more stable economic trajectory. While challenges persist, particularly in the face of external geopolitical tensions, the increased IMF support and strategic investments offer a glimmer of hope for Egypt’s economic recovery and resilience.

In a significant ruling, Egypt has sentenced eight members of the Muslim Brotherhood to death for their involvement in the tumultuous events of 2013. This verdict comes in the wake of the military’s ousting of Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president.

The Emergency Supreme Court of State Security, located in Cairo, pronounced the death penalty for a number of individuals, including Mohamad Badie, the Brotherhood’s supreme guide.

Badie, who served as the eighth Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood from 2010 to 2013, was apprehended during the military coup against the Morsi government.

Several of those convicted had previously been sentenced to death in unrelated cases, underscoring the severity of the charges.

The accused were alleged to have conspired to overthrow the government of Abdel Fattah el Sissi, who assumed power following the ousting of Mohamed Morsi. They were also charged with the murder of police officers and the destruction of public property.

The backdrop to these events traces back to July 2013 when leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood organized a massive sit-in at Rabaa al Adawiya, denouncing the coup.

Subsequently, security forces carried out a raid on the square, resulting in the deaths of hundreds in a single day. The authorities termed this operation as a counter-terrorism measure.

Mohamed Morsi, who was incarcerated, passed away in 2019.

A History of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna, has been one of the most influential and controversial political movements in the country’s modern history. Initially established as a social and religious organization aimed at promoting Islamic values and social welfare, the Brotherhood gradually evolved into a potent political force.

Under al-Banna’s leadership, the Brotherhood focused on charitable work, education, and social services, garnering support among Egyptians who were disillusioned with colonial rule and sought an alternative vision for their nation’s future.

The Brotherhood’s ideology combined elements of Islamism, populism, and anti-colonialism, resonating with a broad swath of Egyptian society. However, its growing influence also drew the ire of successive Egyptian governments, leading to periodic crackdowns and confrontations.

Despite facing repression, the Brotherhood remained resilient, operating clandestinely when necessary and gradually expanding its organizational reach. By the mid-20th century, it had become a major political player, advocating for social justice, political reform, and the implementation of Islamic law.

The Brotherhood’s rise to prominence culminated in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, which toppled the long-serving autocrat Hosni Mubarak. In the subsequent elections, the Brotherhood’s political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, emerged as the dominant force, securing a plurality of seats in the parliament and propelling Mohamed Morsi to the presidency.

However, Morsi’s tenure proved divisive, marked by allegations of authoritarianism, economic mismanagement, and attempts to consolidate power. His ousting in a military coup in 2013 sparked widespread unrest and violence, plunging Egypt into a period of turmoil and political uncertainty.

Since then, the Brotherhood has faced harsh repression, with thousands of its members arrested, and its activities banned. Despite these challenges, it remains a potent force in Egyptian society, with a deep-rooted network of supporters and sympathizers.

As Egypt grapples with the aftermath of Morsi’s overthrow and the broader legacy of the Arab Spring, the fate of the Muslim Brotherhood continues to be a central and contentious issue in the country’s political landscape.

In an escalating diplomatic fracas in Ukraine that is sending shockwaves across global political scenes, Russian missiles were reported yesterday to have landed a harrowing 200 meters from a convoy carrying the Ukrainian President, and Greek Prime Minister in Odesa. This invasion threatens the delicate peace of international relations, confirming that the confrontation between the West and Russia is hardly rhetoric.

This incident occurred during a joint inspection tour by the Ukrainian President Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of an apartment building in Odesa. The building had earlier been hit by a Russian aerial drone resulting in the tragic deaths of 12 Ukrainians. During this visit, the Russian missile struck in disconcerting proximity to the convoy of the two leaders, resulting in the further loss of Ukrainian lives.

This event was promptly confirmed and reported by various international news sources bearing the sobering news to the world. In the wake of this incident, it has been established that five individuals have tragically lost their lives, heightening further the tension and discord between Ukraine and Russia.

These developments have simultaneously provoked vociferous backlash from global powers. Most notable of these has been the United States’ sharp condemnation of the situation contrasted by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s vocal critique of American global dominance. The White House has urgently reiterated the importance of supporting Ukraine in the face of such evident Russian aggression.

Simultaneously, Putin has been reported by RIA to cast aspersions on the concept of a single global power. According to the Russian leader, the unilateral dominance creates an imbalance that undermines the bedrock of world order. Putin indicated what he sees as the United States’ disruptive role in the global political stabilisation.

Additionally, he proposed that every country has an inherent right to safeguard their interests, even if it entails the use of military means. This notion comes amidst an uneasy atmosphere triggered by rising tensions between Russia and many western countries, who have increasingly voiced their discomfort with perceived American dominance.

The standoffish behaviour of American presidential candidates has been singled out as a reflection of the current American political culture. There is growing global acknowledgement of the United States as the leading superpower worldwide. Such assertions, especially through the lens of recent violent incidents perpetrated by Russia, adds a palpable tension in the air.

In conclusion, these recent unsettling events in Ukraine serve as stark evidence of the growing rift between leading global powers and point towards an unsettling and uncertain future. While leaders respond and manoeuvre their strategic positions, the world watches and waits, hoping for a resolution that minimises any further loss of innocent lives and the upholding of international harmony. Addressing these concerns cannot be deferred but rather require an immediate response – political posturing must give way to dedicated diplomacy.

In a significant retaliation following a Houthi attack on an American warship, the United States, in conjunction with the United Kingdom, launched air strikes on the Hodeidah International Airport in western Yemen. This strategic location was the target of a double raid, carried out by American and British warplanes.

Earlier this month, Houthi forces struck the American vessel True Confidence in the Red Sea. The attack resulted in substantial damage to the ship along with fatalities among the crew, escalating tensions in the region.

In an official statement, the White House underlined the US’s commitment to taking the necessary preventative measures against the Houthis. In no uncertain terms, it was reiterated that the attacks by the rebel group did not solely constitute a threat to the United States but required an international response. This response is seen in the form of air strikes, the first joint military effort between the US and UK in Yemen’s ongoing civil war.

The attacks on the US vessel served to heighten the volatility of the situation in Yemen. The country has been engaged in a devastating civil war that has raged since 2014, drawing in regional and international powers. The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, seized control of the capital, Sana’a, and much of the rest of the country in a coup against the Saudi-backed government.

The control of Yemeni waters has been a contentious issue since the commencement of the war. Houthis have imposed special permits on vessels crossing Yemeni waters, leading to a heightened state of unrest and geopolitical manipulation in the region.

The air strikes on Hodeidah International Airport clearly signal a new escalation in the ongoing conflict. The airport has been a critical infrastructure for the Houthi rebels and its destruction will cripple their movement in the area. The joint action by the Western allies aims to deter further Houthi aggression, particularly actions that threaten maritime security in the Red Sea.

Reactions from the international community are yet to pour in, but there is a rising call for diplomacy to end this impasse that has devastated Yemen and pushed it to the brink of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The recent strikes by the UK and US indicate that the conflict is no longer localised and is increasingly drawing in international stakeholders.

Yet, the direct involvement of the United States and the United Kingdom in the Yemeni conflict sends a clear message. They will not stand idle whilst rebel forces disturb regional stability and international maritime trade routes. The resolution of this escalating crisis remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that the continued defiance by the Houthi rebels will be met with a robust, united international response.

Image Credit: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Blake Midnight/Handout via Reuters

Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Kassem, expressed confidence during an interview with LBCI on Tuesday night that the ongoing cross-border clashes with Israel are unlikely to escalate into a full-scale war. He suggested that there is a strong possibility, around 90 percent, that the situation will not escalate further. However, he also emphasized that Hezbollah is prepared for the remaining 10 percent, should the need arise.

In the interview on “Kalam Bel Siyasa” (“Political Talks”), Kassem stated that Israel’s perception of Hezbollah’s readiness serves as a deterrent, potentially preventing an escalation. He asserted that Hezbollah has not provoked conflict but highlighted the significant threat posed by Israel. According to Kassem, the persistent threat of war stems from an undeterred enemy.

Kassem reassured that Lebanon is not on the brink of total war, stating that the likelihood of a larger-scale conflict in the country is low. He reiterated that Hezbollah’s current stance is defensive, emphasizing the party’s reluctance to involve Lebanon in a war. However, he emphasized the constant danger posed by a formidable adversary capable of instigating hostilities at any moment.

The importance of early deterrence was underscored by Kassem, who emphasized that it is crucial to safeguard Lebanon’s interests. He claimed that Israeli restraint would benefit all Lebanese people. Additionally, he clarified that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps is not active on Lebanese soil.

Regarding potential ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel, Kassem indicated that no commitments or agreements have been made yet. Despite US Special Envoy Amos Hochstein’s statement that a Gaza truce would not automatically extend to Hezbollah, Kassem expressed a different view. He suggested that if a ceasefire were to occur in Gaza, a similar arrangement could be expected in southern Lebanon. However, he warned that if Israel rejects peace in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah would resist, asserting that Israel cannot dictate terms and would face defeat.

Since October 8, Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in daily exchanges of fire, with Hezbollah supporting the Hamas in Gaza. Mediators are currently in Cairo attempting to broker a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with hopes of extending the truce before the start of Ramadan.

In the realm of politics, Kassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s support for Sleiman Frangieh as the primary presidential candidate. He stated that Hezbollah is not considering alternative candidates at present, and others must adapt to this decision.

Regarding a recent presidential initiative aimed at ending the prolonged vacancy, Kassem revealed that Hezbollah has not yet provided a definitive response. The initiative seeks to convene all parliamentary blocs for an open session to elect a president, a position vacant since October 2022.

Kassem highlighted Frangieh’s alignment with the political ethos of the ‘Axis of Resistance’ and his efforts towards reconciliation and engagement with various parties. He characterized the presidential deadlock as primarily internal and attributed it to a lack of willingness to compromise.

On the strained relationship with the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), Kassem acknowledged differences in beliefs but emphasized that communication remains open despite disagreements. He asserted Hezbollah’s right to dissent and obstruct the quorum in parliamentary sessions.

Image Credit: Anwar AMRO / AFP

In the convoluted maze of Middle Eastern politics, few figures loom as large and enigmatic as Mohammed Dahlan. Born in the Gaza Strip in 1961, Dahlan emerged as a prominent figure in Palestinian politics, a confidant of the late Yasser Arafat, and a key player in the Fatah movement. However, his journey through the turbulent currents of regional politics has been marked by controversy, ambition, and intrigue.

Dahlan’s rise to prominence began in the 1980s when he became involved in Palestinian activism against the Israeli military. His charisma and leadership skills quickly earned him recognition within the Fatah movement, the dominant faction of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). He played a significant role in organizing resistance activities in the Gaza Strip and rose through the ranks to become head of the Preventive Security Force in the Palestinian Authority.

However, it was during the tumultuous years of the Second Intifada (2000-2005) that Dahlan’s star truly ascended. As violence engulfed the region, he became one of the most influential figures in Gaza, wielding considerable power and authority. His efforts to combat Hamas, the Islamist group that had gained popularity among Palestinians, earned him both admirers and detractors. While some praised his efforts to maintain order and security, others accused him of heavy-handed tactics and human rights abuses.

Dahlan’s relationship with Yasser Arafat was complex. Despite being a close ally and confidant, he also found himself at odds with the Palestinian leader at times, particularly over issues of reform and governance. Nevertheless, his influence continued to grow, and he played a key role in brokering ceasefire agreements and peace negotiations with Israel.

However, Dahlan’s fortunes took a dramatic turn following the death of Yasser Arafat in 2004. With the rise of Mahmoud Abbas to the presidency of the Palestinian Authority, Dahlan found himself increasingly sidelined. Abbas, wary of Dahlan’s growing power and popularity, gradually marginalised him within the Fatah movement and the Palestinian political establishment.

In 2007, Dahlan was expelled from Fatah amid allegations of corruption and abuse of power. He fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he embarked on a new chapter in his political career. Despite his exile, Dahlan remained a divisive figure within Palestinian politics, with some viewing him as a pragmatic leader capable of delivering stability and others as a traitor who had sold out to foreign interests.

In the UAE, Dahlan cultivated close ties with the ruling elite and became involved in various business ventures. He also positioned himself as a regional player, using his connections and influence to mediate conflicts and promote stability in the wider Middle East. His role as an advisor to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan further bolstered his standing in the region.

However, Dahlan’s ambitions have not been limited to the political arena. In recent years, he has sought to expand his influence through media ventures and philanthropic initiatives. He launched a satellite television channel, Al-Mustaqbal, which aimed to provide an alternative perspective on Middle Eastern affairs. He has also been involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in Gaza, where his charitable activities have earned him praise from some quarters.

Despite his exile and the controversies that have surrounded him, Mohammed Dahlan is emerging as a potential new leader in Gaza, backed by the UAE and the West. His pragmatic approach to governance and his track record in maintaining stability could make him an attractive candidate for those seeking an alternative to the current leadership in the region.

Dahlan’s close ties with the UAE and his relationship with Western powers could give him the support and legitimacy needed to navigate the complex political landscape of Gaza. While some may view him with suspicion due to his past controversies, others see him as a viable option for bringing much-needed stability to the region.

As the Middle East continues to grapple with uncertainty and conflict, the emergence of leaders like Mohammed Dahlan could signal a shift in the dynamics of the region. Whether he will be able to overcome the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Mohammed Dahlan is a figure to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of Middle Eastern politics.

In a tragic onset on Thursday, the Philippine government confirmed that three of its citizens were amongst the casualties of a Houthi attack that targeted an American ship stationed in the Gulf of Aden. Termed as an act of Houthi aggression, the insurgent forces carried out an attack on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of several lives. The American vessel, christened True Confidence, was flying the Barbados flag at the time of the attack.

The Department of Migrant Workers, in a state of profound grief, confirmed the death of “three Filipino seafarers in the most recent attack by Houthi rebels on ships navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.” A further development confirmed that two additional Filipino crew members had suffered severe injuries during the assault on their ship.

The armed Houthi attack was carried out around 11:30 a.m. on the 6th of March, with an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) launched from Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen. This Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist action was aimed at M/V True Confidence, a Liberian-owned vessel flying the Barbados flag.

In response to the unfortunate incident, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) acknowledged the occurrence of “three fatalities, at least four injuries—three of them being severe—and extensive damage to the ship.” Despite the attack, the CENTCOM announced later that it had conducted strikes on targets within Yemen as a self-defence measure. According to CENTCOM, this was done to “protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels.”

Specifically, CENTCOM stated, “At approximately 7:14 p.m. (Sanaa Time), United States Central Command conducted self-defence strikes against two unmanned aerial vehicles in a Houthi controlled area of Yemen that presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.”

Meanwhile, Houthi Military Spokesperson, Yahya Saree, confirmed in a press statement that the Yemeni Armed Forces launched the attack on the American ship True Confidence in the Gulf of Aden. Saree notified that the attack utilised naval missiles and led to significant casualties. He defended the brutal act by clarifying that it was executed in response to the ship’s crew disregarding warning messages issued by the Yemeni naval forces.

This incident questions the relative safety of the gulf region, hinting at the volatility of Middle-Eastern geopolitics. It further underlines the persistent dilemma of those risking their lives for economic prosperity, especially visible through the loss of Filipino lives. As the international sphere comes to terms with the profound loss and speculates the escalation of violence, the ripple effects of the attack will continue to be felt across the regions and stakeholders involved. Fear lingers amongst sailors and naval forces about the growing risks pervading the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for two high-ranking Russian officials over their alleged misconduct during the Ukraine conflict. The ICC confirmed in a statement yesterday that the implicated individuals are Army Lieutenant General Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash and Navy Admiral Viktor Nikolayevich Sokolov.

The court specified that the reported offences took place between October 2022 and March 2023. This period of time was marked by escalated tension and military activity in the region, causing international concern regarding the impact of the conflict on Ukraine’s national security and sovereignty.

The issue of the arrest warrants represents a significant development in the international community’s response to the Ukraine conflict. The ICC’s affirmation of its authority in this matter reflects the gravity with which war crimes and abuses of power are viewed on a global stage.

The names of the wanted officials, Sergei Ivanovich Kobylash and Viktor Nikolayevich Sokolov, carry weight in the hierarchy of Russian military. Lieutenant General Kobylash and Admiral Sokolov, associated with the Russian army and navy respectively, are now targeted for their crucial role and involvement during the period in question.

As per the details provided, the alleged offences occurred during a time when the international community was casting wary eyes on the escalating conflict in Ukraine. The issuance of these arrest warrants from the ICC, marks a momentous point that could potentially challenge Russia’s engagements in the region.

The move to put forth formal arrest warrants by the ICC could be seen as an endeavour to uphold accountability. It is a robust signal to potential violators that the commission of war crimes will not be tolerated, regardless of the individual’s rank or nation’s stature.

The ICC, as a crucial body of international law, has a mandate to prosecute individuals deemed responsible for serious crimes of international concern. These include, amongst others, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Although the specific charges against the two Russian officials have not been disclosed yet, their implications will be severe.

Despite differences in international opinion about the ICC’s jurisdiction and efficacy, this decision could mark a critical juncture in the continuing Ukraine conflict. Depending on the actual charges laid and the following investigative proceedings, it may significantly influence Russia’s future militaristic strategies and international diplomatic relationships.

What remains uncertain at this juncture is the potential ramifications of these arrest warrants, given the reach of the ICC’s judicial authority. It is yet to be seen whether the offer of support and cooperation from nations worldwide will be robust enough for these warrants to be executed successfully.

Furthermore, how Russia responds to this development and the charges against its high-ranking officials could have far-reaching implications. Russia’s reaction will undoubtedly be under close international scrutiny in the days to come.

This move by the ICC serves as a crucial reminder of the potential for international legal mechanisms in addressing severe violations of human rights and promoting accountability. In the coming days, it will provide a telling litmus test of the court’s practical authority and the international community’s collective commitment to justice and accountability for war crimes.

In conclusion, the issuance of these arrest warrants could set a critical benchmark in the global stance towards the Ukraine conflict, marking a bold and significant step towards upholding international law and order. Irrespective of the outcome, this development underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance and promoting accountability in a world ever watchful of war crimes and their subsequent penalties.

In a significant diplomatic move, the five nuclear powers under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 29, 2024. The meeting, part of the ongoing P5 process, aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation among the world’s major nuclear-armed nations: the People’s Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.

Under the stewardship of the Russian Chair, delegates representing each nuclear power engaged in a working-level discussion, focusing on crucial issues surrounding nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control. The gathering underscored the collective commitment of these nations to uphold the principles outlined in the NPT, which serves as a cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The meeting in Riyadh provided a platform for the P5 nations to exchange perspectives, share insights, and explore avenues for enhancing strategic stability and reducing nuclear risks. Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics and emerging security challenges, such dialogue assumes paramount importance in safeguarding international peace and security.

Furthermore, the convening of the P5 meeting in Riyadh reflects Saudi Arabia‘s growing role as a facilitator of diplomatic initiatives on the global stage. As a regional heavyweight with significant geopolitical influence, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the gathering signals its commitment to promoting constructive dialogue and cooperation on critical issues affecting international security.

The discussions held during the meeting are expected to contribute to the broader objectives of the P5 process, which seeks to promote transparency, confidence-building measures, and substantive progress towards nuclear disarmament. By reaffirming their commitment to the NPT regime and engaging in constructive dialogue, the P5 nations demonstrate their shared responsibility in advancing global security and preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

In conclusion, the P5 meeting in Riyadh represents a noteworthy step towards strengthening international efforts to address nuclear challenges and promote a safer, more secure world. As the global community grapples with complex security threats, sustained engagement and cooperation among the world’s nuclear powers remain indispensable in realising the shared goal of a nuclear-free future.

The escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, caused by continuing political strife and power struggles, may soon precipitate the largest global hunger crisis, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). The UN organisation dedicated to fighting hunger worldwide emphasised the gravity and urgency of the situation in a recent statement.

Cindy McCain, Director of the WFP, signalled the alarming state of Sudan, invoking the memory of Darfur’s major hunger crisis twenty years ago. “Darfur was the world’s largest hunger crisis, and the world rallied to respond,” McCain recalled. Her comments drew attention to the fact that much like Darfur, the current crisis in Sudan endangers peace and stability in the broader region while threatening millions of lives.

The power struggle between General al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and Hemedti, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in a conflict that has lasted for almost a year. The devastating ramifications of this war are highly evident, with tens of thousands of people dead, the nation’s infrastructure heavily damaged, and the economy spiralling towards a severe collapse.

As if these consequences weren’t dire enough, the conflict has also led to the displacement of an unprecedented number of people. Approximately eight million people have been displaced as a direct result of the hostilities, with this figure augmenting the previously established two million individuals who were compelled to leave their homes prior to the ongoing conflict. This exacerbates the existing displacement catastrophe and escalates it into the world’s most severe.

Sudan’s political turmoil has not just worsened the hunger situation, but it has also posed significant obstacles to the provision of humanitarian aid. The WFP has had to cease operations from Chad to Darfur after the local authorities refused to grant permission for cross-border truck convoys. This lifeline route has facilitated the aid to more than one million individuals in West and Central Darfur since August, and the WFP had plans to amplify this figure monthly to counter the rising levels of hunger and malnutrition in Darfur.

However, with the interruption of aid routes, efforts to assuage Sudan’s escalating crisis look increasingly bleak. The intensifying food security and displacement issues underscore the humanitarian disaster embroiling the country. The warning from the WFP serves as a grim reminder that the nation’s political crisis does not merely threaten Sudan’s stability, but also poses a severe threat to civil life and survival. The international community’s collaborative action becomes all the more crucial in this context.

The standoff between military leaders continues to destabilise Sudan as the region teeters on the brink of a potential hunger crisis. Trapped in the crossfire are millions of Sudanese who bear the brunt of the deteriorating situation. The WFP’s stark warning alludes to the humanitarian cost of political instability and emphasises the urgent need for intervention to mitigate the escalating crisis.

Five members of Britain’s elite Special Air Service (SAS) have been arrested by the British military police amidst allegations of war crimes committed in Syria two years prior, according to recent media reports. This marks a severe development in what is proving to be one of the highest-profile cases involving alleged military misconduct in recent years.

The soldiers are suspected of employing excessive, lethal force against a suspected militant, leading to the individual’s death. The incident took place during an anti-ISIS operation in Syria. Critics argue that the troops should have sought to detain the suspect, rather than resort to violence.

According to the military, the suspect posed a significant threat and had plans to instigate a suicide attack. Nevertheless, the question of whether this threat warranted the suspect’s death, as opposed to arrest, is now central to the investigation.

Rumours of suspected misconduct from SAS troops have been circulating for some time, though this case represents one of the first instances where SAS members have been arrested on the official suspicion of war crimes.

Founded in 1941, the SAS is one of the most highly-trained and respected special forces units globally. Since its founding, the SAS has been involved in various conflict zones worldwide, including Syria, where the alleged war crime took place two years ago.

The allegations, if proved true, could deal a considerable blow to the reputation of the SAS, a unit renowned for its precision and professionalism. The situation also poses severe questions about the training and discipline within the ranks of the British military’s elite forces.

Currently, it remains unknown what punishments could be inflicted on the arrested SAS troops if the allegations are confirmed. In some precedents, soldiers in similar circumstances have faced courts-martial, imprisonment, or dishonourable discharge.

As it stands, the matter is yet to go to trial, but the rumours of the alleged war crime and the subsequent arrest of the involved SAS soldiers have fuelled concerns about the British military’s involvement in Syria and its conduct towards suspected militants.

This incident may also inspire a broader debate around rules of engagement and the use of lethal force by special forces units worldwide. The matter also brings into question the level of transparency and accountability within the British special forces.

This high-profile case brings about questions over Britain’s role in the global fight against ISIS and other extremist groups, particularly if allegations of misconduct become confirmed.

While the specific details of the suspected crime have not yet been disclosed, the nature of the accusations alone will likely provoke significant public discourse in Britain and beyond. At this stage, the course of the investigation will likely largely determine the impact on Britain’s military reputation and diplomatic relations, particularly in the Middle East.

Regardless of the case’s outcome, this incident serves to remind us of the need for stringent ethical rules and oversight within military operations worldwide. This issue isn’t simply about holding individuals accountable for their actions; it’s about ensuring our defence forces operate with integrity, professionalism, and above all, respect for human life.

As this investigation unfolds, the nation awaits the outcome, holding in the balance not just the futures of the accused SAS soldiers but also Britain’s reputation in how it conducts its military operations overseas.

Image Credit: Marek Studzinski / Unsplash

In escalating developments, Yemen has vowed to expand its military operations, using naval missiles and drone technology, against aggressors until violence ceases and the encirclement of Gaza Strip is lifted, according to Yemen’s Houthi forces. This move aligns with global calls to support Palestinians enduring aggression and impoverishment, and comes in the wake of a series of US-British strikes on Hodeidah.

Houthis’ Al Masirah TV detailed the sixth raid in a matter of hours, propelled by US-British forces on the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. Consistent air strikes, reportedly targeting the Al-Jabbana and Ras Issa areas, have provoked staunch resistance from Houthi-controlled territories.

In retaliation, the Yemeni armed forces have turned the tables by aiming naval-based missile technology and drones at two American warship destroyers stationed in the Red Sea. This aggressive stance is part and parcel of Yemen’s broader commitment to continue operations until external tensions ease and the stringent Gaza Strip siege concludes.

The deeply ingrained conflict in Yemen shows no sign of slowing down, with the ongoing raids on Hodeidah serving as a stark reminder of the entrenched tensions between the Houthi forces and their Western-backed opponents. However, the Yemeni forces’ decision to step up operations until an armistice is achieved and the Gaza Strip’s isolation ends adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught scenario.

The pledge by Yemen’s armed forces represents a significant development in the tormented socio-political landscape of the Middle East. A recurring theme throughout the conflict has been the plight of the Palestinian people, and Yemen’s retaliatory actions mirror the international outcry for greater support for Palestinians facing ongoing hardship and deprivation.

While the immediate focus remains the winding down of hostilities and the lifting of the Gaza siege, the wider implications of Yemen’s amplified involvement cannot be overlooked. Prolonged unrest in the region can worsen an already troubling humanitarian crisis, potentially displacing more people and exacerbating privation among those caught in the conflict.

With Yemen poised to enhance their retaliatory operations and the deadly circle of violence showing no immediate signs of letting up, the future remains uncertain for those caught in the crossfire. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, with urgent calls for deescalation and a shift towards diplomacy growing ever louder.

As was reported last month by Al Masirah TV, Yemen’s response comes in the aftermath of repeated US-British raids on Hodeidah. The Western operations further inflame a volatile region already riddled with humanitarian crises and deep-seated socio-political issues. However, as Yemen’s statement suggests, there is also a sense of solidarity with the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, as they endure the dual hardships of aerial bombardment and economic isolation.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the implications of Yemen’s ongoing conflict echo far beyond its borders. It is another sobering reminder of the turmoil in the Middle East, where war and political instability create a humanitarian catastrophe affecting millions of innocent lives. The path toward resolution remains fraught with challenges, and it seems that Yemen is prepared to escalate its operations until broader regional issues, such as those affecting the Gaza Strip, are addressed comprehensively.

Kuwait’s High Court of Cassation has officially designated Lebanon’s Hezbollah as a “forbidden and criminal group” under national law. The court accused Hezbollah of orchestrating plans to destabilise Kuwait with the aim of instituting an Iranian-style republic in the country. This landmark decision clarifies the legal standing of Hezbollah, a matter contested by individuals accused of espionage on behalf of the group.

The High Court’s definitive ruling transpired in the context of convicting three Kuwaiti nationals for espionage on behalf of Hezbollah, overturning their previous acquittal. However, the court refrained from imposing a specific punishment, instead mandating them to adhere to “good conduct,” a legal term stipulating their obligation to abstain from involvement in similar unlawful activities. Nevertheless, the court underscored that affiliating with Hezbollah and collaborating with its agenda constitutes a punishable offence under the law.

The trial, centred on three Kuwaiti citizens and one Lebanese national, revolves around allegations levied by the State Security apparatus regarding their financial support to Hezbollah-linked entities and the transmission of funds and donations to them. Initially adjudicated in the Court of Appeals in late 2023, the three defendants received acquittal. However, subsequent appeals against the appellate court’s decision prompted a rehearing by the High Court of Cassation. The Court, in its final verdict issued on Thursday, overturned the earlier acquittal and reconvicted the Lebanese and Kuwaiti nationals involved in the case.

This judicial pronouncement reflects Kuwait’s steadfast stance against activities deemed detrimental to its national security and sovereignty. By categorising Hezbollah as a “forbidden and criminal group,” Kuwait reinforces its commitment to combatting threats posed by entities seeking to undermine its stability and territorial integrity. The court’s decision also serves to underscore the severity of involvement with organisations like Hezbollah, emphasising the legal consequences individuals face for supporting or collaborating with such groups.

The ramifications of this ruling extend beyond the confines of Kuwait’s borders, resonating regionally and internationally. It sends a clear message regarding Kuwait’s intolerance towards organisations espousing ideologies or engaging in activities inconsistent with its laws and values. Moreover, the designation of Hezbollah as a prohibited entity under Kuwaiti law aligns with broader efforts to counter the proliferation of extremism and safeguard against external influences seeking to subvert the country’s socio-political fabric.

For Lebanon, the court’s verdict underscores the potential repercussions of associations with groups like Hezbollah, both domestically and abroad. It highlights the imperative for Lebanese authorities to address concerns raised by neighbouring countries regarding Hezbollah’s alleged involvement in destabilising activities. Failure to do so could exacerbate tensions and strain diplomatic relations, jeopardising Lebanon’s standing in the international community.

In a broader context, the ruling underscores the complexities of navigating regional dynamics characterised by competing interests and ideological divides. It underscores the need for constructive dialogue and concerted efforts to address underlying grievances and foster mutual understanding and cooperation among nations. Moreover, it underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the sovereignty of states in addressing transnational challenges and promoting regional stability.

Moving forward, the court’s decision is likely to inform Kuwait’s policies and actions concerning Hezbollah and similar organisations. It underscores the necessity of vigilance in safeguarding against threats to national security and reinforces Kuwait’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving its sovereignty. Moreover, it sends a resolute message to individuals and entities contemplating involvement in activities deemed detrimental to Kuwait’s interests, underscoring the legal consequences and the uncompromising stance of the judiciary in upholding the country’s laws and values.

In the tumultuous landscape of the Middle East, Syria has long been a battleground for regional and international powers vying for influence and control. While Russia and Iran have historically held significant sway in the region, a new player has emerged onto the scene – China. With its economic prowess and strategic interests, China could potentially reshape the dynamics of power in Syria and the wider Middle East.

Russia and Iran have been pivotal in supporting the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad during the brutal civil war that has ravaged the country since 2011. Russia, with its military intervention starting in 2015, provided crucial support to Assad’s forces, helping to turn the tide of the conflict in his favor. Iran, through its support for Hezbollah and various Shiite militias, has also played a key role in bolstering Assad’s regime and countering opposition forces.

However, China’s approach to the Syrian crisis differs significantly from that of Russia and Iran. While Russia and Iran have primarily focused on military intervention and supporting the regime, China has opted for a more nuanced approach, emphasizing economic cooperation and reconstruction efforts.

One of China’s key interests in Syria lies in the establishment of trade routes that connect Iran to the Mediterranean through Syria. These trade routes, often referred to as the “Silk Road,” hold immense economic potential for China, allowing it to access markets in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. By investing in Syria’s infrastructure and reconstruction projects, China aims to solidify its position as a major player in the global economy while also exerting influence in the region.

The significance of these trade routes cannot be overstated. They not only offer economic opportunities for China but also serve as a means of bypassing traditional maritime routes, reducing dependency on potentially vulnerable sea lanes such as the Strait of Malacca. This strategic diversification of trade routes aligns with China’s broader geopolitical ambitions of securing its energy supplies and asserting its influence on the global stage.

Moreover, China’s involvement in Syria complements its broader foreign policy objectives, particularly its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BRI, unveiled by President Xi Jinping in 2013, seeks to enhance connectivity and cooperation among countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe through infrastructure development and trade linkages. By investing in Syria’s reconstruction, China not only contributes to the stabilization of the region but also advances its own strategic interests under the guise of promoting economic development and connectivity.

While China’s engagement in Syria may appear primarily economic in nature, it also carries significant geopolitical implications. By establishing closer ties with the Syrian regime, China undermines Western efforts to isolate Assad diplomatically and economically. As Western powers grapple with the complexities of the Syrian conflict, China’s pragmatic approach offers an alternative narrative that prioritizes stability and economic development over regime change and intervention.

Furthermore, China’s growing presence in the Middle East challenges the traditional hegemony of Western powers in the region. As the United States gradually disengages from the Middle East and focuses its attention elsewhere, China senses an opportunity to fill the void and assert its influence. By cultivating strategic partnerships with countries like Syria, China seeks to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East in its own image.

However, China’s rise as a new player in the Syrian game of influence and control is not without challenges and risks. The complex and volatile nature of the Syrian conflict presents numerous obstacles to China’s ambitions, including security concerns, political instability, and competing interests among regional actors.

Moreover, China’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy may encounter resistance from Western powers, particularly the United States and its allies, who view China’s growing influence with suspicion and apprehension. As China expands its footprint in the Middle East, it must navigate carefully to avoid exacerbating existing tensions and conflicts in the region.

In conclusion, China’s emergence as a new player in the Syrian game of influence and control signifies a paradigm shift in the geopolitics of the Middle East. With its emphasis on economic cooperation and reconstruction, China offers a fresh perspective that challenges traditional power dynamics dominated by Russia and Iran. As China deepens its engagement in Syria and the wider region, the geopolitical landscape is poised for further transformation, with far-reaching implications for global security and stability.

Image Credit: Hosein Charbaghi / Unsplash

The March edition of the US State Department’s magazine delved into the bilateral relations between the US and Morocco in its “Post of the Month” article.

The feature article reflected on the long-established bilateral connections between the two nations, underscoring the US commitment to enhancing cooperation with Morocco across all spheres.

Emphasizing its geopolitical significance, the magazine underscored Morocco’s pivotal role as a gateway to both Africa and Europe.

“Given its proximity to neighbouring Spain, which lies just 8 miles north of Tangier across the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco is a vital portal between Africa and Europe,” the magazine noted, highlighting the North African nation’s rich cultural diversity and traditions.

The State magazine also cited statements from diplomats, including the current US ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, who expressed the country’s robust cooperation and partnership with the US.

“Morocco is proud to stand with us… I think it’s critical that we devote time, energy, and attention to our friends and see how we can advance areas of mutual interest, as well as work with them on the challenges we face,” Talwar remarked.

David Fisher, Political Counsellor at the US embassy in Rabat, also weighed in on the bilateral ties between the two countries, noting the political stability prevalent in the North African nation.

“You won’t find any other country in Africa that’s as stable and as reliable an ally as Morocco,” Fisher asserted.

The US is among the nations that acknowledge Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.

Former US President Donald Trump signed the proclamation recognising Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in December 2020.

“It’s a real pleasure working here knowing that we’re contributing to furthering and continuing to build our alliance with one of America’s oldest friends, partners, and allies that dates back to the founding of our own nation,” Trump expressed.

The magazine article also underscored the significance of cooperation between the two countries in terms of security and counterterrorism.

Describing Morocco as one of the largest non-NATO allies to the US, the magazine highlighted that the North African country plays a “pivotal role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.”

This is evident in Morocco’s hosting of joint military exercises with American troops annually.

The military collaboration includes the African Lion, the largest military drill that Morocco has hosted for over 18 years.

“There are more than 100 U.S.-Moroccan military engagements over a year. African Lion just gets most of the attention because it’s the largest,” Fisher commented on this matter.

He described Morocco as a “real beacon of stability.”

Thousands rallied outside the Prime Minister’s office in Tunis on Saturday, protesting the worsening living standards, spurred by a call from Tunisia’s main trade union confederation.

Noureddine Taboubi, the head of the confederation, addressed the protesters, highlighting the deepening economic and social challenges. “The economic and social situation continues to deteriorate,” he declared.

Taboubi pointed out that in 2023, the state’s ability to manage its foreign debt had directly impacted the people, leading to shortages of essential goods. He criticised the prioritisation of “diktats from the International Monetary Fund” (IMF) over the welfare of ordinary Tunisians.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, the Tunisian economy stagnated, showing a mere 0.4 percent growth in 2023, while the unemployment rate soared to 16.4 percent. This marked a significant increase from the 15.2 percent unemployment rate recorded at the end of 2022.

Since his power grab in July 2021, President Kais Saied has governed by decree. Last year, he pushed through a constitution granting his office sweeping powers while significantly diminishing the role of parliament.

Amidst a severe economic downturn, Tunisia secured a two billion dollar loan facility from the IMF in October 2022. However, the disbursement of loan tranches stalled as the president refused to implement reforms demanded by the IMF.

In the intricate dance of geopolitics, Egypt finds itself delicately poised between the gravitational pulls of Western and Eastern superpowers. Its strategic location, historical ties, and economic dependencies make it a pivotal player in the global arena. Yet, as the tides of international relations ebb and flow, Egypt faces the challenge of balancing its alliances, safeguarding its security, and satisfying the needs of its populace.

At the heart of Egypt’s diplomatic calculus lies its dependency on Russian wheat. As the world’s largest importer of this strategic commodity, Egypt’s reliance on Russian and Ukrainian wheat underscores its vulnerability to shifts in global dynamics. The conflict in Ukraine served as a stark reminder of the fragility of Egypt’s food security. With traditional suppliers facing turmoil, Cairo turned to Moscow and other nations to secure its wheat needs. This dependency not only highlights Egypt’s susceptibility to external forces but also underscores the intricate web of interdependence that characterizes modern geopolitics.

Simultaneously, Egypt navigates the treacherous waters of American security ties. Historically, Egypt has been a key ally of the United States in the Middle East, receiving significant military aid and assistance. However, the dynamics of this relationship have been marked by periods of tension and divergence, particularly in the aftermath of political upheavals such as the Arab Spring. The ousting of President Mohamed Morsi and the subsequent crackdown on dissent strained relations between Cairo and Washington, prompting Egypt to explore alternative alliances.

Enter Russia – a longstanding player in Egypt’s political calculus. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s overtures towards Moscow reflect Cairo’s strategic realignment in response to shifting global dynamics. The inauguration of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, financed primarily by Russia, symbolizes the deepening ties between the two nations. As Egypt seeks to diversify its alliances and reduce its reliance on traditional partners, Moscow emerges as a formidable player in its quest for strategic autonomy.

The recent inclusion of Egypt in the BRICS economic bloc signifies a bold step towards economic diversification and independence. By embracing alternative frameworks outside the traditional Western-dominated order, Cairo seeks to assert its sovereignty and insulate itself from external pressures. The BRICS membership offers Egypt access to new markets, investment opportunities, and avenues for cooperation, providing a counterbalance to the hegemony of Western institutions.

Yet, Egypt’s diplomatic tightrope walk is not without its perils. The spectre of internal dissent looms large, exacerbated by economic instability and social unrest. The country’s burgeoning population, coupled with soaring inflation and unemployment rates, poses a formidable challenge to its leadership. As the gap between the haves and have-nots widens, Egypt grapples with the urgent imperative of addressing socio-economic inequalities and ensuring inclusive growth.

Moreover, Egypt’s delicate balancing act comes under scrutiny in the wake of global conflicts and crises. The Russian invasion of Ukraine sends shockwaves across the international stage, testing Cairo’s resolve and resilience. As pressure mounts from Western powers to condemn Moscow’s actions, Egypt finds itself at a crossroads, torn between loyalty to its traditional allies and the imperative of preserving its strategic interests.

In the face of mounting challenges, Egypt must chart a course that safeguards its sovereignty, enhances its security, and promotes the well-being of its citizens. A nuanced approach that balances competing interests and leverages diverse partnerships is essential to navigate the complex currents of international relations. By fostering dialogue, promoting cooperation, and pursuing policies that advance its national interests, Egypt can assert its agency on the world stage and carve out a distinct role in the evolving global order.

In conclusion, Egypt’s position as a linchpin in the geopolitical landscape underscores the complexities of contemporary diplomacy. Caught between Western and Eastern superpowers, dependent on Russian wheat, American security ties, and grappling with internal challenges, Egypt stands at a critical juncture in its history. As it seeks to navigate the turbulent waters of global politics, Egypt must forge a path that reflects its aspirations, values, and interests, ensuring a future of stability, prosperity, and dignity for its people.

Image credit: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Saudi Arabia has implemented new regulations ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced a ban on iftar meals inside mosques, citing concerns about cleanliness. Instead, imams and muezzins are instructed to find suitable locations for iftar in the mosque courtyards.

The government’s notice emphasized that no temporary rooms or tents should be set up for iftar purposes. Additionally, mosque officials are prohibited from collecting financial donations for iftar projects for fasting individuals.

Alongside the ban on iftar meals inside mosques, the use of cameras and photography within mosque premises is discouraged. Furthermore, prayers are not to be broadcast on any form of media, including online platforms.

Ramadan, the holy month, is scheduled to begin on March 10 and conclude by April 9 this year.

These measures are designed to ensure cleanliness and uphold the sanctity of mosques during Ramadan. The move reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining religious practices while addressing practical concerns.

In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan holds significant cultural and religious importance. It is a time for fasting, prayer, reflection, and community gatherings. Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset, is often shared with family, friends, and communities.

Mosques play a central role during Ramadan, hosting prayers and community events. However, concerns about cleanliness and hygiene have prompted the government to implement these new regulations.

By prohibiting iftar meals inside mosques, officials aim to prevent potential cleanliness issues that may arise from eating within the premises. Instead, offering iftar meals in mosque courtyards provides a more suitable environment while maintaining the spirit of communal dining.

The ban on collecting financial donations for iftar projects aims to ensure transparency and prevent any misuse of funds. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to accountability and fairness in religious practices.

In addition to the ban on iftar meals inside mosques, restrictions on photography and media broadcasts during Ramadan demonstrate a desire to preserve the sanctity of religious spaces. These measures align with cultural sensitivities and religious traditions in Saudi Arabia.

As the holy month approaches, Muslims around the world prepare for a period of spiritual renewal and devotion. Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. The regulations introduced by the Saudi Arabian government seek to facilitate these practices while addressing practical considerations.

While some may view these measures as restrictive, they reflect a broader commitment to maintaining religious traditions and cultural values. As the world evolves, religious communities must navigate challenges while preserving their core beliefs and practices.

In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan is a time of unity and reflection, bringing people together in worship and community. The government’s efforts to ensure cleanliness and uphold religious practices during this sacred time reflect a commitment to serving the needs of its citizens.

As Muslims prepare to observe Ramadan, they will adapt to these new regulations while continuing to embrace the spirit of the holy month. In doing so, they reaffirm their commitment to faith, community, and shared values.

Pakistan’s most recent elections were anticipated to usher in a period of much-needed stability. The nation grappled with crippling inflation and deep political divisions, prompting hopes for a government capable of addressing these pressing issues. However, the outcome was far from decisive, yielding a minority government—a shaky coalition displaying uncertainty regarding its mandate.

Following the elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) under Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership announced their intention to form a government. However, the PPP opted out of participating, resulting in an uneasy alliance that bore semblance to a forced partnership.

The military, often referred to as the “establishment,” wielded its influence during the elections, employing familiar tactics to shape the outcome. Despite efforts to manipulate the process, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the largest party.

Imran Khan’s ascent to power has been characterised by his portrayal as a crusader against corruption. Refusing to align with other parties, he opted to sit in opposition, orchestrating campaigns from his prison cell during previous incarcerations.

His party’s victory, despite his imprisonment, underscores a defiance against establishment interference. Khan’s opponents, apprehensive of his political acumen, sought to diminish his influence, yet his supporters remained steadfast.

Imran Khan’s leadership style is marked by agitation and confrontation. He has accused the US and domestic adversaries of conspiring against him and has a history of contesting election results and staging protests.

The current government, dubbed a “coalition of losers,” faces reluctance to govern owing to economic challenges and the military’s increasing sway.

Imran Khan’s time behind bars has not tempered his resolve; he remains a popular and unyielding figure, unwilling to compromise his principles or confrontational approach.

In summary, Pakistan’s recent elections have produced a fragile government, with Imran Khan’s PTI emerging as a dominant force despite challenges and attempts to suppress its influence.


The recent elections in Pakistan were highly anticipated, with the hopes of bringing much-needed stability to the nation. Pakistan grappled with severe inflation and deep political divisions, prompting a collective desire for a government capable of addressing these pressing issues. However, the outcome proved to be far from decisive, resulting in a minority government—a shaky coalition displaying uncertainty regarding its mandate.

After the elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (N), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), under Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership, announced their intention to form a government. However, the PPP opted out of participating, resulting in an uneasy alliance that bore semblance to a forced partnership.

The military, often referred to as the “establishment,” exerted its influence during the elections, employing familiar tactics to shape the outcome. Despite efforts to manipulate the process, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the largest party.

Imran Khan’s rise to power has been characterised by his portrayal as a crusader against corruption. Refusing to align with other parties, he opted to sit in opposition, orchestrating campaigns from his prison cell during previous incarcerations.

His party’s victory, despite his imprisonment, underscores a defiance against establishment interference. Khan’s opponents, apprehensive of his political acumen, sought to diminish his influence, yet his supporters remained steadfast.

Imran Khan’s leadership style is marked by agitation and confrontation. He has accused the US and domestic adversaries of conspiring against him and has a history of contesting election results and staging protests.

The current government, dubbed a “coalition of losers,” faces reluctance to govern owing to economic challenges and the military’s increasing sway.

Imran Khan’s time behind bars has not tempered his resolve; he remains a popular and unyielding figure, unwilling to compromise his principles or confrontational approach.

In summary, Pakistan’s recent elections have produced a fragile government, with Imran Khan’s PTI emerging as a dominant force despite challenges and attempts to suppress its influence.

Image credit: Baderkhan Ahmad/AP

Local officials in north-eastern Syria have reported a series of Turkish drone strikes on Wednesday that resulted in casualties in a Kurdish-controlled town near the border with Turkey.

In contrast to previous attacks by Turkey, which often targeted Syrian Kurdish fighters, the strikes on Wednesday claimed the lives of three members of a local Christian militia. Additionally, two others were wounded in the Turkish drone strikes on the town of Derik in north-eastern Syria.

Turkey has remained silent regarding these recent attacks. However, it has been consistently targeting areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led military alliance that has been a significant partner for the United States in combating Islamic State group militants.

In recent months, Turkey’s attacks have escalated. Turkey perceives the SDF as an extension of the PKK, which Ankara and Washington both classify as a terrorist organization. Nevertheless, the United States draws a distinction between the two Kurdish groups.

Turkey’s strategic objective involves establishing a buffer zone to deprive the PKK of bases abroad and to prevent the emergence of a contiguous area of autonomous Kurdish rule across borders, which could fuel demands for an independent state, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

The Christian group targeted by Turkey on Wednesday is known as Sutoro, a local security force affiliated with the Syriac Military Council, which in turn is part of the SDF. Founded in 2012 during Syria’s civil war, Sutoro allied with Kurdish forces to safeguard Christians and other communities in north-eastern Syria from various armed groups.

Kurdish officials emphasize that Christian representation within the SDF highlights the diversity of north-eastern Syria and its autonomous administration.

The autonomous administration was established in 2014, with Christian groups among the first to join the SDF in 2015. They consider themselves genuine partners in governing and safeguarding this part of Syria, according to Farhad Shami, a spokesperson for the SDF.

Christians constituted approximately 10% of Syria’s pre-war population of 23 million. However, many have fled the country since the conflict erupted in 2011, particularly after the rise of Islamist extremist groups.

Experts note that Christian forces in north-eastern Syria have played a pivotal role in combating IS, also known as ISIS.

The Syriac Security Forces (Sutoro) demonstrated remarkable bravery in 2015 by repelling ISIS and preventing a massacre of Christians in the Khabur River Valley, remarked Myles B. Caggins III, a non-resident senior fellow at the New Lines Institute and former spokesperson for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Cross-border attacks by Turkey on military targets and civilian infrastructure exacerbate suffering throughout northeastern Syria and undermine efforts to combat IS remnants, Caggins added.

US troops have provided training and guidance to anti-ISIS forces affiliated with the Syriac Military Council. Caggins lamented the unjust killings of America’s partners in north-eastern Syria due to Turkish attacks.

According to the Rojava Information Centre, a pro-Kurdish monitoring group in Syria, Turkey has conducted 76 drone strikes in the northeast since the beginning of the year.

Last year, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the objective of such attacks was to dismantle the organizational infrastructure and revenue sources of “terrorist organizations,” referring to Kurdish groups and their allies.

However, Amy Austin Holmes, a research professor at George Washington University, argued that Syrian Christian armed groups and their Kurdish allies do not pose a threat to Turkey. On the contrary, they enhance Turkey’s security by defeating ISIS and safeguarding its southern border from other threats.

Image Credit: Mahmoud Sulaiman/ Unsplash

Neom has announced that it is undertaking the world’s most extensive earthworks operation, with contractors moving 2 million cubic meters of earth per week to construct the Line, a linear city in the Saudi Arabian desert.

The project’s promoter, Neom, provided a video update on construction activities, stating that foundation work on the 170-kilometer-long city is advancing rapidly.

Approximately 260 excavators and 2,000 trucks are operating around the clock to lay the city’s foundations, which is part of the £414 billion Neom project in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk province.

Denis Hickey, the Line’s chief development officer, remarked in the update, “The energy within Saudi Arabia at the moment is incredible.” He added, “We have done a lot of the foundation work literally and figuratively.”

Neom also claims that the world’s largest piling operation is underway on the Line.

Last year, Middle East business magazine MEED reported that 4,500 piles had been driven as part of the foundation works on the Line, with work reaching a peak of more than 60 piles a day.

Keller has been carrying out foundation work on the Neom desert scheme following the signing of an umbrella framework agreement in the summer of 2022.

Other contractors involved in the piling works include Al-Osais, Bauer subsidiaries, NSCC, Power China, and Trevi Group. Bachy Soletanche, Huta, and Saudi Baytur are also part of the framework agreement, according to MEED.

Jacobs and Jasara, along with Atkins, are providing project and construction management consultancy.

Aecom is responsible for the transport and utilities backbone infrastructure, including environmental and geotechnical support, for the full Neom development, while Bechtel is providing design, construction, and project management services.

Recent progress continues despite Keller noting delays with piling at the Line in a trading update for the third quarter of 2023.

Keller stated that piling had been delayed and that it was “taking steps to redeploy resources in the short term.” It also mentioned an “evolution of the design, which in turn has delayed further work orders.”

The first phase of the Line is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

Image credit: NEOM/ unsplash

Iranian election officials are currently engaged in the meticulous process of tallying votes cast during Friday’s parliamentary election. Unofficial reports circulating suggest that this election has witnessed the lowest turnout since the 1979 Islamic revolution, marking a notable moment in Iran’s political landscape.

The election comes against the backdrop of widespread protests triggered by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, while in police custody back in 2022. Amini’s death catalysed a wave of demonstrations across the country, serving as a poignant reminder of the tensions simmering beneath the surface of Iranian society.

Adding to the complexities of the electoral landscape is the decision by a number of reformists to boycott the election, citing pervasive hardships and disillusionment with the political process. This boycott has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes, raising questions about representation and the inclusivity of Iran’s democratic institutions.

Preliminary results filtering through indicate a significant showing by conservative factions, with reports suggesting that they have secured a substantial number of Tehran’s 30 parliamentary seats. Such developments underscore the enduring influence of conservative forces within Iranian politics, despite periodic challenges from reformist and moderate camps.

It is important to note that Friday’s electoral proceedings encompassed not only the parliamentary election but also the concurrent selection of members for the Assembly of Experts. This assembly, comprising 88 Islamic clerics, holds the weighty responsibility of appointing Iran’s supreme leader, the preeminent figure in the country’s political and religious hierarchy.

Against the backdrop of mounting international sanctions, economic turmoil, and sporadic outbreaks of violence, Iran finds itself grappling with a myriad of internal and external challenges. The confluence of these factors has undoubtedly shaped the contours of the electoral landscape, influencing voter sentiment and participation levels across the country.

With over 61.2 million eligible voters, the Iranian electorate represents a diverse tapestry of voices, opinions, and aspirations. However, despite the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s impassioned plea for citizens to exercise their civic duty, many Iranians remain ambivalent, torn between participating in a flawed system and boycotting it altogether.

The spectre of the COVID-19 pandemic looms large over this electoral cycle, with the 2020 parliamentary election witnessing a turnout of 42.57%, officially the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Early indications suggest that the current election may see a further dip in voter participation, reflecting a broader sense of disenchantment and disengagement from the political process.

In particular, turnout in the capital, Tehran, is expected to be markedly low, signaling a profound sense of disillusionment among urban voters. State-linked polling agencies have projected a turnout of around 41% for the parliamentary elections, a figure that, if accurate, would represent the lowest participation rate in over a decade.

The arduous task of counting and verifying ballots is currently underway, with election officials working tirelessly to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. Despite the challenges posed by manual vote tallying, some preliminary results have already begun to emerge, offering glimpses into the evolving political landscape.

According to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, a significant portion of the Assembly of Experts results for major cities has been tabulated, shedding light on the composition of this influential body. Notably, current President Ebrahim Raisi has secured reelection to the assembly, further consolidating his political stature within the Iranian establishment.

Additionally, initial reports indicate that approximately 50 of the 290 parliamentary seats have been officially declared by select city councils. However, the final outcome of the elections remains shrouded in uncertainty, with the full picture expected to crystallize in the coming days.

Amidst the unfolding electoral drama, analysts and observers alike remain keenly attuned to the broader implications of voter turnout and political participation. A low turnout, they contend, would serve as a stark indictment of Iran’s political elite, reflecting a deep-seated disillusionment with the status quo and a yearning for meaningful change.

Against this backdrop, the Supreme Leader’s exhortation for Iranians to cast their ballots carries profound significance, underscoring the stakes at play in this pivotal moment of Iran’s political trajectory. As the nation awaits the final verdict of the electoral process, the eyes of the world are fixed on Tehran, awaiting the dawn of a new chapter in Iran’s storied history.

The Saudi Ministry of Tourism announced today that Saudi Arabia has achieved a remarkable milestone by welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023, surpassing its 2030 target seven years ahead of schedule. This achievement has positioned Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination and underscores its emergence as a tourism powerhouse on the world stage. Encouraged by this success, the Kingdom now aims to attract 150 million tourists by the year 2030.

Both the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have extended their congratulations to Saudi Arabia for exceeding one of its key objectives outlined in the SaudiVision2030 initiative. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the collaborative efforts, innovative strategies, and clear vision for the future that Saudi Arabia has demonstrated in the tourism sector.

The ministry revealed that the total number of tourists, comprising both domestic and international visitors, reached 106.2 million in 2023. This marks a substantial 56 per cent increase over the figures recorded in 2019 and a notable 12 per cent surge compared to 2022. Specifically, international tourists numbered 27.4 million, reflecting a 56 per cent increase over 2019 and a remarkable 65 per cent rise compared to 2022.

Saudi Arabia’s achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023 has been hailed by UNWTO as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a forward-looking vision. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey towards attracting 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Kingdom, celebrating its successes, and advocating for a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive global tourism sector.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that both international and domestic tourists collectively spent more than 250 billion Saudi riyals ($67 billion) in 2023, contributing over 4 per cent to the Kingdom’s total GDP and 7 per cent to its non-oil GDP.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb attributed the significant increase in tourist numbers to the National Tourism Strategy launched five years ago. He emphasized that the tourism ecosystem continues to align with the national tourism strategy, focusing on developing diverse tourist destinations, enriching visitor experiences, and enhancing hospitality facilities and services for both local and international tourists.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s achievement of surpassing 100 million tourists in 2023 represents a historic milestone and a significant step towards establishing itself as a global tourism hub. With ambitious targets set for the future, Saudi Arabia is poised to further enhance its position in the global tourism landscape while contributing to the sustainable development of the sector.

With the focus of much of the world on the turmoil unfolding in Gaza, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin continues to extend his country’s influence in Africa.

Russia, through the private military contractor (PMC) Wagner, has been increasingly present in Libya since at least 2018. Initially reported to be training troops under renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar, leader of the Libyan National Army, Wagner’s future in Libya and Africa became uncertain after the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former Putin ally, following his failed coup in Russia last year.

Russia operates several PMCs, but none is believed to be as closely connected to the Kremlin or deployed as extensively as Wagner. With minimal cost to the Kremlin, Wagner has gained significant financial, military, and political influence across parts of Libya and Africa.

The Kremlin was unlikely to disband Wagner, despite its rebellion last year. Instead, after Prigozhin’s demise, his commercial and military interests were reportedly divided among Russia’s various intelligence services, according to a report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

Like other PMCs, such as the United States’ Constellis (formerly Blackwater), Wagner allows its government to engage in overseas conflicts indirectly, projecting power while maintaining deniability. This distance enables PMCs to operate beyond the traditional confines of state warfare, engaging in terror campaigns and disinformation.

Command of Wagner’s overseas presence has been transferred to Russia’s military intelligence (GRU), specifically under General Andrei Averyanov. Through intermediate PMCs like Convoy and Redut, Wagner’s operations have expanded, including in Ukraine, where it operates under the name Volunteer Corps.

Wagner initially aimed to build a force of 40,000 contractors across Africa, although this number has since been reduced. General Averyanov’s previous command of Unit 29155, responsible for foreign assassinations and destabilization in Europe, indicates the extent of his ambition.

Africa, rich in minerals and energy, is experiencing a demographic shift that could alter global dynamics. Libya, with vast oil reserves and gold deposits, holds strategic importance due to its geographic location.

Averyanov’s visits to various African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Niger, have focused on offering resources in exchange for security.

In Libya, Russia’s oil operations are under the auspices of the internationally recognized government in Tripoli, presenting a financial burden for Haftar and his allies if they seek Wagner’s deployment.

The Expeditionary Corps, estimated to have 800 contractors in Libya and 4,600 across sub-Saharan Africa, maintains air bases facilitating movement between allies in Sudan and other regions.

Talks are ongoing to grant Russian warships docking rights in Tobruk in exchange for air defense systems and pilot training for the LNA.

Wagner’s potential expansion to 20,000 contractors, as discussed in the RUSI report, seems feasible given ongoing recruitment efforts across Africa.

However, Wagner operates in a complex Libyan landscape alongside Turkish forces allied with local commanders, countering Haftar’s advances.

Russia’s alliance with Haftar may not be guaranteed, as Moscow pursues a multipolar world strategy with regional implications, including cooperation with Turkey.

Putin’s vision extends beyond the West, aiming for a world where powers like India and China exert influence alongside Russia.

Iraq is pressing ahead with the reinforcement of its western and northern borders alongside Syria by erecting a security fence. The purpose is to halt infiltrations by Islamic State militants, other militias, and drug gangs from Syrian territories into Iraq. The Iraqi authorities anticipate completing the fortifications by the year’s end.

Initiated in 2018, the construction of the 160-kilometre-long security wall spans the Anbar and Ninawa governorates, areas still grappling with infiltrations and drug trafficking from Syria.

Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, informed Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, The New Arab’s Arabic language sister publication, that the efforts to secure the western and northern international borders with Syria will persist until year-end. The security measures encompass a security wall, tunnels, and a series of fortifications to thwart infiltration operations from Syrian territories into Iraq.

Al-Khafaji affirmed Iraq’s commitment to completing the border fortification and security operations by the end of the current year. The comprehensive security approach involves constructing a cement wall, digging trenches measuring 3 meters in width and depth, installing barbed wire, erecting observation towers, and deploying border guard units alongside units of the Iraqi army. These measures aim to prevent ISIS militants from infiltrating the borders from the Syrian side and to curb organised crime and smuggling operations.

The Iraqi Ministries of Defence and Interior, in collaboration with the Joint Operations Command, are actively constructing concrete barriers along the border strip from the northwest in Ninawa Governorate. Specifically, the towns of Rabia and Sinjar, opposite Al-Hasakah Governorate in Syria, are focal points. The barriers are strategically placed in the most challenging and rugged areas, extending from the Fishkhabour crossing to the Gilbarat area.

The Islamic State group declared a self-styled caliphate in a significant portion of territory in Syria and Iraq that it seized in 2014. Despite its defeat in Iraq in 2017 after a three-year battle and in Syria in 2019, its sleeper cells persist in both countries.

Hatem Al-Filahi, a military expert, analyst, and researcher at the Rassam Centre for Studies, cast doubt on achieving complete security control over the border strip between Iraq and Syria. The length of the border, exceeding 600 kilometres, coupled with the limitations of Iraqi border guard forces, poses challenges. Threats emanate not only from ISIS but also from the PKK and armed factions with ties to Iran, complicating comprehensive border control efforts.

Over the past two decades, the Iraqi-Syrian borders have been plagued by infiltration operations by armed groups, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as smuggling and seizure operations by various armed groups along the border areas with Iraq.

Seven women were killed by their partners or ex-partners across Turkey on Tuesday, as reported by the television station Habertürk.

“In total, seven women were savagely killed in İzmir, Bursa, Sakarya, Erzurum, Denizli, and Istanbul,” Habertürk reported, listing the country’s major cities.

“The suspects were either their current spouses or spouses from whom they were separated,” said the broadcaster, which listed the names of the victims with their photographs on its website.

The women, aged between 32 and 49, were shot or stabbed to death. At least three of the assailants took their own lives, two were arrested, and one who was wounded while being detained later died.

The fate of the seventh, who had escaped prison to kill his wife, remains unclear.

In 2023, the women’s rights NGO We Will Stop Femicide recorded 315 murders of women, 65% of whom were killed in their own homes. An additional 248 cases of “suspicious deaths”, described as “suicide” by authorities, have been attributed to a third party by feminist groups, which note the rise of defenestration incidents in Turkey.

The country withdrew in 2021 from the Istanbul Convention, the Council of Europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence which requires authorities to investigate and punish violence against women.

“In 15 years, the only year when the number of femicides decreased was in 2011, the year which the Istanbul Convention was adopted,” the NGO said.

A lawsuit filed against We Will Stop Femicide by the Istanbul prosecutor in 2022 over alleged “immoral activities” was dropped last September.

The Taliban in Afghanistan carried out yet another public execution on Monday, sentencing a man charged with murder to death, in defiance of international calls to halt the “inhuman” punishments. This marked the third public execution within a week.

According to the Taliban Supreme Court’s announcement, the execution occurred at a sports stadium in Sheberghan, the capital of the northern Afghan province of Jowzjan. Government officials, judicial figures, and residents were reportedly among the spectators.

The individual executed had been found guilty of fatally stabbing a young man in 2022. The statement revealed that he had undergone trials in three Islamic courts and subsequent appellate tribunals before the judicial “order of retaliation was issued and approved” in accordance with Sharia law.

The punishment was implemented following the examination and endorsement of the ruling by the Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, the court stated.

Last Thursday, the fundamentalist authorities conducted a double public execution at a football stadium in the southeast city of Ghazni, asserting that both men had been convicted of murder in separate cases.

The announcement sparked outrage from the United Nations and global human rights groups, who condemned the executions as violations of international law and called for their immediate cessation.

“We oppose all executions as a violation of the right to life,” stated Amnesty International in response to the double execution, emphasizing the ongoing concerns regarding the protection of the right to a fair trial under Taliban rule.

Livia Saccardi, Amnesty International’s interim deputy regional director for South Asia, urged the international community and the U.N. to increase pressure on the Taliban to uphold international safeguards in Afghanistan.

Since regaining power in August 2021 and imposing their harsh interpretation of Islamic law, the Taliban have executed five convicted murderers and subjected several hundred others, including women, to flogging in sports stadiums.

The de facto Afghan rulers have dismissed criticism of their policies, maintaining that the criminal justice system and governance are based on Islamic principles and guidelines.

In addition to executions, the Taliban have imposed extensive restrictions on women’s rights, including education and public life. Female visitors are barred from parks and gyms, and girls are forbidden from attending school beyond the sixth grade.

The international community has refused to grant formal recognition to the Taliban administration, citing concerns about the treatment of Afghan women and other human rights issues.

Image Credit: Afdhallul Ziqri/ Unsplash

A Syrian man has tragically passed away due to gunshot wounds sustained during a protest against President Bashar Assad in the southern province of Sweida, as confirmed by a medical source and two local monitors on Wednesday.

This incident marks the first reported fatality linked to the demonstrations regarding economic conditions that had engulfed Druze-majority Sweida last year. These protests rapidly evolved into rallies against the Assad regime.

According to Suwayda 24, a local news outlet, a 52-year-old man succumbed to his injuries from gunshot wounds after security forces, stationed to guard a government building, fired upon nearby protesters.

Both a local medical source and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a group monitoring the 13-year-long conflict in Syria, have verified the occurrence of this fatality.

Reports from Suwayda 24 indicate that Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, the spiritual leader of the Druze sect, engaged with protesters on Wednesday and honoured the deceased man as a “martyr”.

Last August, Sweida witnessed mass protests spurred by soaring gasoline prices. Sweida, a province previously sheltered from the relentless violence that has plagued Syria since 2011, saw an abrupt shift in sentiments. What initially began as demonstrations against economic hardships swiftly transformed into demands for significant political reforms, with Assad being the primary target of criticism.

Throughout the province, numerous local branches of the ruling Baath party were forcibly shut down by protesters who tore down posters featuring the president and his father. This act of defiance marked a significant departure from the usual obedience observed in areas under government control.

The passing of the Syrian man underscores the intensity and gravity of the grievances voiced by the people of Sweida. Despite its relatively isolated position within the Syrian conflict, Sweida has now become a focal point for dissent against the Assad regime.

As news of the fatality reverberates across Syria, concerns mount regarding the potential escalation of tensions in Sweida and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict. The death of the protester serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to challenge the status quo in Syria.

The response of the Assad regime to the protests in Sweida remains uncertain. However, past experiences suggest a pattern of repression and crackdowns on dissent, raising fears of further violence and unrest in the region.

International observers and human rights organisations have condemned the use of lethal force against protesters and have called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the protester’s death.

Meanwhile, the people of Sweida mourn the loss of one of their own, a man who dared to stand up for his beliefs in the face of adversity. As they continue to demand justice and accountability, the memory of the fallen protester serves as a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced in their quest for a better future.

Egypt has inked seven memoranda of understanding with international developers in the fields of green hydrogen and renewable energy in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, paving the way for a potential investment valued at approximately $40 billion over a decade, as per a statement from the cabinet released on Wednesday.

According to Planning Minister Hala al-Said, the initial phase anticipates an investment of around $12 billion, followed by an additional $29 billion earmarked for the first phase.

Over the past two years, Egypt has entered into a series of memoranda of understanding and framework agreements for the advancement of green hydrogen. The North African nation is striving to establish itself as a prominent green hydrogen and renewable energy centre, notwithstanding competition from other countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

Amid Egypt’s pursuit of green energy initiatives, the country grapples with its own economic challenges. Years of political instability, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have strained the nation’s economy.

Egypt faces issues such as high unemployment rates, inflationary pressures, and a significant budget deficit, all of which underscore the importance of attracting substantial investments, like those in green hydrogen and renewable energy, to stimulate economic growth and development.

Furthermore, Egypt’s economic landscape has been influenced by the recent escalation of tensions and conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza war, with its proximity to Egypt’s borders, has heightened security concerns and strained diplomatic relations in the region.

Egypt has been involved in mediating ceasefires and brokering peace talks, seeking to mitigate the impact of the conflict on its own stability and security. The repercussions of the Gaza war ripple beyond its borders, affecting Egypt’s geopolitical dynamics and regional stability, underscoring the need for concerted efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region.

In recent years, Egypt has actively sought foreign investment to bolster its economy and mitigate its growing debt burden. The country has implemented economic reforms and initiatives aimed at attracting foreign capital and fostering a more business-friendly environment. These efforts have yielded some success, with significant foreign investment flowing into various sectors of the Egyptian economy, including energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Moreover, Egypt has engaged with international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address its economic challenges and secure much-needed financial assistance. In 2016, Egypt entered into a three-year $12 billion IMF loan program aimed at implementing structural reforms to restore macroeconomic stability, stimulate growth, and create jobs. The IMF program included measures to reduce subsidies, streamline public spending, and improve the investment climate.

While the IMF program helped stabilise Egypt’s economy and restore investor confidence, it also necessitated tough austerity measures and fiscal tightening, which placed a strain on the population, particularly the most vulnerable segments. The reduction of subsidies, in particular, led to price increases for essential goods and services, exacerbating the financial strain on low-income households.

Despite the IMF assistance and foreign investment inflows, Egypt’s public debt has continued to rise in recent years, reaching alarming levels. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the country’s debt situation, as the government implemented measures to contain the virus and support the economy, leading to increased borrowing and fiscal deficits.

Egypt’s growing debt burden poses significant challenges to its long-term economic sustainability and fiscal stability. The government faces the daunting task of balancing the need for continued investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure and healthcare with the imperative of fiscal consolidation and debt management.

Addressing Egypt’s debt challenges will require a multi-faceted approach that combines efforts to boost revenue generation, improve public financial management, enhance debt transparency, and pursue sustainable economic growth strategies. Moreover, attracting long-term, sustainable foreign investment will be crucial to diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and reducing reliance on external borrowing. Through prudent fiscal management and strategic economic reforms, Egypt can navigate its debt challenges and lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth in the years to come.

Image Credit: Graham Carlow / Wikimedia

France’s Foreign Minister Stéphane Sejourne, on a mission to Morocco aimed at easing strained relations, reaffirmed French support for Morocco’s autonomy plan concerning the disputed Western Sahara on Monday.

The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is predominantly under Moroccan control but claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which in 2020 declared a “self-defense war” and seeks the territory’s independence. Recognized as a “non-self-governing territory” by the United Nations, the status of Western Sahara remains contentious.

“This is an existential issue for Morocco. We know it,” Sejourne emphasized during a press conference held alongside his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. Sejourne reiterated France’s unwavering support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, which advocates for limited autonomy for the vast desert region rich in phosphates and fisheries.

During his interaction with journalists, Sejourne expressed his desire to bolster Moroccan efforts in developing the region. He highlighted Morocco’s significant investments in various development projects aimed at benefiting the local population, including initiatives in renewable energies, tourism, and the sustainable utilization of ocean resources.

The visit by the French foreign minister follows a series of diplomatic tensions between Rabat and Paris, the former colonial power, which hosts a substantial Moroccan diaspora. Moroccan sentiments were particularly inflamed by President Emmanuel Macron’s pursuit of closer ties with Algeria.

Sejourne, in an attempt to foster a long-term partnership, proposed a 30-year plan with Morocco focusing on renewable energies, vocational training, and industrial development. Bourita, Morocco’s foreign minister, underscored that “France is a distinguished partner of Morocco on the political, economic, and humanitarian fronts.”

Meanwhile, the Polisario Front continues to demand a UN-supervised referendum on self-determination, a provision agreed upon in a 1991 ceasefire agreement following a 15-year conflict between the Front and Morocco. Despite the agreement, the referendum has yet to materialize.

In late 2020, former US President Donald Trump recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in exchange for Rabat’s normalization of relations with Israel. Subsequently, Morocco has intensified its diplomatic efforts to garner support from other nations.

The diplomatic landscape surrounding Western Sahara remains complex and sensitive. The competing claims of Morocco and the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continue to fuel tensions in the region. France’s reaffirmation of support for Morocco’s autonomy plan underscores its commitment to stability in North Africa.

The proposed 30-year partnership between France and Morocco reflects a strategic vision aimed at fostering sustainable development and cooperation in key sectors. Renewable energies, vocational training, and industrial development are pivotal areas that can drive economic growth and create opportunities for the region’s inhabitants.

Morocco’s proactive approach to development in Western Sahara underscores its commitment to addressing socio-economic challenges and improving the livelihoods of local communities. By investing in renewable energies and harnessing the potential of its natural resources, Morocco aims to unlock the region’s economic potential while promoting environmental sustainability.

The unresolved status of Western Sahara remains a significant obstacle to peace and stability in the region. The failure to hold the promised referendum on self-determination prolongs the uncertainty and hampers efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

As diplomatic dynamics evolve, the need for constructive dialogue and diplomatic engagement becomes increasingly apparent. France’s continued support for Morocco’s autonomy plan sends a clear signal of solidarity and commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Western Sahara issue.

In conclusion, the diplomatic overtures between France and Morocco signify a concerted effort to strengthen bilateral ties and address shared challenges. The proposed partnership holds promise for advancing mutual interests and promoting regional stability in North Africa. However, the path to lasting peace in Western Sahara requires sustained diplomatic efforts and a genuine commitment to dialogue and compromise from all parties involved.

Image credit: Farouk Batiche/AFP

Prosecutors in Germany have launched an investigation into Riad Salameh, the ex-governor of Lebanon’s central bank, over allegations of money laundering and other financial crimes. Alongside his brother and other suspects, Salameh faces charges including forgery, money laundering, and embezzlement. The Munich public prosecutor’s office confirmed the issuance of an arrest warrant for him on Tuesday.

Salameh, who held the position of central bank governor from 1993 to 2023, is under scrutiny for purportedly transferring substantial sums from Lebanon’s central bank for personal gain, at the expense of the Lebanese state. The investigation has also shed light on allegations of funds being laundered abroad, with part of the money reportedly channelled through a British Virgin Islands-based company before being invested in European real estate, notably in Germany.

In a joint effort with authorities from France and Luxembourg, German officials have seized three commercial properties in Munich and Hamburg valued at approximately 28 million euros. Additionally, shares in a Dusseldorf-based property company worth about 7 million euros have been secured.

Salameh’s tenure as central bank chief ended in July amidst mounting allegations and international scrutiny. Despite initially being celebrated for his role in Lebanon’s post-civil war reconstruction, Salameh has since faced severe criticism, both domestically and abroad, for his alleged involvement in Lebanon’s financial crisis, which began in 2019.

The crisis, marked by the devaluation of the Lebanese pound and the depletion of citizens’ savings, has led to widespread unrest and condemnation of the country’s ruling elite, including Salameh. Many financial experts attribute the crisis to decades of corruption and mismanagement within Lebanon’s political establishment.

Salameh has vehemently denied the accusations against him, insisting that his wealth stems from his previous career as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch, as well as from inherited properties and investments. However, his denials have not halted the pursuit of justice, with France issuing an arrest warrant and Interpol issuing a red notice for his apprehension.

The downfall of Salameh, once hailed as a symbol of Lebanon’s economic recovery, underscores the complexities and challenges facing the country’s financial system. The investigation into his alleged misconduct serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of financial malpractice and corruption within the highest echelons of power.

Despite the ongoing investigations and legal proceedings, Salameh remains resilient in his defence, maintaining his innocence amidst mounting pressure and scrutiny. The outcome of the investigations, both in Germany and internationally, will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding Lebanon’s financial crisis and the pursuit of accountability for those implicated in its downfall.

As Lebanon continues to grapple with the aftermath of its financial collapse, the pursuit of justice for alleged perpetrators like Salameh represents a crucial step towards restoring faith in the country’s institutions and rebuilding its shattered economy.

In conclusion, the investigation into Riad Salameh’s alleged involvement in money laundering and other financial crimes reflects a broader reckoning with corruption and mismanagement within Lebanon’s financial sector. The outcome of the investigations will have far-reaching implications for Lebanon’s future and the pursuit of accountability for those responsible for its economic turmoil.

Amidst the bustling streets of Tehran, the capital of Iran, a silent revolution brews. Three women, whose names are altered for their safety, Azad, Donya, and Bahareh, stand as symbols of defiance against the country’s entrenched theocratic regime and its stringent dress codes enforced on women for over four decades.

For these women, every step taken without the mandatory headscarf represents a daring act of rebellion against a system designed to subjugate them. Despite the looming threat of arrest, fines, or even physical punishment, they choose to defy societal norms and government mandates, driven by an unwavering desire for freedom.

Twenty-year-old music student Donya shares her apprehensions, revealing the constant fear that accompanies her daily routine. The possibility of arbitrary arrest and subsequent lashes hangs over her head like a dark cloud. Yet, she, along with Azad and Bahareh, remains resolute in her commitment to challenge the oppressive regime, even at great personal risk.

Their decision to abstain from participating in the parliamentary elections, following the government’s brutal crackdown on women-led protests triggered by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, signifies a collective refusal to legitimise a regime that tramples on basic human rights.

Azad, a 34-year-old HR manager, recounts her harrowing experiences of imprisonment, describing the anguish of solitary confinement and relentless interrogations. Despite enduring unimaginable suffering, her spirit remains unbroken, fuelled by an unwavering belief in the inevitability of change.

Bahareh, a 39-year-old reporter and film critic, reflects on the toll of her ongoing struggle against institutionalised oppression. Forced to navigate a labyrinth of restrictions and threats, she finds solace in her unwavering resolve, even as she grapples with the daily realities of discrimination and intimidation.

Their stories epitomise the quiet resilience of Iranian women, who refuse to be silenced in the face of adversity. Despite the ever-present spectre of persecution, they continue to defy the status quo, driven by an unshakeable conviction in the righteousness of their cause.

As the struggle for freedom rages on, these women stand as beacons of hope in a society plagued by darkness and oppression. Their courage and determination serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, inspiring countless others to join the fight for a brighter, more equitable future.

In the face of unimaginable adversity, they remain unwavering in their commitment to effecting lasting change, emboldened by the knowledge that their collective voices cannot be silenced forever. As they navigate the treacherous waters of resistance, they stand united in their pursuit of justice and equality, forging a path towards a brighter tomorrow.

In the streets of Tehran, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a quiet revolution gathers momentum. It is a revolution fuelled not by violence or aggression, but by the unwavering resolve of ordinary women who refuse to be cowed by oppression. As they continue to defy the odds and challenge the status quo, their voices grow louder, echoing across the nation and beyond, heralding the dawn of a new era of freedom and equality.

In the turbulent landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the United States stands at a critical juncture. As the influence of Iran continues to expand, the imperative for US intervention becomes increasingly evident. Inaction, far from fostering stability, will only embolden Iran and exacerbate regional tensions. The US must assert its presence and employ strategic force to shape the trajectory of the region in line with its interests.

Iran’s hegemonic ambitions in the MENA region are no secret. Through its support of proxy groups and terrorist organizations, Tehran seeks to destabilize its adversaries and assert its dominance. From Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iranian influence casts a long shadow over the region, threatening the stability and security of neighbouring states.

In recent years, Iran’s activities have escalated, posing a direct challenge to US interests and allies. The attacks on US soldiers and interests, orchestrated by Iran-backed militias, serve as a stark reminder of Tehran’s aggressive agenda. Failure to confront this challenge head-on will only embolden Iran to further assert its dominance, risking the security of the entire region.

Critics of US intervention in the MENA region often cite the spectre of past conflicts and the complexities of regional dynamics. While it is true that military action must be judicious and carefully calibrated, the notion of complete disengagement is a dangerous fallacy. In the absence of US leadership, Iran will fill the void, dictating the course of events to the detriment of American interests and regional stability.

Moreover, the argument that diplomacy alone can contain Iranian aggression overlooks the fundamental realities of power politics in the region. Iran’s calculus is driven by a desire for regional hegemony, not diplomatic niceties. Without a credible deterrent, Tehran will continue to push the boundaries, confident in the absence of meaningful repercussions.

The case for US force in the MENA region extends beyond mere containment of Iranian influence. It is about safeguarding American interests, preserving regional stability, and upholding the principles of international order. In the face of Iranian belligerence, US action is not only justified but imperative.

Furthermore, the strategic implications of Iranian dominance cannot be overstated. A region under Tehran’s sway would not only jeopardize the security of US allies but also threaten vital global interests, including energy security and maritime trade routes. The repercussions of such a scenario would reverberate far beyond the confines of the MENA region, impacting the geopolitical balance of power on a global scale.

It is crucial to recognise that US force need not be synonymous with unilateralism or militarism. Rather, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that combines diplomatic engagement, economic incentives, and military deterrence. By leveraging its diplomatic leverage and regional alliances, the US can exert pressure on Iran while offering incentives for constructive engagement.

Moreover, the use of force should be proportionate and targeted, aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to support proxy groups and disrupt regional stability. This could include targeted strikes against Iranian-backed militias, bolstering the capabilities of regional allies, and tightening sanctions to squeeze Tehran’s financial lifelines.

Critics may argue that military intervention carries inherent risks and unintended consequences. While this is undoubtedly true, the greater risk lies in allowing Iran to consolidate its grip on the region unchecked. The alternative to action is not stability but a descent into chaos, with Iran calling the shots and American interests sidelined.

In conclusion, the imperative for US force in the MENA region is clear and compelling. In the face of Iranian aggression and regional instability, inaction is not an option. The US must assert its leadership, employ strategic force, and work in concert with regional allies to counter the growing influence of Tehran. Failure to do so will only embolden Iran, jeopardize American interests, and imperil the security of the entire region.

France is demonstrating its support for Armenia amid escalating tensions with Azerbaijan and strained relations with Russia. On Friday, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu met with his Armenian counterpart, Suren Papikyan, in the Armenian capital to underscore deepening defence ties between the two nations.

Lecornu’s visit carried symbolic weight as his airplane delivered night vision goggles for Armenia, and the country also signed a contract to purchase assault rifles from French company PGM. Discussions regarding the procurement of short-range Mistral missiles from European contractor MBDA are underway.

“This cooperation, which has been ongoing for a year and a half now, is of great importance to Armenia… We’ve made progress, which means we can look forward to long-term planning in the years ahead,” Papikyan told reporters after the meeting.

“It’s an absolute priority for us to help Armenia protect its people… It’s because Armenia needs us right now that we’re here,” Lecornu added.

Armenia’s closer relationship with France comes in the wake of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announcing that Armenia has effectively suspended its membership in the Moscow-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military alliance.

Armenia’s sense of betrayal by Moscow stems from Russia’s inaction when Azerbaijan launched an offensive to retake the breakaway Armenian-inhabited region of Nagorno-Karabakh in September. Despite Russia having a peacekeeping contingent stationed there, it refrained from interference.

Armenia’s stance against Russia’s war in Ukraine further strains the relationship. However, fully disentangling from the Kremlin’s influence proves to be a complex task, as Pashinyan clarified that there was no intention to close a Russian military base in Armenia.

Armenia’s primary security challenge lies in Azerbaijan, which demands a corridor through Armenia to connect to its exclave of Nakhchivan, a demand Armenia vehemently refuses. A recent skirmish resulted in the deaths of four Armenian soldiers.

With its alliance with Moscow in shambles, Armenia seeks new allies, and France, with its significant ethnic Armenian minority, emerges as one of the few Western countries in contention.

“Yerevan is looking to those partners who truly provide security,” Lecornu remarked, taking a veiled jab at Russia. Friday marked the first visit to Yerevan by a French defence minister, and Lecornu’s fourth meeting with his Armenian counterpart Papikyan since May 2022.

“The visit of the French minister of the armed forces only two years after the start of our defence relationship is proof that it is already systemic and far-reaching,” Papikyan stated.

Pashinyan’s recent visit to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron, underscores the importance of bilateral relations. Macron warned of the “real danger of escalation” following the border incident.

The Armenian PM’s visit to the French capital coincided with the ceremony of Missak Manouchian’s induction into the Panthéon mausoleum of French national heroes. Manouchian, a poet of Armenian origin, died as a resistance fighter during World War II.

Armenia seeks political backing and assistance in modernising its Soviet-era army to stand up against Azerbaijan’s larger and better-equipped military. With a close military relationship with NATO member Turkey and as a significant buyer of Israeli weapons, Armenia aims to transform its military capabilities.

The Armenian government plans to spend between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion on defence this year and is also procuring weaponry from India.

Armenia seeks Western support to “restore the military balance” with Azerbaijan, which Tigran Grigoryan, director of Yerevan’s Regional Centre for Democracy and Security, believes has been exploiting Armenia’s vulnerabilities and inability to defend itself, pursuing an extremely maximalist agenda.

However, acquiring modern weapons alone is insufficient, according to Grigoryan. “All military analysts in Armenia agree that without a comprehensive reform process, all these procurements won’t be of any use.”

Lecornu’s visit to the Armenian capital with French defence contractors MBDA, Nexter, Arquus, Safran, Thales, and PGM, along with lawmakers from both the majority and opposition parties, signifies France’s commitment to Armenia’s security.

Besides the MBDA-made Mistral missiles, the two ministers discussed surface-to-air defence, short-, medium- and long-range defence, artillery, and anti-drone systems, Lecornu informed reporters. In October, the two ministers announced contracts for three Thales-made Ground Master 200 radars, expected to be delivered this summer.

France has also been involved in training Armenian troops. Paris and Yerevan signed a partnership between France’s elite Saint-Cyr military school and the Armenian military academy. A French military official is set to act as a defence consultant for the Armenian executive branch as of July.

“The Armenian army is of Soviet tradition and needs to transform in terms of both doctrine and equipment,” a French official remarked to reporters.

France insists that the weapons it sells are purely defensive, but Azerbaijan has vehemently criticised France’s growing interest in the region, fearing regional instability and an arms race. There are concerns about potential reactions from Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, leading to further escalation and conflict.

In summary, the article highlights France’s strategic support for Armenia amidst regional tensions and Armenia’s efforts to diversify its alliances and strengthen its military capabilities.

Image Credit: Jon Gudorf/Flickr

Iran and Pakistan are once again eyeing a revival of a long-dormant gas pipeline project that has faced setbacks for over a decade. Known as the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, or IP Gas, this ambitious initiative has been mired in challenges stemming from geopolitical tensions, economic considerations, and international sanctions.

Initially conceived to transport natural gas from Iran to Pakistan, the project’s progress has been sluggish since its inception. In March 2013, Presidents Zardari and Ahmadinejad ceremonially inaugurated the project near Iran’s Chabahar port, signalling the commencement of the USD 7.5 billion venture. However, progress stalled due to US sanctions on Iran, despite Iran completing its part of the pipeline.

Negotiations must conclude by March 2024 to avoid legal ramifications, with Islamabad having until September 2024 to meet its obligations. Both nations are exploring avenues to complete the pipeline while circumventing US sanctions, underscoring the project’s significance for their respective national interests.

Pakistan has pursued various legal and diplomatic avenues to avoid penalties and has sought a waiver from the US regarding the project. The completion of the pipeline is deemed crucial for Pakistan’s energy security and to address its burgeoning energy needs, fostering economic and commercial ties between the two countries.

Despite facing resistance from Western partners, Pakistan has made strides in advancing the pipeline project. The initial phase, spanning 80 kilometres from Gwadar to the Iranian border, has received governmental approval and funding. However, securing financing remains a formidable obstacle, with speculation rife that China and Russia may provide funding for the Pakistani segment of the pipeline.

Numerous challenges beset the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, including US sanctions, financial constraints, geopolitical conflicts, and operational delays. Overcoming these hurdles necessitates strategic planning and concerted collaboration between the two nations.

Projected expenses of USD 7.5 billion have contributed to delays in securing adequate financing. Moreover, regional dynamics exert influence on progress and decision-making, with geopolitical conflicts adding another layer of complexity.

Iran grapples with domestic natural gas shortages, which have ramifications for its energy exports and oil production. Despite facing scarcity and mounting local demand, Iran continues to rely on gas exports, posing economic challenges and jeopardising internal energy security.

The depletion of gas output poses a threat to Iran’s oil production, exacerbated by low investments and technological constraints. Iran’s ability to sustain oil production is imperilled by its gas shortage, as the country must inject approximately 300 million cubic meters of gas per day into its ageing oil reservoirs to maintain production levels.

The expansion of QatarEnergy’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production underscores the competitive landscape in the global energy market. Iran’s ability to address its energy shortages and navigate international sanctions will determine the fate of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

Efforts to address challenges persist, but uncertainties loom over the project’s viability until Iran’s energy situation improves and sanctions are lifted. The feasibility of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline hinges on Iran’s ability to tackle domestic natural gas shortages and the lifting of international sanctions.

In conclusion, while completing the pipeline holds the promise of meeting Pakistan’s energy needs and bolstering bilateral ties, its future remains uncertain pending resolution of Iran’s energy challenges and the removal of sanctions. Despite ongoing efforts, numerous barriers persist, underscoring the intricate nature of energy projects in the geopolitical landscape.

Iran’s predicament highlights the delicate balance between meeting export demands and addressing internal energy needs amidst gas scarcity. The economic repercussions of Iran’s gas shortage extend beyond business implications, threatening the nation’s internal energy security. Resolving Iran’s energy crisis demands substantial financial investments, scientific advancements, and efficient energy management practices. The future of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project remains contingent on Iran’s ability to navigate its energy challenges and the lifting of international sanctions.

Image Credit: Martin Adams on Unplash

Amidst the global attention drawn to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration continues to expand its influence across Africa.

Russia’s presence in Africa, facilitated by the private military contractor (PMC) Wagner, has been steadily growing since 2018. Initially, Wagner was reported to be providing training to troops under the command of Khalifa Haftar, the renegade military leader of the Libyan National Army, which is affiliated with the eastern parliament of Libya.

The death of Wagner’s founder and Putin ally, Yevgeny Prigozhin, following his failed coup attempt in Russia last year, cast uncertainty over the fate of the PMC’s operations in Libya and Africa.

Despite Prigozhin’s demise, Russia maintains several PMCs, with Wagner being the most closely associated with the Kremlin and deployed extensively across Libya and Africa. Wagner’s operations provide Russia with financial, military, and political influence across these regions at minimal cost.

The Kremlin, recognising the strategic importance of Wagner, did not dissolve the PMC after Prigozhin’s downfall but instead redistributed his commercial and military interests among various Russian intelligence services, according to a recent report by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

Similar to other PMCs like the United States’ Constellis (formerly Blackwater), Wagner enables the Russian government to engage in overseas conflicts indirectly, projecting power while maintaining plausible deniability. This distance from state forces allows PMCs to conduct unconventional warfare, including campaigns of terror and disinformation.

Command of Wagner’s overseas activities now falls under Russia’s military intelligence (GRU), led by General Andrei Averyanov. Wagner’s operations are facilitated through intermediary PMCs like Convoy, established in Russian-occupied Crimea in 2022, and Redut, which was established in 2008 to protect Russian commercial interests in Ukraine.

Wagner’s Ukrainian operations have been renamed the Volunteer Corps, while other units are designated as the Expeditionary Corps. Wagner initially aimed to recruit a force of 40,000 contractors across Africa, although this number has since been reduced to 20,000, still significantly larger than its current deployment.

General Averyanov’s past involvement with Unit 29155, a wing of Russian military intelligence responsible for foreign assassinations and destabilisation efforts in Europe, provides insight into Wagner’s strategic intent.

Africa’s significance, given its abundant mineral and energy resources, coupled with its youthful demographic profile, makes it a focal point for global interests. Libya, with its substantial oil reserves and gold deposits, holds strategic importance due to its geographic location linking North Africa and Europe.

General Averyanov’s recent travels to meet with Field Marshal Haftar in Libya, followed by visits to Mali, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Niger, underscore Russia’s efforts to secure resource contracts in exchange for security assistance.

While Haftar’s alliance with Wagner in Libya facilitates Russian interests, Wagner’s operations extend beyond military support. Reports indicate involvement in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, gold smuggling, and human trafficking, leveraging its presence in eastern Libya.

The Expeditionary Corps, currently estimated to have 800 contractors in Libya and 4,600 across sub-Saharan Africa, operates three air bases facilitating logistics between Libya and other sub-Saharan countries.

Negotiations are underway to grant Russian warships docking rights at Tobruk port in Libya, offering air defence systems and pilot training to the Libyan National Army (LNA). This move potentially deepens Russia’s Mediterranean presence and challenges European interests in the region.

While Wagner remains a significant player in Libya’s complex political landscape, it faces competition from Turkish forces aligned with the Tripoli-based government. Turkey’s alliance with local militias countered Haftar’s advance on Tripoli in 2020, protecting Libyan energy interests controlled by the Tripoli government.

Russia’s partnership with Haftar in Libya may not be immutable, as alliances are contingent on strategic interests. Similarly, cooperation between Wagner and Turkey is plausible, reflecting Russia’s global strategy aimed at fostering a multipolar world order.

Putin’s vision encompasses a global realignment of power, with emerging powers like India and China challenging Western hegemony. Russia’s engagement in Africa represents a strategic move to reshape geopolitical dynamics, extending beyond regional interests.

In conclusion, Russia’s expansion in Africa through Wagner underscores its pursuit of geopolitical influence and access to vital resources. While facing competition and uncertainty, Russia remains committed to leveraging its military and economic capabilities to advance its strategic objectives on the African continent.


In a recent fixture between Al-Nasr and Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned football star, found himself at the centre of controversy once again. The match, which ended with a 3-2 victory for Al-Nasr, saw Ronaldo scoring the opener with a penalty kick in the 21st minute, followed by a late brace from Brazilian Talisca to secure the win for his team.

However, the post-match celebrations took an unexpected turn when video footage surfaced on social media, depicting Ronaldo allegedly making an obscene gesture directed towards the Al-Shabab fans. The gesture, which involved cupping his ear and making a pumping motion in front of his pelvic area, ignited a firestorm of criticism and debate within the football community.

In the backdrop of Ronaldo’s actions, chants of “Messi” could be heard, alluding to his long-standing rivalry with Argentine football legend Lionel Messi. The incident, though not captured by television cameras, quickly became the subject of discussion among pundits and fans alike, prompting calls for disciplinary action against the Portuguese star.

The Saudi National Football Federation (SAFF) wasted no time in responding to the controversy, announcing an investigation into the incident. The move reflected the seriousness with which the Saudi authorities regarded Ronaldo’s behavior and its potential impact on the integrity of the league.

Prominent Saudi writer and television host, Waleed Al Farraj, weighed in on the controversy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in professional football, regardless of one’s fame or stature. Al Farraj’s sentiments echoed those of many who believed that Ronaldo’s actions had crossed a line and warranted appropriate sanctions.

This was not the first time Ronaldo had found himself embroiled in controversy during his tenure with Al-Nasr. In a previous match against Al-Hilal, Ronaldo was captured on camera appearing to grab his genitals as he made his way to the dugout following a defeat. The incident had stirred similar outrage and had raised questions about Ronaldo’s conduct on and off the field.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ronaldo’s response to a thrown Al-Hilal scarf during a recent match further exacerbated tensions. The act of picking up the scarf, placing it in his shorts, and then discarding it as he walked off the pitch was interpreted by many as a disrespectful gesture towards his opponents and their supporters.

Despite the controversies surrounding his behaviour, there is no denying Ronaldo’s impact on the pitch. With 22 goals in 20 appearances, he currently leads the scoring charts in the Saudi Pro League, underscoring his importance to the Al-Nasr team. His prowess as a goal-scorer has endeared him to fans around the world, but his actions off the pitch have often courted controversy and divided opinion.

As the investigation into Ronaldo’s alleged gesture unfolds, the football world waits with bated breath for the outcome. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a global icon in the world of football and the importance of upholding the values of sportsmanship and respect, both on and off the field.

In the end, Ronaldo’s legacy will be defined not only by his extraordinary talent as a footballer but also by his ability to navigate the challenges and controversies that come with fame and success. Only time will tell how this latest chapter in his storied career will shape his reputation in the eyes of fans and critics alike.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jon Super

The recent drone strike on Tower 22, a U.S. facility nestled along the Jordanian-Syrian border, has once again brought to light the intricate web of geopolitical tensions that define the Middle East. The strike, which resulted in the deaths of three American personnel, underscores the volatile landscape within which various actors vie for power, influence, and control.

At the heart of the matter lies the ongoing struggle between the United States and Iran-aligned militias operating in the region. The targeted killings of two commanders belonging to an Iran-aligned militia highlight the retaliatory nature of the conflict, with each side seeking to assert its dominance while navigating a complex network of alliances and rivalries.

Tower 22, previously shrouded in secrecy, serves as a crucial outpost for U.S. operations in Syria. Its strategic location facilitates the resupplying of nearby U.S. Special Forces garrisons, including the contentious Tanf base. Tanf, situated near the Iraq-Syria border, has become a focal point in the broader struggle to counter Iranian influence and prevent the establishment of a land bridge to the Mediterranean.

The U.S. presence in Syria, particularly at Tanf, has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from various quarters. While Jordan, a key U.S. ally, has allowed American forces to operate within its borders, the presence of foreign troops remains a sensitive issue, particularly given the sentiments of its Palestinian-majority population. Despite Jordan’s initial denial of Tower 22’s existence, the reality of American military installations within its territory underscores the delicate balancing act it must maintain between its alliances and domestic considerations.

The incident at Tower 22 has also reignited debates surrounding the efficacy and objectives of U.S. intervention in Syria. While proponents argue that the U.S. presence serves to combat terrorism and safeguard regional stability, critics contend that it exacerbates tensions, fuels violence, and perpetuates instability. The complex interplay of interests, from countering ISIS to confronting Iranian influence, underscores the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the challenges inherent in finding lasting solutions.

Moreover, the situation in Syria is further complicated by the involvement of other regional and international actors. Russia, a key supporter of the Syrian government, has its own strategic interests in the region and has often clashed with the United States over competing visions for Syria’s future. The Israeli factor adds another layer of complexity, with Tel Aviv conducting airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria while navigating a delicate dance of deterrence and de-escalation.

Jordan’s role in the broader dynamics of the Middle East cannot be overstated. As a key player in regional affairs, Jordan finds itself balancing between its alliances with the West and the sensitivities of its population. The presence of U.S. forces within its borders reflects the complexities of Jordan’s strategic calculus, where national security imperatives intersect with domestic politics and regional dynamics. While Jordan has been a steadfast ally of the United States, its delicate position necessitates careful navigation of competing interests and priorities.

In conclusion, the incident at Tower 22 serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the Middle East and the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and interests that define the region. As the United States grapples with its role in Syria and the broader Middle East, the need for nuanced diplomacy, strategic foresight, and a comprehensive understanding of the region’s complexities has never been greater. Only through dialogue, cooperation, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict can lasting peace and stability be achieved in this tumultuous corner of the world.

Image Credit: Mahmoud Suleiman/ Unsplash

Iraq marked a significant milestone on Friday with the reopening of its largest oil refinery, a move anticipated to diminish its reliance on fuel imports. The North Refinery, situated in Baiji, a city approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) north of Baghdad, underwent extensive damage during intense conflicts with the Islamic State group (IS) following its territorial expansion across a substantial portion of Iraq in 2014.

Assem Jihad, the spokesperson for Iraq’s oil ministry, informed AFP that following the refinery’s comprehensive rehabilitation, it now boasts an effective capacity of 250,000 barrels per day (bpd). Over the past few years, two smaller production units within the refinery complex were gradually brought back online. However, the reopening on Friday has restored the refinery to a capacity closer to its former prowess, with an additional unit capable of producing 150,000 bpd.

During the inauguration ceremony aired on state television, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office expressed optimism about the nation’s energy independence. They stated, “With this accomplishment, we are getting closer to meeting the country’s (oil) derivative needs no later than mid next year,” indicating that achieving this goal would allow Iraq to curtail its fuel imports. Despite being an oil-rich country with a daily production of four million barrels, Iraq still finds itself importing oil derivatives, Sudani highlighted.

Constructed in 1975, the refinery had a production capacity of up to 300,000 bpd before falling under IS control in June 2014, when the jihadist group captured Baiji, once a bustling industrial hub of Iraq. However, government forces managed to recapture the facility and the city in October 2015, following intense clashes, but the extensive damage sustained meant the refinery remained non-operational for years.

Iraq hosts several other refineries, with facilities in the southern regions boasting a production capacity of 280,000 bpd, according to Jihad. Additionally, in April, Iraq celebrated the inauguration of an oil refinery in Karbala, located in the central part of the country, with a capacity of 140,000 bpd.

Despite Iraq’s substantial oil wealth, the nation’s dilapidated infrastructure and systemic corruption have impeded reconstruction efforts. Iraq remains heavily reliant on imports to meet its energy demands, a paradox considering its vast oil resources. According to the World Bank, Iraq possesses 145 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, equivalent to 96 years’ worth of production at the present rate.

The significance of oil revenues to Iraq’s fiscal health cannot be overstated, as crude oil sales constitute 90 percent of the Iraqi budget’s revenues. As Iraq moves towards revitalizing its oil infrastructure, hopes are high for a more self-sustaining energy sector, potentially reducing its reliance on imports and fostering greater economic stability.

Meanwhile, in the northern Kurdish province of Iraq, efforts are underway to bolster regional energy infrastructure to complement the country’s broader initiatives. Despite challenges, Iraq’s strides in rehabilitating its oil refineries signify a crucial step towards enhancing its energy independence and economic resilience on the global stage.

In the midst of Iraq’s efforts to revive its oil sector, foreign interests have remained keenly focused on the country’s energy resources. Major international players, including oil corporations from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, have been eyeing Iraq’s oil industry for investment opportunities and partnerships.

The reopening of the Baiji refinery signals not only a milestone for Iraq’s energy independence but also attracts renewed attention from global stakeholders seeking to participate in the nation’s oil sector revitalization.

Image Credit: Maria Lupan/Unpslash

Turkey’s quest for self-reliance in defence technologies has taken a significant leap forward with the development of its own stealth fighter jet, the Kaan. After being expelled from the F-35 program, Turkey has accelerated its efforts to create indigenous solutions to meet its defence needs.

The Kaan, Turkey’s fifth-generation aircraft, recently completed its maiden flight in north Ankara, marking a historic milestone in the country’s aerospace industry. With sleek design and advanced capabilities, the Kaan represents Turkey’s determination to assert its sovereignty in the realm of military technology.

Once a member of the American F-35 fighter jet program, Turkey’s expulsion from the project stemmed from its decision to procure S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia. This move irked the United States, leading to strained relations between the two NATO allies.

However, Turkey refused to be deterred by external pressures. Collaborating with Britain’s BAE Systems, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) embarked on the ambitious task of developing the Kaan, a project valued at $125 million.

The Kaan’s maiden flight, a spectacle of engineering prowess, showcased its agility and power. With its landing gear deployed throughout the flight, the Kaan soared to an altitude of 8,000 feet, demonstrating its capability to operate in various conditions.

Temel Kotil, the chief executive of TAI, expressed pride in the swift progress of the Kaan project. Originally targeted for a 2025 debut, the Kaan took to the skies ahead of schedule, signaling Turkey’s commitment to technological advancement.

The Kaan’s specifications are nothing short of impressive. Powered by twin engines generating 29,000 pounds of thrust each, the fighter jet can reach speeds of up to 1.8 times the speed of sound. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Kaan is poised to rival its counterparts on the global stage.

Beyond its technological prowess, the Kaan holds symbolic significance for Turkey. It represents the nation’s aspirations for self-sufficiency and independence in defence matters. With the Kaan, Turkey joins an elite group of countries capable of developing and fielding their own fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey’s Defence Industries Directorate, emphasized the strategic importance of the Kaan. He noted that Turkey would not only possess a fifth-generation fighter jet but also proprietary technologies that few nations can boast.

The Kaan’s introduction heralds a new era for Turkey’s defense capabilities. With plans to replace its aging fleet of F-16 jets, the Kaan is expected to serve as the cornerstone of Turkey’s air defense strategy for decades to come.

Despite initial tensions, relations between Turkey and the United States have shown signs of improvement. Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s entry into NATO and subsequent deals for F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits signal a thaw in diplomatic relations.

The successful development of the Kaan underscores Turkey’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity. By charting its course in aerospace innovation, Turkey asserts its sovereignty and reaffirms its position as a regional leader in defense technology.

Looking ahead, Turkey remains committed to advancing its aerospace capabilities. Plans to manufacture 24 Kaan jets annually by 2029 underscore Turkey’s long-term vision for self-reliance in defence production.

The Kaan’s successful maiden flight underscores Turkey’s commitment to technological innovation and national defence. With its advanced capabilities and symbolic significance, the Kaan represents a monumental achievement for Turkey’s aerospace industry. As the nation looks to the future, the Kaan stands as a testament to Turkey’s resilience and determination on the global stage.

In conclusion, the development of the Kaan represents a triumph of Turkish ingenuity and determination. As Turkey forges ahead in its pursuit of aerospace sovereignty, the Kaan stands as a testament to the nation’s resolve to safeguard its interests and secure its future.

Image Credit: Turkish Presidency via AP

In recent news, Qatar has announced plans to increase its production of natural gas, despite a recent downturn in global prices. QatarEnergy’s CEO, Saad al-Kaabi, revealed that a new expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production is underway. This expansion aims to add 16 million metric tons per year to Qatar’s capacity, ultimately reaching a total of 142 million tons per year by 2030.

The announcement comes amidst a decline in Asian LNG prices, which have dropped to their lowest point in nearly three years due to warmer temperatures reducing demand during the Northern Hemisphere winter. However, Qatar remains optimistic about the future demand for LNG, particularly in Europe and Asia.

The surge in LNG prices in 2022, triggered by Russia’s decision to cut off gas supplies to Europe following the invasion of Ukraine, led to the United States surpassing Qatar as the world’s largest LNG exporter in 2023. Despite the recent price drop, major gas-producing countries such as the U.S., Australia, and Russia are ramping up production in anticipation of future demand growth.

Amid environmental concerns, the Biden administration has paused approvals for new LNG export terminals to conduct environmental reviews. Despite this, Saad al-Kaabi emphasized the ongoing necessity of gas for the foreseeable future, especially in Europe and Asia.

Qatar intends to continue evaluating its gas reservoirs and expand production further if market demand requires it. Analysts foresee a bearish cycle for LNG markets in the second half of the decade due to oversupply. Qatar’s expansion could contribute to declining global gas prices and potential risks for U.S. LNG exports.

QatarEnergy has already secured supply deals with European and Asian partners for the North Field expansion project. While partnerships for the new LNG trains are a possibility, QatarEnergy plans to independently initiate the engineering phase.

The North Field, which Qatar shares with Iran (known as South Pars), is part of the world’s largest gas field. Qatar’s exploration activities in the western region of the North Field prompted the decision to expand further.

Overall, Qatar’s expansion reflects its confidence in the long-term demand for natural gas, despite short-term market fluctuations and environmental considerations.

The Pentagon announced that a coordinated effort between the United States and the United Kingdom resulted in airstrikes targeting 18 Houthi sites in Yemen. This operation, the fourth of its kind, aimed to disrupt and degrade Houthi capabilities by striking storage facilities, drones, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter affiliated with the militant movement. The strikes were conducted in response to sustained attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on shipping within the Red Sea, a crucial trade route. These attacks have posed significant threats to global commerce and maritime security, prompting international action.

The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have intensified their assaults on vessels they perceive as linked to Israel and the West. This escalation is seen as a response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The attacks have led to heightened tensions and disruptions in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, prompting major shipping companies to reroute journeys away from the Red Sea. Consequently, global supply chains are experiencing severe disruptions and rising costs, affecting economies worldwide.

In a joint statement, the Pentagon emphasized the necessity of the strikes to counter the Houthis’ threats to global trade, naval vessels, and the lives of innocent mariners. The statement highlighted the alarming frequency of Houthi attacks on commercial and naval vessels since mid-November, citing more than 45 incidents. These attacks not only endanger regional security and stability but also demand urgent international intervention.

The operation received support from allied nations, including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. This collective effort underscores the shared commitment to safeguarding maritime activities and ensuring the free flow of commerce in vital waterways. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated America’s readiness to take action to defend lives and preserve the free flow of commerce in the Red Sea, emphasizing the critical importance of maritime security.

Similarly, UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the duty to protect lives at sea and maintain freedom of navigation. The Royal Air Force’s engagement in the precision strikes against Houthi military targets reflects the commitment of the United Kingdom and its allies to uphold maritime security and deter hostile activities in the region.

The strikes targeted key Houthi assets, including underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, unmanned aerial systems, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter. The precision strikes aimed to disrupt the Houthis’ ability to threaten maritime activities and international shipping, thereby safeguarding vital trade routes and regional stability.

Earlier in the week, a Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo vessel was forced to abandon ship off Yemen after being struck by missiles fired by the Houthis. This incident underscores the grave risks posed by Houthi aggression and highlights the urgent need for robust measures to counter maritime threats in the region.

Beyond the immediate security concerns, the escalating conflict in Yemen and the Red Sea has profound implications for the global economy. The disruptions to maritime trade routes have already led to significant challenges for businesses and industries reliant on international shipping. Supply chains are facing unprecedented disruptions, leading to delays, shortages, and increased costs for goods and commodities worldwide. The instability in the region has heightened uncertainty and risk for businesses operating in the Middle East and beyond, underscoring the interconnectedness of global commerce and the imperative of preserving maritime security.

In conclusion, the joint airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen reflect a concerted effort to address the escalating threats to maritime security and global trade in the Red Sea. The international community must remain vigilant and proactive in countering maritime threats and upholding the principles of freedom of navigation and commerce in critical waterways.

Image Credit: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Blake Midnight

Recent American and Iranian clashes have underscored the enduring tensions in the Middle East, a region marked by geopolitical complexities and power struggles. Against the backdrop of conflicts in Yemen, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, and the Gaza War, both the United States and Iran have pursued their strategic interests while navigating intricate alliances and rivalries.

In Yemen, the conflict has become a proxy battleground for regional powers, with Iran supporting the Houthi rebels and the United States backing the Saudi-led coalition. The war has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and displacement. For Iran, Yemen serves as a means to exert influence in the Arabian Peninsula and challenge Saudi dominance in the region. The United States sees Yemen as a critical front in its efforts to counter Iranian influence and maintain stability in the Gulf.

Iraq, another focal point of contention, has witnessed a complex interplay of American and Iranian interests. Following the US-led invasion in 2003, Iran has steadily expanded its influence in Iraq, backing Shiite militias and political factions sympathetic to its agenda. The presence of American troops in Iraq, ostensibly to combat terrorism and support the Iraqi government, has been viewed with suspicion by Iran, which sees it as a threat to its regional ambitions. Tensions have escalated at various points, with attacks on US bases by Iranian-backed militias and retaliatory strikes by American forces.

The Persian Gulf, home to vital shipping lanes and vast oil reserves, has been a flashpoint for American-Iranian confrontation. The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at isolating Iran economically and diplomatically, heightened tensions in the Gulf. Incidents such as the seizure of oil tankers and the downing of drones have stoked fears of a military escalation. Both Iran and the United States have deployed naval assets to assert their influence and protect their interests in the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, the Gaza War between Israel and Hamas has further complicated the regional dynamics. While Iran has provided political and material support to Hamas, the United States has steadfastly backed Israel, its closest ally in the Middle East. The conflict, marked by periodic flare-ups and ceasefires, reflects the broader struggle for power and influence in the region. For Iran, support for Palestinian militants is a means to project its resistance against Israel and bolster its credentials as a champion of the Palestinian cause. The United States, on the other hand, sees Israel’s security as paramount and has condemned Hamas for its rocket attacks and terrorism.

The Ukrainian war, though geographically distant, has reverberated across the Middle East, shaping the calculus of regional actors. The conflict, triggered by Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, has drawn the attention of both the United States and Iran. While the United States has rallied NATO allies to impose sanctions on Russia and provide military assistance to Ukraine, Iran has sought to balance its relations with Moscow, a key ally, and Western powers. The war has heightened concerns about Russian expansionism and its implications for regional stability. In response, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to its allies in Eastern Europe and sought to counter Russian influence in the Middle East.

In conclusion, recent American and Iranian clashes in the Middle East reflect a complex web of strategic interests, historical grievances, and geopolitical rivalries. From Yemen to Iraq, the Persian Gulf to Gaza, both countries have sought to advance their agendas while navigating a volatile and unpredictable landscape. The influence of the Ukrainian war adds another layer of complexity, underscoring the interconnectedness of global conflicts and their impact on regional dynamics. As tensions persist, the prospects for peace and stability in the Middle East remain uncertain, with the potential for further escalation and confrontation looming large.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the Biden administration has intensified its efforts to curb support for Russia’s war machinery. The recent imposition of trade restrictions on 93 entities from various countries marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of international responses to the crisis. However, beyond the immediate implications of these restrictions, broader geopolitical shifts are underway, including strained relations between the United States and Turkey and the United Arab Emirates’ departure from a financial crime list.

The Biden administration’s decision to impose trade restrictions on entities from Russia, China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, India, and South Korea underscores a concerted effort to stymie support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. With 63 Russian entities targeted, alongside others from China, Turkey, and the UAE, the restrictions effectively block U.S. shipments to these organizations, cutting off crucial supply channels for Russia’s war machinery.

Alan Estevez, a U.S. Commerce Department under secretary, has emphasized the gravity of Russia’s actions and the need to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. This move is part of a broader strategy involving the imposition of sanctions on over 500 targets, reflecting a coordinated international response to Russia’s aggression and the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The European Union has also contributed to the punitive measures, approving its 13th package of Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia, targeting entities and individuals involved in aiding Moscow’s procurement of weapons and other illicit activities.

Amidst the escalating tensions surrounding the Ukraine crisis, U.S.-Turkey relations have experienced significant strain. Turkey’s inclusion among the countries facing trade restrictions highlights the complexities of diplomatic relations in the modern era.

Historically, the United States and Turkey have maintained a strategic alliance, particularly within NATO. However, divergent interests and geopolitical realignments have strained this relationship in recent years. Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system, despite strong objections from Washington, has been a primary source of contention. The move led to Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program, further exacerbating bilateral tensions.

Furthermore, Turkey’s regional ambitions and its involvement in conflicts across the Middle East have created additional friction with U.S. foreign policy objectives. The situation in Syria, where Turkey has pursued military interventions against Kurdish forces, has been a particularly contentious issue.

The imposition of trade restrictions represents another setback in U.S.-Turkey relations, underscoring the challenges of reconciling divergent interests and maintaining strategic partnerships in an increasingly complex global landscape.

In a separate development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its departure from a financial crime list, signalling efforts to address concerns about illicit financial activities and enhance its standing in the international financial community.

The UAE’s decision reflects broader efforts to strengthen its regulatory framework and combat financial crime. As a major financial hub in the Middle East, the UAE plays a crucial role in global finance and trade. Its departure from the list is likely to bolster investor confidence and facilitate smoother business transactions.

The move also underscores the UAE’s commitment to upholding international standards and addressing vulnerabilities in its financial system. By taking proactive measures to enhance transparency and combat illicit financial activities, the UAE aims to position itself as a responsible global actor and a preferred destination for investment and trade.

As the Ukraine crisis continues to unfold, the imposition of trade restrictions and the shifting dynamics of international relations underscore the complexities of navigating the modern geopolitical landscape. The Biden administration’s actions reflect a concerted effort to hold Russia accountable for its aggressive actions while rallying support from allies and partners.

Simultaneously, challenges persist in managing strained relationships and addressing broader economic and security concerns. The evolving dynamics between the United States and Turkey, as well as the UAE’s efforts to enhance its regulatory framework, exemplify the multifaceted nature of global diplomacy and the interconnectedness of economic and political realities.

In the face of these challenges, effective diplomacy, strategic cooperation, and a commitment to upholding international norms will be essential in charting a path toward peace, stability, and prosperity on the global stage.

Egypt, a nation steeped in history and culture, stands at the crossroads of development and progress. Recently, it made headlines with a monumental agreement between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signifying a significant stride towards economic rejuvenation and infrastructural advancement. This transformative pact entails the development of the Ras El Hekma peninsula, a prime coastal stretch along the Mediterranean, promising to infuse Egypt with a staggering $35 billion in investments over the next two months.

The deal, inked with ADQ, one of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investment funds, heralds a new era of economic collaboration and growth potential for Egypt. Ras El Hekma, situated approximately 200 kilometres west of Alexandria, is envisioned as the site for a futuristic city spanning 170 square kilometres. This ambitious undertaking aims to redefine urban living with a blend of innovation, sustainability, and modern amenities.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, in a press conference, articulated the far-reaching implications of this agreement. He expressed optimism that the project, with its multifaceted investment zones, technology hubs, recreational facilities, and residential developments, would not only catalyze economic expansion but also create a model for urban excellence.

The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more auspicious for Egypt, grappling with a host of economic challenges. Chronic shortages of foreign currency, soaring inflation rates, and mounting debt burdens have cast a shadow over the nation’s economic landscape. The infusion of funds from the UAE presents a beacon of hope, offering a lifeline to buoy Egypt’s struggling economy amid tumultuous times.

Moreover, the deal underscores Egypt’s resolve to diversify its economic portfolio beyond the hydrocarbons sector. While the nation has historically relied on oil and gas revenues, it now seeks to attract substantial foreign investments across various industries. This strategic pivot aligns with Egypt’s vision of fostering sustainable growth and resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties.

The financial markets responded with enthusiasm to news of the agreement, as Egypt’s sovereign dollar bonds surged, signaling investor confidence in the nation’s economic prospects. Longer-dated bonds witnessed substantial gains, reflecting a positive outlook on Egypt’s ability to address its financing needs and bolster investor trust.

In the broader geopolitical context, the Egypt-UAE partnership symbolizes the convergence of regional interests and aspirations for mutual prosperity. It underscores the strategic importance of fostering strong alliances and leveraging collective strengths to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics.

However, amidst the optimism surrounding the agreement, challenges loom large on Egypt’s economic horizon. The nation’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been fraught with hurdles, with delays in implementing promised reforms and meeting financial targets. Talks with the IMF to enhance Egypt’s loan program have shown progress, yet the road ahead remains arduous.

Furthermore, Egypt’s leadership faces mounting pressure to undertake structural reforms aimed at fostering a conducive business environment, enhancing tax compliance, and promoting private sector participation. The spectre of bureaucracy and red tape continues to hinder investment inflows and impede entrepreneurial endeavours, underscoring the imperative for administrative reforms and policy modernization.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s tenure has been characterized by grand infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation. While these endeavours have garnered praise for their ambition, critics argue for a recalibration of priorities towards inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across society.

Against the backdrop of regional upheavals and geopolitical tensions, Egypt stands as a beacon of stability and resilience in the Middle East. The Egypt-UAE agreement not only augurs well for Egypt’s economic revival but also epitomizes the spirit of partnership and collaboration in charting a course towards shared prosperity.

As Egypt embarks on this transformative journey of development and progress, the path ahead is fraught with challenges and opportunities alike. The success of the Ras El Hekma project hinges not only on financial investments but also on visionary leadership, effective governance, and sustained commitment to realizing the aspirations of the Egyptian people.

In conclusion, the Egypt-UAE agreement represents a pivotal moment in Egypt’s history, offering a glimmer of hope amidst economic uncertainties and geopolitical complexities. It underscores the power of partnerships in shaping a brighter future for generations to come, reaffirming Egypt’s enduring resilience and potential on the global stage.

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al Sabah, has been admitted to a local hospital after a sudden health issue, according to reports from the Kuwaiti media on Wednesday. The state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) further added that the Emir’s health condition is presently stable.

Citing medical sources, KUNA also provided assurance that Sheikh Nawaf is slated to receive necessary medical treatment and will further undergo comprehensive medical examinations to determine the nature of the health emergency.

Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al Sabah, widely known as Emir Nawaf, is the current reigning monarch of the State of Kuwait. He took the reins of leadership following the passing of his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah IV, in September of 2020. Managing the affairs of the country at a critical time amidst the pandemic, he remains an influential figure in the region, making his health a matter of national significance.

Health updates of rulers in the Gulf Arab monarchies are closely watched due to their tremendous influence on their respective countries’ political and socio-economic landscapes. The incident has stirred a sense of worry among domestic and international observers, drawing widespread attention as speculation swirls regarding the natural progression of leadership in this oil-rich country.

However, the prompt assurance about the Emir’s stabilised condition has somewhat allayed potential speculation over immediate succession or any burgeoning political crisis in the country. As it is, succession in Kuwait is a relatively transparent process, typically passing to the most capable among the senior members of the Al Sabah family. What potential implications this situation may have regarding any possible leadership transition remains a subject of profound speculation.

Reportedly, Emir Nawaf has been taken to a local hospital for the emergency health issue, further details of which are yet to be disclosed. It could give more context to the gravity of the situation, which is evidently a significant concern for the people of Kuwait and other regional actors alike.

In times past, health crises concerning the leaders of the Gulf have at times led to major leadership reshuffles, sparking changes in regional geopolitics. The reconsideration of political alignments might be an implication that may warrant attention, bearing in mind the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the region.

It is hoped that the swift medical response to Emir Nawaf’s emergency health crisis, as reported, will soon lead to his speedy recovery. Efforts to stabilise his condition will remain an immediate priority, and the ongoing medical examinations will reveal more about the situation in due course.

Drawing attention towards the numerous variables at play, this incident is a stark reminder of how the health of leaders can at times critically impact the socio-political landscape of a nation. For now, the spotlight is firmly on the Emir’s health, not only in Kuwait but across the broader Middle East region.

Until further information regarding the Emir’s health is made available, much remains speculative. It serves as a subtle yet potent reminder of the inherent fragility of life and leadership. It underscores the pivotal role leaders such as Emir Nawaf play on the national and global political stages. Meanwhile, prayers and well-wishes for the speedy recovery of the leader are pouring in from across the globe.

While the Gulf region keeps a keen eye on the Emir’s health, the world too watches with bated breath as the situation continues to unfold.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Nasser Waggi

In a startling event that raised significant concerns within the international naval community, two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi rebels came to rest near a US Navy tanker stationed in the Gulf of Aden, off the Yemeni coast. The tanker was in the midst of a routine operation to assist a commercial vessel when the incident occurred. This alarming event carries grave implications, given the backdrop of spiralling tensions due to a surge in attacks on ships tied to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Decoding the geographical importance, the Gulf of Aden is a strategic waterway, nestled in the Arabian Sea between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia in the Horn of Africa. An estimated 20,000 ships pass through its waters each year, directly contributing to the global oil transportation network. This incident has stirred anxiety around the existing climate of instability in the region.

Although the source of the missiles has not been officially confirmed, early analysis suggests that they were fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have previously targeted Saudi-led coalition forces in and around Yemen. The Houthis have of late been embroiled in an intensifying conflict with the Saudi-led coalition, which has been waging war in Yemen since 2015. The resultant turmoil and human tragedy have drawn international scorn, yet the conflict shows alarming signs of escalating further.

The timing of this incident troubles many within the maritime security community. It comes hot on the heels of a recent spate of ship attacks that are seemingly interlinked with the ever-inflating diplomatic and military standoff between Israel and Hamas. The current pressure-cooker situation in the wider Middle East is inducing an undercurrent of tension in these crucial maritime channels.

The potential implications of these missile strikes cast a shadow over the activity of naval relief work, which at times necessitates the assistance of military vessels like the US Navy tanker implicated in this incident. The tanker’s primary mission was to provide support to a civilian commercial vessel when it became the unwitting target of the ballistic missiles.

International reactions have been immediate, with grave concerns raised about the security of global maritime trade, particularly involving the transport lanes for crude oil. Questions have swelled regarding the adequacy of current protocols for naval vessels operating in regions rife with conflict and the potential for international escalation of the ongoing Israel-Hamas tension within the maritime domain.

The precarious scenario in the Gulf of Aden is symptomatic of the broader issues afflicting the Middle East, including issues of maritime security, territorial disputes, and continued instability. This event not only raises critical questions regarding the assured safety of vessels in the region and the potential threats to global trade activities, but it also further reroutes attention towards the deep-seated issues that have led to such a volatile environment in the maritime sector and beyond.

With the discourse on geopolitics, conflict management, and maritime security becoming increasingly relevant in the aftermath of these incidents, it falls upon the global community to muster an effective, balanced, and enduring solution to these challenges. As of now, the consequences of this missile attack near the US Navy tanker remain to be seen, and the unfolding geopolitical narrative seems to hint towards an intricate confluence of regional tensions, global interests, and ever-evolving naval security obligations.

Image Credit: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Blake Midnight/Handout via Reuters

In a bold move to combat soaring inflation, Turkey’s central bank has increased its main interest rate to 40%, a significant rise from the previous rate of 35%. This increase surpassed expectations and marks a decisive shift in the country’s monetary policy.

The central bank, now under the leadership of Hafize Gaye Erkan, a former Wall Street banker, has been granted the freedom to escalate interest rates significantly. This move, which has seen rates jump from 8.5% to 40%, aims to curb the escalating cost of living by making borrowing more expensive and thus slowing down price rises.

In a statement, the central bank indicated that the rate hikes were nearing the level necessary to begin reducing inflation, which hit a staggering 61.36% in October. Inflation is expected to continue its upward trend, potentially peaking at around 70-75% by May next year.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had previously resisted raising interest rates despite global trends and economic orthodoxy, has altered his stance following his re-election in May. Erdogan had earlier argued that higher rates would lead to increased prices, a view at odds with conventional economic wisdom.

This policy shift comes at a critical time for Turkey’s economy, which experienced substantial growth in the early years of President Erdogan’s administration but has faced significant challenges recently. The central bank’s prior strategy of cutting interest rates amidst high inflation had precipitated a currency crisis in 2021, forcing the government to implement measures to protect lira deposits from currency depreciation.

The central bank has expressed that the current pace of monetary tightening will soon slow down, and the tightening cycle will be completed in a short period. It also stressed that interest rates would remain elevated for as long as necessary to ensure sustained price stability, reflecting a determined approach to stabilising the nation’s economy.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Lebanon’s once-thriving hospitality industry is experiencing a severe downturn due to escalating border tensions in the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Byblos, a coastal city north of Beirut and home to a World Heritage site, the war’s specter has led to deserted streets and empty establishments. Bartender Richard Alam, 19, has seen a dramatic drop in customers, reflecting a broader trend across the country’s hospitality venues..

The impact is not limited to Byblos; it extends throughout Lebanon. Customer scarcity is evident in souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels, with many business owners like Mona Mujahed, 60, reporting a significant loss of income. The conflict has deterred not only international tourists but also domestic visitors, further straining an industry already weakened by an economic crisis since 2019, which forced the closure of half of Lebanon’s hospitality establishments.

Tony Ramy, head of an industry syndicate, notes that the sector was just beginning to recover from multiple setbacks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion in 2020. However, the recent conflict has led to a considerable decline in clientele, with up to an 80% drop on weekdays and 30-50% on weekends.

The conflict’s toll has been deadly, with cross-border skirmishes resulting in casualties on both sides. Lebanon has reported at least 88 deaths, primarily Hezbollah combatants and 10 civilians, while northern Israel has recorded nine deaths, including six soldiers.

The repercussions extend to air travel, with Lebanon’s national carrier Middle East Airlines reducing flights due to a significant drop in passenger numbers from the region and Europe. This decrease has contributed to the struggle of hospitality venues in Beirut, where places like the Hotel Cavalier in the Hamra area have seen a surge in cancellations and a drastic reduction in new bookings.

Hotel occupancy rates have plummeted, according to Pierre Ashkar, head of the hotel owners’ syndicate. He mentioned that even if the conflict ends soon, it would take months for travel advisories to change and business to return to normal. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of resilience among the Lebanese, born from years of navigating through crises, including the civil war and other conflicts. This enduring spirit gives hope to the sector’s eventual recovery once stability returns.

The Israeli National Security Council has declared that the commencement of a prisoner exchange agreement with the Islamist organisation Hamas has been postponed until at least Friday. This crucial decision, which impacts the fate of several hostages in custody, was disclosed by the council’s president, Tzachi Hanegbi.

Hanegbi, who was instrumental in the intricate negotiation process, revealed that discussions concerning the release of the hostages have been “constantly progressing”. The steady development suggests that while there might be complexities in finalising this critical pact, both parties are committed to a resolution.

This announcement is significant in the context of the turbulent history between Israel and Hamas. It provides a crucial snapshot into the ongoing struggle to establish dialogue and agree on terms that could potentially alleviate some elements of the prolonged tensions. Indeed, it indicates a willingness and desire for peaceful negotiation over militaristic conflict.

The concept of a hostage exchange deal is not new in the conflict-laden relationship between Israel and Hamas. They have a precedent of similar negotiations over the years. However, the present case provides an opportunity for a brand new perspective on the way forward for these two entities.

The Israeli National Security Council, acting as a pivotal fixture in this ongoing scenario, is tasked with managing the state’s overall national security. The council’s strategies and decisions are often viewed as instrumental in influencing the course of the nation’s history. Its president, Tzachi Hanegbi, is a notable figure in Israeli politics, renowned for his diplomatic approach towards critical national matters.

Details of the hostages or the specifics of the swap deal have not been released in the council’s initial announcement. It remains a matter of speculation as to who these individuals are and what their release could mean to both Israel and Hamas. This sensitive issue carries profound implications, both human and political, which are likely to resonate beyond the immediate context of this deal.

The decision to postpone the initiation of the hostage swap suggests the intricate dynamics and probable challenges that the Israeli National Security Council is grappling with. It underpins the complex, diplomatic panorama of Middle East politics, bearing testimony to the region’s intricate weave of conflicts and alliances.

This development warrants close monitoring due to the potential it carries for affecting the broader narratives surrounding the Israeli-Hamas relationship. The subtle diplomacy at work in such arrangements, and what they imply about the wider social, political and security implications, remain points of interest for observers around the globe.

The stage is now set for Friday’s proceedings with the world watching carefully. The emphasis is not only on the release of the hostages but also on the broader political implications of the agreement. This incident presents yet another episode in the layered narrative of the Middle East, a narrative whose repercussions resonate far beyond the region’s geographical boundaries.

The Israeli National Security Council’s announcement of a delay in the hostage exchange deal with Hamas serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and realities of maintaining peace and stability within the volatility of the Middle East.

The latest Landmine Monitor data, released on Tuesday, alarmingly indicates that children comprised almost half of the civilian population killed or injured by landmines last year. The report outlines grim statistics, stating 4,710 casualties attributed to mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) in the past year, resulting in 1,661 deaths and 3,015 injured individuals.

Out of the total casualties documented, 85% were civilians, equating to 4,341 of the victims for whom the military or civilian status was known. Further disconcerting data reveals an estimated 49% of civilian victims were children, denoting 1,171 casualties where age was accounted for.

Syria recorded the highest number of casualties at 834 – a macabre distinction the nation retains for a third successive year. Ukraine, which reported 608 casualties, a staggering ten-fold increase from the previous year, and Yemen along with Myanmar, each accounted for over 500 casualties in the same period.

The report likes to echo the devastating and disproportionate impact of mines and ERWs on civilians, stating, “Children made up almost half (49%) of civilian casualties and just over one-third (35%) of all casualties in 2022, where the age group was known.” Most child casualties were boys, who accounted for nearly 79% of victims where gender was recognized. ERWs and improvised mines were the main items responsible for child victims; accounting for 44% and 19% of casualties respectively.

The report delves deeper, voicing concern over the expected rise in casualties in Ukraine for the year 2023. Despite progress in landmine clearance, the critical issue of underfunded care facilities for victims persists.

In 2022, global support for mine action rose to $913.5 million, a notable 52% ($314.5 million) year-on-year increase. Activities across Ukraine saw $162.3 million of this sum. For the first time, Saudi Arabia emerged among the top 15 donors, which jointly contributed 97% of global mine action funding that amounted to $774.9 million. However, the UK’s contribution saw a significant decrease, down by 35% from its previous contribution in 2021.

Contrarily, the United States and the European Union, the largest and second largest mine action donors respectively, notably upped their contributions in 2022. Half of all victim support was allocated to just three states – Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen. However, the report underlines these states were still failing to receive the help they need.

Issues in healthcare and rehabilitation services, like underfunding, accessibility, lack of expertise, and material supply have persisted in 2022. Countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen, faced massive disruption, damage, and even destruction to their healthcare systems in the same period. While some strides in integrating physical rehabilitation into national healthcare systems were noted, the report cited a lack of prioritisation from several affected countries.

Of the 164 state parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, 94 have confirmed the destruction of their stocks of antipersonnel mines, amounting to a total of 55 million landmines being destroyed. Sri Lanka was the latest to destroy its stocks in October 2021.

In 2022, state parties reported clearing a total of 219.31km² of contaminated land, resulting in the destruction of 169,276 antipersonnel landmines. This presents a rise compared to 2021, when 132.52km² of land was cleared and 117,847 mines were destroyed. Cambodia and Croatia reported the highest clearance rates in 2022, by jointly clearing over 128.67km² of land and destroying 14,815 antipersonnel mines.

Image Credit: AP News

The confluence of diplomatic efforts between Israel and Hamas has birthed a historic truce agreement, a significant measure hailed and welcomed by the United Nations. This significant development could steer the region towards peaceful negotiations at a time of rising tensions.

The UN took to the digital forum X (previously known as Twitter) to applaud this significant move. António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, expressed his endorsement of the Israel-Hamas agreement. This truce, facilitated by the mediation efforts of Qatar and supported strongly by Egypt and the United States, was praised as an essential stride towards stability in the Middle East.

The UN’s post emphasised, “This is an important step in the right direction; however, much more needs to be done.” The United Nations positioned itself firmly in support of the implementation of the agreement, promising to marshal all its faculties to ensure its success.

Simultaneously, global reactions to the truce have been largely positive. Turkey, among others, lauded the Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza, depicting it as a vital measure to prevent further bloodshed. The Turkish Foreign Ministry underscored its expectation for ‘full compliance’ with the truce arrangement, which comprises the release of hostages, prisoners, and amplified humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Notwithstanding, the successful execution of the deal is marked by several noteworthy developments on the ground. Prime among them is the slated release of hostages and prisoners on both sides – a move expected to alleviate current tensions substantially. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen confirmed that the first group of hostages in Gaza is expected to be released on Thursday. The phase will see 50 Israeli hostages freed by Hamas, whilst Israel has committed to releasing 150 Palestinians.

Global sentiments towards this truce have been welcoming, with China adding its voice to the countries celebrating this ‘humanitarian pause’ and prisoner swap deal.

At the heart of the region, amid a tentative air of hopefulness, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also exhibited joy following the announcement of the humanitarian armistice in Gaza.

However, the desired stability in the region is conditional to the steadfast pursuit of humanitarian efforts. In this regard, the call from the WHO’s regional head for the Eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed Mandhari, emphasises the need for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. He highlighted the need for hospitals to fulfil their crucial roles following the humanitarian truce arrangement.

Certainly, the undertakings towards the successful execution of the Israel-Hamas truce represent a commendable stride towards stability. Nonetheless, it is recognised that the pathway to lasting peace in the Middle East requires unwavering commitment from all parties involved. As the international community keeps a close watch on the region’s developments, the hope for a definitive and enduring resolution remains steadfastly alive.

Image Credit: AP Photo/ Yousef Masoud

In a decision grounded in judicial controversy, Iraq’s Parliament has confirmed the cessation of membership for its ex-Speaker, Mohammed Al Halbousi. The decision, announced this Tuesday, comes in the wake of a protracted legal battle and is the result of a ruling by the nation’s highest court.

Earlier this year, accusations were levelled against Al Halbousi by Sunni legislator Laith Al Dulaimi of fraudulent activity. Al Dulaimi contended that Al Halbousi had manipulated his signature and fabricated a date on a resignation letter. The proceedings led to the Federal Supreme Court’s breakthrough ruling last week that not only resulted in Al Halbousi’s expulsion but also terminated Al Dulaimi’s presence as an MP.

The Federal Supreme Court order was ratified when Mohsen Al Mandalawi, the Deputy Speaker, signed the decision terminating Al Halbousi’s membership. Parallelly, Parliament addressed the Independent High Elections Commission in a letter this Monday, nominating a lawmaker to fill Al Halbousi’s now-vacant seat. As per established legal procedure, the seat will be given to the candidate who polled the most votes but lost to Al Halbousi in the October 2021 elections.

Post the 2003 US-led incursion that upended the reign of Saddam Hussein and subverted the existing political framework, the US installed a democratic system of governance. The newly established political architecture envisaged national elections every four years for the selection of members of Parliament and the formation of the government. The resultant setup, where the government’s formation is not anchored exactly on election results, has been a cauldron of broad-based dispute since its inception during the first free elections in 2005.

An unofficial but practised rule amongst political parties designates the largely ornamental role of president to a Kurd, the prime minister’s position to a Shiite and leaves the Speaker of Parliament’s office for a Sunni. The remaining governmental offices are distributed across the political factions in accordance with their religious and ethnic identities.

Despite the recent upheaval, Parliament has maintained its equilibrium and scheduled an extraordinary session dedicated to voting for a fresh Speaker of Parliament this coming Wednesday. Sunni political entities, however, remain mired in stalemate over the nomination of an acceptable candidate. Al Halbousi, refusing to concede defeat, is advocating for a nominee from his Taqadum Party as his rivals eye the vacant berth.

Following the ruling by the Federal Supreme court, Al Halbousi brought constitutional disputes to bear, contending the court had stepped beyond its legal parameters when addressing Parliamentary membership. He asserted that the court is solely responsible for arbitrating constitutional issues consensus of legislative and regulatory mandates, as well as adjudicating disputes across federal governments, regions, and provinces. Membership and cessation of membership to the Parliament, he insisted, fall within the purview of the constitution, applicable laws and procedural protocols which he claims sit outside the court’s authority.

Shrugging off the dismissal, The Taqadum Party released a statement indicating three ministers – of planning, industry and culture – were planning on resigning in light of Al Halbousi’s termination. This party-wide revolt extends to participation, with party members refusing to attend Parliamentary sessions and commit to political dialogues with other parties. However, these resignations have been rejected by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, as per an official communication on Monday.

Image Credit: Iraqi Parliament media office via Reuters

In a fresh round of confrontations, a US warplane has launched a retaliatory strike against an Iran-backed militant group suspected to be at the heart of recent attacks on the Ain Al-Asad base, as confirmed by the US Central Command.

The strike orchestrated from the American side is widely seen as a robust response and a measure of self-defence exerted to protect its interests in the region. This development follows Iran’s increasing influence in the Middle East, raising concerns among officials and spectators alike.

The US Central Command, the force overseeing American military operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, issued a report detailing the event. The statement affirmed that an American aircraft initiated a focused counterstrike aimed at neutralising forces believed to be direct contributors to the offensive on Ain Al-Asad base.

The Ain Al-Asad base, on Iraq’s western border, has been a recurrent target of attacks since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. The latest incident being an act of aggression against the installation which houses multiple international forces, including American and coalition troops.

The American airstrike against the armed group supported by Iran signals mounting tensions in the region. This highlights the rapidly evolving face of conflict in the Middle East, where Iran’s involvement is increasingly marked in militarised altercations. Iran has been implicated in providing support, including detailed logistics and contingency, to a variety of armed factions across the Middle East.

The defensive action taken by the U.S. is a clear affirmation of the country’s resolve to protect their on-ground assets. The U.S. government, while demonstrating a reasoned stance towards Iran’s aggressive tendencies, conveys to international spectators that it will not shy away from safeguarding its regional interests and those of its allies.

This U.S. operation comes on the back of increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region, involving a range of state and non-state actors, intermittently colluding and clashing. The stability of the region becomes ever more precarious with the critical balance of power subjected to the ambitions of Iran, the US, and other regional players.

The retaliatory measure instigated by the US military is seen as a significant move. While the American government has largely relied on diplomatic pressures and economic sanctions to curb Iran’s ambitions, this military action indicates a distinct shift in strategy.

Indeed, the incident underlines a pressing question around diplomatic relations and strategic alliances in the region. It forces a re-evaluation of the existing dynamics, bringing to the forefront the implications of shifting military power plays, the positioning of international actors, and the profound impact these could have on the region’s future stability.

Simply put, this proactive strike by a US warplane brings into sharper focus the issue of Iran’s involvement in backing armed militant groups across the Middle East region. It underlines the immediate need for an international consensus in addressing the situation, bringing a peaceful resolution for the peoples of the region and ensuring a stable global environment remains not just a possibility, but a reality.

Whilst the direct confrontation between American and Iran-backed forces is an alarming escalation, it further underscores the importance of achieving a robust and effective diplomatic solution. The coming days will undoubtedly unveil the full repercussions of this latest event, highlighting the pivotal role of strategic diplomacy in de-escalating the situation and the path taken by the key players involved.

Image Credit: AP

France has embarked on the pursuit of an international arrest warrant for none other than Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad. This allegation revolves around his purported involvement in grievous crimes against humanity, traceable back to chemical attacks executed in 2013. Verifiable sources close to the judiciary and the plaintiffs in the case have come forward confirming these allegations.

The 2013 attacks, which have been largely condemned by the international community, transpired near Damascus, the Syrian capital, within the month of August. These horrific events claimed the lives of over 1,400 civilians. In an episode that provoked shockwaves around the globe, these chemical attacks notably were attributed, by opposition factions, to al-Assad’s regime.

This is far from the first time that al-Assad’s regime has been implicated in such grave charges. His reign, which kicked off in the year 2000, has been dogged by numerous allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, this is the first time that an international arrest warrant has been pursued by one of Syria’s Western critics.

The charges levelled against al-Assad go beyond mere complicity; they challenge his direct culpability in these war atrocities. France’s accusations, as significant as they are, point towards an intricate pattern of complying in war crimes on part of the Syrian President.

Marking a new chapter in the Syrian civil war narrative, French action comes at a high point in international dissatisfaction with al-Assad’s regime. The undeniable repercussions of these chemical attacks have left an indelible scar on the psyche of Syrian citizens and the global community at large.

There had been persistent calls for accountability and justice from the international community following these incidents. Yet the documentary evidence required to firmly link al-Assad to these attacks has always been lacking until now. The specifics of the evidence which provided the basis for France’s new charges against al-Assad have not been made public, leaving details of its nature and credibility still under a veil of speculation.

What is clear, however, is that should these charges be upheld in an international court, they would have far-reaching implications not just for al-Assad’s regime, but for the geopolitics of the entire Middle East region. It is an overall development that contributes to a deeper understanding of the ongoing dynamics of the Syrian crisis and provides a clearer lens by which to view the accountability for these atrocities.

On another note, some critics have already pointed out that the enforceability of France’s warrant is likely to be challenged. Historically, efforts to hold state leaders accountable for crimes under their watch have been fraught with political hurdles. The case of al-Assad, a head of state still firmly in power, will indeed be no exception.

As the world watches on, the success or failure of this international arrest warrant pursuit will undoubtedly set the tone for future endeavours to uphold justice and accountability against state leaders accused of war crimes. What we see unfolding could potentially re-shape the expectations and enforcement capacities of international criminal justice, all the while sending a clear message to leaders worldwide about the heavy price of crimes against humanity.

In light of these developments, it is crucial to bear in mind that these accusations are still allegations at this stage. Yet, they undeniably serve as a stark reminder of the weight and gravity of war crimes and their potential consequences for leaders who fail to respect international

The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will embark on a strategic journey to Egypt and Jordan this Saturday, November 18th. The news was revealed on X, the social networking service formerly known as Twitter, by a spokesperson for the EU Commission.

Underlining von der Leyen’s visit is a testament to the European Union’s growing commitment to deepen diplomatic and trade links with countries in the Middle East region. Egypt and Jordan, as pivotal nations in this area, undoubtedly play significant roles in shaping regional stability and prosperity, and fostering fruitful dialogue with them is part of von der Leyen’s plan to fortify EU’s Middle East policy.

This announcement comes amidst dynamic global and regional transformations, where powerful blocs like the EU are reassessing and bolstering their international relationships. Egypt, the most populous Arab state, holds a key strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and Asia. Its complicated geopolitical status makes it both a necessary ally and a potential pivot for the EU’s influence in Africa and the broader Middle East.

Consequently, von der Leyen’s visit to Egypt represents not just a diplomatic courtesy call but a symbolic assertion of the EU’s willingness to engage robustly with transitional democracies in the region, despite their complexities and challenges.

Furthermore, historians and analysts recognise Jordan as a centre of relative calm in an otherwise turbulent region. Jordan’s stability, despite its location amidst some of the region’s most intense conflicts, is often credited to its balanced foreign policies. As such, von der Leyen’s trip signifies the EU’s acknowledgement of Jordan’s role maintaining stability and peace within the region and aims to strengthen mutual cooperation against shared challenges.

Indeed, the European Union has previously leveraged Jordan as an influential mediator between warring factions in neighbouring countries, offering aid to support hosting refugee populations displaced by conflicts. As such, von der Leyen’s visit affirms the EU’s commitment to sustaining this cooperative relationship.

It remains to be seen how these upcoming engagements with Egypt and Jordan will influence the wider EU’s policy towards the Middle East. It is also worth noticing how von der Leyen will use these visits to manoeuvre the finer points of diplomacy, particularly when addressing contentious topics such as human rights, democracy, and regional security.

Nevertheless, this visit signifies the EU’s continuing desire to foster stronger ties with Middle Eastern countries, acknowledging their geopolitical significance and their potential role in shaping a more stable and peaceful Middle East. As such, von der Leyen’s trip could aid in forming or strengthening alliances and partnerships within this critical region.

This report reaffirms the European Union’s ongoing efforts to build robust and mutually beneficial relationships with Middle Eastern nations. Communities in Egypt and Jordan will be keen to see how the visit from von der Leyen can influence their strategic partnership with the EU, potentially opening avenues for deeper cooperation and increased investment.

While this upcoming journey signifies a specific diplomatic effort, it also mirrors the broader global trend of nations realigning and reassessing their relationships within the increasingly intertwined world political sphere. Further updates on the visit will be reported as events unfold.

Image Credit: John Thys, AP News

Iran has firmly dismissed a G7 communique urging Tehran to cease its backing of Hamas operatives and actions that contribute to the instability in the Middle East. The G7, comprised of the world’s leading economies, convened in Tokyo and highlighted their advocacy for humanitarian truces and safe passages amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

This rebuttal from Tehran arrived subsequent to the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting where they aligned in support of measures aimed at easing the hostilities in Gaza. The region has been subjected to intensive Israeli air raids subsequent to the incursion by Hamas militants on the 7th of October, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and the capture of hostages, as stated by Israeli authorities.

The Israeli countermeasures in Gaza have led to a substantial number of deaths, with a disproportionate impact on women and children, as reported by the health ministry controlled by Hamas. Furthermore, the G7’s appeal to Iran encompassed a broader scope, urging restraint in its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and other similar entities.

In a strong response on Thursday, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, Nasser Kanani, repudiated the G7’s declaration. He criticized the group—which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, France, and Japan—for not fulfilling what he deemed their international duty to denounce the actions of Israel that contravene human rights and international law in Gaza.

Despite backing Hamas both financially and militarily, Iran has praised the militant group’s offensive against Israel as a “success” while refuting any direct involvement. President Ebrahim Raisi has stated Iran’s commitment to support resistance factions and maintains that these groups operate autonomously. Iran, which does not recognize Israel’s statehood, has consistently underscored its solidarity with the Palestinian cause as a fundamental aspect of its foreign policy since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

The recent opening of the Gaza-Egypt border crossing has presented a potential exit route for British nationals trapped in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip.

The border, often subject to closures, has seen a rare opening, giving hope to those British citizens who have found themselves stranded amidst the ongoing tensions in the region. The British Foreign Office has been continuously monitoring the situation, exploring every possible avenue to ensure the safe return of its nationals.

The frequent flare-ups between Gaza and Israel have led to numerous border shutdowns in the past, making it difficult for Britons and other foreign nationals to leave the territory. The sudden opening of the border crossing at Rafah could provide a much-needed escape route.

A spokesperson from the Foreign Office stated, “We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by British nationals in Gaza. We are exploring all options and are in continuous touch with local authorities to facilitate a safe passage for our citizens.”

However, with the unpredictability of the situation, there is no certainty about how long the border will remain open, urging those in need of evacuation to act swiftly.

Concerned family members in the UK are advised to stay updated via the Foreign Office’s official channels and to maintain communication with their relatives in Gaza.

Image Credit: Said Khatib/AFP

In the labyrinth of Middle Eastern geopolitics, Lebanon finds itself delicately poised between a challenging past and an uncertain future. The recent uptick in hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel has raised more than just alarm bells; it’s reignited a fundamental question: Where does Lebanon truly stand amidst this tumult?

The People’s Cry for Stability:

As the drums of war beat louder along the border, a different kind of sound emerges from the heart of Beirut and the wider Lebanese landscape – a collective sigh. For a nation that’s been grappling with an economic maelstrom, the thought of another war is nightmarish. This sentiment finds resonance in the words of Lebanon’s Prime Minister, who is fervently working to stave off a full-blown confrontation with Israel.

Hezbollah’s Play, Lebanon’s Dilemma:

The complex dynamic between Hezbollah’s actions and the larger Lebanese zeitgeist cannot be overstated. It’s paramount to remember that Hezbollah’s moves aren’t necessarily Lebanon’s. Many Lebanese, wearied by past conflicts and present challenges, crave nothing more than peace and normalcy.

A Shifting Border Quandary:

The evolving nature of the Lebanon-Israel conflict presents a sobering picture. No longer confined to predictable zones, the skirmishes now hint at a more expansive and unpredictable pattern. This shift only amplifies the apprehensions of the average Lebanese citizen, many of whom watch with bated breath, hoping that their homeland remains unscathed.

In Reflection:

Peeling back the layers of Lebanon’s current situation reveals a poignant truth: The nation, in its entirety, isn’t mirrored by the actions of one group, no matter how influential. As the spectre of war looms, it’s crucial to recognise the diverse voices within Lebanon, many of whom yearn for a chapter defined by peace rather than conflict.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

In the undulating rhythm of Syrian resistance, the spirits of rebellion have once more swelled to the surface in the Druze majority al-Suwayda governorate, shocking an international community that perceived the uprising’s final chord had been struck. A dozen years have eclipsed since the inception of the popular 2011 revolution, and against the odds, the echoes of dissent continue to permeate through the war-torn tapestry of Syria, particularly within the al-Suwayda governorate in southern Syria, where the largely Druze minority population has astoundingly engaged in peaceful protests daily for over a month.

The resurgence of civil unrest exposes the unhealed wounds of a nation brutalised by Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Over a grisly 12-year reign, the regime has not merely clung to power but has enacted a torrent of human rights violations, including indiscriminate bombing of civilians, chemical weapon attacks, and targeted onslaughts against hospitals and schools. It’s a horrifying tableau where, according to the United Nations, over half the nation’s populace has been displaced, marking one of the most harrowing humanitarian crises in contemporary history.

In light of these atrocities and the insatiable appetite for change among Syrians, thousands have coalesced in recent weeks to rally against Assad’s iron-fisted rule, demanding his ouster and the realisation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254. Adopted unanimously in 2015, the resolution mandates the inception of an “inclusive transitional governing body with full executive powers”. Yet, the Assad regime, despite the cacophony of international outrage and demands, has remained impervious, continuing its tyrannical rule unbridled.

The winds of opposition are not confined to al-Suwayda. In the coastal birthplace of Assad, voices of opposition have daringly pierced through the regime’s fortress of fear. Yet, these brave souls in al-Suwayda and beyond not only battle against a dictator but grapple with an economy in tatters. Whilst Syrians languish in destitution, Assad and his inner circle bask in opulence, their regime simultaneously entwined with the burgeoning Captagon trade, positioning Syria as a pivotal manufacturer and supplier of the drug, per multiple international reports.

Nevertheless, the regime, bolstered by staunch support from allies Russia and Iran, has withstood the tempest of rebellion, which has embroiled Syria in a ceaseless conflagration. The global response has largely oscillated between tepid and ineffective, allowing Russia, in particular, to overstep boundaries with seeming impunity, not only in Syria but subsequently in Ukraine as well. And now, with China’s burgeoning interest in liaising with the Syrian regime, the geopolitical stakes are further elevated.

The stoic resilience of the protestors in al-Suwayda is emblematic of the unquenchable desire for not only political reformation but also a clamouring for fundamental human rights: freedom and dignity. Amidst the palpable fear of violent reprisal and the regime’s vehement accusations of Western collaboration amongst protestors, the spirit of rebellion remains indomitably fervent.

The ripples of the al-Suwayda movement have cascaded throughout Syria, igniting demonstrations in Daraa, northern Syria, and various other governorates, encapsulating the profound, universal aspirations for democracy and accountability for war crimes amongst Syrians.

For surrounding Arab nations, the rekindled Syrian resistance presents a complex geopolitical conundrum, particularly in light of Jordan’s King Abdullah’s stark proclamation at last month’s UN General Assembly: “Jordan’s capacity to deliver necessary services to refugees has surpassed its limits.” Thus, the Syrian regime is transmitted an unambiguous directive: the resort to violence must not be replayed.

In the shadows of past international missteps, the ongoing Syrian resistance heralds a crucial opportunity: to reconcile with past shortcomings and constructively engage with the legitimate Syrian uprising. The undeterred resilience of the protestors underscores a poignant reminder of the universality of the longing for liberty and justice, providing a pivotal juncture to recalibrate global approaches towards a genuine political resolution that addresses the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.

Image credit: Handout/Suwayda 24/AFP

In a bold stride towards establishing its presence as a formidable entity within the global sports arena, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially declared its intent to bid as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The revelation, conveyed through the state news agency SPA on a recent Wednesday, not only underscores the Kingdom’s ambition in the realm of international sport but also reflects its broader objectives of transformation and development.

The Saudi minister of sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, disseminated his sentiments through the Saudi Press Agency, articulating a vivid dream: “Hosting a FIFA World Cup in 2034 would assist us in realising our aspiration of emerging as a pivotal nation in global sport and would delineate a notable milestone in the nation’s transformation.”

He added, “As a nascent and hospitable home for all sports, we believe that hosting a FIFA World Cup is an intuitive subsequent phase in our football journey.”

The initial interest of the country was piqued for the 2030 competition. Nonetheless, the latter is projected to be a multi-nation spectacle, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco potentially serving as hosts for matches. Additionally, the preliminary matches are scheduled to be held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Consequently, Saudi Arabia has turned its sights towards 2034, with visions of hosting the esteemed tournament autonomously, crafting an event that would symbolise a landmark in their sporting journey.

This announcement coexists with past interactions between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece, where dialogues centred around a collaborative bid to host the tournament. Nonetheless, the recent proclamations point towards Saudi Arabia’s plan to single-handedly host the 2034 event.

Yasser Al Misehal, the President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), conveyed a message of optimism and dedication through a statement on the SAFF website: “We believe the time is ripe for Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup.”

He further stated, “Our bid is motivated by a fervent love for the game and a wish to see it burgeon in every corner of the world. We want to celebrate our football culture and share our nation with the world.”

Saudi Arabia’s journey towards this point is steeped in its embrace for innovation and growth, forming the backbone of their bid for the tournament. “The Kingdom’s transformation journey is the driving force behind our bid,” Al Misehal remarked. Commitments towards hosting an exemplary event, one that celebrates the sport, enthralls players and fans alike, and ignites the imaginations of future generations, are evident.

Illustrating a historic backdrop, Saudi Arabia has qualified for the World Cup on six previous occasions, with their inaugural appearance tracing back to 1994. A notable triumph was marked when they bested the world champions, Argentina, with a scoreline of 2-1 at the 2022 World Cup hosted in Qatar.

Amidst these developments, the Saudi Pro League has witnessed a surge in profile and popularity. Big names in world football, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema, have made transitions to play in the Saudi Pro League in the preceding year, bolstering its reputation and stake on the international stage.

In a nutshell, the Kingdom’s leadership has exuded full-fledged support towards this bid, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to propel the nation forwards, and unveil new horizons of opportunities and engagements in the world of sport. Saudi Arabia, through its intentions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, does not merely aim to be a spectator but envisions being a pivotal player, shaping the narratives and experiences in the global sporting domain.

The prospect of the 2034 FIFA World Cup could perhaps be a chapter where the world witnesses the union of sporting spirit and innovative transformations, amalgamated seamlessly in the desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia.

AP Photo/Jorge Saenz

In a sudden and strikingly efficient military offensive launched on 19th September, Azerbaijan asserted a decisive victory over the Republic of Artsakh, an ethnically Armenian-majority autonomous enclave located within its borders. The campaign, which came after a protracted blockade of the vital Lachin Corridor, supplying Artsakh, was notably swift, culminating on 20th September when Artsakh President Samvel Shahramanyan conceded, agreeing to peace on Azerbaijan’s terms.

The geopolitical aftershocks of Azerbaijan’s triumph, enabled by a seemingly minimal exertion, will reverberate through the South Caucasus for the foreseeable future. Notably, tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians, propelled by fears of ethnic cleansing, have fled Artsakh, contributing to a burgeoning humanitarian crisis that stands in stark contrast to the disbanding of the Artsakh Defence Army and the planned dissolution of the separatist government by year-end.

Turkey’s solid support for Azerbaijan’s campaign aligns not only with its established alliance but also accords with a broader strategic vision for the region. Turkey has ardently backed Azerbaijan’s intention to construct the Zangezur Corridor, anticipated to forge stronger cultural and economic ties by granting Azerbaijan unimpeded access to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and further linking Azerbaijan to eastern Turkey.

Meanwhile, Russia’s decision to abstain from military intervention, despite maintaining a 2,000-strong peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh, reveals a complex web of geopolitical relationships and ambitions. Frustrations with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s leadership and potential prospects for enhancing its partnership with Azerbaijan underpinned Moscow’s restrained approach, facilitating the ceasefire that handed Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan, despite existing ties to Armenia.

Iran, despite its ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, stemming from its alleged pro-Armenian stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and Azerbaijan’s security collaboration with Israel, has navigated a cautious middle-ground approach to Azerbaijan’s reintegration of Nagorno-Karabakh. Notably, amidst Iran’s expression of concern over the humanitarian plight of ethnic Armenians, Turkey has asserted that Iran has moderated its opposition to the Zangezur Corridor project.

For Western powers, moral dilemmas unfold as potential actions, or lack thereof, are scrutinised on the international stage. Despite strong admonitions and the clear expression of concern over human rights abuses, concrete interventions, such as sanctions, appear improbable given Europe’s energy dependencies on Azerbaijan. The lack of consistent policy in response to the crisis is evident, with NATO and the European Union seemingly lacking tangible leverage to decisively influence the ongoing situation.

The humanitarian crisis emanating from the conflict cannot be understated. With over 65,000 refugees, representing over one-third of Nagorno-Karabakh’s population, seeking sanctuary in Armenia by 28th September, Armenia faces both humanitarian and political turmoil. Prime Minister Pashinyan, now contending with the comprehensive management of refugee inflow amidst mounting criticism, seeks humanitarian assistance from the international community, the delivery and sufficiency of which remain to be seen.

In contrast, Azerbaijan’s assured victory in Nagorno-Karabakh, achieved with unexpected ease, consolidates its position in the region but potentially sets the stage for intricate geopolitical manoeuvring and conflict in the South Caucasus for years ahead.

While Turkey’s ambitions seem somewhat realised through Azerbaijan’s triumph, Russia, Iran, and Western powers are compelled to navigate through a newly altered geopolitical landscape, balancing strategic interests against ethical considerations and international perceptions.

The legacy of Prime Minister Pashinyan, forever marred by the loss of Nagorno-Karabakh, hinges precariously upon his handling of the resettlement and care of displaced ethnic Armenians, establishing a stage where international relations, humanitarian obligations, and domestic politics are inextricably entwined.

The complex unfolding of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict thereby raises questions about international intervention, humanitarian obligations, and the future stability of the South Caucasus, with global eyes watching, awaiting the subsequent moves of regional and international players in this high-stakes geopolitical arena.

Image credit: AZE Media

Note: This article provides a general overview and may not cover all aspects of the complex situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Furthermore, events might have evolved beyond the information available at the time of writing, given the fast-changing nature of geopolitical events.

Navigating the Tumultuous Waters of the Lebanese Refugee Crisis.

In the realm of international politics, Lebanon has surfaced into the limelight, owing to a bold proclamation by Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, a staunch pro-Iran terror group. His recent address illuminated a perspective on the sensitive matter of Syrian migration through Lebanon, sparking vigorous debates and eliciting varied reactions from the global community. As Lebanon grapples with an intensified influx of Syrians crossing its border, Nasrallah has proposed a controversial solution: ceasing the prevention of Syrians’ maritime passage to the European Union.

This significant uptick in migration from Syria, motivated by citizens endeavouring to evade the hostile clutches of the Assad regime and circumvent a deteriorating Syrian economic landscape, has thrown Lebanon into a precarious situation. The Lebanese military has thus beseeched for augmented resources and manpower to safeguard the expansive 394-kilometer border with Syria, a feat currently deemed unattainable given the present circumstances.

Nasrallah’s assertion hinges on the claim that the United States, through its rigorous imposition of sanctions epitomised by the Caesar Act, is instrumental in the destabilisation of the Syrian economy and, consequently, the displacement of Syrian refugees. He postulates that relieving these sanctions and allowing investments to flow into Syria would catalyse the return of countless Syrians to their homeland.

However, beneath the macrocosmic lens of international politics, the escalating Syrian refugee crisis has catalysed a crescendo of xenophobia and frustration amongst the Lebanese populace and political entities alike. A palpable tension percolates through the nation as nearly 1.6 million Syrian refugees seek solace on Lebanese soil, eliciting a complex maelstrom of socio-economic and political quandaries amidst an already dire Lebanese economic crisis, which has submerged approximately 80% of its citizens into the abyss of poverty since its inception in 2019.

The fractious relationship between the Lebanese and Syrian refugees is increasingly evident. Several prominent Lebanese political factions have voiced a unanimous plea for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. This has been accompanied by the execution of numerous deportations by the Lebanese state since April, alongside an upsurge in anti-Syrian demonstrations within the capital, Beirut.

Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations adamantly underscore the inhospitable conditions within Syria, highlighting the palpable dangers that await returning refugees, including potential torture, forced disappearances, and even fatal encounters with security services. This situation places the involved parties in a moral and political quandary, with seemingly no straightforward resolution in sight.

The disconcerting crisis transcends Lebanese borders, permeating into the European Union, where member states exhibit increasing frustration towards the burgeoning numbers of Syrians journeying by sea to seek asylum. A notable example was witnessed on 15th September when Cypriot Interior Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, approached the EU parliament, imploring them to reassess the security situation within Syria. This was with a view to initiating the return of Syrian asylum seekers, whilst concurrently soliciting additional financial assistance for Lebanon, which he defined as a crucial “barrier” preventing further refugees from infiltrating Europe.

This complex, multi-faceted crisis intertwines geopolitical, humanitarian, and socio-economic threads, creating a delicate tapestry that requires a meticulously balanced approach. While Nasrallah’s provocative strategy of essentially employing the refugee crisis as a bargaining chip with Europe raises ethical and practical questions, it undoubtedly propels the issue further into the global arena, necessitating urgent, collective contemplation and action.

As Lebanon navigates through these tumultuous waters, the coming months will be pivotal, not only in shaping the nation’s socio-political landscape but also in defining the broader international response to a crisis that continues to unfurl amidst an already chaotic global stage.

Image Credit: Anwar AMRO / AFP

Embarking on a Joint Venture in Maritime Oil and Gas Exploration: A Closer Look at the Consortium Formed by QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, and Eni in Lebanon.

Lebanon has witnessed a significant shift in its energy sector dynamics with the announcement of a three-way consortium between QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, and Eni to explore oil and gas in two maritime blocks off its coast, signaling an intriguing turn of events for the region’s energy landscape. Amidst a complex geopolitical backdrop and an evolving global energy market, this endeavor, heralded by the Lebanese energy ministry, unfolds a chapter that could be pivotal for Lebanon’s economic prospects and energy security.

In a beacon of positive development amidst Lebanon’s multifaceted challenges, the energy ministry declared that QatarEnergy would be joining hands with France’s TotalEnergies and Italy’s Eni to foster exploration activities in the nation’s offshore sectors. The consortium underscores a shared vision and collaborative effort aimed at harnessing the potential encapsulated in the eastern Mediterranean and Levant offshore areas, which have historically proven to be reservoirs of substantial gas discoveries, especially over the previous decade.

Following months of intricate negotiations, the stakeholder distribution among the consortium members was agreed upon, with QatarEnergy securing a 30% stake, while TotalEnergies and Eni would retain 35% each. Notably, this resolution emerges after Lebanon’s first licensing round in 2017, during which a consortium—comprising TotalEnergies, Eni, and Russia’s Novatek—was victorious in procuring bids to explore offshore 4 and 9 blocks.

However, the journey to this current consortium configuration has not been without its share of challenges and evolutions. In September 2022, Novatek relinquished its involvement, thereby bestowing its 20% stake upon the Lebanese government. This withdrawal necessitated the recalibration of stakeholder investments and roles within the exploration project and rendered the involvement of a new partner, QatarEnergy, both timely and vital to sustaining the momentum of exploration activities.

Moreover, the geopolitical dimension, invariably intertwined with energy exploration and production in the region, played a critical role in shaping the framework and agreements related to these maritime blocks. Particularly, the lingering dispute between Lebanon and Israel concerning their maritime border witnessed a historic resolution in the month succeeding Novatek’s withdrawal. The U.S.-brokered landmark agreement between Lebanon and Israel, delineating their maritime borders, became a pivotal determinant in the structuring and future trajectory of the exploration endeavors in block 9. Notably, a portion of block 9 is situated south of the newly established border with Israel.

A distinct and diplomatically nuanced agreement between Total and Israel was fashioned concerning the revenue generation from the aforementioned segment of block 9, reinforcing the intricacy of managing energy exploration within a context of layered geopolitical considerations. The agreement firmly established that neither Lebanese nor Israeli corporations would operate in the zone located below the newly delineated border, instigating the transfer of the TotalEnergies and government stakes to entities referred to as “vehicles” of TotalEnergies and precipitating the quest for a new consortium partner.

This ambitious exploration initiative arrives amidst heightened global interest in the eastern Mediterranean and Levant regions, particularly given the notable gas discoveries in the previous decade and the augmented reliance on diversified gas supply chains in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The consortium, therefore, not only represents a cooperative venture aimed at tapping into the rich energy potential off Lebanon’s coast but also resonates on a larger scale within the context of regional energy security and global energy supply dynamics.

In conclusion, the formation of the consortium between QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies, and Eni and the ensuing exploration in Lebanon’s maritime blocks is emblematic of the complex, yet potentially rewarding, interplay of energy exploration, geopolitical considerations, and collaborative international ventures. It is imperative that such collaborations are navigated with a judicious blend of economic foresight, environmental consideration, and diplomatic acumen to ensure that the potential benefits can be realized in a manner that is conducive to regional stability and symbiotic international relations.

With this initiative underpinning Lebanon’s aspirations for energy self-sufficiency and economic rejuvenation, all eyes will be attentively observing the unfolding chapters of this exploration story, deciphering its implications not only for the nation but also for the broader dynamics of the global energy landscape.

Turkey is set to resume operations on a crucial crude oil pipeline from Iraq following a six-month suspension, as announced by Turkey’s Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, on October 2nd. The announcement was made during the ADIPEC conference held in Abu Dhabi. Upon reactivation, the Iraq-Turkey pipeline is poised to supply almost half a million barrels to the global oil markets weekly.

The pipeline’s operations were initially halted half a year ago subsequent to an arbitration decision by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The ICC mandated Turkey to remunerate Baghdad for unauthorized exports that occurred between 2014 and 2018. Following the ruling, Turkey embarked on maintenance work on the pipeline, which is a significant conduit contributing approximately 0.5% to the global crude supply.

In the interim, Baghdad and Ankara came to an agreement to postpone the recommencement of the pipeline flows until the maintenance assessment, particularly imperative as the pipeline transverses a seismic zone, was finalized. Concurrently, the two nations have been entwined in a legal skirmish regarding arbitration awards. Bayraktar had mentioned in the previous month that Turkey was considering legal proceedings against Iraq, given that the latter has an outstanding enforcement case against Turkey.

Moreover, Bayraktar emphasized Turkey’s history as a steadfast transit route for oil and gas. This pipeline resumption is not only vital for Turkey and Iraq but also stands to have a substantial impact on global oil markets by infusing a considerable quantity of crude oil amidst existing market dynamics.

The decisions and subsequent actions from both countries following the reactivation of the pipeline will be pivotal, especially considering the previous legal and operational challenges. As this development unfolds, it may potentially usher in various economic and geopolitical implications within the region, and perhaps, on a global scale.

Image Credit: Zbynek Burival on Unsplash

In an illuminating article published by Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida, a complex, multi-faceted deal in the intricate Syria-Iran-Hezbollah-Russia network is purportedly in the works, potentially escalating the already tense geopolitical climate in the region. The alleged four-way deal, as corroborated by trusted sources, has the potential to heighten threats against both Israel and Ukraine, countries already grappling with their respective security challenges.

If there’s merit to the claim, the arms movement could witness a strategic transfer of weapons from Hezbollah to Syrian regime-supported Arab tribes and further on to Moscow, a move that might appear paradoxical considering Hezbollah’s well-documented proclivity for stockpiling weaponry. Nonetheless, it is argued that such a manoeuvre might enable Hezbollah to offload older munitions while simultaneously acquiring newer, perhaps more advanced Iranian weaponry, thus not only maintaining but potentially upgrading its military capabilities.

This scenario is further complicated by the historical backdrop of arms movement through Syria to Hezbollah, a strategy that Iran has previously leveraged. The unfolding of the Syrian Civil War from 2011 onwards, with Hezbollah’s intervention on behalf of the regime – facilitated by Iranian support, including the deployment of IRGC troops – shifted the geopolitical dynamics slightly, embedding an objective of Iranian entrenchment within the broader framework.

Hezbollah managed not only to benefit from the situation but also firmly establish itself in strategic Syrian locations such as near Aleppo and the Golan. Iran reciprocally expanded its trading axis in Syria, maneuvering weaponry to crucial points like Albukamal, T-4 base, Damascus, and further across the Syrian expanse.

A vital aspect to explore in this convoluted situation is the Quds Force’s leadership, particularly its current leader, Ismail Qaani, who stepped into the role following the 2020 killing of his predecessor, Qasem Soleimani. Qaani, according to a source cited by Al-Jarida, agreed to facilitate the provision of new weapons to Hezbollah via Syria, receiving, in return, a significant portion of its older arms and ammunition to bolster the Arab tribes allied with Syria. These tribes pose a threat to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and are instrumental in expanding the regime’s sway, particularly in eastern Syria. A facet of this arrangement potentially enables Russia to acquire a portion of Hezbollah’s weapons, bolstering its military operations in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

On a parallel trajectory, the alleged deal may facilitate diplomatic and strategic maneuvering between Moscow, Turkey, and Syria. Turkey, having occupied northern Syria and supported Syrian rebels against the SDF, maintains a turbulent relationship with the latter, designating it a “terrorist” entity. As Ankara navigates discussions with Russia, the Syrian regime, and Iran, normalization between Turkey and Syria remains a complex and delicate process, hinging on nuanced demands and historical agreements like the Adana agreement of 1998. However, it appears that Turkey, Iran, and Russia collectively seek to avoid a direct confrontation with Washington, each due to its individual reasons, viewing the empowerment of Arab tribes as a strategically viable means to undermine the SDF without directly instigating conflict.

Moreover, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, in dialogue with Qaani, reportedly expressed that confrontations with Israel have morphed into a new phase, centring upon the conflict over energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean. Thus, Hezbollah’s need for qualitative weaponry, capable of establishing a deterrent balance with Israel, becomes imperative.

This complex web of international relations and strategic deals indicates an elaborate, albeit precarious balance in which entities like Hezbollah stand to benefit, replenishing their weapon caches with more advanced technology, and thereby perpetuating a persistent threat to Israel. Simultaneously, Russia’s benefit from the arrangement is situated in the acquisition of additional arms—albeit how Moscow would navigate the transportation of the weaponry remains unclear. This arrangement, if brought to fruition, is indicative of a recalibration of power dynamics in the region, emphasizing the need for careful observation and strategic engagement from the international community to mitigate potential escalations and protect precarious stabilities.

Turkish air strikes conducted in northern Iraq on Sunday night, as stated by Turkey’s defense ministry, resulted in the “neutralization” of numerous Kurdish militants and the destruction of their depots and shelters. This operation came shortly after a Kurdish group claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in the capital city of Ankara.

On Sunday morning, two assailants detonated a bomb near government buildings in Ankara, resulting in the death of both attackers and the injury of two police officers. The banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group claimed responsibility for this attack.

The ministry reported, “A total of 20 targets were destroyed, consisting of caves, bunkers, shelters, and depots used by the separatist terrorist organization.” The term “neutralized” was used to indicate that many militants were killed in these operations. These airstrikes were carried out in the Metina, Hakurk, Qandil, and Gara regions of northern Iraq at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT), and the ministry emphasized that all necessary precautions were taken to prevent harm to civilians and the environment.

Earlier on Sunday, CCTV footage showed a vehicle pulling up to the main gate of the Interior Ministry, with one of its occupants quickly approaching the building before being engulfed in an explosion. The other individual remained on the street. One attacker was killed in the blast, while authorities eliminated the other. This explosion sent shockwaves through a district housing ministerial buildings and the nearby parliament, marking the first attack in the capital in several years and coinciding with the opening of the new parliamentary session.

The ANF News website, closely associated with the PKK, cited the group as claiming responsibility for the attack, carried out by a team from its Immortals Battalion unit. The PKK has been classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. It initiated an insurgency in south-eastern Turkey in 1984, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 people in the ongoing conflict.

The bomb explosion on Ataturk Boulevard was the first such incident in Ankara since 2016 when a series of deadly attacks plagued the country.

Subsequent videos depicted a Renault cargo vehicle parked at the scene, with shattered windows and open doors, amidst debris and surrounded by soldiers, ambulances, fire trucks, and armored vehicles.

A senior Turkish official informed a western news agency that the attackers had hijacked the vehicle and killed its driver in Kayseri, a city located 260 kilometres (161 miles) southeast of Ankara, before executing the attack.

During a series of violent incidents in 2015 and 2016, Kurdish militants, ISIS, and other groups either claimed responsibility for or were implicated in a series of attacks in Turkish cities.

Furthermore, the rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq in the mid-2010s had significant repercussions for Turkey. The porous border between Turkey and its troubled neighbours facilitated the flow of foreign fighters and logistical support to ISIS, leading to a spate of deadly attacks within Turkey, including bombings in Istanbul and Ankara.

Turkey’s fight against terrorism has been multifaceted, involving both domestic and international efforts. The country has undertaken military operations, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement initiatives to combat various extremist groups. Additionally, Turkey has called for greater international cooperation in addressing the root causes of terrorism, including socioeconomic factors and ideological extremism.

Throughout its history, Turkey has demonstrated resilience in the face of terrorism, and its security forces have worked tirelessly to protect its citizens and maintain stability. However, the threat of terrorism remains a persistent challenge that requires ongoing vigilance and cooperation with the international community and especially regional allies.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Francisco Seco

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has officially announced his candidacy for a third term in the upcoming presidential election slated for December. Al-Sisi, a former military leader who has held the presidency since 2014, had been widely anticipated to seek re-election after constitutional amendments were enacted four years ago, extending his potential term in office until 2030.

Supporters of President al-Sisi have actively promoted his candidacy in recent weeks through various means, including billboards and public messages encouraging him to run for a third term.

Al-Sisi first assumed power following his prominent role in the ousting of the democratically elected Mohamed Mursi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, in 2013. He subsequently won the presidential elections in 2014 and 2018 with overwhelming margins, receiving 97 percent of the vote on both occasions.

This decision to run for a third term has significant implications for Egypt’s political landscape, and the upcoming election in December will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.

In response to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s announcement of his candidacy for a third term, there has been a mixed reaction within Egypt. While his supporters praise his strong leadership and efforts to maintain stability in the country, critics argue that his extended tenure could potentially undermine democratic principles and limit political diversity. Some opposition groups have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the upcoming election, citing previous allegations of electoral irregularities.

The decision to run for a third term also raises questions about the future direction of Egypt’s political landscape. It remains to be seen how this announcement will impact the dynamics of the presidential race and whether any formidable challengers will emerge. As the country prepares for the December election, the international community will be closely monitoring developments to assess the overall fairness and legitimacy of the electoral process.

Military commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who has command over forces in eastern Libya, engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday.

Field Marshal Haftar, a supporter of the House of Representatives government located in the eastern city of Tobruk, has over time fostered close relations with Moscow, and heavily depends on the Russian mercenary group, Wagner, for military aid.

The administration in Tobruk is in contention with the UN-endorsed Government of National Unity situated in Tripoli.

Field Marshal Haftar “engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu,” declared his Libyan Arab Armed Forces group on social media.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov verified that Field Marshal Haftar had conducted discussions with Mr. Putin.

“The situation in Libya and the overall region were the subjects of their conversation,” Mr. Peskov conveyed in statements reported by Russia’s state news agency, Tass.

This was the inaugural meeting between the two individuals since 2019, as per Libyan media reports.

Field Marshal Haftar, arriving in Moscow on Tuesday, had previously engaged in discussions with Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov.

Mr. Yevkurov has been a recurrent visitor to eastern Libya in the last few years, his most recent visit being on September 17, where he met Field Marshal Haftar following the floods that wrecked the coastal city of Derna, resulting in thousands of fatalities and numerous missing individuals.

A 2019 onslaught by Field Marshal Haftar’s forces on the government in Tripoli was significantly dependent on Wagner mercenaries. However, it was unsuccessful in overcoming the Turkish-supported armed forces of the Tripoli government.

Post the October 2020 ceasefire, which concluded the offensive, Wagner relocated several of its members, including to other locations in Africa – a continent where Russia has been endeavouring to enhance its influence – and to Ukraine, participating in Moscow’s invasion.

Nonetheless, despite successive UN Security Council resolutions demanding the withdrawal of all foreign military personnel from Libya, a substantial number of Wagner staff are still positioned in the east and in regions of the desert south under Field Marshal Haftar’s command.

The future plans of Wagner are indeterminate following the demise of leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in an aeroplane crash north-west of Moscow in August.

Image Credit: US Department of State

Ankara was enveloped in chaos after a substantial explosion reverberated through the heart of the Turkish capital this Sunday. The unsettling echo of the blast created a ripple of unrest amidst the city’s bustling ambiance.

Ministry Labels Incident a “Terrorist Attack”

The Turkish Interior Ministry was swift in categorising the blast as a “terrorist attack”. Reports from Turkish media outlets elucidate that two terrorists instigated the attack right in front of the ministry building. The ministry unveiled that one of the assailants has been neutralised, whilst the other triggered his explosives, causing him to perish in the process. In the chaotic aftermath, two security officers sustained injuries while trying to counter the attackers.

Incident Occurs Prior to Parliamentary Reconvening

The attack unfolded just as the Turkish parliament is poised to reconvene this week following the conclusion of the summer recess. It has been in hiatus since late July and is scheduled to resume its sessions in October.

The Interior Minister divulged further details, stating that the culprits behind the morning’s horrific scenes were, in fact, two suicide bombers who aimed their ire at Turkey’s parliament. Besides the self-inflicted casualties of the attackers, two security guards are nursing injuries from the ordeal.

Heightened Security in the Wake of the Attack

As the city still grapples with the shock of the unexpected attack, heightened security measures are likely to be enforced around the parliamentary building and other crucial state infrastructures. With the parliament scheduled to reopen soon, an air of heightened vigilance is expected to envelop the political quarters of the Turkish capital.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

The structural integrity of the Derna dams had been under scrutiny for nearly four decades, revealed Al-Sediq Al-Sour, a Libyan state prosecutor. This revelation comes amidst ongoing searches for victims from the catastrophic floods last week.

The initial concerns over the dams’ structural health can be traced back to 1986. These were built in the 1970s by a Yugoslavian firm and underwent substantial damage following a powerful storm. An official investigation authorised by the Libyan administration a decade afterwards disclosed cracks and fissures in their construction.

Fast-forward to 2007, Arsel Construction Company, a Turkish enterprise, was brought on board to oversee the maintenance of these dams and to construct an additional one. While the company’s official site asserted the completion of the project by November 2012, recent satellite imagery indicates the absence of the third dam. Attempts to get a statement from Arsel went unanswered.

The tumultuous NATO-endorsed revolution and subsequent civil strife in 2011, resulting in the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi, led to many foreign businesses retreating from Libya.

Post this, nearly £1.6m was designated for the dams. However, a state audit from 2021 suggested that the maintenance remained lacklustre. Al-Sour indicated that a thorough investigation surrounding the dam’s failure and fund appropriation is imminent.

The catastrophic flood led to the death of over 11,000 individuals, and an alarming 10,000 are yet to be accounted for, leaving Derna in ruins.

Othman Abduljaleel, the health minister of Libya’s eastern regime, confirmed on Sunday the interment of 3,283 individuals. Many of these burials took place in large communal graves on the outskirts of Derna, whilst others were transported to neighbouring towns.

The relief efforts are continuously impeded by an absence of coordination, challenges in channeling aid to the most affected regions, and the annihilation of Derna’s infrastructural foundations, inclusive of multiple bridges.

Preceding the onslaught of Storm Daniel, the divided Libyan leaderships – one in the west, underpinned by assorted armed factions, and another in the east, aligned with the so-called Libyan National Army – disseminated contrasting advisories.

Derna’s local council proactively encouraged citizens to vacate coastal zones. In contrast, numerous locals cited receiving mobile notifications persuading them to remain indoors.

Activists now champion the cause for an international inquiry, expressing concerns about the efficacy of a domestic examination in a nation so polarised.

Given the political instability and entrenched internal conflicts, Libya has been a fertile ground for unchecked corruption within its public institutions, as highlighted by Transparency International.

On another note, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya expressed apprehensions regarding potential water contamination post the dam’s failure, predicting another dire crisis. Haider al-Saeih, at the helm of Libya’s Centre for Combating Diseases, reported on television that approximately 150 individuals in Derna contracted diarrhoea from tainted water consumption.

Image Credit: AP Photo/ Jamal Alkomaty

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati commenced his formal dialogues at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, engaging in discussions with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland. Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib was also present during the talks.

The primary emphasis of the discussions was the intricacies of the Lebanese-American alliance, as well as the manifold challenges Lebanon is presently grappling with.

Mr Mikati made a fervent appeal to the global community, urging them to stand by Lebanon in its struggle with the escalating Syrian displacement dilemma, emphasising the monumental threat it places upon Lebanon and the fabric of its society.

Mikati remarked, “We’ve finalised the reform schemes stipulated by the International Monetary Fund, and it’s now up to the parliament to take the necessary actions.”

In response, the U.S. delegate Ms Nuland urged Lebanese political factions to hasten the appointment of a new head of state. She underscored Washington’s endorsement of any intra-Lebanese discourse concerning this.

Moreover, Nuland beseeched Lebanon to bolster its collaborative efforts with global entities, notably the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This is in an effort to address not only the current Syrian displacement issue but all facets of the displacement concern.

Reaffirming Washington’s continued backing for the Lebanese Army, the US official underscored the imperative need to finalise economic and fiscal reforms.

Mahsa Amini’s name, forever etched into the annals of Iranian history, represents more than just a tragic tale of a young woman’s untimely death. It stands as a symbol of resilience, resistance, and empowerment for countless Iranian women who have decided to take a stance against the mandatory hijab and the suppression of their rights. Her legacy has birthed a movement that resonates not only within Iran’s borders but also across the globe.

On the anniversary of her death, amid the clatter of helicopters and heightened security measures, the Iranian government’s efforts to suppress any form of commemoration were clear. Detaining her father, Amjad Amini, roadblocks leading to Aichi cemetery, and the shutting down of the internet were just some of the measures the regime employed to contain the swelling tide of dissent. Despite such oppressive measures, the spirit of Amini’s fight for women’s rights remains undeterred.

The chants of “Woman, Life, Freedom!” are not merely slogans. They encapsulate the aspirations and dreams of millions of Iranian women, who, inspired by Amini’s sacrifice, have started to challenge the status quo. Many have taken the brave step of forgoing their headscarves, publicly defying a deeply entrenched system of religious and legal mandates. The authorities, left with the dilemma of how to respond to this growing tide of resistance, have doubled down on repressive measures, from deploying smart cameras and morality police to shuttering establishments serving women with a “loose hijab.”

Mahsa Amini’s tragic end in police custody remains a contentious issue, with her family insisting she succumbed to brutality at the hands of the ‘morality police’, and the government attributing her death to a pre-existing neurological condition. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding her demise, there’s no disputing the profound impact her story has had on the women’s rights movement in Iran.

International voices, from Joe and Jill Biden to Amnesty Iran, have lauded Mahsa’s impact, recognising her role in shaping a historic movement for gender equality. The wave of protests and commemorative events held in various cities around the world signifies the global resonance of her story.

Yet, as with all revolutions, the path is fraught with challenges. The looming ratification of a new hijab law threatens to impose even stricter penalties on those deemed in violation. The severe internet restrictions, crackdown on VPNs, and arrest of dissidents reflect a regime grappling to retain its grip on a changing society. Even academia hasn’t been spared, with professors at top universities facing expulsion, presumably linked to their support for the movement.

However, the attempts to subdue the burgeoning women’s rights movement in Iran seem futile in the face of a determined populace. The persistent campaigns, both within and outside Iran, showcase a populace eager to embrace change.

Mahsa Amini’s legacy serves as a poignant reminder that change is often birthed from sacrifice. As her mother poignantly stated, while the past year was filled with “sadness and sorrow”, the outpouring of “love and comfort” from all corners of the world serves as a testament to Mahsa’s enduring impact.

As Iranian women continue to redefine societal norms and expectations, they are armed with the legacy of Mahsa Amini, a beacon of hope and a symbol of defiance in the face of repression. Her story, far from fading, only grows more potent with each passing day, serving as a clarion call for equality, respect, and human rights.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File

The events of September 11, 2001, will forever be etched in the annals of history as a turning point in global geopolitics, especially in the Middle East. The terrorist attacks on the United States not only shattered the skyline of New York City but also sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East region, reshaping its political, social, and security landscapes. The U.S. responses to 9/11 triggered a series of events that continue to reverberate in the region to this day and speak to a complex tapestry of successes and failures in American policy.

The fallout: Unintended consequences of U.S. reaction  

The 9/11 attacks were the deadliest foreign assault ever on U.S. soil, resulting in 2,977 innocent lives lost.  In his remarks, President Bush added that while American freedom was under attack, the U.S. would undoubtedly win the war that had been waged upon it.  For Bush, the notion of American exceptionalism demanded the unprovoked attacks required a strong and resolute response to protect national security and prevent future acts of terrorism. The way the U.S. went about its response, however, was deeply flawed and often counterproductive. The legacy of these flawed policies underscores the importance of thoughtful approaches to addressing complex global challenges.

In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. launched its “War on Terror,” a multifaceted and global campaign aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and preventing future terrorist threats. Two primary theatres emerged: Afghanistan and Iraq.

In Afghanistan, the U.S. invasion aimed to remove the Taliban from power, disrupt al-Qaeda’s core leadership, eliminate terrorist sanctuaries, and weaken its ability to conduct large-scale international attacks. While the initial phase of the war achieved these goals, the subsequent years witnessed a protracted conflict with unforeseen consequences. The U.S. effort to stabilize Afghanistan struggled amid insurgency and regional power dynamics.

The primary rationale for the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 was the purported presence of weapons of mass destruction, but the invasion had broader implications for the region. The toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime triggered sectarian strife and unleashed forces that Iraq struggled to contain for years to come.

One of the most significant and unintended consequences of the 9/11 attacks was the emergence of new extremist groups in the Middle East. Al-Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for 9/11, was not the only group operating in the region, but its audacious attack galvanized jihadists and set in motion a new wave of militancy. Afghanistan and Iraq became epicenters of violence and instability, leading to the emergence of new extremist groups. The region saw the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS, which exploited the power vacuums created by the conflicts. These groups posed significant security threats not only in Iraq and Afghanistan but also globally.

Iran watched the developments in Afghanistan and Iraq with a mix of apprehension and opportunity. The fall of Saddam Hussein ultimately shifted the balance of power in Iraq in favour of the Shiite majority. Iran sought to capitalize on this by cultivating Shiite militias and political groups in Iraq, effectively increasing its influence in the country. Moreover, the Bush administration’s inclusion of Iran in the “Axis of Evil” further strained U.S.-Iran relations. These tensions would later play a role in Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities and regional proxy conflicts. Today, Iran remains one of only four country’s the U.S. has designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. 

Hard lessons: Military choices undermine soft-power efforts

The U.S. engaged in diplomatic outreach to build international support for its counterterrorism efforts. This involved seeking cooperation from regional and international partners, including NATO countries. However, trust issues and concerns about U.S. motives hampered diplomatic efforts. The perception of U.S. unilateralism and pre-emption in the Iraq War eroded trust among traditional allies and regional actors.

These trust issues spilled over to the battlefield. The U.S. managed to form alliances such as the “Coalition of the Willing” to share the burden of combat operations and provide legitimacy to their interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. When it came to delegating responsibility to its partners, however, the U.S. chose to dominate the planning and execution of military actions. This approach led to the perception that the coalition was in name only.

The U.S. invested in public diplomacy efforts to improve its image and engage with Middle Eastern populations after its invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. These initiatives to win hearts and minds, promote American values, and counter extremist narratives included cultural exchange programs, educational scholarships, and English-language teaching. The U.S. also sought to counter extremist narratives through various media outlets and information campaigns, including the creation of Arabic-language media such as the satellite television channel Alhurra and Radio Sawa. These outlets faced credibility issues and struggled to compete with established regional media organizations.

Doubts about U.S. motives undermined the impact about many of these efforts, and this skepticism carried over to the superpower’s efforts to promote democratic governance and human rights in the region. The thinking behind this policy was that addressing political grievances would help counter extremism, however, they were met with accusations of hypocrisy, particularly because the U.S. continued to support authoritarian regimes that were allies in the War on Terror. The absence of WMDs also undermined the legitimacy of the Iraq War and fuelled anti-American sentiments across the Middle East, leading to protests and strained diplomatic relations.

One of the most controversial aspects of the War on Terror was the use of extra-legal renditions and enhanced interrogation techniques, including torture. Techniques such as waterboarding, stress positions, and sleep deprivation were employed on detainees at various detention facilities, including Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib in Iraq. These practices undermined the moral high ground the U.S. sought to occupy, sparking global outrage with critics arguing that they violated international law and human rights standards.

Some Middle Eastern governments, particularly those with close ties to the United States, cooperated in the rendition of individuals suspected of terrorism. These countries allowed U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, to detain and transport individuals through their territory or airspace. This cooperation often raised concerns about complicity in practices that violated international human rights standards, including the use of torture. Jordan, for example, was used as a transit point for the rendition of suspected terrorists. Jordanian intelligence agencies were known for their involvement in interrogations that raised concerns about torture and human rights abuses.

The legacy of the 9/11 campaigns: Human suffering and moral failure  

The prolonged military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq reinforced a militarized approach to counterterrorism, which inadvertently led to collateral damage and civilian casualties. The wars led to widespread displacement, with millions of Afghans and Iraqis forced to flee their homes. Internally displaced persons and refugees faced dire conditions, lacking access to basic necessities and enduring harsh living conditions.  Between 2002-2003, public opinion of the U.S. was less favourable in the Middle East, compared to elsewhere around the world.  By 2022, regional opinion polling found that more than half the respondents agreed that the United States has become an unreliable partner, and that the region should reorient its attention towards Russia and China as partners.

The human cost of post-9/11 war zones is estimated to be nearly 4.6 million causalities.  While the figure represents an approximation that includes both direct casualties as a result of war, many others – especially children lost their lives due to the reverberations of war, including devastation brought on by economic impacts and the spread of diseases.

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq also resulted in significant casualties among U.S. military personnel. Over seven thousand American soldiers lost their lives in post 9/11 war operations, while many more were wounded in combat operations. Deployments to combat zones also took a toll on the mental health of U.S. service members. The exposure to combat stress, traumatic experiences, and multiple deployments contributed to high rates of PTSD and other mental health issues among returning veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, responsible for providing healthcare and benefits to veterans, faced challenges in meeting the needs of a large and growing veteran population. Reports of long wait times, inadequate mental health services, and bureaucratic inefficiencies raised concerns about the quality of care provided. From 2001-2011, the U.S government had spent nearly $31.3 billion providing medical care and disability benefits for nearly 650,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans as a result of injuries sustained during their tours.

In the wake of these complex and interwoven events, it is imperative that U.S. policymakers internalize the profound lessons offered by the flawed foreign policies following 9/11. These lessons underscore the need for nuanced, well-considered approaches that prioritize diplomacy, international cooperation, and respect for human rights as fundamental cornerstones of effective global engagement. Dealing with terrorist attacks presents an inherently challenging landscape, one where policymakers must resist ideological rigidity and instead adopt pragmatic, thoughtful strategies.

The complexity of the modern world demands a flexibility of thought and an openness to nuanced solutions that can adapt to the evolving nature of global threats. Such an approach acknowledges that while security remains paramount, it should not come at the expense of civil liberties, human rights, or long-term stability. Achieving a balance between security and the preservation of democratic values is a delicate but essential task for policymakers navigating the post-9/11 world.

Dr Kristian Alexander is a senior fellow and director of the International Security & Terrorism Program at Trends Research & Advisory in Dubai.

Gina Bou Serhal is a researcher at Trends Research & Advisory in Dubai.

A few weeks ago, an elderly Egyptian mother appealed to President Al Sisi to have mercy upon her innocent son, jailed since 2009. She requested a Presidential pardon to release her son from prison. Her fear is that she will die before hugging her son again as his father had recently passed away.

Unjustly convicted in January 2010 without a fair trial, her son, Gerges Baromy, received a 15-year hard labor prison sentence. Held in custody for a year awaiting trial, Baromy, a bread vendor, was an innocent victim of sectarian violence and the unjust courts. During his incarceration, his family begged for mercy many times; it was denied four times. As tradition allows, requests are presented to the Egyptian president during the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice (Al Adha) when forgiveness is offered to well-behaved prisoners.  

A Coptic scapegoat

Baromy was a bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time becoming the Christian scapegoat in an unverified rape narrative that allegedly took place in the daylight hours; no crime was proven. No facts were presented in the court except for an official medical report, which stated that Baromy was sexually impotent, rendering the accusation false. The young Muslim girl was never medically examined nor made a statement. Despite all this, Baromy was found guilty of rape.     

Long before the verdict, rumor of Baromy’s guilt spread through the villages and sparked firebombing of Coptic homes and shops for five consecutive days forcing Baromy’s family to be displaced and lose their home. There was an immediate, unappealable Bedouin Court decision that permanently handed over Baromy family property to Muslim marauders and forbid the family to return to their village.

While Baromy was jailed without bail, Hamman al-Kamouni opened fire on a Naga Hammadi church killing one police guard and six Christians leaving the Coptic Christmas Eve service. Al-Kamouni said he was avenging the honor of the raped Muslim girl.

Baromy’s trial was seething with tension as the terrified defense attorney stood inside the courtroom while outside Islamic radicals surrounded the building. He managed to present the forensic report confirming Baromy’s sexual disability. Under intense pressure from vigilante forces, he was unable to complete his arguments, and nothing was presented by the prosecutor. Making matters worse, Baromy’s lawyers were now handling the high-profile al-Karmouni revenge case for the innocent murder victims, which distracted their energies away from the Baromy matter.  

Baromy’s case became secondary for his lawyers who were more focused on publicity and legal victory in the Naga Hammadi martyrs’ case. Baromy became a victim of circumstance for a second time due to his lack of defense. Furthermore, upon his mother’s request for a pardon, his lawyers neglected to advise her that rape cases are an exclusion from presidential forgiveness.  

The zeitgeist of Egypt was revolution. There were uprisings in the streets against President Mubarak. A not-guilty verdict for a Christian male accused of raping a Muslim girl was risking retaliation and street justice. In March of 2011, Baromy was declared guilty, and his legal right of appeal was denied.

The verdict had far-reaching consequences. The political insurrection in the streets used Baromy’s “victimhood” and “guilt” to fuel both sides of the religious skirmishes taking place. Coptic organizations, Egyptian human rights organizations, the anti-Mubarak revolutionary April Six movement, and socialists sided with Baromy, using the issue to pour into the streets and fuel anti-Mubarak protests.

Baromy’s village of Farshout returned to sectarian calm. State police were sent in and national security tightened everywhere to avoid any political spark that might ignite this volatile moment. No doubt Baromy was dealt a grave injustice as well as his mother who will now wait for 2025 for “injustice” to be served in full.    

Image Credit: AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File

Morocco, a pivotal nation in North Africa, was hit by a devastating earthquake on Friday night. The aftermath has resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives, with thousands more injured. The impact of the earthquake has been felt deeply, especially around the nation’s epicentre near the bustling city of Marrakech.

When and Where Did the Quake Strike?

On Friday, at precisely 11:11 p.m. local time (6.11 p.m ET), Morocco was shaken by the quake. Its epicentre was identified in the High Atlas mountain range, approximately 72 kilometres southwest of Marrakech, a city with a population nearing a million.

Shockwaves from the earthquake rippled far and wide, with reports of tremors being felt as far north as Casablanca.

How Strong Was the Quake?

Classified as “strong”, the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8. Its shallow depth compounded its destructive nature. Such earthquakes are rare in this region, with the US Geological Survey noting that the area has experienced only nine quakes of magnitude 5 or higher since 1900. This recent earthquake has been the deadliest in Morocco since the catastrophic 1960 event, which claimed over 12,000 lives.

Areas Most Affected

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the quake has affected over 300,000 individuals in Marrakech and its neighbouring areas. Notably, some of the most significant damage occurred in areas proximal to the Atlas Mountains. Towns in the mountain foothills, like Asni, have reported severe destruction, with many homes heavily damaged or destroyed. The provinces of Al Haouz and the city of Taroudant have also been gravely impacted.

On-The-Ground Reports

Emergency services have been actively deployed to the affected areas, although damaged roads and debris have hindered accessibility. In remote villages within the mountain foothills, reaching victims has proven particularly challenging.

Heartbreaking stories emerge from survivors. Mohammed, a resident of Ouirgane, painfully recounted how he lost four family members. For many, like Mohammed, homes have been lost, and lives irrevocably altered.

Many Marrakech residents chose to stay outdoors, fearing aftershocks. The Moroccan government has been proactive, mobilising resources to manage the disaster and urging its citizens to remain calm.

In a gesture of solidarity, King Mohammed VI has established a relief commission to provide aid to those affected by the earthquake.

International Response

The global community has been quick to respond to the crisis. Numerous leaders worldwide have extended their condolences and have pledged support.

Turkey has offered to send personnel and tents. Notably, Algeria has offered to reopen its airspace, closed since 2021 due to diplomatic tensions, to facilitate humanitarian efforts.

Leading global figures, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have sent their condolences.

Furthermore, international organisations such as the International Red Cross have voiced concerns about the long-term recovery process. Hossam Elsharkawi, the Red Cross’s Middle East and North Africa director, mentioned that recovery and reconstruction might span years. Spain has also pledged support, sending specialist workers to assist with the ongoing rescue operations.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that they are closely monitoring the situation and are poised to offer any necessary support.

Image Credit: Mosa’ab Elshamy/AP

Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, expressed the nation’s unwavering commitment to the decision made by the United Nations Security Council, which extends the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a further year.

This assertion came during a pivotal meeting at the Grand Serail on Wednesday between Prime Minister Mikati and the Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Aroldo Lázaro. The Prime Minister conveyed, “The Lebanese government stands poised to bolster its collaboration with UNIFIL, leveraging the army’s capabilities to uphold security in the southern region of Lebanon.”

Mr Mikati extolled the ongoing pragmatic synergy between the Lebanese army and UNIFIL. He further urged international forces to intervene and prevent Israeli transgressions that infringe upon Lebanese sovereignty.

The meeting saw Major General Lázaro at the helm of a delegation from UNIFIL, joined by Lebanese Government Coordinator with UNIFIL, Brigadier General Mounir Chehade, and advisor to Prime Minister Mikati, Ziad Mikati.

This week saw Sandra De Waele step into her role as the newly appointed European Union Ambassador to Lebanon.

During her first official week, Ambassador De Waele held meetings with Lebanon’s key figures, including the caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, and caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, as reported in an EU Delegation statement.

The statement further highlighted Ambassador De Waele’s emphasis on the European Union’s enduring relationship with Lebanon. She voiced the EU’s resolute commitment to the Lebanese citizens, especially considering the escalating socio-economic turmoil the country faces.

Ambassador De Waele commented, “I am keen to foster close relations with the Lebanese authorities, civil society groups, and the global community to steer Lebanon towards a period of recovery.”

She went on to stress the importance of Lebanon implementing structural reforms, saying, “Institutionalising such reforms is paramount for Lebanon to cultivate resilient state entities that genuinely represent and are accountable to its people. Such a step will undeniably enrich EU-Lebanon ties.”

With over a quarter-century of service under her belt for the European Union, De Waele boasts an impressive career, encompassing assignments in various EU Delegations and most recently a pivotal role at the External Action Service headquarters in Brussels.

Image Credit: Christian Lue on Unsplash

Beirut, the fabled capital of Lebanon, has long resonated in the annals of history and the hearts of those who’ve meandered its labyrinthine streets. Yet beyond its celebrated landmarks, there are tales and nuances that many remain oblivious to. Here, we delve into five such enigmatic facets of the capital of Lebanon.

  1. The Ancient “Law School”: Before the renowned universities of today’s world, the capital of Lebanon was the epicenter of jurisprudential wisdom. The Beirut Law School was a beacon, illuminating the then-known world with its profound understanding of justice and legislation. Roman emperors, including Theodosius II, often turned to this bastion in the capital of Lebanon for its unparalleled legal acumen. A cataclysmic earthquake in 551 AD sealed its fate, relegating its vast knowledge to forgotten pages of history.
  2. The Literary Café Culture: Paris might be renowned for its writers and cafés, but the capital of Lebanon has its own poetic narrative interwoven with aromatic coffee beans. Mid-20th century Beirut was a hotbed for intellect, with luminaries like Khalil Gibran frequently gracing the city’s ahwats. Café de Paris in Hamra Street stands as a testament to a time when the capital of Lebanon was a crucible of creativity and discourse.
  3. Pigeon Rocks: Not Just a Pretty Face: The Raouché, or Pigeon Rocks, is not merely a visual delight for the capital of Lebanon’s visitors. Beneath its aesthetic allure lies a geological story spanning epochs. These formations whisper tales of a primordial Beirut when nature itself was crafting the very essence of the Eastern Mediterranean.
  4. Beirut’s Historical Palimpsest: Beneath the contemporary bustle of the capital of Lebanon lie remnants of bygone eras. Successive excavations have revealed layers upon layers of ancient civilizations, each echoing a unique chapter of Beirut’s illustrious past. The Roman Cardo Maximus, with its echoes of chariot-clad days, is just one fragment of this layered mosaic.
  5. The Silent Guardian – The Egg Cinema: Amidst Beirut’s architectural panorama stands a poignant remnant of a bygone era – The Egg. This once-thriving cinema, birthed in the 1960s, is a silent sentinel to the golden age of the capital of Lebanon. Even in its current state of decay, it holds the promise of memories, occasionally serving as a clandestine venue for art events and gatherings.

To truly fathom the depths of Beirut, one must move beyond the surface and delve into the hidden stories that make the capital of Lebanon a city of timeless allure.

Image Credit: Ramy Kabalan on Unsplash

Baklava, with its golden layers of flaky pastry, sweet nut filling, and honeyed syrup, is arguably the crown jewel of Middle Eastern desserts. It stands out not merely because of its rich taste but also due to its illustrious history and growing global popularity.

Distinct Flavors that Stand Out

When we dive into the world of Middle Eastern desserts, there’s a plethora of options, from the creamy Kunafa to the delicate Ma’amoul. However, what sets Baklava apart is its intricate blend of textures and flavors. The crispiness of the phyllo dough juxtaposed with the softness of the sweet filling offers a delightful experience that few other desserts can rival. Each bite delivers a taste of roasted nuts, often pistachio or walnut, intertwined with the sweet, aromatic touch of cinnamon or clove. This symphony of flavors is then enveloped in a syrup, often infused with rose or orange blossom, giving Baklava its characteristic sweetness.

Universal Appeal

While many Middle Eastern desserts are delectable, few have gained the global acclaim that Baklava enjoys. Can you recall the last time someone mentioned they didn’t like Baklava? It’s a rarity, indeed. Its allure is so universal that it’s hard to find a dissenting palate. Whether served at a traditional Middle Eastern festivity or as a gourmet dessert in a European cafe, Baklava fits seamlessly into any setting, making it a favorite across cultures and continents.

The Mainstream Rise of Baklava

One of the telltale signs of Baklava’s rise to global fame is its availability in supermarkets around the world. What was once a treat reserved for special occasions in Middle Eastern households is now available for everyone to enjoy, from the aisles of upscale grocery chains in London and New York to local markets in Sydney and Cape Town. This accessibility has been instrumental in introducing countless people to the wonders of Middle Eastern desserts, with Baklava serving as the delightful gateway.

Moreover, as global cuisines continue to mingle and fuse, Baklava has found its way into the heart of many fusion dishes. Don’t be surprised to find Baklava cheesecake or Baklava ice cream the next time you’re at a trendy dessert parlour. This confluence of culinary worlds further solidifies Baklava’s position at the forefront of global desserts.

Image Credit: Syed F Hashemi on Unsplash

Mohamed Al-Fayed, the renowned Egyptian businessman and former owner of Fulham FC, passed away recently at the age of 94. As tributes pour in and the world mourns his death, there’s a renewed interest in his personal life, particularly about his family. Many are keen to know, who was Mohamed Al-Fayed’s wife, and how many children did he have?

Mohamed Al-Fayed’s Marriages:

Mohamed Al-Fayed was married twice. His first wife was Samira Khashoggi, with whom he had a son, Dodi Al-Fayed. Their marriage, which began in 1954, was short-lived, lasting just two years.

Years later, in 1985, Mohamed Al-Fayed married the Finnish socialite and former model, Heini Wathén. The couple had four children together: Camilla, Omar, Jasmine, and Karim.

An Insight into His Wives:

Samira Khashoggi was not only the first wife of Mohamed Al-Fayed but also a well-known figure in her own right. As the founder of Al Sharkiah Magazine and an author of seven books, Samira had a distinguished career. Her lineage was also noteworthy, being the daughter of Mohammed Khashoggi, the personal doctor to the King of Saudi Arabia.

Heini Wathén, the second wife of Mohamed Al-Fayed, was a Finnish socialite and former model. Born on February 24, 1955, she was introduced to Mohamed by his son Dodi, leading to their eventual marriage.

Children of Mohamed Al-Fayed:

  • Dodi Al-Fayed: Born to Mohamed and Samira, Dodi was a notable film producer and the romantic partner of Princess Diana. Tragically, both lost their lives in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
  • Jasmine Al-Fayed: Daughter to Mohamed and Heini, Jasmine made a name for herself as the founder of the Jasmine Di Milo fashion label.
  • Omar Al-Fayed: Omar stands out as an environmentalist and publisher. CEO of ESTEE and EarthX, he also had prospects of taking over Harrods, one of his father’s businesses.
  • Camilla Al-Fayed: Passionate about natural farming, Camilla is the founder of Farmacy, a renowned London restaurant.
  • Karim Al-Fayed: Keeping a low profile like his siblings, Karim has been known to handle some of his father’s businesses.

While Mohamed Al-Fayed will be remembered for his business ventures and ownership of Fulham FC, his legacy lives on through his children and the mark they’ve made in their respective fields. As we remember him, it’s also essential to recognize the family that stood behind him and their contributions to society. Whether it’s through sustainable farming, environmental entrepreneurship, or fashion, the Al-Fayed family continues to make an impact, even in Mohamed’s absence.

In the shadowed streets of southern Syria, a chorus of voices is rising, echoing from a past filled with unrest and seeking a future devoid of oppression. Almost a decade ago, similar voices calling for change were met with violence, plunging the nation into a brutal civil war. Today, those voices have returned, louder and clearer, ringing through the cities of Sweida, Daraa, and even the coastal province of Tartus. They bring forth not only the scars of a past conflict but also the fresh wounds of a nation undergoing a severe economic crisis. Their message is unequivocal: it’s time for change.

It started as murmurs of dissatisfaction in Sweida in August. The removal of fuel subsidies, the dramatic plunge of the Syrian currency – from 47 pounds to the dollar to a record low of 15,500 – and surging inflation all converged, driving the citizens to the streets. But while the flame might have been lit by economic distress, it rapidly ignited long-standing political grievances.

Shouts of “Bashar out! Syria free!” echoed through the city, juxtaposed with posters proclaiming, “Syria is not a farm. We are not sheep.” Such open criticism of the government, particularly in areas under its control, has historically been rare. Yet, as the nation’s economic woes deepened, the discontent became increasingly public.

At the heart of these protests is the emblematic three-star flag of Syria’s 2011 uprising, a symbol of the people’s yearning for autonomy and freedom. Moreover, signs criticizing Iran, which has long supported President Bashar al-Assad, are pervasive. This external influence has become a focal point of contention, further highlighting the rifts between Assad’s regime and many of his citizens.

The recent protests, while reminiscent of those from a decade ago, carry unique nuances. Sweida, home to the majority of Syria’s Druze community, remained neutral during the initial conflicts. Now, the heartland of this religious minority is at the epicenter of the protests. Despite divisions within the Druze leadership regarding the demonstrations, the community’s engagement signals a profound shift in the nation’s political landscape.

Daraa, on the other hand, bears the weight of history. It was here that the 2011 protests began, which were met with a violent government response that catalyzed the ensuing civil war. Today, its streets are once again filled with protesters, evoking memories of a decade past and hopes for a brighter future.

While the protests in the south are overt, other regions under government control, like the coastal province of Tartus, are more discreet in expressing discontent. Residents quietly display postcards proclaiming, “Syria belongs to us, not to the [ruling] Ba’ath party.” Such acts, though subtle, are profound markers of a nation’s collective sentiment.

The Road Ahead for Assad

The confluence of economic hardships and political grievances poses a significant challenge for President Bashar al-Assad. The current wave of protests, while rooted in economic issues, has rapidly evolved into a wider call for political change. With the echoes of 2011 still resonant, Assad faces a delicate balance: addressing the legitimate concerns of his people while navigating the political intricacies of his regime.

The resurgence of these protests suggests that the scars of the past have not faded, and the Syrian people’s yearning for change remains undiminished. The unfolding events will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Syria’s future and, crucially, the legacy of Assad’s reign.

Image Credit: Handout/Suwayda 24/AFP

Kuwait, a jewel of the Middle East, boasts of its rich culture, dynamic economy, and modern marvels. Yet, lurking behind this progressive facade is a ticking time bomb – obesity. Kuwait ranks first globally in obesity and a disconcerting second in diabetes rates, as per the World Health Organization data. These figures cast an alarming shadow over Kuwait’s aspirations and future.

The statistics are eye-opening: 39.7% of Kuwait’s population over 18 is obese, overshadowing the US’s 38.5%. This isn’t just a numerical race but an indicator of deep-rooted issues, ranging from sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, genetic factors, and overall societal norms. Dr. Abeer Al Bahwa, Director of the Health Promotion Department, highlighted the disturbing trend of obesity in the 18 to 29 age bracket, the age of the country’s future torchbearers.

It’s undeniable that obesity isn’t merely about aesthetics or size. The complications associated with obesity, including heart diseases, stroke, and diabetes, are the leading causes of death worldwide. And if unchecked, Kuwait is steering towards an unprecedented health catastrophe.

Yet, beyond the physical ailments, obesity brings with it a myriad of psychological and social issues, especially for the younger generation. When children bear the brunt of weight-related complications, it becomes a shared societal failure. The Gulf region as a whole is wrestling with this challenge. By 2035, Kuwait could see over half of its adult population not just overweight but teetering into obesity.

Addressing obesity, particularly in children, is paramount. Dr. Al Bahwa suggests measures like encouraging healthy eating habits, promoting physical activity, integrating physical education into school curricula, and ensuring adequate sleep. While these are commendable, they must be executed with vigor and consistency.

Despite these grim statistics and projections, World Obesity Day on March 4th slipped under Kuwait’s radar. Mainstream media, healthcare promoters, and civil society organizations failed to magnify this issue. A blatant oversight, especially when the World Obesity Atlas indicates a potential scenario where half of Kuwait’s population could be obese by 2035.

On the financial front, the repercussions of obesity could shave off over $5.6 billion from Kuwait’s projected GDP by 2035. An amount that could be redirected towards infrastructural advancements, educational reforms, or sustainable initiatives.

While globally, obesity rates are escalating with predictions that half of the global populace will be overweight or obese by 2035, nations, including Kuwait, must introspect on the existing preventive measures. The rise in obesity cannot solely be attributed to individual choices; systemic issues, societal pressures, and a myriad of complex factors interplay in this scenario.

The widespread availability of calorie-laden processed foods, which provide fleeting satisfaction, is a significant contributor. Creating awareness about nutritious foods, making them accessible, and ensuring their affordability could be the first step towards pivoting to healthier dietary habits.

The World Obesity Federation’s report demands attention, not just from governments and policymakers but also from every individual, community, and society at large.

As Louise Baur, president of the World Obesity Federation, rightly points out, we need a unified, concerted effort to safeguard the future generations from the adverse impacts of obesity. Kuwait, with its resources and potential, is at a pivotal juncture. The pressing question remains: Is Kuwait doing enough, or does the real change start at home?

Image Credit: i yunmai on Unsplash

The glistening lake in Donegal was an unlikely setting for a revelation. A conversation with a 10-year-old Liverpool supporter, who listed Ronaldo’s goals with conviction, made it clear: football is changing. Ronaldo’s feats in the Saudi league may raise eyebrows, but they signify the shifting sands of football’s global landscape.

Football, long hailed as the ‘beautiful game’, is currently in the spotlight for the massive influx of Saudi money. Notably, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has been acquiring some of the world’s most celebrated players, like Ronaldo from Manchester United and Benzema from Real Madrid, at jaw-dropping prices. The world gasped when Riyadh’s gargantuan offer for Mbappé was made public. When even sporting legends like Usain Bolt jest about the irresistible allure of Saudi money, it makes one wonder: is football’s soul being auctioned to the highest bidder?

The reasons behind Saudi’s aggressive football investments are manifold. Some opine it’s a strategy to diversify their oil-reliant economy. Others see it as an attempt at “sportswashing”, where the country seeks to divert attention from its controversial geopolitical maneuvers by shining in the football arena. But irrespective of intent, one thing is evident: if the financial trajectory persists, the Saudi Pro League is bound to become a magnet for global football talent.

Historically, countries like Brazil, Argentina, and the Netherlands have seen their football standards dwindle due to the commercialization of powerful European leagues. The Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A started hoarding global talent, leaving other leagues in their shadows. The paradigm now seems to be shifting towards the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia at the helm.

But is it solely about Saudi Arabia? Is the nation singularly responsible for this change? While the kingdom is pouring unprecedented sums into the game, it is crucial to remember that football’s commercialized trajectory started much before. Oligarchs, petro-states, and billionaires have dabbled in the game, often molding it to fit their whims and fancies. Today, elite European football, although a global entertainment product, has retained some essence of its working-class past. But with Saudi Arabia’s entrance, even this essence is under threat.

It’s crucial to draw parallels with China’s fleeting football dream. The Chinese Super League (CSL) once lured European football’s crème de la crème with irresistible salaries. But it collapsed as rapidly as it rose, primarily because it banked solely on foreign stars and overlooked grassroots development. Saudi Arabia, however, has seemingly learned from CSL’s downfall. By securing younger players and global icons alike, the Saudi Pro League is already eclipsing its Chinese counterpart.

As for concerns about ‘sportswashing’, they are not unfounded. Countries have historically used sports as PR tools. And given Saudi Arabia’s contentious political standing, its foray into football might well be an attempt to polish its global image. But if the world’s best players keep marching towards the Middle East, fans will follow, irrespective of politics.

Football’s core has always been its fans. From European alleys to South American streets, the game evolved organically, knitting communities together. If Saudi Arabia genuinely wishes to etch its name in football’s annals, it should aim to nourish the game at its roots, not merely splurge on its fruits.

In the face of this paradigm shift, fans worldwide have a choice: lament the game’s departure from tradition or adapt to its new era. The football of yore, with its intimate local ties, might be fading, but its global allure remains undiminished. Whether that’s for better or worse is a tale only time will tell.

Image Credit: aboodi vesakaran on Unsplash

Reports emerging from Azerbaijan reveal that their embassy located in Beirut, Lebanon was reportedly assailed by individuals believed to be of Armenian descent on Thursday. No injuries were noted following the incident.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry announced, “Approximately 50 individuals, identified as being of Armenian origin, assaulted the embassy’s surrounding barriers, hurling bottles filled with paint and potential explosive materials.”

It was further highlighted that the Lebanese entity tasked with safeguarding diplomatic premises was promptly informed about the occurrence. Nevertheless, the purported assailants evaded capture, making their getaway prior to the police’s arrival at the scene.

In light of the incident, Azerbaijan’s ministry has made an earnest plea to the Lebanese government to apprehend the culprits. They have also intensified security measures around their mission.

Historically, diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been strained, rooted in a dispute that began in 1991. This contention revolves around the Armenian military’s occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh – a region globally acknowledged as Azerbaijani territory – and seven nearby regions.

By autumn 2020, after 44 days of skirmishes, Azerbaijani forces reclaimed several cities, villages, and other territories from Armenian control. This conflict reached a temporary cessation courtesy of a truce orchestrated by Russia. Negotiations for a comprehensive peace agreement between the two nations have been underway ever since.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

In a bid to fortify ties against looming security challenges, the United Kingdom and Iraq are set to enhance their partnership, primarily targeting terrorism and the burgeoning menace of drug trafficking. The two nations have expressed their keen interest in fortifying their security association to pinpoint and tackle shared severe organised crime threats.

Tom Tugendhat, UK’s Security Minister, expressed the country’s intent to bolster Iraq’s capabilities against drug manufacturing and distribution during his recent visit to Baghdad. Mr Tugendhat emphasised on the imperative need to augment their existing collaboration against terrorism, stating the aim is to “identify and address shared serious organised-crime threats.”

Drawing attention to the intricacies of the situation, he mentioned, “Human smuggling, trafficking, narcotics and money laundering operate collectively as a criminal network, severely undermining Iraq’s statehood.”

Historically, Iraq has been more of a conduit for drugs, notably the amphetamine Captagon, with its primary source being neighbouring Syria. However, recent indicators suggest a shift in production sites towards Iraq.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Mr Tugendhat revealed that a facility manufacturing Captagon was unearthed last month in a province adjacent to Saudi Arabia, strategically positioned for facilitated access to the kingdom.

Elaborating on the interconnected nature of these crimes, Mr Tugendhat commented, “There’s an inherent interlink between narcotics, human trafficking, terrorism, and violence. These illicit activities, especially drug trafficking and human smuggling, don’t just afflict Iraq but resonate throughout the region, impacting many of our regional allies.”

Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, lauded his nation’s “significant efforts” in combating drug and human trafficking. Highlighting the forthcoming collaboration, Mr Al Sudani mentioned that both the Iraqi and British interior ministries are on the cusp of inking agreements that delineate their cooperative strategies on these pressing concerns.

A spokesperson from the UK side confirmed that the focal point of these accords would be the exchange of information, supporting efforts against terrorism and the broader spectrum of “serious organised crime”.

In a strategic move to spur more investment, Bahrain, known as the Arabian Gulf’s most petite oil producer, recently granted golden licences to five companies that have committed over $1.4 billion to extensive investment projects within the kingdom.

This initiative is a part of Bahrain’s larger strategy to shift its economic focus from oil and promote business expansion. The past few years have seen Bahrain rolling out several plans to foster growth. In 2021, a significant economic reform plan was set in motion, pledging around $30 billion towards pivotal projects intended to fuel post-pandemic growth, heighten job opportunities for locals, and magnetise foreign direct investments.

Following this ambitious plan, the government proposed cost-saving measures with an end goal of generating over 20,000 jobs for its citizens by the upcoming year. The efficacy of these efforts is evident. Bahrain’s economy bolstered by 4.9% the previous year, marking the most commendable growth rate since 2013, predominantly driven by the country’s non-oil sectors.

Initiated in April, the golden licence scheme extends a host of benefits to both local and international corporations. These perks range from priority in land allocation for investments and expedited access to governmental services like building permit approvals to financial support avenues through the Bahrain Development Bank and the labour fund, Tamkeen.

Furthermore, beneficiaries can anticipate an enhanced collaboration with diverse governmental departments, a dedicated account manager courtesy of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, and a potential revision of standing laws or regulations as deemed necessary.

The principal objective behind this enticing scheme is clear: to pull in investments from both domestic and international shores, thereby facilitating economic progression and local job creation.

To qualify for this golden ticket, companies must either propose major investment initiatives that promise to introduce more than 500 jobs within Bahrain or commit to an investment exceeding $50 million. The pioneer beneficiaries of this scheme comprise notable names such as Citi, Eagle Hills Diyar, Infracorp, Saudi Telecom, and the Whampoa Group, all of which have been greenlit by the government to initiate or enhance their operations within the kingdom.

Image Credit: Engin Akyurt / Unsplash

Safety fears have been raised at Beirut Airport following an inspection that has brought to the forefront urgent shortcomings in safety measures.

The inspection report draws attention to the shortcomings in air navigation services (ANS) that must be urgently tackled. This encompasses air-traffic control, communication, navigation, surveillance, and meteorological services.

Undertaken by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as a pre-audit, the report’s findings emerged from a support mission to Lebanon this June. This mission aimed to offer guidance for the upcoming Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), slated for the subsequent year. The purpose of such missions is to pinpoint and rectify areas of weakness.

ICAO, recognised as the global standard for aviation safety, consistently undertakes audits of its member states to ensure their competence in upholding rigorous safety oversight systems.

As a signatory to the Chicago Convention, Lebanon is bound to meet the standards and best practices recommended by ICAO. After its maiden audit in 2008, Lebanon underwent four more audits, the latest one being in 2017. Presently, Lebanon’s score stands at 58.5, trailing behind the global average of 69.8.

Should a grave safety concern be recognised during an audit, ICAO has the authority to red-flag any country in violation of global aviation regulations. While these red flags don’t carry any legal mandate, they play a crucial role in alerting other nations, which then independently choose the subsequent course of action, including the potential suspension of flights.

The report pointed out multiple “systemic deficiencies” related to ANS, primarily focused on air-traffic control. The pivotal role of air-traffic controllers in guiding flights safely from take-off to landing can’t be understated. One of the glaring issues highlighted in the report is the staff shortage in ATC, a matter that poses significant risks for Lebanese aviation. As one aviation specialist aptly put it, an overwhelmed controller might inadvertently make errors with potentially devastating outcomes.

The report further emphasised the pressing need for the Lebanese civil aviation authorities to recruit and retain experienced and qualified staff for air traffic services. Another glaring issue is the lack of updated obstacle registries and functionality checks for navigation aids. An expert, after analysing the report, highlighted the crucial role these navigation tools play in aiding pilots.

The report also drew attention to the blurred lines between the regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), and ANS service providers, a situation that raises concerns about conflicts of interest. To potentially alleviate some of the staffing concerns, an expert proposed running the airport for limited hours, a departure from its current round-the-clock operation.

While the deficiency in air-traffic controllers has been a longstanding concern, the current economic crisis in Lebanon has exacerbated the problem. The plummeting value of the national currency and the subsequent socio-economic repercussions have intensified the staffing crisis at Beirut airport.

A source revealed the alarming statistic that currently only 15 air-traffic controllers are certified against a standard requirement of 87. The economic downturn, which saw salaries drastically cut, has spurred many to leave the country. This exodus has resulted in arduously long shifts for the remaining controllers, often stretching 24 hours at a go.

The urgent situation is further complicated by the aging workforce, with an average age of 45. Recruitment locally hasn’t picked up pace, while hiring internationally would strain finances. Furthermore, those in junior positions, such as ground staff or assistants, lack the essential training and certification.

Efforts to address this staffing concern have been made. During a recent interaction with the Public Works Committee, the Caretaker Public Works Minister, Ali Hamie, considered roping in air-traffic controllers from ICAO to mitigate the staff shortfall. However, questions remain on why those who successfully cleared the 2018 air-traffic controller exam haven’t been considered for these positions. Reports suggest that the approvals weren’t granted owing to concerns of a sectarian imbalance in recruitment.

The urgency of the situation is palpable, and the onus is now on Lebanese authorities to act swiftly.

Oman has nearly doubled the duration of paid maternity leave in a series of sweeping reforms put forth by the nation’s government.

Previously, women could enjoy up to 50 days of paid maternity leave, a figure which has now been revised to 98 days.

Additionally, the reforms herald the introduction of seven days’ paid paternity leave, a benefit that was non-existent in the past.

In a significant move, non-Muslim workers are now entitled to 14 days of paid bereavement leave if their husband passes away.

These reforms have been met with widespread approval from both employers and workers.

Mohammed Al Rahbi, employed in the oil and gas sector, commented on the positive implications, stating, “The new rights for employees, including those not from Oman, mark a tremendous stride towards achieving a balanced work-life dynamic.”

Moreover, the modified law now permits employees to avail study leaves for exams.

Mohammed Al Farsi, a legal associate at Decree, a firm dedicated to providing a comprehensive English database of Omani royal decrees and laws, remarked, “The current Labour Law has been crafted to protect workers’ rights while simultaneously offering an encouraging milieu for businesses.”

Mr Al Farsi pointed out that these laws were a rejuvenation of the 2003 legislation, encompassing subjects like contracts, wages, working hours, and penalties.

He further noted, “Distinct aspects of the new Labour Law could radically transform Oman’s employment scenario.”

A significant update in the Labour Law enables companies to end contracts with Omani employees who are not performing up to the mark.

Fatma Al Balushi, an Omani business proprietor, voiced her endorsement for this amendment. She opined that it would propel companies to uphold superior standards in their workforce.

Echoing her sentiment, Mr Al Rahbi expressed optimism about the potential prospects these changes could usher in for Oman’s job sector. He concluded, “The government’s commitment to fostering a just and inclusive working milieu is evident through these reforms.”

Image Credit: Eric Froehling / Unsplash

A consortium comprised of French, Italian, and Qatari energy companies initiated offshore exploration in Block 9 of the eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday, marking a promising development in Lebanon’s long-awaited gas initiatives.

TotalEnergies, Eni, and QatarEnergy embarked on their exploration approximately 120 kilometers from Beirut. The commencement was attended by Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, parliament speaker Nabih Berri, and other key officials, as highlighted by the National News Agency.

While TotalEnergies’ general manager in Lebanon, Romain de La Martiniere, stated that the substantive drilling is set to commence in the forthcoming days, this venture is not without its historical challenges. The original agreement for gas exploration was signed between TotalEnergies, Eni, and Russia’s Novatek in 2018. However, they halted operations in Block 4 in 2020 due to inadequate gas finds. Block 9’s exploration faced postponements, largely attributed to Lebanon’s maritime border disputes with Israel. These differences were finally settled in October, leading to a swift call for energy exploration in Block 9.

This recent exploration venture is bolstered by the Transocean Barents rig, which arrived at Block 9 last week. While Novatek exited the consortium last year, QatarEnergy joined earlier this year, resulting in both TotalEnergies and Eni holding 35% stakes each and QatarEnergy retaining the remaining 30%.

The significance of this endeavour cannot be overstated. Lebanon, plagued by acute electricity shortages exacerbated by the economic and political turmoil since 2019, finds its residents grappling with electricity accessibility for merely one to three hours daily. Escalated fuel prices, due to dependency on fuel-powered generators, have aggravated the situation.

A potential solution lies in Lebanon’s budding natural gas sector. However, the country’s aspirations to leverage its offshore oil and gas reserves have been hampered by multifaceted challenges, ranging from complex geological conditions and domestic political challenges to diplomatic tensions related to maritime boundaries.

Despite these adversities, Lebanon’s renewed attempt at offshore exploration, supported by significant international stakeholders, might just signal a turning point in the nation’s energy and economic trajectory.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

The Syrian administration has taken bold steps in an attempt to revitalise its beleaguered economy by simultaneously doubling the salaries in the public sector and curbing fuel subsidies. These declarations were promptly communicated after the Syrian pound plummeted to a historic low against the US dollar in the unofficial exchange arena.

This drop in the currency’s value has exacerbated hyperinflation, plunging a staggering 90% of Syrians below the poverty threshold. Recent economic pressures have led to infrequent demonstrations, even in areas traditionally supportive of the government.

Since the onset of civil unrest in 2011, following President Bashar al-Assad’s aggressive response to nonviolent calls for democratic reforms, Syria has been grievously impacted. The resultant civil conflict has claimed the lives of over half a million citizens.

Current figures suggest that a significant 70% of Syrians, equating to over 15 million people, are in dire need of humanitarian aid, with 12.1 million facing food scarcity.

Wednesday saw the introduction of presidential mandates, proclaiming a sweeping 100% salary and pension increment for public sector workers, armed forces members, and government affiliates. This marks the initial salary augmentation since December 2021.

These directives also formalised the standard minimum monthly wage, setting it at 185,940 Syrian pounds. This translates to £17.09 when converted at the official exchange rate, but is much lower when pegged to the prevailing unofficial rate. To contextualise, at the war’s commencement, the Syrian pound’s exchange rate to the dollar stood at 47:1.

Based on data from May, this adjusted wage would hardly suffice to purchase even one-third of the essential monthly groceries for a typical family of five, as per the World Food Programme’s estimates. Moreover, it would barely cover a mere tenth of a similar family’s most basic household expenses.

As inflation soars, vulnerable families grapple with escalating bills. The minimum household spend, according to the WFP, has surged by 62% since May 2022 and an astonishing 159% since September 2021.

In an accompanying overnight announcement, Syria’s commerce department publicised a complete withdrawal of petrol subsidies and a semi-withdrawal of fuel oil subsidies, effectively hiking the cost of both commodities.

The Prime Minister, Hussein Arnous, expressed last year that reductions in fuel subsidies would serve to alleviate the budget deficit and aid in stabilising the Syrian pound, benefiting impoverished families. Yet, financial experts highlight that the government’s inability to uphold these subsidies and indicate that the raise in public sector wages may inadvertently spur further inflation and currency depreciation. This could potentially nullify any economic advantages in the coming months.

Government officials attribute the grave economic plight and the struggles of everyday Syrians to the stringent US sanctions instated in 2019, which zero in on entities extending support to Assad’s regime. The US maintains that these measures exempt humanitarian assistance.

At the recent Saudi-China Business Forum in Beijing, entities from Saudi Arabia and China endorsed multiple housing and infrastructure contracts, highlighting the strengthening bond between the two nations.

The forum, chaired by Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, primarily concentrated on investment possibilities between the two nations in areas such as urban infrastructure, housing, real estate development, and financing. During the event, Al-Hogail extended an invitation to Chinese companies to engage in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning real estate market.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, a total of 12 agreements related to infrastructure development and financing were signed during this event, with the total value exceeding £1 billion ($1.33 billion). Although the specifics of the entities involved have not been disclosed, it has been confirmed by the Saudi Ministry for Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing that Al-Hogail interacted with representatives from the Chinese state-backed investment powerhouse, CITIC. Their discussion centred on construction opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the potential adoption of “green housing technology,” as detailed in a press statement released on Tuesday.

The bigger picture: Ties between Saudi Arabia and China are evidently deepening. Earlier in March, China played a pivotal role in brokering the pact that saw the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Moreover, economically, Saudi Arabia hosted the Arab-China Business Conference in June, which generated deals surpassing £7 billion ($10 billion). Just last month, Saudi Aramco procured a stake worth £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) in the Chinese petrochemical entity, Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd.

In 2022, it’s noteworthy to mention that Saudi Arabia was China’s primary supplier of oil.

Nearly a month after its initial release in Algeria, the Barbie film has been removed from cinemas across the nation. Reports from the online news platform, 24H Algerie, highlight that Algeria’s Ministry of Culture and Arts issued an urgent directive to cinemas in major cities such as Algiers, Oran, and Constantine to immediately cease the film’s screening.

To date, neither the ministry nor the Algerian Audiovisual Regulatory Authority has provided an explanation for this sudden directive or made any comment.

Following its release in select Algerian theatres last month, film distributors initiated the removal of the Hollywood blockbuster from their weekly schedules. This move mirrors decisions made by authorities in Kuwait and Lebanon, where the film was banned due to its commentary on gender and sexuality.

The abrupt cancellation has prompted a flurry of discussions on social media. Supporters voiced their frustration using the hashtag “#IAmBarbie”, with others condemning the act as an instance of “censorship” and “bigotry”. Leila Belkacem, a prominent writer, expressed her discontent on Facebook, questioning the motives behind the censorship given the private behaviours of some officials.

Fatima Ait Kaci, who had anticipated watching the film with her granddaughters visiting from Canada, expressed her dismay upon discovering the change in schedule at the Riadh El Feth cinema in Algiers. She criticised Algerian authorities for their lack of transparency and responsibility.

This incident follows the recent suspension of programming by the private TV channel Es Salam, accused of broadcasting content contrary to Islamic principles and Algerian societal norms.

Directed by the acclaimed Greta Gerwig, the film stars Margot Robbie, portraying the iconic Barbie, and Ryan Gosling as her partner, Ken. While the film does not include explicit sexual scenes or direct references to LGBTQ+ rights, it has faced criticism due to its vibrant representation and overarching message of gender equality and inclusion. This theme is particularly controversial in areas where same-sex relationships are prohibited by law.

Despite the regional controversies, the Warner Bros production has achieved significant success, grossing over $1bn globally. This outstanding performance has positioned it as the top-grossing film directed by a woman in cinematic history.

Accounts of Lebanon’s former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, alongside those of his close relatives and associates, have been frozen on orders of the interim central bank governor, Wassim Mansouri. This move comes in the wake of sanctions placed on them by the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

The decision emerged after the Special Investigation Commission, responsible for combating money laundering and terrorism financing, convened. Those named include Salameh’s son Nady, brother Raja, associate Marianne Hoayek, and former partner Anna Kosakova.

Beyond freezing their assets in Lebanese financial establishments, the directive also waives bank confidentiality for the said individuals, facilitating investigations by judicial authorities. Salameh, once celebrated as the bulwark of Lebanon’s fiscal stability, now faces scrutiny both domestically and abroad. His policies have been criticised for precipitating Lebanon’s economic downfall, marked by the plummeting value of the Lebanese pound and soaring inflation.

Recent findings from a forensic audit by New York firm, Alvarez & Marsal, disclosed Salameh’s prolonged misconduct, including $111 million in “illegitimate commissions”. This audit, a demand of the international community and the International Monetary Fund, only underscores their waning confidence in Lebanon’s economic management.

Salameh’s tenure as the central bank governor from 1993 until 31st July is under intense scrutiny, with arrest warrants in both France and Germany probing the alleged misappropriation of $330 million from the Lebanese central bank during his tenure. Charges of embezzlement and financial misdemeanours have been laid in Lebanon against Salameh, his brother, and Hoayek.

Despite the mounting allegations, Salameh refutes all claims, pledging to contest the sanctions. He informed Reuters that some of his assets were already impounded in earlier investigations. March 2022 witnessed the freezing of roughly 120 million euros worth of Lebanese assets across various European nations, with Salameh implicated in the case. Furthermore, assets seized by the French judiciary were transferred to the Lebanese state in July.

Given the vacancy in the central bank’s governance after Salameh, Wassim Mansouri, the first vice governor, now officiates as the acting governor, evidenced by his signature on Monday’s statement.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

The head of the upcoming U.N. global climate summit, Sultan al-Jaber, has called for increased availability of funds to combat climate change in the Caribbean. Al-Jaber, who is also the United Arab Emirates’ minister of industry, spoke during a regional meeting in Barbados, addressing leaders from the 15-member trade bloc known as Caricom.

Highlighting the severe climate impacts faced by island nations, al-Jaber noted that high costs have hindered these nations from swiftly adopting renewable energy solutions. “The peoples of the Caribbean have been on the front lines of climate change for longer than most,” he asserted, describing their experience as an “early warning system for the rest of the world.”

He also stressed the importance of closing the climate finance gap as a priority ahead of the COP28 summit scheduled for December in Dubai. This call for financial support comes on the same day that the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) escalated its prediction for the Atlantic hurricane season from near-normal to above-normal due to record sea surface temperatures. The prediction now includes 14 to 21 named storms, with two to five major hurricanes.

With five tropical storms having already formed this year, marking an unusually active start to the hurricane season, al-Jaber highlighted the Caribbean’s acute awareness of “the human and economic costs of too little finance for climate adaptation and resilience.”

The meeting also acknowledged the efforts of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who initiated a plan known as the Bridgetown Initiative. This proposal aims to simplify the process for developing nations to combat global warming and defer debt payments in the wake of natural disasters. Supporters of the plan believe it could potentially release $1 trillion in climate financing.

In a related development, Mottley announced on Wednesday that her administration would establish a legacy fund to assist Barbados in its battle against climate change. Her announcement resonated with al-Jaber’s call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for financial resources in the Caribbean region to mitigate the severe consequences of climate change.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, file

On Saturday, Saudi Arabia appointed its first non-resident ambassador to Palestine. Ambassador Nayef Al Sudairi’s credentials were presented to Majdi Al Khalidi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s diplomatic adviser, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.

This appointment has been heralded as “an important step” by Mr Al Sudairi, reflecting the determination of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman “to strengthen relations with the brothers of the State of Palestine and give it a formal boost in all areas.” The ceremony was conducted on Saturday, where the ambassador’s credentials were handed over.

State-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) detailed that the dialogue during the ceremony focused on “reinforcing and advancing bilateral ties across diverse domains.” The event was also attended by the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Jordan, Atallah Khairi.

Palestinian analyst Talal Okal regards the diplomatic appointment as a half-step towards an official Saudi representation office in the West Bank and a commitment by Saudi Arabia to the rights of Palestinians in a fully sovereign state. This marks a notable shift as Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic file for Palestine has traditionally been managed by the embassy in Amman, AFP reported.

A Palestinian Authority official told AFP that this announcement symbolises “Saudi Arabia’s reaffirmation of its recognition of the state of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital” and expressed the intention to further develop the relationship.

While the development comes amid discussions concerning Saudi conditions for normalisation with Israel, Riyadh continues to assert its position of not establishing ties with Israel until the Palestinian conflict is resolved. In parallel, the diplomatic appointment reiterates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to bolstering ties with Palestine and upholding its rights.

Image Credit: U.S. Department of State

The United Nations’ top human rights official, Volker Türk, has issued a warning over the potential wider regional impact of Iraq’s water crisis. Speaking at a news conference in Baghdad on Wednesday, following a four-day visit to various parts of the country, Türk detailed the significant decline in water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which constitute more than 90% of Iraq’s freshwater reserves.

The situation has worsened over the years, partially due to the construction of dams and water diversion upstream in Turkey and Iran. Türk expressed his personal observations on the tangible effects of climate change in the southern Iraqi region of Basra, stating, “Standing in searing heat in that scarred landscape, breathing air polluted by the many gas flares dotting the region, it was clear to me that the era of global boiling has indeed begun.”

He went on to describe the situation as a “climate emergency” and emphasised the urgent need for action. Iraq has been identified by the UN as the fifth most vulnerable country to the climate crisis, facing increased loss of arable land owing to salinisation, reduced rainfall, and extended heatwaves.

The crisis stems from a “toxic mix” of factors, including global warming, reduced rainfall, lack of effective water management and regulation, violence, and oil industry excesses. Basra, where the two rivers meet, has been the most severely affected by the water crisis, leading to desertification in previously fertile areas and shutting down water purification systems due to rising salinity.

The impact extends to the destruction of wheat and fruit harvests and the decimation of fish and livestock. Concerns have been raised that millions of people could be deprived of water from the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, affecting neighbouring Syria as well.

While Türk acknowledged the Iraqi government’s commitment to addressing climate change and water scarcity, he criticised ongoing legal actions against journalists and activists covering the matter, highlighting the negative effect on freedom of speech. He also expressed concerns over reports of violence, intimidation, and death threats against environmental activists and stressed the importance of transparency and collaboration.

In his meetings with Iraqi government and judicial officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani and Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi, Türk discussed various human rights issues, such as the death penalty, overcrowded prisons, and the strengthening of human rights institutions in the country.

The UN human rights chief’s alarming observations and call for immediate action underline the escalating crisis and draw attention to the potential broader implications for the region, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the unfolding disaster.

Kuwait has announced a ban on the Warner Brothers film “Barbie”, citing the need to protect “public ethics and social traditions.” This decision comes shortly after a Lebanese minister requested a similar ban in Lebanon, alleging that the movie promotes homosexuality.

Late on Wednesday, a spokesman for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information stated that the film “promulgates ideas and beliefs that are alien to Kuwaiti society and public order,” according to the official KUNA news agency. In addition to “Barbie”, the Kuwaiti ministry has also prohibited the Australian supernatural horror film “Talk to Me” on similar grounds.

In Lebanon, Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada made a parallel announcement on Wednesday, requesting the Lebanese interior ministry to take steps to prevent the film from being shown in the country. He accused the film of promoting homosexuality and transsexuality, undermining parental roles, and questioning the necessity of marriage and family.

The Lebanese Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, subsequently directed the country’s censorship committee to review the film and make a recommendation. This comes amid a growing anti-LGBTQ campaign in Lebanon, spearheaded by the powerful Hezbollah armed group.

“Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been widely anticipated by LGBTQ communities worldwide, even though the film does not contain overt references to same-sex relationships or queer themes. It is the first film by a solo female director to surpass the billion-dollar benchmark.

The film’s ban is part of a broader pattern of increasing scrutiny and censorship. It has already faced bans in Vietnam over a contentious scene involving a fictitious world map. The Philippines allowed the screening but requested blurring the map of a disputed sea area. In Pakistan’s Punjab province, the release was delayed over undisclosed “objectionable content”.

Lafy Al-Subei’e, head of Kuwait’s cinema censorship committee, told KUNA that foreign movies are often subject to censoring of scenes that contradict public ethics. However, if a film carries alien concepts or unacceptable behavior, the committee may decide to bar the film altogether.

Gulf Arab states, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have previously censored films containing LGBTQ references. Interestingly, “Barbie” continues to be shown in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain despite the controversy.

Ayman Mhanna, executive director at the nonprofit civic Samir Kassir Foundation, described the move to ban the film as part of “a wave of bigotry” that has brought together various factions against LGBT people.

This decision to ban “Barbie” underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between cinema, social values, and politics in the region, and it may spark further debate and division in the international community.

Image Credit: AP

Lebanon’s Defence Minister, Maurice Sleem, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in the Jisr Al Bacha area of Beirut, Lebanon as reported by local media on Thursday.

The minister’s vehicle was reportedly struck by several bullets, primarily damaging the car’s rear windshield. Fortunately, Sleem emerged unscathed from the incident and is now safely located. In a brief statement, he confirmed, “I am fine, but the car’s back glass was shot.”

No further injuries have been reported from the scene, and details are still emerging. Investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible.

Image Credit: Maurice Sleem/Twitter

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has dismissed twelve regional governors in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. This announcement was made on Thursday, and official sources have yet to provide an explanation for the unexpected decision.

The affected governors include those of North Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah in the Gaza Strip, as well as Jenin, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Nablus, Hebron, Tul Karm, Tubas, and Jericho in the occupied West Bank. All have been ordered into retirement, with a presidential committee now established to appoint their successors.

This move is unprecedented in the history of the occupied Palestinian Territories, and it comes on the heels of unsuccessful unity talks between President Abbas and the rival faction Hamas in Cairo last month. Hamas has governed the blockaded Gaza Strip for nearly two decades, and the failure of the talks to achieve any tangible progress has further strained the Palestinian front against mounting Israeli pressure.

Speculation surrounds the motivations behind this drastic reshuffling, but some context might be drawn from President Abbas’s recent controversies. The long-serving leader has faced criticism in the city of Jenin for perceived governmental inaction following a deadly raid that claimed 12 lives last month. Despite a rare visit to the affected camp, Abbas was met with a rebuke from residents who were dissatisfied with the government’s response to almost-daily Israeli incursions.

Moreover, the Palestinian Authority’s standing has been on a downward trajectory in recent years, plagued by allegations of corruption, negligence, and controversial cooperation with Israel. A poll conducted last year revealed that only 27 per cent of the population were content with the administration’s performance.

Observers are now keenly watching the development of this political upheaval, as the dismissal of such a significant number of key figures may signal a significant shift in the Palestinian leadership’s strategy or a response to internal pressures.

While the official Wafa news agency reported the dismissals, it did not delve into the reasoning behind the decision, leaving the political landscape tinged with uncertainty. The formation of a presidential committee to select replacements adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex and tense situation.

Image Credit: European External Action Service

After a week-long halt in services due to violent clashes in Ain el-Helweh, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has recommenced its operations within the refugee camp.

Following the disturbances, Health Centre II has reopened its doors, continuing its pivotal role in providing medical care to Palestine Refugee patients. In recent days, the centre has seen a steady influx of patients, including numerous children and newborns who are in need of treatment and immunisations.

In a bid to restore normalcy, sanitation workers have embarked on a clean-up mission, swiftly removing accumulated rubbish from the streets and carrying out disinfection processes in areas less impacted by the skirmishes.

Collaborating closely with multiple stakeholders, UNRWA is gearing up to undertake assessments and eliminate war remnants in the areas that have been affected. These measures will commence as soon as they are deemed safe for access.

Dorothee Klaus, the Director of UNRWA Affairs in Lebanon, recently paid a visit to the Ain el-Helweh camp on Tuesday to monitor the situation and supervise the gradual restoration of the Agency’s operations. Speaking on her visit, she expressed, “We earnestly hope for sustained peace in the camp.”

Ms. Klaus shared poignant anecdotes from her visit: “I was told of families trapped in their homes due to the conflict, some injured while attempting to flee. I’ve seen children terrified, cries echoing through the camp, and women in such distress that their hair has turned white.”

Highlighting the path forward, Klaus emphasised the agency’s unwavering commitment: “UNRWA is set to support in clearing debris and restoring damaged water and electricity infrastructures. A stable and safe environment is crucial for our operations.”

Concluding her remarks, she added that UNRWA is working hand-in-hand with partner organisations to ensure the timely clearance of affected camp sites. This endeavour aims to safeguard both the community and UNRWA personnel from lingering dangers of the conflict.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

The Moroccan navy has recovered the bodies of five Senegalese migrants and successfully rescued 189 others after their boat tragically capsized off the coast of Western Sahara, as reported by Morocco’s official news agency Map on Monday.

According to an unidentified military official, the incident occurred on Saturday off Guerguerat, a village located in the south of Western Sahara near the border with Mauritania. It is believed that the migrants were attempting a perilous journey to reach Spain’s Canary Islands.

In addition to those rescued, 11 other migrants were found to be in a critical condition and were swiftly taken to Hassan II Hospital in the city of Dakhla in Western Sahara. The rescued individuals were transferred to Dakhla on Sunday and placed under the care of Moroccan authorities.

This tragedy forms part of a broader crisis in the region. In a separate incident, officials announced on Monday that 16 migrants had died in shipwrecks off the coasts of Tunisia and Western Sahara. Local court spokesman Faouzi Masmoudi reported that at least 11 migrants died off the coast of Tunisia’s second city, Sfax, with an additional 44 reported missing. Two survivors were rescued from the boat, which had 57 people on board, all hailing from sub-Saharan African countries.

The first six months of 2023 have seen nearly 1,000 migrants perish while attempting to reach Spain by sea, according to Spanish migrant rights group Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders). Most of these attempts have been made from Senegal or Morocco.

These tragic incidents highlight the ongoing migration crisis in the region and the immense risks that desperate individuals are willing to take for a chance at a better life. As European countries grapple with the political and humanitarian challenges of migration, the loss of life in the Mediterranean continues to be a stark and urgent reminder of the human cost of this complex issue.

Image Credit: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

In a recent statement, Prime Minister Najib Mikati has sought to calm rising concerns over the significant violence in Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp, Ain Al Hilweh. He insisted that top security officials believe the situation “does not call for concern or panic,” though acknowledged there had been “significant progress” in halting the clashes that have rocked the camp since late July.

The violence, particularly severe in recent weeks, has resulted in the displacement of approximately a quarter of the camp’s residents. At least 13 people have died, and occasional stray bullets have even reached areas outside the camp. Despite a ceasefire being called, it has repeatedly been broken, fuelling further unrest.

Mikati hinted that the Lebanese army could be deployed if the situation escalates further, expressing in a phone call with Palestinian President and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas that the army would “play the required role” in ending the clashes.

In the midst of this turmoil, two of Lebanon’s most influential political figures have expressed confusion at the travel warnings issued by some embassies. Leading figure in Lebanon’s Druze community, Walid Joumblatt, stated after a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri that they “do not understand… the fears expressed in the embassies’ press releases.”

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon. The Kuwaiti Embassy in Lebanon also urged Kuwaiti citizens to avoid conflict areas, and the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded citizens of an existing ban on travel to Lebanon.

According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Ein El Hilweh Camp conflict has seen 12 deaths and 50 injuries. Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi declared yesterday that measures have been implemented to maintain security, emphasizing that security violations and endangering lives will not be tolerated.

Despite these travel warnings, the head of the Federation of Tourism Syndicates in Lebanon, Pierre Al-Ashqar, asserted that nothing has changed in the country’s tourism landscape following the embassy advisories.

The situation in Ain Al Hilweh continues to be volatile, reflecting the often-complex relationship between Lebanon and Palestinian factions. The Lebanese Armed Forces usually avoid entering the camps as part of a long-standing agreement with Palestinian security.

The country now finds itself in a precarious situation, where addressing the violence and reassuring both citizens and foreign nationals becomes paramount. With international eyes on Lebanon, the next steps taken by the government could prove crucial in stabilising the situation and preserving both national and regional security.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

Three years. That’s how long it has been since the earth shook and a pall of smoke overshadowed Beirut. On Aug. 4, 2020, an explosion of catastrophic proportions devastated the Lebanese capital, claiming over 200 lives, injuring thousands, and leaving billions of dollars in damage. But perhaps more chilling than the explosion itself is the unyielding stalemate in holding those responsible accountable.

The echoes of that horrific day resonate not just in the shattered lives of the Lebanese people but in a political system designed to shield the perpetrators from justice. A system in which “the powerful are never held to account and no justice is ever served.” A system emboldened and entrenched by Hezbollah, with the support of Lebanon’s political elite.

The domestic judicial process to investigate the blast and deliver justice to victims has been effectively quashed. Politicians and security officials summoned by the judge continue to carry out their public functions as if nothing happened. The local investigation led by Judge Tarek Bitar has been stifled, hindered, and abused. The perpetrators have “used both legal and illegal means to block any substantive investigation into the explosion.”

There’s something profoundly disheartening about a nation’s cry for justice being stifled by the very powers meant to uphold it. The explosion wasn’t merely a domestic tragedy; it was a global one. The Port of Beirut, as the epicenter of this tragedy, became an unregulated arena for international arms smuggling, hinting at a broader nexus that threatens international peace and security.

Families of victims and human rights organizations have tirelessly pressed for an independent international investigation. A U.N. fact-finding mission could be a pathway to determining the truth and delineating responsibility. As seen with the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), international mechanisms have the potential to overcome local obstruction.

But why, despite the clear evidence and enormous human cost, does this cry for international intervention seem to fall on deaf ears? Is it mere indifference, or something more calculated?

In a political arena where alliances are as shadowy as they are complex, the issue of Hezbollah cannot be ignored. Some countries may be reluctant to dig deeper, fearing that exposing Hezbollah’s connections could be a Pandora’s box that could unravel sensitive political dynamics. The silence may be strategic, but it’s a strategy that continues to wound the very soul of Lebanon.

Three years have come and gone, and the wounds of that tragic day continue to fester. There’s a painful truth that must be acknowledged: “neglect is a deliberate act” and the failure to hold anyone accountable is a choice—a choice that is devastating a nation and denying its people the justice they so desperately need and deserve.

The international community, and indeed, the conscience of the world, must act now. It is time to escalate the issue and enable a U.N. investigation. It is time to sanction those responsible for obstructing justice and make ending impunity the centerpiece of international mediation on the Lebanese crisis.

The story of Lebanon, its cries for justice, and its struggles for accountability, should be a rallying cry for the world. For in Lebanon’s fight for justice, we see our collective moral responsibility reflected. We must not, we cannot, allow the third anniversary to mark “the beginning of the long forgetting.”

Justice delayed is justice denied. The time to act is now. Lebanon’s shattered heart demands it, and history will remember how we respond.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

Iraq’s Ministry of Communications announced on Sunday that it had suspended the popular messaging app Telegram, citing national security issues and the mishandling of users’ personal data.

In a statement, the ministry detailed its attempts to engage with the company, requesting the closure of “platforms that leak the data of the official state institutions and the personal data of citizens.” Despite these efforts, the ministry said, “the company did not respond and did not interact with any of these requests.”

The Ministry was keen to emphasise its commitment to “citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and communication, without prejudice to the security of the state and its institutions.”

Telegram, widely used in Iraq—including by Iran-backed militia groups linked to political factions in the parliament—has become a source of concern for the Iraqi government. Some channels contain substantial personal data, such as names, addresses, and family connections of Iraqi citizens.

Experts have highlighted the app’s role in facilitating paramilitary groups in publicising their attacks, including assaults on military bases hosting coalition troops fighting remnants of ISIS.

A study by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace identified nearly two dozen Telegram channels created between March 2020 and 2021, of which over 75% were affiliated with militias. The Sabereen news channel, affiliated with Iran-backed groups, has been a notable source of information on militia activities, often posting news of attacks on coalition bases and the US embassy.

In addition to its use by political and paramilitary groups, the encrypted instant messaging app has also been utilised by terrorist organisations. ISIS, for instance, confirmed the death of its leader Abu Hussein Al Husseini Al Quraishi via Telegram this week.

Last year, an ISIS follower was sentenced to over eight years in prison by a London court for distributing terrorist propaganda on the app.

By midday on Sunday, the service was effectively blocked in Iraq, though it remained accessible to users connected through a VPN.

The decision to suspend Telegram has provoked criticism from channels aligned with pro-Iran factions. One channel, with over 330,000 subscribers, accused the Iraqi government, supported by pro-Iran parties, of “confiscating freedoms” and described the suspension as an act of “gagging.”

Iraq’s government asserts that the suspension of Telegram is vital to “protect the personal data of citizens, which is violated by the application” and to address the “data leakage from state institutions and individuals, which poses a threat to national security and social peace.”

The move represents a significant action in Iraq’s ongoing struggle to balance security concerns with freedom of expression and communication, and it will likely continue to be a contentious issue within the country’s complex political landscape.

Image Credit: Dima Solomin on Unsplash

A massive blaze broke out on Saturday at the historic building of Egypt’s Ministry of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) in central Cairo, engulfing the top floor of the structure, according to local reports.

No casualties were reported, and at least seven fire trucks from the General Administration of Civil Protection were dispatched to combat the fire, the Cairo Governorate confirmed. The fire was largely extinguished after several hours of intense firefighting efforts.

The incident occurred just days after the Awqaf employees had relocated to new premises in a burgeoning capital city under construction in the desert, 45km east of Cairo. The relocation is part of a larger strategy to draw investment and rejuvenate central Cairo.

Governor Khaled Abdel Aal praised the civil protection forces for their swift action in extinguishing the fire and took immediate measures to prevent the blaze from reigniting. He has also ordered the creation of a committee to examine the condition of the building post-fire.

The Public Prosecution and criminal investigation department are expected to conduct an inspection to determine the cause of the blaze, prior to the commencement of a clean-up operation.

The Awqaf building, whose main part was constructed in 1898 with wings added in 1912 and 1927, had been mostly emptied of its employees, who moved to the new capital at the end of July. Flames were reported to have been seen shooting out of a second-floor window, as per a Reuters account.

Mohammed Mokhtar Gomaa, the Egyptian Minister of Religious Endowments, personally inspected the firefighting process and expressed gratitude to the civil protection team for their dedication and control of the fire. He later referred the incident for investigation to the Public Prosecution and the Administrative Prosecution.

As the building was vacated on July 1, the minister has urged the continuation of maintenance contracts for the old structure. Assistant Minister Abdullah Hassan Abdel-Qawi also confirmed that an assessment of the damage was underway.

A source informed Arab News that four ambulances were promptly dispatched to the accident site, though no casualties were found. The building’s vacancy played a critical role in averting injuries.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in institutional buildings, even those that may be unoccupied. The effective and coordinated response by various authorities also underscores the country’s commitment to emergency preparedness and community well-being.

Some of the former ministry buildings are anticipated to be repurposed under Egypt’s Sovereign Fund, an initiative that aligns with the government’s broader plans to attract crucial investment to the heart of Cairo. The ministry is awaiting reports from security services regarding the fire’s cause before deciding on further action.

Image Credit: Reuters

Friday marked the third anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, a tragic event which claimed the lives of more than 200 individuals and left thousands injured, causing significant devastation throughout the capital. Despite the colossal scale of this incident, no senior official has yet been held accountable and internal attempts to seek justice continue to face consistent obstacles.

In a show of solidarity and defiance, a protest march was organised on Friday afternoon in Beirut, with additional demonstrations anticipated globally. The procession commenced at 4pm local time from the Karantina fire station, located in close proximity to the port, culminating near the epicentre of the 2020 blast.

The city fell silent at 6:07pm, the exact time when the explosion occurred three years ago, as a fire engine’s siren signalled the start of a minute’s silence. The sombre silence was followed by applause, and a poignant reading of the victims’ names. Many businesses across Lebanon observed the day as a public holiday in commemoration of the tragedy.

Paul Naggear, a father still mourning the loss of his three-year-old daughter Alexandra, voiced his urgent need for justice, saying, “This is a national cause. If we don’t get justice for this and what happened, we won’t get justice for anything.”

The explosion was caused by a cache of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored at the port for several years, a fact known to senior officials. The domestic inquiry led by Judge Tarek Bitar has faced repeated roadblocks, including resistance from former ministers he intended to question.

Nizar Sagieh, a prominent lawyer and founder of the rights group Legal Agenda, criticised Lebanon’s political class for its chronic lack of accountability. The devastating blast has come to symbolise the deep-seated corruption and mismanagement by the ruling elite, which has also presided over a financial collapse that began in 2019.

The search for justice has increasingly turned towards international intervention. Savaro Ltd, a UK-registered company found liable for the blast, was ordered to compensate four victims a total of $1 million, setting a “strong precedent” for other lawsuits, according to Mr. Naggear. On the eve of the anniversary, a multitude of human rights groups, survivors and relatives of the victims appealed to the UN Human Rights Council to establish a fact-finding mission into the explosion.

This plea echoes a joint statement by 38 nations, expressed by Australia at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, emphasising their collective concern over the investigation’s stagnation due to “systemic obstruction, interference and intimidation”. They noted the failure of Lebanese authorities to guarantee an independent judiciary in accordance with international standards.

In a separate statement, the French Foreign Ministry also called for the Lebanese justice system to resume its investigation “in complete transparency, protected from any political interference”, emphasising the global clamour for truth and accountability in the wake of the Beirut port explosion.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

In a recent official visit, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis travelled to the seaside city of Alamein to meet with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, according to the presidency’s spokesperson. This marks Mr Mitsotakis’s first visit to Egypt since his re-election as Prime Minister in June. The two leaders engaged in thorough discussions on subjects of mutual interest, solidifying the long-standing alliance between the two nations.

In the meeting, President El Sisi expressed gratitude towards Greece for its continual support on a regional level and in Egypt’s negotiations with the EU. In response, Mr Mitsotakis thanked Mr El Sisi for Egypt’s assistance in battling recent wildfires in Greece, as confirmed by the presidency’s spokesperson.

Egyptian and Greek relations, although traditionally amiable, have significantly intensified since President El Sisi assumed power in 2014. The two countries have since secured several crucial military, security, and energy agreements, aligning their interests, especially in the oil and gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean region.

In a landmark agreement last year, Egypt committed to supplying power to the Greek grid, which could then be channelled into the broader European power network. The £4 billion deal was initiated as Europe was exploring alternatives to Russian energy, which was cut off due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Currently, an underwater cable network is being installed in the Mediterranean to interconnect the power grids of Greece and Egypt. Once operational, the project is expected to deliver 3,000 megawatts daily to the European grid, equating to electricity for around three million homes, depending on domestic electricity demand.

Moreover, in 2021, Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus signed a tripartite agreement to bolster military co-ordination to safeguard their interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. This deal, however, sparked criticism from Turkey, Greece’s historic adversary.

In recent territorial disputes over oil and gas rights in the Mediterranean, Cairo has consistently aligned with Athens against Turkey. Both Egypt and Greece have also expressed their disapproval of Ankara’s affiliation with Libya’s Tripoli-based government, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, which the rival Libyan Parliament in the east refuses to recognise as legitimate.

Relations between Cairo and Ankara became further strained following Ankara’s denouncement of the 2013 removal of former Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi, an event which paved the way for President El Sisi’s rise to power. Consequently, this dispute evolved into a broader regional disagreement over Islamism.

From a security perspective, President El Sisi’s governance has been partially defined by a relentless anti-terrorism campaign in North Sinai against ISIS and widespread suppression of radical Islamist groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt’s principal cities. Athens has consistently and openly supported President El Sisi’s campaign, labelling it as vital for regional stability.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File

Amidst Lebanon’s most severe economic turmoil in its brief, tumultuous history, banks from four Arab nations are showing interest in the beleaguered banking sector of the small Mediterranean country. This comes after a three-year economic meltdown that has massively escalated poverty and inflation, hampering the public sector and infrastructure.

Wissam Fattouh, the Secretary General of the Union of Arab Banks, relayed the news to the Associated Press. His statements came during the most significant regional banking conference in Beirut since the catastrophic economic crisis began in October 2019. Caretaker Economy Minister Amin Salam, along with Lebanese and regional banking officials, urged their Arab peers to invest in the crisis-laden country and contribute to its economic resurrection.

Back in July, Fattouh disclosed to the Saudi-owned TV station Al-Hadath that Jordanian and Iraqi banks were considering the purchase of smaller Lebanese banks. He elaborated, “During our numerous visits to Arab countries and meetings with banking leadership, we explored the potential of acquiring some Lebanese banks willing to sell.” However, he refrained from specifying which banks were contemplating an investment in Lebanon.

As of 2022, 61 banks were operating in Lebanon, 46 of which were commercial banks. Due to the crisis, many have had to downsize. The World Bank has labeled Lebanon’s financial crisis as one of the worst globally since the mid-19th century – the result of years of financial mismanagement, corruption, and harmful policy.

Towards the end of 2019, a scarcity of dollars in Lebanon instigated panic, leading to a run on the banks, as strict withdrawal limits were imposed on depositors who kept their savings there. This crisis was exacerbated by what financial experts and the World Bank defined as a Ponzi scheme. Here, the central bank of Lebanon encouraged commercial banks to lend dollars at high interest rates, thereby maintaining liquidity. The banks then enticed customers to deposit their savings in their accounts, offering even higher interest rates.

Subsequently, Lebanon has operated on a cash economy. The Lebanese pound, its local currency, has lost about 90% of its value, primarily influenced by a non-transparent black market rate which has become the norm for most goods and services throughout the country. Desperate for money, depositors have been withdrawing their savings at exchange rates considerably below the market rate.

Regarding the current deposits at the Central Bank, Fattouh commented, “The fate of those deposits is still a mystery. Thus, investors will prefer banks that don’t have high liabilities and only possess some deposits in the Central Bank.”

In April 2022, a preliminary agreement between the International Monetary Fund and the Lebanese government proposed an “externally assisted bank-by-bank evaluation for the 14 largest banks.” However, the audit never materialised as Lebanon’s ruling political parties and officials, many of whom hold shares or own the banks, refused to introduce any reforms.

Lebanon has been without a president since October, and its Central Bank governor resigned earlier this week. Nevertheless, Fattouh believes this presents an opportunity for investors. He suggested, “Once constitutional affairs are in order in Lebanon following a presidential election, a banking license could potentially cost around $200 million. Hence, acquiring a bank now could be less costly and highly profitable in the future.”

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

A Turkish woman working as a secretary at the Swedish honorary consulate found herself the victim of a shooting in the western province of Izmir, Turkey on Tuesday. The woman was gravely injured in the incident, according to official reports and media outlets.

The local governor’s office, while not specifically mentioning the consulate, indicated that the violent event occurred in Izmir’s Konak district in the early hours of the day. The suspect in the incident, believed to suffer from mental health issues, has been apprehended by local authorities.

Prominent Turkish broadcaster, NTV, reported that the shooting took place outside the Swedish honorary consulate. As a result of the attack, the secretary is reportedly in a critical state.

The governor’s office has confirmed that Turkish authorities have detained the attacker and launched a thorough investigation into the incident.

Unlike regular consulates, honorary consulates represent foreign countries’ interests but are managed by individuals who are not career diplomats.

In response to the incident, the Swedish Foreign Ministry stated that the consul general would travel to Izmir on Wednesday to gather further details. It also mentioned maintaining open dialogue with the consulate general in Istanbul and Swedish staff stationed in Turkey.

However, the Ministry declined to make any further comment regarding threats to diplomatic services or the security measures being implemented, asserting that such disclosures might undermine the effectiveness of said measures.

Yilmaz Tunc, the Turkish Justice Minister, strongly condemned the attack via a post on the messaging platform X, previously known as Twitter, while confirming that a criminal investigation into the incident had been initiated.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

In an audacious operation, security personnel in Jordan have apprehended an individual labelled as a “dangerous criminal” and said to be connected with global narcotics syndicates. The arrest took place in Irbid, a city in the north of Jordan, according to an announcement made by a police spokesperson on Wednesday.

The operation forms part of a heightened national campaign against drug dealers within the kingdom, with authorities chiefly focusing on curbing the trafficking of the amphetamine-type stimulant, Captagon, believed to be illicitly transported from Syria across the Jordanian border.

The spokesperson detailed that the apprehended male, deemed dangerous and confirmed to have ties with global drug cartels, was seized in a flat in Irbid after an extended period of surveillance and reconnaissance.

Authorities discovered an extensive cache of drugs at the residence: 287 packets of hashish and a substantial haul of 17,000 tablets were uncovered. The individual’s identity and nationality remain undisclosed. Irbid is situated a mere 15 kilometres from the Syrian border, underlining the strategic challenge faced by law enforcement.

Further to this operation, the police spokesperson reported the capture of nine additional drug traffickers across Amman, the town of Ruseifeh located on the eastern fringe of the Jordanian capital, and within the central Balkaa governorate, over the past few days.

In an effort to clamp down on narcotics smuggling from Syria, Jordanian authorities and Syrian Defence Minister, Ali Mahmoud, convened in Amman last month. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry confirmed these discussions which represented the inaugural meeting for a joint security committee, established earlier this month to address the pressing issue.

The Jordanian government has previously accused the Syrian military and southern Syrian militias, thought to be pro-Iran, of supervising the smuggling operations.

Despite these concerns, Jordan remains an integral part of the Arab rapprochement with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. The kingdom endorsed Damascus’s reintegration into the Arab League in May.

Image Credit: Hassan Bushnaq/Wikimedia Commons

In a period marked by escalating tension with the US in the Gulf, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has revealed the presence of vessels fitted with long-range missiles near the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during an Iranian military exercise, which simulated an ‘enemy attack’ involving rocket launchers, navy helicopters, and drones. According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the display included missiles with a 600-kilometre range, although they provided no additional information regarding the weaponry. It follows Iran’s recent statement that the new Abu Mahdi cruise missile, boasting a range of 1,000 kilometres, has been commissioned.

In response to Iran’s heightened activity in the strait, the US dispatched additional warplanes and a guided missile destroyer last month. “The Department of Defence is enhancing our presence and capacity to monitor the [Strait of Hormuz] and surrounding waters,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh stated in a press briefing.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a crucial artery for global oil transportation. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and oil products pass through it, making it the world’s most important oil chokepoint.

Last month, Iran attempted to seize two commercial tankers, which was condemned by the UK Maritime Component Command, a branch of the British military, as “unacceptable harassment.” In May, Iran took control of two tankers within a week and has been alleged to have held a vessel hostage over a payment dispute.

The US Navy claims that Tehran has captured at least five commercial vessels in the last two years and has harassed multiple others. Such operations are seen as a strategic move against the West following the re-establishment of US sanctions and the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

The revelation of the Abu Mahdi cruise missile is just the latest in a series of new Iranian weapon system announcements. Last month, Iran claimed to have a new hypersonic missile with a stated range of 1,400km.

Billboards in Tehran advertised the new weapon in Farsi, Hebrew, and Arabic, boasting, “400 seconds to Tel Aviv.” Hypersonic missiles, travelling at over five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5, give enemy forces merely seconds to react to the approaching threat. These missiles are reportedly capable of manoeuvring mid-flight, making it difficult for anti-missile systems, such as the US Patriot, to predict their course.

This technology is highly sought after, with Russia, China, the US, and more recently, Japan, France, and India, investing heavily in it. Russia purports to have deployed the first hypersonic missile in combat in Ukraine, claiming its Kinzhal missiles have struck targets while flying at Mach 10.

US experts, however, contest that the missile was not genuinely hypersonic, and the US announced on May 10 that a Patriot system in Ukraine had intercepted one. Nevertheless, according to the US Department of Defence, the overarching Iranian missile threat stems not from any one system, but from the sheer size and capabilities of “its missile arsenal, which is characterised by increasing numbers, as well as increases in accuracy, range and lethality”. The Pentagon’s report went on to state that “Iran has the largest ballistic missile force in the Middle East.”

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

In a deeply troubling series of events over the past week, numerous Egyptian high school students, gripped with concern over their performance in the national secondary school standardised examinations, have reportedly attempted suicide. These exams hold significant weight, as they are the determining factor for admission into the country’s universities.

On Monday, an 18-year-old pupil from the Nasr City district of Cairo was rushed to hospital, following a failed suicide attempt, confirmed by the local authorities. The exam results were still pending at the time of the incident, but investigators have unearthed that the pupil was facing severe psychological stress.

Elsewhere, in the southern province of Sohag, a student tragically ended her own life mere minutes after being informed of her examination results. The inquiry by the local prosecutor’s office revealed that the student had not managed to pass several subjects, contributing to her despair.

Further incidents have taken place in the province of Qalyubia, where four female students attempted suicide. They are now receiving medical treatment in hospital, the police reports suggest.

In another concerning episode, three more students from the province of Sharqia also attempted suicide, including a young girl who was gripped by fear over her family’s potential reaction to her exam results, according to officials.

The results of these national secondary school exams, which ultimately decide the students’ future career pathways, have placed an immense amount of pressure on the students. Experts are urging a comprehensive review of the system, and an increased focus on providing psychological support to students.

The Iraqi dinar has plummeted against the US dollar this week after the United States imposed sanctions on 14 Iraqi private banks, barring them from conducting transactions in dollars.

The sanctions come amidst Iraq’s ongoing struggle to stabilise its currency as it relies heavily on imports priced in dollars. The dinar dipped from 1,470 to 1,580 against the greenback in the past two days, sparking chaos in markets and angry protests outside Iraq’s central bank headquarters in Baghdad.

Representatives of the sanctioned banks denied wrongdoing and appealed to the Iraqi government to intervene on their behalf. “We call on the brothers at the Iraqi government to use all available means to undo the damage which occurred to us specifically, and to the Iraqi banking sector in general,” banker Haider Al Shamma said in a statement on behalf of the 14 banks.

He warned the sanctions could deter foreign investment and have far-reaching impacts beyond the banks themselves. “Forcing sanctions on a third of the Iraqi private banks from conducting dollar transactions will have negative consequences not only on the value of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar, but it will have a very big impact on foreign investments,” he said.

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) determined the banks were complicit in facilitating suspect dollar transfers to Iran last year, hence the punitive measures. But Mr Al Shamma insisted the banks were apolitical entities focused on finance, saying, “Our banks have nothing to do with political tensions but are independent financial institutions.”

Iraq’s central bank said affected banks could still conduct transactions using Iraqi dinars or other non-dollar currencies. But dollars remain crucial for Iraq’s largely import-driven economy.

The volatility is the latest chapter in Iraq’s ongoing currency crisis that has led to price hikes on consumer goods and sparked street protests demanding solutions.

Iraq has struggled to stabilise the dinar since late 2021 when the US Federal Reserve tightened procedures for international dollar transfers, rejecting or delaying many requests from Iraq. The Fed remains concerned dollars are being funnelled through Iraq’s currency auction to Iran, Syria and Lebanon – countries facing US sanctions.

The US has blacklisted Iraqi banks it accused of money laundering or suspicious transactions. But the Iraqi government blames Washington for the currency chaos and the resulting economic impacts.

Despite a series of measures aimed at containing public anger, the central bank has failed to control the exchange rate declines.

The latest sanctions on the 14 private banks represent another hurdle, likely feeding further dinar instability. With more volatility ahead, ordinary Iraqis continue bearing the brunt of external political tensions beyond their control.

Image Credit: Levi Meir Clancy / Unsplash

In the run-up to a significant assembly of Palestinian factions in Cairo this Sunday, leaders of Fatah and Hamas are said to have convened in Turkey, according to multiple sources.

This alleged gathering aligns with the visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Turkey. Ismail Haniyeh and his deputy Saleh Al Arouri, leading the Hamas delegation, are rumoured to have engaged in discussions with Mr Abbas in Ankara this Tuesday, based on information provided to Al Araby Al Jadeed.

Public acknowledgment of such a meeting remains absent from both Fatah and Hamas. Requests for comment to a Hamas official have remained unanswered at the time of print.

Post meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Abbas acknowledged ongoing endeavours to consolidate unity within the Palestinian population and territory.

Abbas confirmed that Fatah has extended invitations to heads of Palestinian factions for a crucial meeting in Cairo on Sunday, the objective being “to restore national unity and develop a national programme to address the challenges facing the Palestinian people and land”.

However, Ziyad Al Nakhalah, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group, declared their intention to withdraw from the Sunday gathering in the Egyptian capital.

A public encounter between the leaders of Fatah and Hamas last transpired in Algeria in June 2022, marking the first occasion in over five years.

For more than a decade and a half, Palestinian politics have remained in a state of impasse. The militant group Hamas, ruling Gaza, and Fatah, were embroiled in an internal struggle for control of the Palestinian Authority, resulting in Abbas’ party being ejected from the Gaza Strip. Previous reunification attempts have proven unsuccessful, and Palestinians have been denied the opportunity to vote for their leadership since 2006.

President Erdogan and President Abbas conducted in-depth discussions at the presidential complex in Ankara on Tuesday, focussing on relations, the Palestine-Israel conflict, and other international and regional developments.

Erdogan emphasised post-meeting that “we cannot tolerate any acts attempting to change the historical status quo of holy places, particularly the Al Aqsa Mosque. The unity and reconciliation of the Palestinians are key elements in this process.”

A scheduled visit by Benjamin Netanyahu to Turkey this week has been postponed due to the Israeli Prime Minister undergoing an unplanned surgery over the weekend.

Image Credit: European External Action Service

In a significant development, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended a formal invitation to the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to visit the North African kingdom. This invitation comes as a gesture of gratitude following Israel’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the contentious Western Sahara territory.

The royal summons, issued this Wednesday, warmly invites Mr. Netanyahu to visit Morocco at a mutually agreeable time, to be determined through diplomatic channels.

The Israeli Prime Minister announced his decision regarding the mineral-laden desert region via a letter which was subsequently referenced by the Moroccan royal office on Monday.

Economic, security, and tourism ties between Israel and Morocco have been strengthening progressively. This forthcoming meeting is expected to “open new possibilities in the bilateral relations between Morocco and Israel,” as per King Mohammed.

The Moroccan monarch praised Israel’s decision, affirming that the issue of Western Sahara represents “the national cause of the kingdom and the priority of its foreign policy”.

Around 80 per cent of the vast 266,000-square-kilometre desert region is currently administered by Morocco. The remaining portion of this sparsely populated area is controlled by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, a breakaway state supported by Algeria and not internationally recognised by the United Nations.

Several Arab and African nations, along with the US, back Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. The ongoing territorial dispute has led to the closure of land borders between Algeria and Morocco since the early 1990s due to security apprehensions.

Earlier this year, an attempt to mollify the strained relations was made by King Mohammed when he invited Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for discussions in Rabat. However, the King chose not to attend the first Arab League summit in three years, hosted by Algeria in November.

A thaw in Israel-Morocco relations was observed as part of the 2020 Abraham Accords, with encouragement from the then-US President Donald Trump, who acknowledged Morocco’s rule over the Western Sahara region.

Image Credit: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

In a significant diplomatic development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to host Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, in Ankara next week. This visit marks the first by an Israeli premier to the Turkish capital in 15 years.

Mr Netanyahu’s journey to Ankara, scheduled for July 28, anticipates high-level discussions with President Erdogan on a broad spectrum of regional and international issues.

Adding to the diplomatic momentum, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will also be in Ankara a few days prior to Mr Netanyahu’s arrival.

The Turkish presidency confirmed, “President Erdogan will extend a warm welcome to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the same week.”

The dialogue will primarily focus on “the evolution of Turkey-Palestine relations, the latest developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as other pertinent international issues,” according to the presidency’s statement.

Mr Netanyahu’s office confirmed this historic visit, the first for an Israeli Prime Minister since Ehud Olmert‘s trip to Turkey in 2008.

This diplomatic initiative by Turkey comes amid an impasse in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, compounded by the worst outbreak of violence in recent years in the occupied West Bank.

In April, the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, a highly sensitive religious site, became the epicentre of clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians. President Erdogan responded by stating that Israel had overstepped a “red line”.

Furthermore, Israeli President Isaac Herzog held talks with Mr Erdogan in Turkey, and a few months later, former prime minister Yair Lapid also met with the Turkish leader in New York. These interactions set the stage for what is hoped to be a further easing of tensions and progress in diplomatic relations.

Image Credit: Orhan Erkılıç / Wikimedia Commons

In the shadow of continued instability in Yemen, a potential breakthrough has been reported by the local authorities, with the identification of a suspect in the murder of Moayad Hameidi, the World Food Programme (WFP) representative based in Taiz. Hameidi, a key figure of the Rome-based UN food agency’s work in Yemen, was tragically gunned down last Friday in the neighbouring city of Turbah.

The suspect has allegedly resided in Taiz since 2017 after leaving Aden in the wake of security operations against Al Qaeda militants. The identity of the official who revealed this information remains confidential, and they were unable to confirm whether the suspect has connections to any Islamist groups.

Aden has served as the base for Yemen’s internationally recognised government since Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, seized control of the capital Sanaa in 2014. The conflict escalated further in 2015 with the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition supporting the embattled government.

Taiz, controlled by the government, faces a blockade from surrounding Houthi-controlled areas. The chaos of the war in Yemen has provided fertile ground for extremist groups such as Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS loyalists. A considerable security effort has been made by the Saudi-led coalition, backed by US and UAE forces, to suppress these radical elements.

An arrest warrant for the suspect has been issued, as confirmed by an Interior Ministry telegram obtained by AFP. The violence has diminished over the past year, yet sporadic attacks continue to disrupt the fragile peace.

The late Moayad Hameidi, a Jordanian national, had been a stalwart of the WFP for 18 years, serving not only in Yemen, but also in Sudan, Syria, and Iraq. His sudden death triggered profound sadness within the agency, with WFP’s Yemen country director, Richard Ragan, declaring any loss of life in humanitarian service as an “unacceptable tragedy.”

The global community has also responded, with Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen, expressing condolences to Hameidi’s family, friends, and colleagues, while mourning alongside the humanitarian community in Yemen.

The UAE’s Minister of State for International Co-operation, Reem Al Hashimy, condemned the murder emphatically, highlighting the targeting of humanitarian aid staff as a “flagrant violation of all international treaties that ensure their protection.”

US special envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, also denounced Hameidi’s killing and extended his deepest sympathies to Hameidi’s family and the WFP team.

This tragic event echoes the 2018 killing of Lebanese aid worker Hanna Lahoud, a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross, whose murderers are yet to be found. Hameidi’s death serves as a harsh reminder of the significant dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict-ridden zones like Yemen.

n a shocking incident that unfurled on live Lebanese television, a fierce debate between two well-known figures escalated into a brawl, necessitating army intervention.

Wiam Wahhab, a politician and former minister affiliated with the Hezbollah-led March 8 movement, and Simon Abou Fadel, a journalist linked with the March 14 anti-Hezbollah movement, clashed on the popular political chat show, Sar el Waqt.

The altercation was sparked during a discussion on the contentious issue of US sanctions on Lebanese individuals alleged to be involved in corruption and connected with Hezbollah.

The exchange grew tense as Mr Wahhab dismissed the sanctions as “worth as much as my shoes”. Mr Abou Fadel retorted sharply, “You can do whatever you want with your shoes later. That’s a problem between you and your shoes”.

Mr Wahhab’s reply was inaudible, and the argument swiftly devolved into a shouting match, with both men demanding the other to “shut up”.

The situation spiralled out of control when Mr Wahhab hurled his water glass at Mr Abou Fadel, who retaliated with a punch that sent Mr Wahhab’s glasses flying.

The studio descended into chaos as the duo exchanged a barrage of slaps and thumps, prompting the crew to intervene to stop the brawl and separate the feuding pair.

A video shared widely on social media later revealed the confrontation had moved outside to the studio car park. Mr Abou Fadel was shown being restrained by onlookers while the army stepped in to quell the scuffle.

Subsequently, Mr Abou Fadel re-emerged on the programme sporting a bruised eye and a bleeding forehead. “My face is a reflection of my conscience,” he declared to the show’s host, Marcel Ghanem.

Interestingly, this is not the first instance of violence erupting on Mr Ghanem’s programme. Last year, live on air, an altercation took place between members of the audience and supporters of the Free Patriotic Movement political party.

Image Credit: Wirestock – www.freepik.com

In a bid to invigorate its economy, Oman‘s Sultan Haitham has decreed the establishment of the Khazaen Economic City, complete with two free economic zones, as confirmed by the Oman News Agency on Monday. Located within the South Al Batina Governorate, the new city will be administered by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones.

These pioneering initiatives will come to life under the management of Oman Logistics Company, tasked with operating both Khazaen Economic City and its two embedded free zones. The responsibility for developing these economic areas falls to the Khazaen Economic City Company.

This ambitious move comes as Oman intensifies its economic diversification strategy, buoyed by favourable oil prices, prudent fiscal reforms, and the containment of inflation, as reported by the International Monetary Fund last month.

Despite anticipating a budget deficit of 1.3 billion rials in 2023, accounting for 3% of its economy, Oman enjoyed a surplus of 1.14 billion rials the previous year, according to the nation’s Ministry of Finance.

To galvanise the country’s economic rebound from the COVID-19-induced slowdown, Oman launched a three-year fiscal stability programme last October. This scheme is designed to spur the Sultanate’s financial sector and facilitate national economic recovery.

Further bolstering its economy, Oman has recently signed several agreements with its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) counterparts. These include a $3 billion railway project linking the Sultanate with the United Arab Emirates and a $320 million infrastructure development endeavour, backed by the Saudi Fund for Development.

Oman’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by international observers. In April, Fitch Ratings revised its outlook for the country from stable to positive, maintaining its “BB” rating. The agency cited a surge in oil revenue and a reduction in public debt as key contributors to this positive trajectory, reflecting the government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation.

Photo by Silas Baisch on Unsplash

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning to any entity involved in offloading oil from its seized tankers. The threat was issued by IRGC navy commander Alireza Tangsiri on Thursday and was reported by state media outlets.

The warning comes as a response to the US confiscation of an Iranian oil shipment off the coast of Malaysia in April. This move was said to be a part of the US efforts to enforce sanctions against Iran.

Commander Tangsiri made it clear that Tehran holds Washington accountable for the unloading of the oil from the impounded tanker. Insiders, preferring to remain anonymous, confirmed to Reuters that Washington had taken charge of the oil aboard the Suez Rajan, subsequent to a court order.

In a seemingly related move, on Monday, the US divulged plans to deploy additional F-35 and F-16 fighter jets and a warship to the Middle East. This decision is said to be an attempt to monitor significant waterways in the region, following Iran’s recent actions including the seizure and alleged harassment of commercial vessels.

The past few years, and especially recent months, have seen rising tensions between Iran and the US, with numerous attacks on ships in the Gulf waters reported since 2019. The Strait of Hormuz, a key point between Iran and Oman, sees approximately one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and oil products passing through.

This year has seen an upsurge in military seizures and attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf waterways. The situation worsened in May, with two tankers being seized within a week, one of which was headed for Texas.

The US Navy maintains that the recent deployment of the warship is aimed at ensuring regional maritime security and stability.

In April, the IRGC publicised footage of its forces capturing the US-bound, Chinese-owned tanker, Advantage Sweet. The video displayed commandos boarding the vessel’s decks, descending from a helicopter on ropes.

The US Navy’s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet expressed concern at the time, stating, “Iran’s continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are a threat to maritime security and the global economy.”

Since these events, Iran has attacked a tanker, inflicting minor damage to the Richmond Voyager off the Oman coast. The US Navy shared drone footage of the incident on July 5, revealing that the USS McFaul missile destroyer prevented the vessel from being captured.

Image Credit: Venti Views / Unsplash

In an uncommon occurrence in the embattled nation, Syria on Saturday rescinded the accreditation of the BBC‘s journalists, citing purported “misleading reports”.

The Syrian information ministry, in a formal statement, censured the British broadcaster for its purported deviation from professional standards and alleged propagation of biased reports. Consequently, it annulled the permission of the BBC’s correspondent and cameraman to operate in Syria.

The BBC Radio representative in Syria has also been stripped of their accreditation, according to additional information from the ministry.

When contacted for a comment, a spokesperson for the BBC, without directly addressing the Syrian government’s decision, underscored that “BBC News Arabic offers impartial independent journalism”. They stressed the broadcaster’s commitment to engage with a range of political voices to establish factual narratives.

The spokesperson added that the broadcaster would persist in providing impartial news and information to its audiences throughout the Arabic-speaking world.

The Syrian information ministry also criticised the BBC’s coverage of the country’s decade-long conflict, accusing it of propagating “subjective and fake information and reports about the reality” in Syria since the outbreak of the war in 2011.

Syria’s prolonged conflict, which has drawn in foreign powers and global jihadists, has led to the death of over half a million people, displaced countless others, and wrought severe damage to the country’s infrastructure and industry.

Despite being cautioned “more than once”, the BBC persisted in broadcasting “misleading reports based on statements… from terrorist entities and those hostile to Syria,” the ministry continued.

The rescinding of accreditation from international media is a relatively rare event for Damascus, where a handful of foreign media outlets continue to operate with locally based journalists. The escalation of the conflict resulted in a significant exodus of foreign journalists from the nation.

Image Credit: Annie Spratt / Unsplash

In the run-up to Egypt‘s 2024 Presidential Elections, an open and vigorous national debate has sparked around the country’s future. With an impending vote in just a few months, this dialogue is unfolding against a backdrop of a daunting economic crisis and heightened calls for political reform, according to political commentators, activists and politicians.

This dialogue, although under scrutiny from authorities, is displaying a level of tolerance for criticisms of government policies that would have been unthinkable a little over a year ago. The topic of civil liberties has become a contentious issue in Egypt, whether directly associated with the forthcoming elections or seen as a ploy by the authorities to pacify the rising public discontent over soaring prices of essential commodities.

Yet, the motive aside, Egyptians are currently experiencing a level of freedom – albeit carefully managed and under close watch by authorities – not seen in the past decade.

Current President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who has led Egypt for the past ten years, has yet to announce whether he will run for another term. However, the likelihood is high, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he is projected to secure a comfortable victory.

Despite the predictable result of these elections, the political stir they are creating is dominating television debates, newspaper columns, and social media platforms, which have been the primary vehicles for expression in Egypt over the last decade.

The public is openly criticising perceived governmental shortcomings, demanding an action plan to tackle the economic crisis, advocating for broader freedoms and requesting President El Sisi to ensure a fair and transparent election.

Political pundits and politicians suggest this surge in political discourse offers El Sisi and his government an opportunity to foster a credible electoral process that would overwrite the memories of the 2018 election – a near one-man race, where President El Sisi faced off against a virtually unknown politician who entered the contest at the eleventh hour to prevent it from being a one-man referendum, a type all too familiar in Egypt’s recent past.

In April last year, El Sisi initiated the shift from a zero-tolerance approach to dissent by calling for a national dialogue. The dialogue, which started in May this year, will produce recommendations for Egypt’s future expected later this year.

El Sisi also ordered the release of hundreds of critics held in pretrial detention over the past year, permitted exiled critics to return home, and tolerated – albeit within bounds – criticism of his economic policies.

However, many more journalists and activists remain incarcerated. Not everyone is prepared to trust the current administration. Khaled Dawoud, the chief spokesperson for the opposition 12-party Civil Democratic Movement, expresses scepticism about the government’s sincerity.

El Sisi has responded to criticism over his handling of the economy by extolling the transformation of Egypt into a modern state during his tenure, with reliable infrastructure, renewable energy usage, and an ambitious drive to uplift the quality of life in rural areas.

Nevertheless, several aspiring candidates, including the only female candidate, veteran politician Gameela Ismail, are waiting for assurances of a fair election.

The presidential hopefuls, some of whom are known supporters of President El Sisi, are keen to avoid a repeat of the 2018 election. Despite this cautious optimism, the upcoming election is predicted to be a tightly controlled affair unlikely to produce any surprises.

The widespread national debate indicates a shift in the Egyptian political landscape. However, its long-term implications and whether it signifies a genuine commitment to political reform remain to be seen.

Image Credit: Graham Carlow / Wikimedia

A masterpiece in marble and pink sandstone, Abu Dhabi‘s first traditional Hindu temple will open its doors for prayers on 10th February after four years of tireless effort by artisans from both India and the UAE.

Confirming the temple’s inauguration, The National reports that a series of prayer ceremonies, part of a ‘festival of harmony’, will commence from 10 February 2024, leading up to the temple’s public opening for worship on 18 February.

Drawing individuals of various faiths and nationalities, the impressive white marble and pink sandstone edifice in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikha area has already become a significant landmark. Over 2,000 craftsmen have been working diligently in India’s Rajasthan state, carving exquisite pillars and columns for this first-ever hand-sculpted Hindu temple in the Middle East.

On site in Abu Dhabi, the temple’s main prayer hall and ground level are nearly complete, with plans to erect towering shikhars, or spires, symbolic of each Emirati state, on the second level.

As per the schedule of inaugural prayer services, the 6pm ceremony on 10 February will exclusively welcome contributors to the temple’s construction. The following day, a 10am service will host prayers for couples who have supported the building project. A restricted prayer session for Hindu deities will take place on 14 February, from 8am to noon, catering solely to invited guests.

The temple doors will then open to the public for a two-hour dedication ceremony on 15 February, starting at 6pm. From 18 February onwards, the temple will be open for public worship.

President Sheikh Mohamed gifted the 5.4-hectare site to the Indian community in 2015. Supervised by the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha, the temple’s construction welcomes all faiths and nationalities. The organisation has overseen the creation of roughly 1,200 temples globally.

In homage to ancient Hindu shrines, the temple has been constructed without the use of steel, iron, or reinforced concrete, instead opting for a layered compression technique involving granite, pink sandstone, and marble.

The completed temple, standing 32-metres high, will be adorned with over 200 intricate pillars and intricate exterior carvings depicting the lives of deities, promoting peace. A total of 20,000 tonnes of stone, including 5,500 tonnes of white marble and 14,500 tonnes of pink sandstone, have been used in the construction.

A temple spokesperson declared that Abu Dhabi would host “the biggest celebration of togetherness – the festival of harmony” on the temple’s website, mandir.ae. The celebration aims to highlight timeless art, borderless culture, and ageless values, marking the inauguration of this spiritual oasis for global harmony.

The temple, situated just off the main E11 Sheikh Zayed motorway connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will feature an array of facilities. These include two parks, a community hall, a visitors’ centre, an amphitheatre, a food court, and welcoming areas, all crafted with a focus on fostering unity and harmony. Additionally, channels replicating three Indian rivers and seating areas overlooking the temple structure are being constructed.

The Swedish embassy in Baghdad was seized and set alight by enraged demonstrators protesting against the burning of the Quran in Sweden. The assault took place in the early hours of Thursday, with protestors scaling the Swedish embassy compound walls and igniting a fire.

Correspondent Mahmoud Abdelwahed reported from Nasiriya in southern Iraq that the crowd brandished flags and placards showing their allegiance to the influential Iraqi Shia leader, Muqtada al-Sadr.

According to a statement from the Swedish foreign ministry, all staff within the embassy are safe. The ministry denounced the attack and called upon the Iraqi government to guarantee the security of diplomatic missions.

The attack was also condemned by Iraq’s foreign ministry, with a promise of an urgent investigation and necessary security measures to identify and bring to justice those responsible.

Despite this, a subsequent statement released later on Thursday by the Iraqi government indicated that it may sever diplomatic ties with Sweden if a second instance of Quran burning occurs on Swedish soil.

According to eyewitnesses, security forces had entered the Swedish embassy compound by dawn, battling to extinguish the lingering flames. Although most of the protestors had dispersed by this time, a contingent remained outside the embassy premises.

The protestors have threatened to maintain their action if further desecrations of the Quran occur, and have indicated their readiness to “take matters into their own hands” should the Iraqi government not immediately dismiss the Swedish diplomatic mission, reported Abdelwahed.

The protest at the Swedish embassy was organised by Sadr supporters in response to a planned second Quran burning at the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm.

At the site of the demonstration, one protestor, Hassan Ahmed, spoke to the French news agency AFP, stating, “We are mobilised today to denounce the burning of the Quran, which is all about love and faith.” He appealed to both the Swedish and Iraqi governments to prevent such incidents in the future.

Swedish news outlets identified the instigator of the Quran burning as Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee in Sweden. Momika, who also desecrated a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm’s largest mosque on the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, had triggered a previous storming of Sweden’s embassy in Baghdad.

The incident has incited international protest from several Muslim-majority nations, including Iraq, Turkey, UAE, Jordan, and Morocco, who are all demanding Momika’s extradition to face trial in Iraq. Swedish authorities, who initially granted Momika a permit under free speech protections, have now opened an investigation into potential “agitation against an ethnic group”.

Image Credit: Ahmed Saad/Reuters

Israel has officially recognised Moroccan sovereignty over the contested region of Western Sahara, according to statements from the Moroccan government and the Israeli Prime Minister’s office. It was announced on Monday that Israel is planning to establish a consulate in Dakhla, a prominent city in the disputed territory.

The news followed a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, indicating Israel’s stance on the matter. Moroccan control over Western Sahara has been a contentious issue since 1975 when Spanish colonial rule ended. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, advocates for an independent state within the region.

The letter from Israel detailing their position will reportedly be sent to the United Nations, regional and international organisations, and to all countries Israel has diplomatic relations with. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen affirmed that this recognition of Western Sahara as Moroccan territory would bolster ties between the two nations and enhance regional stability.

A senior Moroccan official said Israel’s clear-cut stance on Western Sahara adds to the growing support for Morocco’s autonomy plan for the territory, which has been backed by Washington and several European capitals, including Madrid.

This Israeli recognition, however, will not change Morocco’s stance in advocating for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is anticipated that the decision may boost Israeli investment in Western Sahara.

In 2020, Morocco agreed to normalise relations with Israel as part of a US-brokered agreement. This agreement saw then-US President Donald Trump recognise Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara. This has been criticised by Palestinians, who argue that Arab countries have undermined peace efforts by abandoning the demand for Israel to cede land for a Palestinian state in exchange for recognition.

The appointment of an Israeli colonel as defence attache to Morocco further indicated the warming relations between the two nations. Since the renewal of ties, Israel and Morocco have signed several cooperation agreements, including a defence pact.

Israel’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara echoes the US’s 2020 decision to do the same. The region, formerly a Spanish colony rich in offshore oil deposits and minerals, was annexed by Morocco in 1975. The UN has tried, and failed, to organise a referendum on the region’s future due to disagreements over voter eligibility. The Polisario Front reignited armed conflict in 2020, ending a 29-year truce.

The region’s tensions have also had a significant impact on Morocco’s neighbour, Algeria, which severed diplomatic ties with Rabat in 2021, escalating hostilities between the two countries, both of whom have shared allies in the West and Middle East.

Image Credit: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

In a significant development, Saudi Arabia has committed to procuring Turkish drones, marking one of several prosperous deals established by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Turkey’s embattled economy. This comes amidst Turkey’s recent diplomatic efforts to mend relations with Gulf Arab countries.

President Erdogan embarked on a three-stop tour of the region, landing in Saudi Arabia on Monday. He was accompanied by a contingent of nearly 200 businesspeople, according to the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey. During the visit, multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were inked across diverse sectors, such as energy, direct investments and defence industries.

President Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presided over the signing ceremony for the drones agreement, which was orchestrated between Baykar, a Turkish defence company, and the Saudi defence ministry, as reported by the Saudi state news agency SPA.

Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud expressed that the acquisition of drones was designed to enhance the readiness of Saudi’s armed forces and elevate its defence and manufacturing capabilities.

Although the value of the deal was not disclosed by SPA, the acquisition signifies a promising development for Turkey’s beleaguered economy. The nation has been grappling with economic challenges, including soaring inflation rates, a ballooning current account deficit, and a depreciating currency. Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek stated that tax hikes were essential to restoring fiscal discipline and reducing inflation.

Turkey has also sought to repair its ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, following a decade-long dispute subsequent to the 2011 Arab Spring and Ankara’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood. This rapprochement has resulted in significant financial support from Gulf nations.

In fact, shortly after President Erdogan’s re-election last month, the UAE and Turkey agreed upon a trade deal potentially worth $40bn over the next five years. Turkey also received $5bn from Saudi Arabia deposited into its central bank in March, as well as $20bn in currency swap agreements from Qatar and the UAE.

Erdogan is scheduled to meet Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Tuesday before visiting the UAE leader in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Image Credit: Turkish Presidency via AP

Saudi Arabia, the globe’s top oil exporter, has confirmed ongoing cooperation with Japan in sectors such as crude exports and clean hydrogen, according to statements made by the Saudi energy minister.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman declared that Saudi Arabia, providing 40% of Japan’s oil imports, will ensure the stability of supplies to the energy-hungry Asian nation, as per a report from the official Saudi Press Agency this Sunday.

Prince Abdulaziz further stressed the importance of mutual cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen and its applications, as well as development of infrastructure for “circular carbon economy” applications.

Recently, Japan, the fourth-largest crude importer worldwide, and OPEC agreed to instigate a dialogue among top officials to address Tokyo’s energy security apprehensions.

Seeking to reinforce its energy security, Japan has turned to long-term liquefied natural gas agreements and increased integration of renewable resources into its overall energy mix.

As China’s economy recovers and Europe accumulates more natural gas before next winter, global competition for LNG cargo is set to escalate. Last December, Japan’s largest oil and gas exploration company, Inpex, signed a supply agreement with US-based Venture Global LNG for a million tonnes annually over the next two decades.

In the previous year, Saudi Arabia and Japan endorsed new agreements concentrating on the circular carbon economy and carbon recycling fields, along with other areas such as green hydrogen, fuel ammonia, and derivatives.

The Saudi energy minister confirmed that the kingdom’s energy sector purchases from Japan reached nearly 12 billion Saudi riyals ($3.2 billion) in the past five years.

The minister also suggested abundant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the petrochemicals sector.

Last April, a low-carbon ammonia shipment from Saudi Arabia, independently certified, arrived in Japan for use in power generation. The ammonia, produced by Sabic Agri-Nutrients using feedstock from Saudi Aramco, the top crude exporter, represented a “milestone” in clean energy solutions, and was the result of effective cooperation between entities in Saudi Arabia and Japan, Prince Abdulaziz highlighted.

Ammonia, a nitrogen and hydrogen compound, can serve as a low-carbon fuel across industrial applications, including transport, power generation, and industries such as steel, cement, and fertiliser production.

Power plants could potentially utilise 100 million tonnes of low-carbon ammonia as feedstock by 2050, as per Wood Mackenzie. Aramco intends to produce up to 11 million tonnes of blue ammonia per year by 2030, while currently working on developing carbon capture and hydrogen capabilities.

This past Sunday, Saudi Arabia and Japan bolstered their strong trade ties by exchanging 26 pre-signed economic agreements at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Jeddah. The agreements spanned healthcare, clean energy, mining, and digital innovation sectors.

This exchange marked the evolving bilateral relationship, led by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who arrived in Jeddah last Saturday to endorse Japan’s major local companies and discover more opportunities for collaboration with the kingdom.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih hailed the Japanese delegation to the kingdom, calling for a mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Al-Falih highlighted that the kingdom’s GDP had grown remarkably since the launch of the Saudi Vision 2030 seven years prior.

“Our GDP is now 66% higher than when we launched Vision 2030. Our foreign direct investment has also increased significantly by 120%,” he stated.

The Japanese delegation’s visit is part of their tour in the Middle East by the Japanese government’s Economic Partnership Mission to strengthen Japan’s economic ties with the region’s countries.

Image Credit: The official Saudi Press Agency

With obesity rates rising at an alarming rate in Kuwait, especially among 18 to 29-year-olds, early intervention to tackle the Kubwait’s obesity problem is becoming increasingly urgent, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. The chief of the Health Enhancement Administration at the Ministry, Dr Abeer Al-Bahouh, recently revealed to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Kuwait holds the unenviable top spot for obesity in the Arab World. The country reports that 77 percent of its population is overweight and has an obesity rate exceeding 40 percent.

In a world grappling with obesity, current projections estimate that by 2035, around four billion people will be overweight. This figure is significantly higher than the 2.6 billion reported in 2020. Dr Al-Bahouh warns that obesity prevalence among children and teenagers is likely to be particularly high, and could double by 2035, reaching 20 percent among boys and 18 percent among girls globally.

The health risks associated with obesity are well-documented, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and it is currently the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. Obesity’s detrimental impact extends to children’s health as well, leading to issues such as breathing difficulties, fatigue, snoring, joint pain, and delayed puberty.

The causes of obesity are multifactorial, with poor dietary habits, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, gut flora, and Cushing’s syndrome among the contributing factors. Local and World Health Organization (WHO) statistics indicate that one in five adults in the Gulf are severely obese. The adult obesity rate in Kuwait is predicted to reach 52 percent by 2035.

Dr Al-Bahouh advocates for obesity interventions to start in childhood, with education on healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, providing psychiatric therapy sessions, and treating health issues that may lead to obesity. While stomach and intestine surgeries are potential weight loss solutions, they are only suitable for teenagers, not children, and are supplementary to a healthy diet and exercise regime.

Dr Al-Bahouh emphasises the pivotal role of parents in monitoring their children’s diet, swapping fast foods and fizzy drinks for healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, wholegrain products, water, natural juices, and low-fat milk. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, spending time together as a family, and reducing time spent on screen-based activities like video games and television are also crucial.

She further highlights the need for the Ministry of Health to develop and implement strategies to combat obesity, including making physical education compulsory in schools. Over the next five years, in collaboration with other bodies, the administration plans to launch campaigns to limit obesity.

A report by Forbes magazine in 2007 listed Kuwait as the eighth fattest country in the world, with 74.2% of its population having an unhealthy weight. This health issue has been compounded by a high prevalence of diabetes. By 2035, it’s feared that 52 percent of adults in Kuwait will be obese, significantly raising the risk of related health issues.

While efforts to raise awareness and implement healthier habits are underway, obesity and its related health implications continue to be a grave concern for Kuwait. The country’s health challenges are further exacerbated by the increase in diabetes rates, poor dietary habits, a lack of physical activity, and high obesity rates.

Global trends in malnutrition, including a rapid rise in overweight and obesity rates, persist, despite increasing numbers facing hunger and undernourishment. Current predictions suggest that the global medical costs related to obesity could exceed US$1 trillion by 2030.

The correlation between obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, points to an urgent need for intervention. Dr Al-Bahouh asserts that over 70 percent of deaths in Kuwait are linked to these conditions, emphasizing the dire necessity for effective action to curb obesity.

Image Credit:  i yunmai on Unsplash

Turkey has dramatically increased its fuel taxes by nearly 200% in an effort to recover expenses related to pre-election giveaways and the rebuilding costs stemming from a catastrophic earthquake in February. The taxes have been raised to TL7.53 per litre on regular petrol, and there has also been a noticeable increase on diesel and other petroleum products.

The significant tax hike, which has resulted in a 20% increase in fuel prices, is the latest in a series of measures introduced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan following his re-election on 28th May. The government has also increased Value Added Tax (VAT) on a vast range of goods and services. These fiscal policies have come at a challenging time for Turkish citizens, who have been grappling with rampant inflation and a substantial depreciation of the lira, which has fallen nearly 30% against the US dollar this year alone.

President Erdoğan is set to embark on a diplomatic tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates later this week, with the intention of attracting new investments from these Gulf nations.

Economic analysts have expressed concerns that the weakened lira, coupled with the new taxes, might trigger a resurgence in inflation, which fell to 38.2% in June from an alarming peak of 85.5% in October 2022. The new fiscal approach, which is part of a comprehensive plan by finance minister Mehmet Şimşek to rectify Turkey’s economic trajectory, arrives after a tumultuous period of economic instability brought on by the government’s unconventional policies.

Prior to the May elections, Erdoğan embarked on a massive spending spree, offering a month of free natural gas and increases in public sector wages and pensions. Additionally, the aftermath of February’s earthquake has left Turkey with a reconstruction bill of up to $100 billion. These financial challenges have led economists to predict a significant rise in Turkey’s government budget deficit, estimated to reach 4.4% of GDP this year, a stark increase from just 0.9% in 2022.

Şimşek’s plan also includes cooling domestic demand, which many argue has become excessively high following years of lenient fiscal and monetary policy. The overheated economy has led to a surge in imports, far outpacing exports, which has resulted in a record current account deficit of $37.7 billion in just the first five months of this year. The higher prices resulting from increased taxes could potentially dampen demand for fuel, thus reducing imports, since Turkey is a major energy importer.

Image Credit: Dawn McDonald on Unsplash

A significant agreement has been finalised in Tunis on Sunday between the European Union and Tunisia, as announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The purpose of the “new partnership” is to bolster trade and regulate migration from the North African country to Europe.

The comprehensive package of measures, as articulated by von der Leyen, will be swiftly implemented. Details of the preliminary agreement will be disclosed following its presentation to the European Council and Parliament, according to an EU commission representative.

While the press was excluded from the signing event at the Carthage palace, a live stream was facilitated by the EU Commission and the Tunisian presidency. In attendance were Italian and Dutch prime ministers, Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte respectively. Their presence forms part of a financial aid commitment previously announced by von der Leyen during her visit to Tunis in June.

The partnership is expected to centre around five key areas, including enhanced economic and trade relations, personal contact, sustainable energy partnership, and a comprehensive approach to migration.

Dutch media reported an agreement for a financial exchange between the EU and Tunisia. Last month, Tunisia was promised a €1 billion support package from the EU, €100 million of which was specifically for border security enhancements. However, the financial assistance addressing Tunisia’s economic crisis is contingent on the fulfilment of certain conditions.

Von der Leyen stressed the EU’s commitment to helping construct a resilient Tunisian economy that is more impervious to shocks and can foster growth. She noted that the EU is ready to mobilise macro-financial assistance as soon as the necessary conditions are met and provide immediate budget support.

The agreement comes at a time when Tunisia is facing difficulties securing third-party funding for its beleaguered public sector, as it has yet to reach an agreement on a pending $1.9 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Migration remains a contentious issue, with around 60,000 migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa in the first half of 2023, as reported by the UN International Organisation for Migration. Approximately 2,000 individuals lost their lives attempting this dangerous voyage.

While the EU maintains that the aid involves a range of economic development assistance, including infrastructure funding, observers and experts in Tunisia assert that migration is at the heart of these discussions.

Prime Ministers Rutte and von der Leyen stressed the importance of gaining control over irregular migration, for the benefit of both parties.

The agreement was signed by Oliver Varhelyi, the European commissioner for neighbourhood and enlargement, and a representative of the Tunisian Foreign Ministry, in the presence of von der Leyen, Rutte and Meloni, and Tunisian President Kais Saied.

In a significant diplomatic manoeuvre, Turkey has expressed crucial support for Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, a development greeted with caution by US President Joe Biden, citing the divisive nature of the move among alliance members amid Russia’s invasion.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the promising result following his talks with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul, as the conflict marked its 500th day on Saturday. The Ukrainian leader lauded Turkey’s consistent support for his country’s territorial sovereignty and hoped that their united efforts could further contribute to peace and stability.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the two leaders also signed military production agreements, including the manufacture of drones. Zelenskiy extended an invitation to Turkey to partake in the massive task of rebuilding and transforming war-torn Ukraine.

Although the meeting was under the watchful eye of the Kremlin, which has been making diplomatic strides to nurture relations with Turkey, Erdogan confirmed his unwavering support for Ukraine’s NATO aspiration. “There is no doubt that Ukraine deserves membership of NATO,” he said in a joint press briefing.

Nonetheless, President Biden expressed reservations about the timing, during a CNN interview aired on Friday. He argued that the current ongoing conflict could escalate the situation, putting the entire NATO alliance in a state of war with Russia.

Next month, Erdogan is set to brief Russian President Vladimir Putin on these negotiations during his visit to Turkey – the first since the invasion began. Their discussion will encompass potential prisoner exchanges, an area where Erdogan has proven effective in the past, and the status of the Black Sea grain deal crucial to Ukraine’s exports.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius, leaders are expected to affirm Ukraine’s potential membership and strategize on strengthening its ties with the alliance, according to NATO’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg. His strong words emphasised NATO’s unity and Russia’s futile aggression.

However, the path to NATO membership remains complex for Ukraine. The US national security adviser Jake Sullivan stated that further steps are required before Kyiv can be officially welcomed into the NATO fold.

As the conflict drags on, President Zelenskiy is vigorously campaigning across Europe for more powerful weapons to bolster a sluggish counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces. Despite human rights criticism, the Ukrainian president appreciated the controversial US decision to supply banned cluster munitions, describing them as a “timely, broad, and much-needed” measure.

In other news, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials reported significant progress inspecting several areas of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine. Contrary to previous reports of explosives, the IAEA found no such indications, though they were unable to visit the facility’s rooftops, where alleged explosive devices were suspected. Both Ukraine and Russia continue to exchange accusations about potential threats to Europe’s largest nuclear plant.

Image Credit: Marek Studzinski / Unsplash

A plea for international backing in the pursuit of justice for victims of the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion has been renewed by Lebanon’s largest parliamentary party, the Lebanese Forces, and the family members of those who perished in the catastrophe.

The appeal surfaces less than a month before the tragic incident’s third anniversary. The massive explosion, triggered by a sizeable stockpile of ammonium nitrate that had been stored at the port for years, claimed the lives of over 220 people, inflicted injuries on thousands, and wreaked extensive damage across the Lebanese capital. It arrives a week ahead of the European Parliament’s session dedicated to discussing the crisis in Lebanon.

The reasons for the storage of the volatile compound remain undisclosed. The inquiry into the incident has experienced several obstructions and legal hindrances, augmenting the heartache felt by those affected. The inability to hold any high-ranking official accountable, with some issuing legal objections against the lead investigator, Judge Tarek Bitar, further exacerbates the sense of injustice.

East Beirut’s Lebanese Forces MP and former deputy prime minister, Ghassan Hasbani, expressed his concerns to The National. “As is widely recognised now, justice is being delayed and derailed. A postponed justice equates to justice unserved,” he remarked.

Hasbani clarified that the intent is not to supplant the Lebanese judiciary with an international tribunal. Instead, the aim is to acquire “resolutions and commitments” from the UN Human Rights Council or the European Parliament to commission a fact-finding mission. The mission would scrutinise human rights violations and instances of justice obstruction, eventually freeing the judicial system from interference and facilitating a path towards accountability.

The poignant plea of Mireille Khoury, who tragically lost her son Elias to the blast and whose daughter Nour suffered serious injuries, resonated at an event rallying for justice. She appealed to the humanity of the members of the UN Human Rights Council, reminding them of the continual agony endured by parents like her. “Can you fathom our living conditions, our constant state of despair? It’s obvious in Lebanon that justice cannot be achieved,” she lamented.

The Lebanese judiciary system, heavily politicised, has been critiqued by 38 countries earlier this year. A joint statement delivered by Australia at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva expressed worries about the unresolved investigation, which they perceived as being hindered by systemic obstruction, interference and intimidation.

Judge Bitar, having reopened the case in January, charged various senior politicians, judiciary and security personnel in connection with the explosion. However, he was soon notified by Lebanon’s top prosecutor that the investigation was still on hold, and was himself charged with rebelling against the judiciary.

The horrific explosion is seen as an indication of the persistent mismanagement and corruption in Lebanon, factors that have contributed to an overwhelming economic breakdown.

The Lebanese Forces, a Christian-led party that originated from a civil war militia, superseded their conventional rival, the Free Patriotic Movement, to become the largest party in the 128-seat parliament following the 2022 legislative elections. However, with no faction holding a majority in the deeply divided parliament, the quest for justice remains arduous.

Image Credit: Rashid Khreiss / Unsplash

The Syrian pound has sunk to an unprecedented low, hovering close to 10,000 against the dollar, fuelling concerns over skyrocketing inflation in the conflict-ridden nation.

The exchange rate plunged to 9,750 liras to the dollar before a slight recovery on Friday morning, as reported by the currency-tracking website “Syria Pound Today”. This drastic devaluation of the pound, triggered by prolonged conflict, Western sanctions and a financial meltdown in Lebanon, presents a significant escalation in Syria’s economic crisis.

Since late 2022, the lira has undergone significant depreciation, leading the Central Bank of Syria to adjust the official exchange rate in February in an attempt to narrow the disparity with the black market rates.

Prior to the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, the lira was trading at approximately 46 against the dollar. In a bid to manage the economic crisis, the central bank devalued the lira against major currencies on Thursday by about 200 liras per dollar and 205.31 liras against the euro.

The bank said the move aimed to facilitate cash exchanges and the purchase of foreign transfers, whether sourced from Syrian expatriates or international transfer networks.

Ali Al Shami, a financial analyst in Damascus, linked the spike in the dollar and euro to a slump in remittance values during the Muslim holiday of Eid Al Adha. He told Al Araby Al Jadeed that money flowing into Syria from expatriate remittances had halved compared to three months prior, during Eid Al Fitr.

The depreciating lira and rising dollar prices have resulted in a sharp decline in average wages in government-held regions, falling to approximately $10 per month. Meanwhile, commodity prices have soared, including significant increases in oil derivatives.

In response to the rising costs, Syria’s Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection has increased the price of octane 95 petrol by 1,000 Syrian pounds, making it 8,600 liras per litre, marking the third price hike in only four months.

As local media speculates about potential salary increases in the public sector, mass resignations have swept across public sector roles due to the government’s inability to raise wages. Poverty and food insecurity continue to afflict Syria at devastating levels, with the World Health Organisation estimating that 60% of the population – over 12 million people – are experiencing food insecurity.

Regions under the Syrian regime are facing a grave economic crisis, characterised by oil derivative shortages, a staggering 90% poverty rate, stalled production and industry, and limited electricity availability.

The latest shock to the Syrian economy follows the introduction of new 5,000-lira banknotes into circulation on 20 June by the central bank.

Image Credit: Hosein Charbaghi / Unsplash

In a shocking move, the Iraqi government announced a prohibition on conducting personal and business transactions in US dollars last Sunday, causing a stir amongst those seeking to make substantial purchases. This development symbolises a potential shift in the Middle East’s currency preference, which has, for decades, favoured the US dollar.

Big-ticket purchases such as homes and cars have traditionally been made using dollars in Iraq, owing to the continual depreciation of the dinar. However, stringent regulations from US authorities on the influx of dollars, ostensibly driven by concerns over illicit funds reaching sanctioned Iran, have led to significant volatility in the value of the Iraqi dinar. This dollar drought was the catalyst for Iraq’s recent embargo on dollar transactions.

Iraq isn’t alone in its reconsideration of the dollar’s dominance. Saudi Arabia has expressed openness to trading oil in currencies other than the dollar, including the euro and the yuan, while the United Arab Emirates is considering transactions with India using the Indian rupee.

On a broader scale, several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Algeria, and Bahrain, have expressed interest in joining the BRICS alliance — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — which plans to discuss the introduction of a new currency for cross-border trade at an upcoming meeting in June.

While these developments have triggered alarmist headlines around the world, many experts believe that the transition away from the US dollar is a slower process than the media portrays, particularly in the Middle East. Although statements hinting at a potential shift have been made by several Middle East nations, experts, including Hasan Alhasan of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasise that a de-pegging of Middle Eastern currencies from the US dollar would be the real indication of a significant shift.

Daniel McDowell, a political science professor at Syracuse University, suggests that while the dollar’s supremacy may eventually wane, much of the current rhetoric is symbolic and the imminent change is likely to be marginal and slow. He further noted that the threats to use other currencies by Middle Eastern countries are likely influenced by the conflict in Ukraine and the use of financial sanctions.

Echoing this sentiment, Maria Demertzis, a senior fellow at Bruegel, an economic think tank, stated that the shift away from the US dollar might continue as long as sanctions persist. However, she underscored the complexity of replacing the settlement infrastructure underpinned by the dollar-driven system, hinting at an intricate and drawn-out process.

With the US and Europe’s recent actions of freezing Russian central bank reserve assets, central banks have been transformed into weapons, potentially causing harm to the international financial system. In response, countries in the Middle East are reportedly preparing for a more multipolar global world, with a keen interest in manoeuvring within and outside dollarised zones.

Image Caption: Giorgio Trovato / Unsplash

In light of an escalating pattern of intense heat waves, the Middle East is bracing for an alarming increase in heat-related deaths. Despite existing gaps in public health planning, experts suggest that the region’s adaptability to extreme heat could offer invaluable insights for other parts of the globe.

On the occasion when Iraq’s temperatures threaten to exceed a searing 50 degrees Celsius, locals are granted a holiday and advised to remain indoors, according to Kholoud al-Amiry, founder of a Baghdad-based network for female journalists focusing on climate change. She noted, however, that local adaptation is largely self-driven due to perceived governmental neglect.

This neglect is especially concerning given the susceptibility of the Middle East’s population to extreme heat. According to recent research in Nature Sustainability, the majority of Middle Eastern inhabitants could face exposure to extreme heat by 2050 if global temperatures exceed a 1.5 degrees Celsius rise over the next 50 years.

Another paper published in The Lancet earlier this year warned that heat-related deaths in the Middle East and North Africa could rise from the current average of about two per 100,000 people annually to approximately 123 per 100,000 in the final two decades of the century. This equates to a likely 138,000 heat-related fatalities every year in Iraq alone by 2100.

These studies also highlighted the increased vulnerability of the ageing population and city dwellers to the deleterious effects of heat. By 2100, older people will outnumber the young in the region, and by the 2050s, nearly 70% of the population is expected to reside in major cities. Cities are particularly prone to high temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, caused by denser buildings, heat-absorbing asphalt streets, and a lack of greenery.

Eleni Myrivili, the global chief heat officer for UN Habitat, highlighted the urgent need for governments to increase awareness, preparedness, and resilience against this threat.

Despite most Middle Eastern countries passing laws on sustainable development and environmental protection, a comprehensive plan to address the long-term health effects of climate change remains elusive. This deficiency is especially evident in the lack of heat action plans, which could include government-run cooling centres, educational campaigns about heat safety, and urban tree planting initiatives.

The wealth divide in the region also influences adaptive capabilities. For instance, air conditioning can shield vulnerable populations in wealthier nations, such as the Gulf states, but it is not a feasible solution in poorer nations or for those unable to afford it.

However, there is also potential to learn from the region’s long history of adapting to high temperatures. Sylvia Bergh, a professor at the Erasmus University Rotterdam, highlighted the Middle East’s centuries-old strategies for dealing with water scarcity and hot climate, including “wind catcher” towers, irrigation tunnels, and screens instead of walls.

Moving forward, Myrivili and Bergh both believe local and urban authorities have a key role to play in raising awareness, increasing preparedness, and redesigning urban environments.

Researchers of The Lancet’s recent study also proposed that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels could prevent over 80% of the projected heat-related deaths in the Middle East. This simpler, yet daunting proposition underscores the critical need for international cooperation in addressing climate change.

Image Credit: Mariam Soliman / Unsplash

Underneath the sheen of an unprecedented collaboration between Aston Martin, the preferred automaker of fictional British spy James Bond, and Californian electric vehicle prodigy, Lucid Motors, lies a compelling subplot—the omnipresent hand of Saudi Arabia, a leading exporter of oil and gas on the planet.

Last month’s partnership, far from being merely an alliance of tradition and innovation, also features the Public Investment Fund (PIF)—Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. While the PIF’s role in channelling immense quantities of fossil fuel-generated wealth into projects and enterprises worldwide is well-known, its significant stakes in both Aston Martin and Lucid Motors might raise a few eyebrows.

Estimated to oversee assets exceeding £500 billion, the PIF is chaired by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler and Prime Minister, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), a scion of the Al Saud dynasty. The PIF holds an 18% stake in Aston Martin, valued at approximately £450 million, exemplifying the ultra-conservative kingdom’s ambition to extend its economic reach in Britain, akin to the approaches of other Gulf countries such as Qatar.

Beyond Aston Martin, the PIF’s portfolio also comprises holdings in Carnival, a renowned cruise ship company, and several controversial forays into the realm of sports. In 2021, it attracted global attention following its purchase of Premier League football team Newcastle United from the former owner, retail tycoon Mike Ashley. Despite the charges of “sportswashing” surrounding this takeover—due to allegations of regimes with dubious human rights records leveraging professional sports to improve their images—supporters compared the backlash to the response to similar acquisitions by other Middle Eastern entities.

Moreover, the kingdom’s growing clout in the sports sector was further underscored last month amidst uproar over a proposed merger between the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour and the US PGA Tour. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has committed to a ten-year Formula One hosting deal, with speculation also swirling about its plans to host the 2030 football World Cup.

The dive into professional sports is perceived by many as Saudi Arabia’s attempt to ‘cleanse’ its international reputation, particularly given its notorious human rights record and stringent laws, which include capital punishment for same-sex activity and severely restricted women’s rights.

“The Saudi authorities’ use of their sovereign wealth fund reveals that it is not merely a vehicle for state investment—it’s also a tool for state-level image management,” Peter Frankental, Economic Affairs Director at Amnesty International UK, noted. He added that Saudi’s acquisition of Newcastle United and partnership with Aston Martin could be seen as another step in this ‘sportswashing’ direction.

However, opponents of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence must reckon with one undeniable truth: the PIF’s extensive resources offer the potential to fund the kind of long-term investments that the UK sorely requires. Infrastructure endeavours such as the Sizewell C nuclear power plant are expected to be financed in part by sovereign wealth funds.

The future influx of Saudi investment seems unlikely to slow down, particularly given the boon of recent global oil price surges following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The British Government recognises Saudi Arabia as its largest trading partner in the Middle East. With shared interests and a potential free-trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council on the horizon, the UK aims to stimulate its economy, bolster employment, and increase wages.

Additionally, private Saudi investors, like their peers in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are increasingly captivated by the UK’s profitable property market. The ninth son of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Turki bin Salman Al Saud, reportedly owns around 20 properties in London via Moncrieff Holdings, a firm headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.

Image Credit: U.S. Department of State

An Israeli-Russian academic, who disappeared in Iraq earlier this year, has reportedly been captured by an Iraqi Shia militia, announced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, a doctoral candidate at the distinguished Princeton University, USA, vanished during a research mission in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. The Israeli authorities have indicated that Kataib Hezbollah, an influential Iraqi Shia militia with strong links to Iran, is behind her detainment. The militia’s stipulations for her release remain undisclosed.

Israel firmly places the onus of Ms Tsurkov’s welfare on Iraq, stating it to be accountable for her safety. “We hold Iraq responsible for her safety and well-being,” said a spokesperson for Mr Netanyahu’s office.

The Shia militia in question, Kataib Hezbollah, also known as Brigades of the Party of God, is bolstered by financial and military assistance from Iran. Since 2009, the United States has labelled the group as a terrorist organisation.

The Israeli government has refrained from divulging further details, leaving the matter to be dealt with by the “relevant parties”, citing concerns for Ms Tsurkov’s “security and well-being”.

Iraq and Israel share a turbulent history and lack formal diplomatic ties. Iraq’s parliament outlawed any attempts to normalise relations with Israel just last year, a country it has yet to officially acknowledge.

The Washington Post quoted a statement from Ms Tsurkov’s family, in which they too held “the Iraqi government as directly responsible for her safety”. The scholar entered Iraq on her Russian passport, as confirmed by Mr Netanyahu’s office.

According to the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, a Washington-based think tank where Ms Tsurkov holds a fellowship, she last reached out to them in March. It was later that they discovered her abduction by a “pro-Iranian militia” from independent sources.

The Institute noted it resisted the urge to publicise her disappearance due to the family’s preferences and in the hopes of a prompt resolution.

Ms Tsurkov’s research primarily centres around the Levant, a geographical term encompassing present-day Israel, Syria, among other regions, and focuses on “the Syrian uprising and civil war”.

New Lines also highlighted that Ms Tsurkov’s outspoken criticism of Israel, Iran, and Russia – the trio likely to be instrumental in negotiating her release – further complicates the situation. The think tank stressed the need for the United States’ involvement, given Ms Tsurkov’s affiliation with New Lines and Princeton.

Princeton expressed grave concern via a statement posted on Twitter. The university declared, “We are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being, and we are eager for her to be able to rejoin her family and resume her studies.”

As of now, no official comments have been made by the United States, Russia, Iran, or Iraq.

Image Credit: Elizabeth Tsurkov / Twitter

A Libyan court, in an unprecedented move, has issued severe prison sentences to three individuals charged with human trafficking. This represents a milestone judgement in a North African state notorious for the systemic maltreatment of migrants.

The defendants were found guilty of human trafficking, the unlawful detention and torture of migrants, and the extortion of relatives for their release by the Criminal Court of Tripoli. This was according to an announcement released on Friday by the office of the country’s chief prosecutor.

The court handed down a life sentence to one of the convicted individuals, while the remaining two have each been sentenced to twenty years in prison, as per the statement.

Further specifics regarding the identities or nationalities of the convicted were not included in the statement. On Saturday, no comments were available from the General Prosecutor al-Sediq al-Sourr.

Libya has been in a state of turmoil since the NATO-supported uprising in 2011 that led to the overthrow and subsequent death of longstanding dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since then, Libya has become a prominent transit hub for migrants hoping to find a better life in Europe.

Human traffickers have exploited Libya’s instability and used the country’s extensive border with six nations to smuggle migrants. In desperation, these individuals are often crammed into inadequately equipped rubber boats and other vessels for hazardous journeys via the Central Mediterranean Sea route.

For many years, the United Nations and various human rights organisations have condemned the dreadful conditions faced by migrants trafficked and smuggled across the Mediterranean.

In March, human rights experts backed by the United Nations suggested there was evidence that crimes against humanity had been perpetrated against Libyans and migrants within the country, including women being coerced into sexual slavery.

Image Credit: AP / Joan Mateu Parra

China is heightening its presence in the Middle East, demonstrating a renewed interest in assisting the resolution as a mediator in Yemen’s ongoing crisis. An increased focus on diplomatic engagement underpins China’s strategy, highlighting its emergent importance in regional affairs.

On Friday, 7 July, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, met with Zhai Jun, China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East. The officials engaged in discussions regarding “ways to strengthen international support for mediation,” a measure currently led by the UN in a bid to end the war that has ravaged Yemen. While this diplomatic dialogue didn’t produce any immediate, substantial announcements, it underscored China’s rising role in the Middle East, extending to the complex Yemen issue.

China’s approach has so far remained relatively subdued, limiting itself to diplomatic meetings such as this, and the welcoming of Yemen’s President in Beijing last December. Despite the absence of explicit declarations or the orchestration of highly publicised summits, it is apparent that Chinese diplomacy is quietly, but increasingly, becoming a force in the Middle East.

China has considerable potential to influence the situation in Yemen. Prior to the war, it was the country’s second-largest trading partner. In 2021, its imports from Yemen still reached $411 million, primarily in oil and copper. Though Beijing officially maintains no relations with the non-state armed groups in the country, it is unlikely that such a high level of trade could be sustained solely with the exiled government. This suggests that China may be engaging commercially with various Yemeni factions.

Beijing is also playing a strategic geopolitical card. Anticipating a US disengagement from the region, China has increased its investment and involvement. It has notably sponsored the Saudi-Iran reconciliation and strengthened its ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are the main sponsors of the conflicting groups in Yemen. These connections place China in a strong position to act as a mediator in Yemen, underscoring its ever-growing influence in the Middle East.

Image Credit: AFP – JEAN-SEBASTIEN EVRARD

In an official statement on Sunday, the United States Central Command confirmed the elimination of a high-profile ISIS leader, Usamah al-Muhajir, in Eastern Syria. The targeted strike, which occurred on July 7, reflects America’s relentless commitment to disrupting ISIS operations throughout the region.

The Central Command report detailed that the MQ-9 drones, used in the fatal airstrike on the terrorist leader, had earlier experienced almost two hours of harassment by Russian aircraft. This provocation didn’t deter the U.S. from successfully executing its mission, demonstrating a steadfast resolve despite any foreign interference.

“The operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the defeat of ISIS across the region,” said Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, after the successful operation. He also emphasized, “ISIS remains a serious threat, not only to the region but beyond. Our efforts to destabilize their operations are crucial for global security.”

The airstrike was conducted without civilian casualties, as confirmed by the U.S. government. However, they are currently investigating reports of a single civilian injury associated with the strike.

This operation forms part of the U.S. strategic approach to “disrupt and degrade” the capabilities of ISIS to plan and carry out terror attacks. It further underpins a broader international effort to curb the rise of the terror group, known for its brutalities across Syria and Iraq.

This operation comes in the wake of the successful elimination of two prominent ISIS leaders last year. Abu al Hassan al Hashimi al Qurayshi, one of these leaders, met his end as the terror group was mounting a resurgence. According to Abu Omar al Muhajer, an ISIS spokesman, Qurayshi “died fighting the enemies of God, killing some of them before being killed like a man on the battlefield.” In July 2021, the U.S. Central Command said Maher al-Agal, one of the top five leaders of the militant group had been killed in a drone strike in northwesten Syria and a close associate of his was seriously injured.

Who is The U.S. Central Command?

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is one of eleven unified commands in the United States Department of Defense. Established in 1983, it is responsible for directing operations in the Middle East and parts of Central Asia.

The command has a broad mandate that includes military and peacekeeping operations, security cooperation, and humanitarian assistance efforts. This includes operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and against the ISIS terror group.

Led by General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, CENTCOM plays a vital role in America’s efforts to maintain global security and stability, particularly in regions that have been central to U.S. strategic interests for many years.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

ISIS

In a move highlighting the country’s ongoing restriction of press freedoms, Jordan has shut down access to the satirical website Al-Hudood, which recently poked fun at the kingdom’s latest royal wedding. Since the 5th of July, the site, which translates to “The Boundaries” or “The Limits” in Arabic, has been unreachable within Jordan’s borders.

While no official reason has been given by Amman, the pan-Arab site Raseef22 has noted that Al-Hudood’s most recent content on Jordan involved humorous takes on the nuptials of Crown Prince Hussein, son of King Abdullah, and Saudi Rajwa Al-Saif, held on the 1st of June.

In a recent satirical post, the site suggested that Jordanian authorities were planning to launch a campaign encouraging all citizens, including children, to visibly express their joy over the royal wedding or face potential fines.

Another post that possibly provoked the monarchy was a cartoon by a Bahraini artist, which depicted locals throwing pieces of their clothing at the newlyweds – a visual metaphor emphasising the stark contrast between the royal grandeur and the economic hardship of the populace.

Al-Hudood, founded in 2013 by Jordanian-Palestinian journalist Issam Ouraiqat and colleagues, originally focused on satirising Jordan’s domestic affairs but swiftly expanded its scope to cover the wider Arab world. It remains accessible outside of Jordan and frequently features work from regional cartoonists and caricaturists.

Described by Raseef22 as “a platform for Arab creativity offering satirical content and using comedy to shed light on sensitive issues in the Middle East,” Al-Hudood tackles topics ranging from politics and economics to societal norms and freedoms.

In a statement, Al-Hudood voiced concern over this action by the Jordanian government, reminiscing about the times when the kingdom allowed “a certain degree of freedom and satire.” In a pointed reminder, they referenced King Abdullah and his wife, Queen Rania’s participation in a march in Paris for the victims of the 2015 attack on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Over the past decade, Jordanian authorities have intensified their control over the press and the internet, echoing tactics employed by other authoritarian regimes in the region. This includes blocking websites and persecuting journalists. According to the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, Jordan ranks at 146th place out of 180 countries.

Image Credit: Al-Hudood

The much-loved Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca , Morocco, finds itself in the limelight as concerns about its future rise amidst plans to construct a new stadium 40km away from the city. Fans of the two local clubs are apprehensive that the historic venue might close down due to safety reasons.

Officially known as the Mohammed V Stadium, fans endearingly call it the “Donor,” referencing the “Stade d’honneur” (stadium of honour, in French), a name given to it at Morocco’s independence. Launched in 1955 in what was then the outskirts of Casablanca, today the bustling Maarif district, this 45,000-seat structure is an architectural marvel amidst its modern neighbouring buildings.

Its imposing reinforced concrete structure, the work of French architect Achille Dangleterre, is a quintessential example of the Brutalist movement. With strong ties to the city’s two clubs, Raja and Wydad, the stadium is home to at least two heated derbies per season, hailed by specialist press as among the world’s most intense football rivalries. Fans see the stadium as an integral part of Casablanca’s identity and its football culture.

However, the recently confirmed location for the new ‘great stadium of Casablanca’ in Benslimane, approximately 40km from the economic capital, has sparked confusion among fans. Social media quickly buzzed with criticism, questioning the logic of building a new stadium so far from the city.

The planned 93,000-seat project has reopened ongoing debates about the future of Mohammed V Stadium. Abdullah Abaakil, adviser for the Maarif district and city council member for the Unified Socialist Party (PSU), states, “The idea of moving the stadium is not new. But if it ends up closed and handed over to property developers, especially once the new stadium is built, it would be baffling. For the residents of popular neighbourhoods, it’s a source of integration, of which we have few in Casablanca.”

The proposal for a new stadium has been in discussion intermittently since 2008. The recent announcement came as Mohammed V underwent another round of renovations, and following the death of a female fan near the stadium on 29th April while attending a match. Official reports attribute her death to a crush caused by ticketless fans, but videos and testimonies implicate the police’s use of water cannons that day.

Casablanca Events & Animation, the company charged with managing the stadium, has been repeatedly accused of poor handling. After the events of 29th April, the company defended itself by citing the excessive number of spectators and the responsibility of clubs in deciding the number of tickets for sale.

“Matchday is a different day,” confesses Othman, 37, who spent part of his childhood living near the stadium. For residents, the hours before a game follow a set script: the area is cordoned off by the police, car movements are restricted, shops close early. Othman, who has lived in England, states emphatically, “Casablanca fans are no worse than West Ham or Millwall fans who attend their team’s matches in downtown London. The issue isn’t the location, but if a move must happen, a place within Casablanca, such as Central Quarries, should have been chosen. There is ample land available and it would have revitalised the neighbourhood.”

Mohammed V Stadium: A ‘monument’ to be ‘preserved’

So far, no official announcement has been made regarding the future of the Mohammed V Stadium. Its fate hangs in the balance, held hostage by urban planning ambitions and the aspirations of Moroccan football for a modern stadium fitting of a future World Cup host.

In 2016, clashes within the stadium led to the death of two fans. For the next two years, ultra-supporters were banned from the stadium. In 2018, the press was intrigued by the chants echoed in its stands, notably the most famous, F’bladi Dalmouni (“I suffered from injustice in my country”), protesting a lack of freedom.

The Mohammed V Stadium holds a significant place in Casablanca’s urban and football heritage. For many, its location, history, and architecture make it a monument to be preserved at all costs. As the debate about its future continues, what is certain is that whatever decision is made will profoundly affect the lives of local football fans and the city’s identity.

As the country prepares to host the 2030 World Cup, Moroccan authorities face a challenging task in balancing the need for modern football infrastructure with preserving the deep-rooted cultural identity embedded in the nation’s football history.

Image Caption: Mustapha Ennaimi / Flickr

Secretary Clinton and First Lady Obama With 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman. Image credit: United States government work

Despite being the bearers of social progress and nurturers of the family, women have been largely overshadowed in Middle Eastern politics, sidelined by patriarchal norms and cultural mores. However, recent years have seen a change, however gradual.

For most of the 20th century, women in the Middle East faced overwhelming barriers to their political participation. The political scene was exclusively male, with women rarely stepping into the limelight. But there were notable exceptions, such as Yemen’s Tawakkol Karman, the first Arab woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize for her instrumental role in the Arab Spring.

In the 21st century, we’ve seen significant changes. Take the example of the United Arab Emirates, where, as of 2022, women constituted 50% of the Federal National Council. Another beacon of progress is Tunisia, where women hold around 31% of the parliamentary seats, an achievement unparalleled in the Arab world. These women are breaking barriers and reinforcing that a woman’s place can, and should, be in the corridors of power, alongside men.

However, the situation is far from perfect. Despite these commendable advances, several hurdles remain. Deep-rooted social norms, persistent gender bias and restrictive laws still create a daunting landscape for women. Saudi Arabia, for example, only allowed women to drive in 2018 and still requires male guardianship for women to make critical life decisions. In Iran, women can be elected to parliament but cannot run for president.

External factors have added another layer of complexity to the issue. The civil war in Syria, the conflict in Yemen and the Afghan refugee crisis, to name but a few, have pushed the agenda of women’s political rights to the sidelines, seen as a luxury in the face of survival.

The road to gender equality in Middle Eastern politics remains winding and steep, but it’s a journey worth taking. Policies that promote gender equality, such as Jordan’s gender quota system, which reserves a certain number of parliamentary seats for women, need to be introduced and promoted. International agencies and NGOs can provide support, such as UN Women’s political empowerment programmes in Palestine and Iraq. Education, especially for young girls, must be a priority. The example of Malala Yousafzai and her advocacy for girls’ education in Pakistan is a shining beacon of what can be achieved.

Several practical measures could help increase the representation of women in Middle Eastern politics. The public and private sectors could create programmes to mentor and develop future female leaders. These initiatives would provide the necessary skills, resources and networks to break into the political sphere. Governments should also actively promote and enforce gender equality in education, thereby removing one of the main barriers to women’s political participation. At the same time, the media could play a key role by highlighting successful women in politics, thereby challenging stereotypes and providing positive role models. There is also a need to promote local, regional and international partnerships that focus on increasing women’s political representation. This could include collaboration between governments, NGOs, academic institutions and community organisations to share best practices and promote policy change. Finally, the role of men as allies cannot be overemphasised; they should be encouraged to support gender equality initiatives, including in politics, for the benefit of society as a whole.

Increasing women’s participation in politics will have far-reaching effects. It promises a future where women can contribute to decision-making, propose innovative solutions and better represent half the population. We need look no further than the leadership of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern during the COVID-19 pandemic to see the effectiveness of female leadership.

The full participation of women in politics in the Middle East is not something that can be achieved overnight. Although progress has been made, there are still mountains to climb. But with determination, supportive policies and international cooperation, the day will undoubtedly come when women play an equal role in shaping the political destiny of the Middle East. The seeds of change have been sown; now it’s time to nurture them to fruition.

A significant step toward a potential trial unfolded on Tuesday as Paris’ Court of Appeal endorsed the seizure of assets attributed to the influential Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Riad Salameh, amid suspicions of fraudulent acquisition.

The legal difficulties are intensifying for the Lebanese banking figurehead, as the Parisian court has validated a dozen seizures on Salameh’s wealth, believed to have been obtained illegally. Sources close to the case disclosed that the court upheld the validity of the seizures targeting Salameh’s real estate and bank holdings across Europe; Salameh has led the Lebanese Central Bank since 1993.

Governor Salameh’s team had contested a series of seizures by France, valuing tens of millions of Euros: apartments in Paris’ 16th district, on the Champs-Élysées, in the UK, Belgium, and numerous bank accounts.

The wealth is believed to have been secured through a sophisticated financial scheme and extensive embezzlement of public funds, a subject under investigation by various European authorities, alongside an enquiry in Lebanon.

“The confirmation of these seizures erodes Salameh’s defence while reinforcing an already substantial legal process. This is a certain advancement,” rejoiced William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, lawyers representing the Sherpa Association and the Collective of Victims of Fraudulent and Criminal Practices in Lebanon (CPVCL), the plaintiffs.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Pierre-Olivier Sur, Salameh’s lawyer, stated, “This is a stage in the process. Following these charges, there will be acts of discharge and favourable decisions. We are filing an appeal.”

The stakes were significant: the Attorney General of the Court of Appeal had called for confirmation of the seizures, fearing that if these were annulled, France would lose all prospects of confiscation of these assets in the event of a conviction.

International Arrest Warrant Following Salameh’s no-show at a summons from French justice on 16th May, an international arrest warrant was issued for him by the financial examining magistrate handling this case.

Yet, as Lebanon refuses to extradite its nationals and adjudicates them on its soil if they are convicted abroad, it is unlikely that Salameh will be present at a potential trial in France.

Upon receiving Interpol’s red notice based on this arrest warrant, Lebanese justice has barred Salameh from leaving the ‘Land of the Cedars’ and confiscated his two Lebanese and French passports.

Since the start of the year, European judges, including a French magistrate, have thrice visited Lebanon to question Salameh, and his close acquaintances, including his brother, Raja Salameh.

Salameh, who is closely tied to his country’s political class battling a severe monetary crisis since 2019, continues to serve as the head of the Central Bank and denounced “baseless” allegations in May. His term is due to end in July.

Investigations began in France following complaints by the Sherpa Association and the Collective of Victims of Fraudulent and Criminal Practices in Lebanon, established by savers swindled during the country’s crisis since 2019.

Following a preliminary investigation, the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) opened a judicial inquiry for organised money laundering and conspiracy to commit a crime on 2 July 2021.

Besides Salameh, at least three other people are implicated in the French judicial information: Anna K., a confidante of Salameh suspected of being one of his proxies in France;

Image Credit: Tachfine Oumlil on Wikimedia

Iran is anticipated to secure membership of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO), an influential regional entity, next week. This assertion comes from Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia, and is expected to bring Iran into closer cooperation with countries such as China, Russia, and a host of Central Asian nations.

Mr Lavrov made the announcement on Friday, during the inauguration of an SCO centre in Moscow. “The full membership of Iran will be approved at the meeting of heads of state on July 4,” he stated.

Known as the globe’s largest defence and security organisation, the SCO consists of eight countries including China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia currently hold observer status.

The Russian Foreign Minister also shared insights into various geopolitical issues in a news conference. He addressed the operations of the Wagner Group in Africa, the 2018 alleged poisoning of a defector, and recent developments in Ukraine.

Mr Lavrov criticised Western countries for what he termed as “brazen pressure” applied on African and Latin American nations, coercing them into siding with sanctions against Russia due to its involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

Discussing the role of the Wagner Group, a private military company reportedly linked to Russia, he stated that it would be the prerogative of African countries to continue their engagement with the group.

Recent tensions involving the Wagner Group escalated into a brief rebellion, which was suppressed last weekend. The outfit, commanded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, operates in several African nations including Mali and the Central African Republic.

Mr Lavrov refuted allegations of deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure in Ukraine by Russia’s armed forces. He pointed the finger at Ukraine, accusing them of positioning military resources near civilian areas like schools and residential buildings.

The Foreign Minister further rebutted claims by Ukraine and its Western allies that Russia was endangering the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, accusing Kyiv of spreading “pure lies.”

In addition, he mentioned recent enquiries from Russia to the UK about the location of Sergei and Yuliya Skripal, a former double agent for Britain and his daughter, who the UK alleges were poisoned by Russian agents in Salisbury in 2018 – a claim Moscow consistently denies.

Image Credit: India Prime Minister Office

Kuwait has appealed to Iran to embark on negotiations surrounding the delimitation of their maritime borders, whilst reaffirming its exclusive rights alongside Saudi Arabia over the contested Al Durra offshore gas field.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait underscored, through the state news agency Kuna, that the marine zone encompassing the Al Durra field is indisputably part of Kuwait’s maritime territory. The natural resources found therein are exclusively a shared entitlement between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

“Only Kuwait and Saudi Arabia possess exclusive rights over the natural resources of the Al Durra field,” reaffirmed an anonymous ministry source.

Negotiations held in Tehran in March saw Kuwaiti and Iranian officials jointly discussing the demarcation of their maritime borders. Both parties emphasised the imperative of resolving the issue in alignment with international law.

However, Iran voiced opposition a year earlier, branding the agreement between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to cultivate the gas field as “illegal”. Iran insisted on its stake in the field, asserting that it should be included in any developmental discussions.

Situated in the neutral zone shared between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the field is forecasted to yield one billion cubic feet of gas and 84,000 barrels of condensate per day. Iran has laid claims to a portion of the field, referred to as Arash in Iran, and pledged to advance with the development of what it perceives as its own sector.

Back in 2016, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reported instances of the Iranian navy launching attacks in the waters adjacent to the neutral zone.

Image Credit: Martin Adams on Unplash

Millions of fish have been found dead along the banks of the river in Iraq’s southern province of Maysan, prompting concerns of a serious ecological disaster. The resulting scene is a direct consequence of a significant surge in salinity and pollution, which can be traced back to the region’s chronic shortage of freshwater resources.

According to Ahmed Salih Nima, an environmental activist, the primary reason for the mass death of fish is the dwindling water supply from the Tigris River. The Tigris River has historically fed smaller rivers and canals in various parts of the province, helping to maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

“As water supplies decline, the oxygen levels drop while the salinity rate increases. This shift in balance leads to a rise in pH levels, resulting in the death of millions of fish,” Nima explained. “Regular replenishment of freshwater in these rivers and canals is crucial to prevent temperature increases, oxygen depletion and salinity spikes.”

The Al Mijar Al Kabeer district and surrounding areas, previously brimming with aquatic life and a crucial source of income for locals, now starkly resemble a graveyard. Dead fish now carpet the riverbanks as far as the eye can see. This calamity has had a catastrophic impact on the local fishing community and businesses it supports, with boats now unable to ply the once-bustling waterways.

“Ninety per cent of the local population depend on fishing. With the fish now gone, this has affected everyone from fishermen to associated businesses like ice sellers, boat repairers, truck drivers, and wholesale and retail traders,” Nima noted. Not to forget the cattle breeders who have relied on these rivers for generations, and who now find themselves in dire straits.

Dr Bassim Oraibi, the General Director of Maysan Veterinary Hospital, revealed that the oxygen content in the water has fallen to a mere 25 per cent of the minimum requirement. Pollution levels have soared, with industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural run-off making the water toxic, decimating aquatic life.

While the immediate disaster is severe, it’s the long-term environmental consequences that have scientists and environmentalists worried. The river’s rising salinity levels, exacerbated by drought and overuse of water resources, coupled with uncontrolled pollution, suggest the perfect storm of environmental neglect and climate change.

These findings have led to an urgent call for immediate action. Environmentalists and concerned citizens are urging the government to restore freshwater supplies and implement stringent pollution control measures. More than ever, there’s a pressing need for robust waste management systems and sustainable agricultural practices.

Once known as Mesopotamia or the Land Between the Two Rivers, Iraq finds itself in the grips of an escalating water crisis, worsened by climate change, mismanagement, and pollution. Today, the United Nations classifies it as the fifth most vulnerable country globally to climate change.

With an ongoing water crisis that has been worsening for decades, 39 per cent of the country is affected by desertification, and 54 per cent of its agricultural land has been degraded, primarily due to soil salinity.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Iraq’s main water sources accounting for over 90 per cent of the country’s freshwater reserves, have been on a significant decline. Construction of dams and water diversion upstream in Turkey and Iran has only added to the crisis, leaving downstream nations like Iraq in a tight spot.

Nima warns that the issue could escalate across Maysan province unless immediate and effective measures are implemented. “The environment in Maysan will drastically worsen over the next fortnight, and we’re likely to lose more fish in other areas,” he cautions.

Image Credit: NASA on Unplash

As part of an ambitious drive to transform its economy under the Vision 2030 economic plan, Saudi Arabia is set to intensify its relations with Hong Kong, viewing the city as a bridge to the ‘world-class’ digital prowess of mainland China. The minister responsible for the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure, Abdullah Al-Swaha, unveiled these plans.

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology in Saudi Arabia pointed out areas of mutual interest with Hong Kong that include fintech, technological entrepreneurship and strategies to draw venture capitalist investment. Al-Swaha expressed interest in partnering on aspects such as health sciences, biotechnology, environmental issues, cloud computing, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and the development of smart cities.

Commenting on the future prospects, Al-Swaha noted, “Both Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong are going through very promising transformations, being financial hubs in their respective regions. We have a unique chance to build an innovation bridge, enabling us to leapfrog into the future with an innovation-based economy.”

Al-Swaha, who has been the Minister since 2017, chose Hong Kong as the first stop on his extensive tour through China, where the exponential growth and dissemination of information and communication technology (ICT) have left a remarkable impression on him. ICT progression necessitates robust digital infrastructure, such as 5G networks, which Saudi Arabia is eager to acquire from Chinese companies despite the current US sanctions on firms like Huawei Technologies and ZTE.

“Saudi Arabia is pro-partnership and pro-openness,” said the Minister, stressing the Kingdom’s willingness to collaborate with any entity that can meet its security and regulatory prerequisites. He is set to visit the Shenzhen-based tech giant, Huawei, after Hong Kong.

Saudi Arabia is eager to learn from and build partnerships with the “world-class” transformation of ICT in mainland China and Hong Kong. Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-chiu, highlighted the city’s plan to bolster relations with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. A Belt and Road Summit, including a dedicated Middle East session, is planned in Hong Kong in September.

Encouraged by the warming of China-Middle East relations, private-sector entrepreneurs are capitalising on these opportunities. Following a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Riyadh in December 2022, the Saudi Arabia-China Entrepreneurs Association plans to set up its headquarters in Hong Kong.

Al-Swaha, an electrical engineer by training, is also tasked with cultivating Saudi Arabia’s digital workforce and talent infrastructure. He recognised China as a key partner in skilling and upskilling the Kingdom’s burgeoning technology workforce of 340,000, aiming to double this number in the next five years.

Saudi Arabia aims to harmonise its Vision 2030 with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aligning development strategies and digital talent cooperation. In turn, Saudi Arabia continues to invest in Chinese stocks listed on the Nasdaq and in Hong Kong, bolstering the symbiotic relationship between these two economic powerhouses.

Image Credit: ITU/P.Barrera

In the Tunisian city of Sfax, the stabbing death of a local has sparked a surge of anti-immigrant violence. Hundreds of residents have taken to the streets in protest, demanding the immediate expulsion of all undocumented migrants from the city.

According to eyewitness reports, scores of African migrants have been driven out of Sfax following a night of upheaval triggered by the murder. Throughout the central-eastern city, large groups of residents gathered in the streets from Tuesday into Wednesday, 6 July, calling for the prompt removal of all undocumented migrants, according to a local AFP correspondent.

The atmosphere in the city has been described as “inhumane”, with some individuals resorting to blocking roads and setting tyres ablaze to vent their frustration. The stabbing victim, a 41-year-old local, was allegedly killed during a late-night conflict with migrants of Cameroonian origin, authorities have reported. Social media footage shows police officers evicting dozens of migrants from their homes to the cheers of local residents before loading them into police vehicles. Other videos show migrants sitting on the ground, hands on heads, encircled by baton-wielding locals awaiting the arrival of the police.

Local group Sayeb Trottoir, focused on illegal immigration issues, shared a Facebook post from Lazhar Neji, an emergency worker at a Sfax hospital, lamenting the “inhumane, bloody night”. According to Neji, between 30 and 40 migrants, including women and children, were admitted to the hospital. He claimed that some had been thrown from terraces, others attacked with sabres.

In a joint statement, the Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), along with over 20 other Tunisian and international NGOs, expressed deep concern over the situation. They asserted that on Tuesday, security forces had escorted a “group of 100 migrant and refugee individuals” from the Sfax region towards the Libyan border. The group, which included Ivorian, Cameroonian, and Guinean nationals, along with at least 12 children aged between six months and five years, had been relocated.

In addition, around 50 other migrants had been directed towards the same region on 2 July. The NGOs claimed that some of these individuals had been “beaten and mistreated” and called on the authorities to “provide clarification on these incidents and intervene urgently to ensure these people are cared for”.

Several migrants rushed to Sfax’s railway station to catch trains to other Tunisian cities, according to an AFP photographer. Jonathan Tchamou, a young Congolese man, described the severity of the problem: “There’s a serious problem in Sfax. A Sub-Saharan killed a Tunisian, and now the Tunisian population is angry with all Sub-Saharans and is attacking them. Even the Tunisian police are trying to arrest all Sub-Saharans illegally to push them back into the Libyan desert.”

“We are really scared of being here, that’s why we want to leave Sfax at all costs,” added Tchamou, stating that he had come to Tunisia legally with a student visa. “Tunisia used to be a welcoming country for us, we lived comfortably here, but now we’re not welcome, so the solution would be to cross the Mediterranean to go to Europe.”

The Monday death in Sfax triggered a wave of predominantly racist reactions, calling for the expulsion of African migrants from the city, a frequent starting point for many illegal sea crossings to Italy. The tension between the residents and the migrants has heightened following a speech in February by President Kais Saied, in which he condemned illegal immigration and portrayed it as a demographic threat to his nation.

Many of these migrants come to Tunisia with the intention of eventually reaching Europe by sea, by landing clandestinely on the Italian coast. On Tuesday, Saied insisted that Tunisia “does not accept on its territory anyone who does not respect its laws, nor to be a transit country (to Europe) or a land of resettlement for the nationals of certain African countries.”

Image Credit: HOUSSEM ZOUARI / AFP

In the Jordanian desert south of the capital Amman, the Attarat power plant stands as a controversial testament to China‘s economic engagement in the Middle East. Initially viewed as a beacon of energy autonomy, the project has now become a source of tension due to deals landing Jordan with a significant debt to China.

The plant, situated in a remote region of crumbled black rock, has come under scrutiny weeks after its inauguration. Jordan’s obligations under the deal amount to billions of dollars. Ironically, the plant is no longer deemed necessary for the country’s energy needs following newer agreements.

The $2.1 billion shale oil station has now become a symbolic representation of China’s economic model, often criticised for saddling developing nations with unmanageable debts. “Attarat is a depiction of what the Belt and Road Initiative was and has morphed into,” stated Jesse Marks, a fellow at the Washington-based Stimson Center.

The project was conceived about a decade and a half ago as a national endeavour for energy independence. However, it has drawn ire due to its exorbitant cost. Should the original agreement persist, Jordan would be compelled to pay China a staggering $8.4 billion over three decades for the electricity generated by the plant.

Workers imported from China’s rural regions labour in the plant’s shadow. Amid fears that the project could stall, Shi Changqing, a 36-year-old welder from China’s northeast Jilin province, expressed a sense of discomfort. “It’s very peculiar to feel unwanted here, being from China,” he stated.

Jordan’s tale of financial woes began when the Jordanian Attarat Power Company proposed to extract shale oil from the desert and build the power plant in 2012. The plan was a response to the government’s intensified desire for energy self-reliance in the wake of the 2011 Arab uprisings. However, technical challenges and an expensive extraction process slowed the project’s progression. Interest in Attarat receded after a $15 billion deal to import large volumes of natural gas at competitive rates from Israel in 2014.

Guangdong Energy Group, a Chinese state-owned firm, transformed the failing project by acquiring a 45% stake in the Attarat Power Co. in 2017. The purchase signified one of the largest private ventures under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative outside China.

China’s investment in the plant is part of its broader push into the Arab world, which is eager for foreign capital. The financial backing for extensive infrastructure schemes came with minimal political conditions attached.

The Jordanian government now faces potential annual losses of $280 million under the 30-year power purchase agreement, as per the treasury’s estimations. To meet these costs, the government might have to increase electricity prices for consumers by 17%, striking a blow to an economy already grappling with debt and inflation.

The unfavourable deal with China led to Jordan’s Ministry of Energy initiating international arbitration against the Attarat Power Co. in 2020. Despite the ongoing dispute, company officials deny claims of excessive pricing, instead accusing Jordan of reneging on the agreement due to anti-China sentiment.

China’s extensive investments in the region appear to be slowing in recent years amid growing opposition and domestic apprehensions. For the moment, Jordan seems wary of further Chinese commitments, as evidenced by its recent decision to opt for Finnish company Nokia over Chinese telecoms giant Huawei for a new 5G equipment agreement.

The Attarat saga serves as a stern warning for other nations in the region, urging them to carefully evaluate the implications of major foreign investments. As the case continues at the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce, the outcome may significantly influence future Chinese ventures in the Middle East.

Image Credit: Raad Adayleh/AP

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, bolstered by Iran, have sent a potent warning to Riyadh and its allies, making clear that failure to meet their demands could result in continued hostilities. This comes as both parties are seeking a resolution to the long-standing conflict.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Houthi rebels, communicated their preparedness to engage in further clashes should their conditions remain unfulfilled, and should the attacks perpetuated by the Saudi-led coalition persist. During a recent visit to the Jizan region, Saree ominously stated, “If the enemy…does not respond to the rightful demands of the people, represented in ending its aggression and siege, and withdrawing its forces, then we are ready for confrontation.”

Saree affirmed the readiness of their forces to execute any command, including land or naval operations, further intensifying the tense atmosphere surrounding the Yemen conflict.

The Yemeni crisis, which began in earnest in 2015, pits the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, against the Saudi-led coalition supporting the internationally recognised Yemeni government now stationed in Aden. The conflict sparked following the Shia rebels’ seizure of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

The prolonged strife has led to an alarming loss of civilian life, totalling hundreds of thousands, and instigating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Both factions have been censured by human rights organisations for alleged severe abuses.

However, hopes for peace emerged with a China-brokered agreement in March that saw Riyadh and Tehran re-establish ties, leading to negotiations between the Saudis and Houthis to end the Yemen war. A Saudi delegation even visited Sanaa in April to initiate peace talks.

Despite these positive steps, the Houthis warned that they will maintain their attacks on Saudi Arabia should the peace talks fail. In June, the Houthis, controlling a large part of northern Yemen, accused Saudi Arabia of disposing nuclear waste in the southern and eastern waters of Yemen.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Yemen’s Defence Ministry

A Saudi Arabian woman has been condemned to 30 years imprisonment for publicly critiquing Neom megacity initiative on Twitter, as per a UK-based human rights group.

Fatima al-Shawarbi, in her twenties from the province of Al-Ahsa, has been indicted for her anonymous social media posts, questioning Saudi Arabia’s displacement of residents to accommodate the Neom project. The revelations came from ALQST, an organisation dedicated to promoting human rights, and a key source of insights into the Saudi justice system, notorious for its opacity.

While Saudi Embassy officials in London have refrained from commenting, ALQST relayed their dependence on undisclosed contacts for gathering information, for fear of potential retribution. According to the group, al-Shawarbi was arrested in 2020 for her critiques of the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia and for advocating a constitutional monarchy over the current absolute rule.

Human Rights Watch, in a 2020 report, indicated that incarcerated female dissenters are frequently denied any contact with their families or the outside world.

Lina Alhathloul, a researcher at ALQST, revealed to the BBC that al-Shawarbi had recently participated in a hunger strike alongside other women detainees, including Salma al-Shehab, a Leeds University PhD student. The condition of al-Shawarbi is presently unknown, Alhathloul stated.

The intricacies of how Saudi authorities were able to identify al-Shawarbi as the author of the contentious tweets are unclear, as per Alhathloul. Al-Shawarbi had previously informed friends to publicise her case should her social media activity suddenly cease.

Neom, a brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s autocratic leader, envisions a city sprawling over a 10,200 square mile stretch in the Tabuk Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

In an April report, the UN condemned Saudi Arabia for undermining human rights, especially the forced eviction of the local Huweitat tribe for the Neom project. The report documented the fatal shooting of tribe member Abdul Rahim al-Huwaiti, who resisted eviction, and the subsequent sentencing to death of three other tribe members. Moreover, it was reported that the Saudi authorities have relentlessly persecuted those criticising the treatment of the Huweitat and the killing of al-Huwaiti.

The human rights record of Saudi Arabia has drawn widespread condemnation, with allegations of torture, arbitrary arrests, detentions, and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly from Amnesty International. Yet, despite these criticisms, Saudi Arabia continues to attract substantial investment from affluent Western companies for the Neom project.

Image Credit: NEOM on Unsplash

As the world grapples with a host of geopolitical hotspots, a quiet catastrophe is unfolding in the Middle East that isn’t getting the attention it so desperately needs. Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, a complex and bloody conflict that began in 2014, has since spiralled into what the United Nations describes as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. This is not a new crisis, nor is it one without clear and damning evidence of human suffering. Yet, it remains largely ignored by the international community.

At the heart of the crisis in Yemen is a war between Houthi rebels and government forces, backed by Iran and a Saudi-led coalition respectively. It’s a conflict caught up in geopolitical interests and regional power struggles, but the most alarming fallout is the humanitarian tragedy. More than 24 million people, some 80% of the country’s population, are in need of humanitarian aid and protection. Famine, disease, and war have claimed countless lives, while basic services, including healthcare and education, have been decimated.

Why then, in the face of such startling figures and heartbreaking tales of human suffering, has the world been so slow to respond? To begin with, the complex and multifaceted nature of the crisis makes it difficult to digest and understand, leading to a sense of paralysis in the international community. Moreover, key players in the crisis, including those with geopolitical stakes in Yemen, have shown a disturbing lack of accountability and a reluctance to prioritise human life over political and military objectives.

The world’s indifference cannot be justified. The media play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and political action, and they have largely failed Yemen. Coverage of the Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, especially in the West, has been sporadic at best and often eclipsed by other ‘more pressing’ global events. This has perpetuated a vicious cycle of ignorance and apathy, erasing Yemen’s suffering from our collective consciousness.

In a world that is more interconnected than ever, we can no longer plead ignorance to the plight of Yemen. It’s high time to shift the narrative and put the crisis in Yemen on the global agenda. The international community must rally behind a diplomatic solution and pressure the parties involved to prioritise humanitarian interests over geopolitical gains.

The first step towards this shift is to acknowledge the scale and severity of the crisis. Financial contributions from wealthier nations and international organisations are crucial, but it is equally important to push for unfettered humanitarian access in Yemen, to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Only then can we begin to address the root causes of this conflict, from political corruption to economic decline and sectarian divisions.

In addition, world powers, particularly those with influence over the warring parties, must leverage their positions to stop arms sales to those involved in the conflict. This will send a clear message: the lives of Yemeni civilians are more valuable than any strategic or commercial interest.

As the world stands on the precipice of a new era, shaped by the forces of globalisation and digital technology, we must recognise that our collective future depends on how we address the most serious challenges of our time. The Yemen’s humanitarian crisis should be a rallying call for the international community, a testament to our common humanity, and a test of our collective will to act. Ignoring it is no longer an option.

Image Credit: asamw on Unplash

The Libyan government has fervently denied allegations suggesting that it was behind the airbase drone assault on the Al-Kharruba airbase, a known operational base for the Russian paramilitary group, Wagner, which occurred in the early hours of Friday. Notably, the aerial attack resulted in no casualties, with the origin of the assault remaining uncertain.

The Al-Kharruba base, situated 150km southwest of Benghazi, serves as an essential stronghold for the Wagner mercenaries, with the group’s footprints scattered across oil-rich eastern Libya and the southern parts of the country. The latter areas have seen an influx of fighters from Chad, Sudan, Niger, and Syria, all lending their strength to General Khalifa Haftar in the pursuit of capturing Tripoli.

General Mohamad al-Haddad, Army Chief of Staff, strongly denied the Tripoli-based authorities’ involvement in the drone strike. “None of our aircraft targeted any site in the east,” al-Haddad stated, as reported by Libyan news outlet, Addresslibya. He added that the reports were a ploy to inflame a new war amongst Libyan brothers and to implicate Libya in an uninvited regional conflict.

Various Libyan and Arab news platforms have suggested that the aircraft deployed for the airbase drone assault belonged to the UN-recognised government in the politically fractured Libya. The Libyan Defence Ministry expressed surprise over these assertions. “We respect the ceasefire signed in October 2020,” the Ministry emphasised, referring to the truce with Haftar that ended his unsuccessful 2019-2020 assault on the capital.

Since the 2011 revolt that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been mired in intermittent conflict, drawing in multiple foreign powers. The country remains divided between an interim government stationed in the west, in Tripoli, and another in the east, backed by Haftar.

Image Caption: Maher A. A. Abdussalam on Wikipedia

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in Egypt has unveiled a series of fresh petrochemical and refining initiatives valued at a significant $9 billion, according to Arabian Business.

The Ministry is keen to set the wheels in motion for a cluster of new refining projects, collectively worth an estimated $7.5 billion. This series of initiatives includes the planned expansion of the Midor refinery in Alexandria. The refinery has successfully accomplished its preliminary and secondary phases and has commenced trial operations. Furthermore, the development agenda includes the diesel production complex project at ANOPC, located in Assiut.

In addition to these ventures, the Ministry’s plans extend to a variety of projects. These involve the coking complex and diesel production endeavours at Suez Petroleum Processing Company, the condensate distillation scheme at the Nasr Petroleum Company in Suez, and the air distillation initiative at Asyut’s oil refining hub.

The Egyptian Ministry has a commendable record, having triumphantly put into operation eight new projects within the oil refining sector, entailing investments totalling $5 billion. This forms part of an overarching strategy, introduced in 2016, which seeks to rejuvenate the petroleum refining industry and bolster its production capacity with a view to diminish imports.

The success of this strategy has proven instrumental in doubling Egypt’s domestic production of petrochemical materials. Production volumes have skyrocketed to exceed 4.3 million tonnes on an annual basis by the end of the 2021/2022 fiscal year. This contrasts sharply with the 2.1 million tonnes produced in 2015/2016, representing a successful outcome of the expansions implemented in 2016 and 2017, which saw investments amounting to approximately $4 billion.

Photo credit: Bayan Centre

Two men have been fatally shot in a contested region in northern Lebanon, as confirmed by the Lebanese Army in a statement. The victims, identified as Haitham Tawk and Malek Tok, were discovered dead in Qurnat as Sawda’, an area mired in dispute between Bcharre and Bkaasafrine in northern Lebanon. Reports from the state-run National News Agency on Saturday evening relayed the incident, while locals in Bcharre informed L’Orient Today news website that seven other individuals had sustained injuries during the conflict.

Conflicts over land and water disputes frequently generate security tensions in this region, as indicated by local media. The situation in Qurnat as Sawda’ is being closely monitored by Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, according to Xinhua news agency. Mikati’s press office released a statement in which he condemned the incident and assured that the perpetrators would be apprehended to ensure justice is served.

Image Credit: Hachoumi92 on Wikipedia

Over two thousand pilgrims braved the crippling heatwave stress during this year’s hajj, as per Thursday’s reports from Saudi officials. The temperatures had surged to an excruciating 48°C in the apex of the Saudi desert summer, as around 1.8 million Muslim worshippers participated in the days-long outdoor event.

This year, a significant number of elderly participants were observed, since the age ceiling, which was previously introduced during the Covid era, was removed. Approximately 1,700 instances of heat stress were logged on Thursday, according to the Saudi officials. This is in addition to the 287 cases that were reported prior.

The health ministry of Saudi Arabia has advised people to avoid direct sun exposure and ensure sufficient hydration. “As of today, we’ve recorded 1,721 cases of heat stress,” the ministry commented.

While no specific death toll was disclosed by the officials, independent data from various countries suggests that at least 230 pilgrims died during the hajj. A notable portion of the deceased were Indonesian citizens, with the country’s consul general reporting 209 Indonesian casualties.

Eko Hartono, the consul general of Indonesia, refuted the idea that these fatalities were predominantly due to heat stroke. “Most causes of death were related to cardiac and respiratory conditions,” Hartono stated. However, he conceded that some pilgrims had indeed fainted due to the intense heat.

Among the victims, Iran’s oldest pilgrim, who was 114 years old, died of a heart attack, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency. Other countries, including Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt, have also reported casualties.

Heart-related health emergencies were rampant, with several individuals, including a 78-year-old Filipino man, undergoing successful open-heart surgery in Mecca, as reported by the health ministry.

However, it is believed that the actual number of heat stress cases, which encompass heatstroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes, may be significantly higher. Many sufferers may have opted not to seek hospital or clinic assistance.

Heat-related struggles were conspicuously common, especially post the day-long outdoor prayers at Mount Arafat. Instances of overheating phones shutting down and scarcity of shade were reported.

Historically, the hajj has been marred by calamities like crowd crushes and militant attacks, but this year, the scorching temperatures posed the most significant challenge. In response, the kingdom deployed thousands of paramedics and established field hospitals to manage the risk.

In the face of an escalating climate crisis, the United Nations’ intergovernmental panel on climate change warned in 2021 that parts of the Gulf could become uninhabitable by the century’s end due to global warming. Experts predict that gruelling summer temperatures reaching 50°C could become an annual phenomenon in the region by the close of the century.

Image Credit: Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash

The Israeli military has initiated a sweeping operation in Jenin, a city in the occupied West Bank, resulting in drone strikes and fierce exchanges of gunfire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. The operation is reported to be one of the most far-reaching of its kind in recent years.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have confirmed that a minimum of seven militants have been neutralised in the course of the operation. In contrast, Palestinian health authorities report a casualty toll of five, with thirty individuals sustaining injuries.

Jenin, which has been the theatre of numerous Israeli military incursions over the past year, is linked with a series of attacks on Israelis conducted by local Palestinians.

The military operation began before dawn on Monday and quickly escalated. Central to this operation was an Israeli drone attack on an apartment within Jenin’s sprawling refugee camp, which is home to approximately 14,000 individuals within a mere 0.42 square kilometres. The IDF posits that the targeted apartment served as a combined operational command centre for the camp and the Jenin Brigades, an amalgamation of various Palestinian militant factions including Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Drone warfare has been escalated since the initial strike, with thousands of Israeli troops reportedly involved in what a military spokesperson has termed a “counterterrorism operation”. The aim is ostensibly to seize weapons and obstruct Jenin from functioning as a sanctuary for Palestinian militants.

The Jenin Brigades have pledged to resist the Israeli forces “until the last breath and bullet”, affirming unity across factions and military formations.

Ahmed Zaki, a camp resident, informed about the entry of “columns of Israeli army vehicles” into the camp from numerous directions. Khaled Alahmad, a Palestinian ambulance driver, described the escalating situation as a “real war”.

Israeli military representatives claim to have “neutralised” three Palestinian “terrorists”, followed by four more in Jenin overnight. The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported five Palestinian deaths attributed to Israeli forces, with a minimum of seven in critical condition. Additionally, a Palestinian protestor was killed near the city of Ramallah, according to reports.

The operation has been sharply criticised by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesperson, who labelled it as “a new war crime against our defenceless people” and stated it would not contribute to regional security and stability.

This event follows a surge in violence within the West Bank over recent months. Last month saw the first Israeli use of attack helicopters in years during a raid in Jenin, resulting in seven Palestinian deaths. A subsequent attack by two Hamas gunmen near the settlement of Eli led to the death of four Israelis. A Palestinian man was later killed amid violent settler demonstrations in the town of Turmusaya.

Image Credit: Akivapath at English Wikipedia

In an event that has stirred indignation across the Muslim world, Sweden is facing widespread condemnation for allowing the public burning of the Quran, the Islamic holy text, outside a mosque during the significant Islamic holiday, Eid al-Adha.

The incident, which took place in Stockholm on the significant Islamic festival, has provoked an international outcry, especially among Muslim-majority nations. The act of desecrating the Quran on one of the most sacred days in Islam has resulted in strong reproach towards the Swedish authorities.

A surge of public discontentment in Iraq led to several hundred individuals protesting outside the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad, encouraged by Muqtada al-Sadr, a popular cleric. Al-Sadr, describing Sweden as “hostile” to Islam, called on the Iraqi government to sever diplomatic ties with the Scandinavian nation. The protest, although heated, did not culminate in the embassy’s invasion and eventually dispersed, with al-Sadr demanding more significant demonstrations following Friday prayers.

Iraq’s foreign ministry joined the chorus of outrage, denouncing Sweden for enabling an extremist to desecrate the Quran. Meanwhile, the incident involving two men – one of whom was identified as Salwan Momika, an Iraqi immigrant residing in Sweden – publicly tearing and burning the Quran, was viewed by a crowd of spectators.

The men had received a permit from Swedish police to stage their demonstration following a court ruling that a ban would infringe on freedom of speech. Nevertheless, the permit clearly stated that no objects should be burned in Stockholm.

The act, carried out during the pivotal Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, further heightened tensions and caused distress amongst Muslims globally, many of whom were observing the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have officially expressed their displeasure at Sweden’s actions, with some recalling their ambassadors. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, referring to the incident, stated that the country would never succumb to “the politics of provocation,” considering the desecration of Muslim sacred entities not as “freedom of thought”.

This controversy follows a similar episode earlier this year when a far-right Danish-Swedish figure burned a Quran copy outside the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm. Swedish police have since denied two additional requests for similar protests, fearing such acts could increase security threats and pose risks to overseas embassies.

Yet, a Swedish court overturned the police’s decision in April, asserting insufficient evidence to ban such protests. Swedish authorities find themselves grappling with the tension between upholding freedom of speech and respecting religious tolerance.

Stockholm police are now investigating Mr. Momika for violating the burning ban and incitement against a group. Calls to Mr. Momika have so far gone unanswered.

The Quran burning, particularly as it is believed to have been carried out by an Iraqi immigrant, has significantly troubled the Iraqi population. Al-Sadr has demanded the Iraqi government revoke Mr. Momika’s citizenship and called for his repatriation for prosecution in Iraq.

Sweden, home to over 140,000 Iraqi-born immigrants – the country’s second-largest immigrant group after the Swedish Finns – now faces increased scrutiny amidst this escalating controversy.

Image Credit: Ahmed Saad / Reuters

On Friday, the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority declared that the nation’s airspace will continue to be closed to most air traffic until 10 July. This decision comes in the aftermath of the breakdown of an Eid al-Adha truce due to an unexpected explosion on Thursday.

The airspace was initially shut down for regular traffic after violent military clashes commenced in mid-April between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Residents of Khartoum, the capital, reported that the second day of Eid al-Adha was marred by the revival of fighting amongst the rival forces. The discord was signalled by a dramatic explosion close to the army headquarters, sending clouds of smoke soaring into the city skyline.

The ceasefire agreements, which were separately announced by the opposing military leaders for the duration of the holiday, failed to prevent intermittent fighting.

The confrontation, which flared up on April 15, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with millions of residents in the capital city Khartoum confined to their homes. They are having to ration basic resources such as electricity and water amidst the soaring summer temperatures.

The ongoing dispute between army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and his former deputy, Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Dagalo, has led to an estimated death toll of 2,800, as per the data provided by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. However, this figure is believed to be an underestimate, as many wounded people have not been able to reach medical facilities and a number of corpses remain unattended in the streets.

Moreover, the majority of the violence has been centred in both Khartoum and the western region of Darfur. The escalating conflict has led to over two million people being displaced within Sudan and across its borders.

Analysts have suggested that the fighting shows no signs of easing, as neither side appears willing to engage in negotiation until they have secured a clear military advantage.

Image Credit: Chetan Sharma on Unsplash

The United Nations General Assembly has sanctioned a resolution to launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding over 130,000 individuals reported missing due to the ongoing Syrian conflict.

This resolution, a significant step in addressing calls from the families and associates of the missing, saw 83 affirmations from the 193-member world assembly, along with 11 negations and 62 abstentions. Syria, among several other nations including Russia, China, Belarus, North Korea, Cuba, and Iran, contested the resolution, vowing non-cooperation with the proposed body.

Luxembourg took the lead in proposing the resolution, acknowledging that after a dozen years of war in Syria, scant progress has been made in placating families by revealing the status and locations of the missing individuals.

The UN has consequently been granted the authority to set up the Independent Institution of Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic. This body aims to uncover the reality of the missing persons’ situation while offering substantial support to victims, survivors, and the bereaved families.

The new body pledges to follow principles of non-maleficence, impartiality, transparency, and confidentiality in relation to its sources and information. The UN Secretary General António Guterres is now mandated to lay down the terms of reference for the nascent institution within 80 working days and facilitate its swift establishment and operation.

The New York-headquartered Human Rights Watch emphasised the crucial need for the new institution to be equipped with appropriate resources for its task. Louis Charbonneau, the group’s UN director, expressed, “The people of Syria deserve no less”.

Syrian Ambassador Bassam Sabbagh criticised the resolution as a “politicised” move and an example of “flagrant interference” in Syria’s internal affairs. He implied the resolution bore testament to the “hostile approach” of the United States and other Western nations towards Syria.

Despite Ambassador Sabbagh’s argument that Syria has addressed the issue of the reported missing, with claims of disappearances processed by law enforcement and independent investigations conducted, the Syrian government’s cooperation remains a significant concern for the UN. The Syrian government has traditionally declined to collaborate with international bodies investigating missing persons.

The Syrian civil war, now in its 13th year, has inflicted death on nearly half a million individuals and forced approximately half of its pre-war population of 23 million into displacement. As per the International Commission on Missing Persons and the UN, more than 130,000 Syrians were reported missing in 2021 alone.

The lack of Arab countries’ participation in the vote is to be noted. Among the nations that abstained were many Arab countries, including past supporters of the Syrian opposition. Kuwait and Qatar were the only Arab nations to support the resolution.

Image Credit: Mahmoud Sulaiman on Unsplash

France has indicted Marianne Hoayek, a former assistant to Riad Salameh, the embattled governor of Lebanon’s central bank, on charges of money laundering. Hoayek, 43, refutes these charges, asserting that her funds primarily originated from her late father, a wealthy businessman. Her lawyer, Mario Stasi, relayed this stance to AFP.

Riad Salameh, in office for nearly three decades, is under investigation both domestically and internationally, accused of amassing a substantial fortune during his tenure. Salameh, whose term concludes this July, was once lauded as the protector of Lebanon’s financial stability. However, in the aftermath of the country’s fiscal collapse, he’s facing increasing blame, with many critics suggesting he played a significant role in precipitating the crisis.

French, German, and Luxembourg authorities seized assets worth 120 million euros ($130 million) tied to Salameh in March 2022. The 72-year-old governor rejects all accusations of misconduct and maintains that he accumulated his wealth during his tenure at the U.S. investment bank Merrill Lynch before assuming his position at Lebanon’s central bank in 1993.

Salameh has become a person of interest in the French and German judicial systems, leading to the issuance of international arrest warrants for accusations including money laundering and fraud. As a result, Interpol followed suit by issuing Red Notices, although these do not equate to international arrest warrants. Rather, they request global authorities to provisionally detain individuals, potentially leading to extradition or other legal actions.

Post the Red Notices, a local judge in Lebanon interrogated Salameh, confiscated his French and Lebanese passports, and implemented a travel ban while leaving him free pending further investigation. As Lebanon does not extradite its nationals, it’s feasible that Salameh could face trial domestically, depending on the local judicial authorities’ verdict on the accusations levelled against him.

Other than Marianne Hoayek who else has been interrogated?

Authorities have also interrogated other figures, including Marianne Hoayek, Salameh’s brother Raja, and central bank audit firms, in Beirut as part of the European investigations.

This ongoing investigation highlights the serious allegations surrounding Salameh and his former assistant, Marianne Hoayek, painting a distressing picture of Lebanon’s financial instability. The implications of this investigation may have far-reaching effects on Lebanon’s future economic stability, putting Marianne Hoayek in the spotlight.

Image Credit: Naharnet

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a stark warning to Lebanon in a recent report, stating that the small, crisis-ridden country may face persistent triple-digit inflation and could witness its public debt escalate to nearly 550% of GDP by 2027 if crucial reforms are not implemented.

This report is a continuation of the IMF’s oversight following a nine-day visit by its officials in March, which aimed to assess the dire economic situation in Lebanon. Unfortunately, efforts to finalise a desperately needed IMF bailout package have largely been on hold, with scant progress observed in the necessary reforms.

Lebanese officials made a preliminary agreement with the IMF over a year ago, outlining a series of reforms crucial to securing the financial rescue package. These measures include debt restructuring, overhauling its ailing banking system, improving public electricity infrastructure, and enhancing governance. However, since the onset of the economic crisis in 2019, the officials have achieved limited headway.

Lebanon’s economy has severely contracted with the GDP falling about 40%, and the local currency losing 98% of its value. Inflation has skyrocketed into triple digits, and the central bank’s foreign currency reserves have dwindled by two-thirds, the IMF report highlighted.

There was a glimmer of stability towards the end of 2022 due to the cessation of COVID restrictions, an influx of remittances, a rebound in tourism, and a decline in international energy and food prices during the second half of the year. However, the economy’s state remains precariously fragile.

The IMF report also noted the detrimental impact of the delay in Lebanon’s financial system restructuring and currency stabilisation. It has benefited borrowers, particularly in the private sector, who are repaying pre-crisis loans at “below-market exchange rates”. This, however, has resulted in fewer dollar reserves for the banks to repay depositors whose savings are locked within the banks.

Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, the IMF mission chief to Lebanon, cautioned Lebanese leaders that failure to enact these reforms would result in a “disorderly adjustment” of the economy, making Lebanon increasingly dependent on international aid. Rigo added that while there was no specific deadline for Lebanon to implement the necessary reforms to secure the bailout, delays could have grave consequences for the nation.

Despite these hurdles, Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Saade Chami, who is leading the IMF negotiations, remains hopeful. Although adjustments to the economic figures and plan components will need to be made due to delays in finalising the IMF deal, he asserts that “the main pillars of the program remain the same”. He believes that with political will, Lebanon can steer itself out of the deep economic crisis and onto the path of recovery.

Image Credit: Flickr/nasonurb

The unforeseen mutiny in Russia, which swiftly dissipated, is anticipated to exert minor disruption to oil prices throughout this week, analysts suggest.

Over the weekend, the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, abruptly terminated their march on Moscow from the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, halting what could have been the first coup attempt in the nation for nearly thirty years.

This abrupt cessation of insurgency came as Wagner Group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, ordered his troops to retreat after advancing within 200 kilometres of Moscow.

Rystad Energy, a Norwegian consultancy firm, issued a research note stating, “In light of the brief episode in Russia this weekend reaching its conclusion, we anticipate no significant spike in oil prices.” However, they did note an amplified geopolitical risk amid Russia’s internal instability.

As of Monday morning, Brent crude, which serves as the benchmark for two-thirds of the world’s oil, was trading 0.43 per cent higher at $74.17 per barrel, whilst West Texas Intermediate, the standard for US crude, was up by 0.39 per cent at $69.43 per barrel.

Both benchmarks experienced more than a 3.5 per cent decline last week due to worries about increased monetary tightening from global central banks.

“Despite recent events in Russia, oil markets seem unphased, with Brent and WTI trading up slightly,” said Daniel Richards, a Mena economist at Emirates NBD. Richards notes that no tangible threat to Russia’s oil production exists due to the political unrest, allowing markets to maintain focus on tightening central bank policies and a general deceleration in economic activity.

The International Energy Agency and Opec expect the oil market to tighten during the second half of the year due to Opec+ cuts and rebounding Chinese crude demand. However, analysts suggest that sturdy Russian crude supply, coupled with escalating output in countries under sanctions such as Iran and Venezuela, could potentially cause a lesser deficit in 2023.

Major investment banks like Goldman Sachs, MUFG, and UBS, have recently reduced their short-term oil price projections, due to an unexpected surge in the crude supply in the market.

Since the outset of 2023, Brent has dropped nearly 14 per cent of its value, amid escalating fears of a global economic slowdown.

Goldman Sachs, in a Friday research note, highlighted that much of the oil market’s instability over the past year reflects the policy and market response to the surge in prices during the first half of 2022.

According to the US investment bank, Brent reached nearly $140 a barrel after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, resulting in record releases from America’s emergency crude reserves and aggressive interest rate hikes from central banks.

The bank projects that oil prices will unlikely match the 2022 peak within the next year, given unexpected increases in crude production in the US and sanctioned countries.

Goldman Sachs also noted that despite a rise of 8 per cent in global investment in oil and gas projects last year, the figures still lingered 40 per cent below 2014 levels. This trend remained, despite significant price increases.

In the long term, the price cap on Russian crude exports – a move meant to maintain market stability while reducing Moscow’s revenues – could potentially shift power from producers to consumers if it sets a precedent for future sanctions, Goldman Sachs warned.

While the bank acknowledged that the energy crisis had not caused any substantial harm to crude demand, it predicted a long-term decline in oil consumption due to the rise in investment in clean energy and electric vehicles.

Image Credit: Zbynek Burival on Unsplash

In what is anticipated to be the largest Hajj pilgrimage in recorded history, over 2.5 million Muslims are expected to participate this year, as Saudi Arabia relaxes the stringent Covid-19 restrictions that have been in place since 2020.

The annual pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam obligatory for all able-bodied and financially capable adult Muslims, commenced on Sunday in Mecca with the tawaf – the ritual of circumambulating the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure at the heart of Islam’s most sacred site.

A representative from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced, “This year, we will witness the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history”. The increase in attendees marks a significant rise from the severely reduced numbers of the past few years due to the pandemic: a mere 10,000 in 2020, 59,000 in 2021, and a capped one million in 2022.

For some, such as 65-year-old Abdelazim from Egypt who managed to amass the $6,000 required for the pilgrimage over two decades, these are “the most beautiful days” of their lives.

Following the initial rites at the Kaaba, the faithful will journey to Mina, approximately 8km from Mecca’s Grand Mosque, al-Masjid al-Haram, and subsequently to Mount Arafat, revered as the location of Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon.

Preparations have been made in Mina to accommodate the crowds, with necessary provisions in place and security forces on the ground. However, this year’s Hajj presents an additional challenge, as pilgrims are set to endure the sweltering heat of nearly 45 degrees Celsius, the dates for the pilgrimage being dictated by the lunar calendar.

Saudi authorities have mobilised more than 32,000 health professionals and an extensive fleet of ambulances, poised to respond to instances of heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion.

The Hajj pilgrimage, a journey both physically and emotionally strenuous, serves to purify believers of their sins and cultivate a closer connection with God. This year, the pilgrimage takes place between 26th June and 1st July, with the celebration of Eid al-Adha scheduled for 28th June.

Despite the costliness of the journey, it fosters hope amongst many who, despite living in areas ravaged by conflict, poverty, or occupation, diligently save whatever funds they can to afford the pilgrimage. Among the participants this year, groups have journeyed from Gaza, whilst pilgrims from northwest Syria have travelled through Turkish border crossings, and Yemenis have boarded the first direct flight to Saudi Arabia since 2016.

Image Credit: Haidan on Unsplash

The most interesting idea about posthumanism is not just its connection to artificial intelligence and genetics or its philosophical and sociocultural ongoing debates, but its determined attempt to deconstruct the human; how the human is being constructed separately from the Other. If we do not address the current rooted dualistic mindset that constitutes hierarchical socio-political construction, therefore new forms of dualism will appear: posthumans, transhumans, and robots probably will be perceived as the new Other. If there is an overall interpretation of posthuman thinking, it is that the human is not fixed, yet always enmeshed with the nonhuman world in a web of complex, mobile, and reciprocal spaces of matter and changeable meanings. In the light of this proto-ecological mindset, the boundaries between humans and nonhumans are not merely changing, but also becoming accessible.

In the age of techno-humanism, posthumanism would mean nothing but the incompleteness of human beings and questions their exceptionalism. Since agency and subjectivity are not the attributes of only human beings, the most transparent manifestation of posthumanism locates it against the exploitation of women, animals, and the natural world. It demonstrates the fragility of the human, and considers the distinction between humans and nonhumans as boundless, and the perception of the posthuman subject as product of multiplicity and collectivity.

No matter how promising or pernicious it might appear, our future in its association with technology seems quite controversial and partly filled with concerns. Humans have always sought progress and attempted to use technology for their own sake. With that in mind, posthumans will most probably perceive the old and mediocre humans as the new Other. Lowly, secondary, and even savage, they fit only for subjugation and persecution. Perhaps part of the answer could be located in the different perspectives that transhumanists and bioconservatives have in regard to posthuman dignity.

This suggests that if posthumanism prevails, environmental humanism will be forced to consider self-representation as solely transitional and also relinquish its dependency on narratives of collapse and their sense of impending ending. The possibility of having posthumans in the future has procured considerable ethical and philosophical attention. With the emergence of transhumanism, the posthuman future is seen as a positive progress or as the mere way to evade the annihilation of intelligent life.              

In this sense, it seems to be that there are many ways to distinguish between the two terms ‘posthuman’ and ‘transhuman’. The term ‘posthuman’ implicates individuals that are descendants of human beings but are no longer human, while ‘transhuman’ indicates individuals who possess abilities beyond human nature, yet a transhuman might still be regarded as human. To be true, the argument here demonstrates that we all should be in favor of a posthuman future, because it is good for human beings and for their well-beings, yet it turned out to be problematic. This vision reflects an utterly dynamic world, a world whose ontological understanding is performed rather than given, a world in which interlacing with the Other is the sole dynamic purpose of being. In this hybrid space, different forms of agency and materiality interact with each other, and humans are part of this intricate web of ontology, signification, and phenomena.

This dichotomy exacerbates and elaborates the need of posthuman dignity. Bioconservatives deny posthuman dignity, while transhumanists believe that human and posthuman dignity are interrelated. By guarding the transhumanist view, our future seems to be heading towards a more inclusive and dignified human ethics, one that will embrace future technologically modified people as well as humans of the contemporary kind.

An opposite aspect of importance is that posthumans would most likely have brains that cannot stand alone, but rather connected directly to a network. Also, it has become problematic to argue that we should encourage development towards a post-human condition, just because it is positive for individuals and beneficial in general. The more posthumans are, the more difficult it becomes to assess and to compare their individual well-being to our current status.

George Orwell says that if you want a vision of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – forever. While the posthuman world promises us more human progress, serious aspects of human liberty unearth themselves as to question the moral edge and the untamed extent of technology. It must be said with vividity and intrepidity: Technology will either free us or enslave us.

 Image Credit: Possessed Photography on Unsplash

In a ground-breaking venture of clean transportation, German air taxi manufacturer, Volocoper, has successfully carried out an array of flight trials in Saudi Arabia’s anticipated city of the future, Neom. This progress is a leap forward in Saudi Arabia’s vision for sustainable and technologically advanced transport solutions.

The milestone sees the premier flight tests in Saudi Arabia of an eVTOL – electric vertical take-off and landing – aircraft, as acknowledged in a statement by Neom on Wednesday.

“The accomplished and secure trial flight marks a significant juncture for the aviation sphere in Saudi Arabia,” commented Abdulaziz Al Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation.

This advancement follows on the heels of Neom’s 2022 disclosure of a $175 million Series E investment in Volocopter, the German air mobility firm. A collaborative venture between the two entities aims to roll out electric air taxi services throughout the city, offering connections to diverse locales such as The Line, Oxagon and Trojena.

According to Neom, Volocopter’s eVTOLs will form a pivotal component of Neom’s innovative and sustainable multi-modal transport system, anticipated to run solely on renewable energy.

Neom affirmed in 2021 that it had commissioned an order for 15 Volocopter aircraft, with plans to initiate flight operations within the ensuing two to three years. The order includes 10 VoloCity passenger and five VoloDrone logistics aircraft, a move aimed at supporting the early stages of flight operations.

An analysis from global consultancy Deloitte, suggested that 2021 marked a significant year for the Advanced Air Mobility market, with eVTOL aircraft firms witnessing investments totalling $5.8 billion.

Lasting over a week, the Volocopter flight test campaign is the outcome of 18 months of cooperation between Neom, Gaca and the German firm. The collective endeavour aims to establish and expand an electric urban air mobility system and test bed within Neom.

The flight trials prioritised the Volocopter’s aircraft performance under local climatic and environmental conditions, as well as its assimilation into the local traffic management system.

With expectations to receive type certification of its VoloCity air taxi by 2024, Volocopter is gearing up for future commercial operations. The company recently initiated serial production of the VoloCity at its facility in Bruchsal, Germany, capable of producing over 50 aircraft a year under single-shift conditions.

The 18-rotor aircraft, boasting a top airspeed of 110 kilometres per hour, comfortably accommodates a pilot and a passenger.

Image Credit: Spielvogel on Wikipedia

Hannibal Gaddafi, offspring of the deceased Libyan autocrat Muammar Gaddafi, has been admitted to a Lebanese medical facility following a fortnight of self-imposed starvation in protest against his continued confinement without trial since 2015, stated Lebanon’s Interior Minister this Thursday.

Accused of withholding knowledge about the whereabouts of Imam Musa Al Sadr, a revered Lebanese Shiite Muslim scholar, Hannibal has been under incarceration in Lebanon since charges were pressed against him. Sadr, also the founder of the influential Lebanese Amal Movement, mysteriously vanished in 1978 during a sojourn in Libya.

Hannibal, a mere toddler at the time of Mr Al Sadr’s unaccounted departure, declared his fast earlier this month, decrying the allegations and claiming to be an innocent party to the events surrounding the disappearance.

Critics among the Lebanese Shiites have long pointed fingers at the Gaddafi administration for the supposed abduction of Mr Al Sadr during his 1978 Libya visit. Muammar Gaddafi was slain by rebels amid the 2011 revolt against his four-decade-long reign.

Due to the fast causing a deterioration in his health, Hannibal was moved from the security forces’ edifice, where he was detained, to a hospital this past Wednesday, according to Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi.

In a conversation with Reuters, Reem Al Dabri, a representative for Gaddafi, drew attention to Hannibal’s tender age during Mr Al Sadr’s disappearance and stressed his non-involvement in the incident. She further labelled him a “political captive for undisclosed motives”.

In the face of a rebellion against his father’s rule in 2011, Hannibal fled Libya, finding sanctuary in Syria. He was reportedly seized and transported to Lebanon in 2015, asserted Mr Al Dabri.

Despite Libyan authorities insisting that Sadr had left their nation unharmed, prevailing belief suggests he was terminated shortly after his apprehension.

Sadr is the initiator of the Amal Movement, a powerful force in Lebanese Shiite politics, alongside Hezbollah. The movement has been under the leadership of Nabih Berri, the Parliamentary Speaker, since 1980.

Dual air strikes in Syria’s Idlib, the disputed northwestern province, reportedly claimed at least 13 lives on Sunday, according to eyewitness accounts. The strikes targeted a marketplace and a nearby building in the city of Idlib.

According to the Syrian government, the strikes aimed at an extremist outpost, conducted in conjunction with Russian air force units.

Local reports given to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights – a British-based war monitor with extensive contacts across Syria – confirmed the death of two children in the onslaught.

The observatory also reported additional fatalities from a separate air raid near the city of Idlib, which included a rebel combatant and several civilians. Three more militants were reportedly killed near the marketplace, which also claimed the lives of six civilians.

Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the organisation, stated, “These Russian strikes are the deadliest in Syria this year and equate to a massacre.” He alleged that the attacks by Russian and Syrian forces were in retaliation to dual drone attacks by militants, which resulted in four civilian deaths. One such attack in Salhab, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad’s hometown, tragically claimed the life of a mother and child.

Intriguingly, mid-June also saw the death of a Russian soldier in the neighbouring Aleppo province due to an unexplained explosion.

Eyewitness accounts of the incident on June 13 have varied, with some attributing the explosion to a mortar attack and others suggesting a roadside bomb. To date, no faction has claimed responsibility.

Labourer Saad Fato, a survivor of the marketplace strike, told AFP that he assisted with rescue efforts. He recounted the horror, stating, “Russians shells rained on us,” while he unloaded fresh produce at the time of the attack.

Abdel Rahman reported that the deceased combatant near Idlib was part of the Turkistan Islamic Party, an Uyghur-led extremist group. He further added that the deceased children’s parents were also members of this group.

Casualties continue to mount, with Abdel Rahman stating that Sunday’s strikes wounded at least 30 civilians, with a potential rise in the death toll expected.

Earlier, Ahmed Yazigi of the Jisr Al Shughur civil defence reported nine fatalities from the strikes, without specifying whether this included combatants.

Jisr Al Shughur has been a bastion of anti-government sentiment, bearing witness to some of the most violent confrontations between the regime and anti-government groups and protesters in 2011.

At present, the Idlib region is heavily influenced by extremist Islamist factions, with nearby areas bordering Turkey under the control of Turkish-backed Islamist militias. The conflict in Syria’s north continues to smoulder, with neither side achieving clear victory.

The Syrian conflict, which began in 2011 following brutal suppression of pro-democracy protests, has resulted in over half a million deaths and displacement of approximately half of the country’s pre-war population. The Assad regime, backed by Russia and Iran, has gradually regained much of the territory initially lost in the early stages of the conflict.

On the preceding Saturday, two more civilian deaths in the Idlib region were attributed to a Russian air strike.

Image Credit: Aladdin Hammami on Unsplash

As the significant festival of Eid Al Adha approaches, communities in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region face a steep obstacle. Escalating livestock prices, propelled by rampant inflation, are placing the central tradition of animal sacrifice under strain.

Eid Al Adha, often referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a key commemoration for Muslims worldwide. It recalls the Quranic tale of the Prophet Ibrahim being commanded by God to sacrifice his son, Ismail – a supreme test of faith, which culminated in the angel Gabriel replacing Ismail with a ram at the final moment.

This ritual sacrifice of livestock, typically sheep, goats, and cows, traditionally takes place before the Eid Al Adha prayer. However, amid skyrocketing prices and inflation, this custom is becoming increasingly taxing.

For Baghdad resident Akeel Hameed, a previous business owner who succumbed to bankruptcy following widespread pro-reform protests and the Covid-19 pandemic, the price surge is palpable. “I, along with everyone else, enjoy making a sacrifice on this occasion, but year on year, it becomes increasingly challenging due to spiralling prices,” he said.

Inflation has seen the cost of most goods surge by at least 50% since the close of 2020 in a nation where the poverty rate stands at 31.7% among its population of 40 million. The meat prices, having risen by no less than 20% on last year’s, are adding further strain to the budgets of those wanting to participate in the age-old tradition.

Community initiatives, such as a local mosque in Mr Hameed’s neighbourhood, are offering more affordable alternatives. These community-led projects collect around 25,000 Iraqi dinars, equivalent to approximately $17, from each resident, allowing the tradition to continue collectively. “This joint approach lessens individual financial stress and promotes a sense of unity and community spirit,” Mr Hameed said.

The ripple effects of inflation are also impacting Eid remittances, with many Muslim individuals, particularly those in Western nations, opting to send money home for the sacrifice to be made on their behalf. The type and size of the sacrificial animal is dictated by each household’s financial status, and many find it cheaper to have the act performed in their home countries.

Naeem Ali, a Pakistani expatriate living in Jeddah, notes the variability in the market: “Depending on their financial circumstances, people buy smaller or larger sacrificial animals. Everyone will distribute and consume according to their abilities and means. It’s costly for us to purchase here, so we send money back home for it.”

Despite the difficulties, many continue to uphold the tradition, with some choosing to utilise official government resources such as the Saudi Adahi portal. Salma Hashem, a Saudi citizen, shared: “I trust the government’s portal, and honestly, it is the most straightforward and quickest transaction. This ensures our funds go to the right place, and meals are distributed by the government too.”

As Muslims worldwide navigate the challenges of maintaining cherished traditions amidst economic pressure, the spirit of unity and sacrifice that characterises Eid Al Adha continues to resonate, even in difficult times.

Image Credit: Rumman Amin on Unsplash

Reports have emerged that Iraq is prepared to take measures against security officials accused of conducting torture and extortion whilst they were members of an anti-corruption panel established by the former Prime Minister, Mustafa Al Kadhimi.

The government declared that the practices of torture and extortion had besmirched the operations of a special committee responsible for probing corruption in Iraq during Mr Al Kadhimi’s tenure, an allegation that surfaced on Wednesday.

In the course of its investigation, the government has proceeded with the dismissal of nine senior officials from the Interior Ministry.

Not long after his installation as interim Prime Minister in May 2020, Mr Al Kadhimi, the erstwhile intelligence director, founded what came to be referred to as Committee 29. This body was granted extraordinary powers to scrutinise significant cases of corruption.

The committee, now dissolved, was spearheaded by Lt Gen Ahmed Abu Ragheef, a high-ranking Interior Ministry official who held the position of deputy minister for intelligence and federal investigations.

The committee made numerous high-profile arrests, apprehending senior government officials and businesspersons suspected of corruption, including the former director of the pension fund, the former president of the Baghdad Investment Commission, the ex-deputy electricity minister and the erstwhile director of the privately-owned electronic payment company, Qi Card.

Critics of Mr Al Kadhimi, principally Iran-aligned Shiite political parties and militias, charged him with utilising Lt Gen Abu Ragheef’s committee as a weapon against opponents. His relations with these pro-Tehran factions were fraught as he attempted to curb their influence.

In the previous December, the incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani ordered an inquiry into supposed human rights transgressions committed by the committee following a report in The Washington Post, which claimed that it was resorting to forms of torture to extract confessions.

The government spokesperson, Basim Al Awadi, announced on Wednesday that the investigation discovered “shortcomings and human rights infringements”.

Mr Al Awadi stated that the investigation’s recommendations have been sent to the judiciary due to the “confirmed shortcomings”.

Lt Gen Abu Ragheef and eight other security officials were the only individuals mentioned by the spokesperson, along with a police officer.

An Interior Ministry official revealed to The National that three officers from the Iraqi National Intelligence Service and a civil servant from the Commission of Integrity were implicated. One suspect remains at large, according to the ministry official.

An internal report from the INIS alleges that Lt Gen Abu Ragheef “was aware of the torture and extortion during his tenure as the head of the committee and did not take any legal action”, whilst others were also complicit.

Since his appointment in late October, Mr Al Sudani has been replacing government officials with others who are closely aligned with the Co-Ordination Framework, which is the largest parliamentary group supporting him. It is the Iran-backed Shiite militias and political parties that constitute the core of the CF.

Mr Al Awadi defended the investigation, asserting that it was carried out “without any revenge or inhumane practices”.

Corruption has become a significant issue in Iraq’s political landscape following the 2003 US-led invasion that resulted in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The country was ranked 157 out of 180 in the 2022 Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

Image Credit: Qanat Al-Taghyir on Wikimedia

Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met in Madrid on Monday to address the issue of Syrian refugees and emphasised the importance of “favourable conditions” for their safe return to their homeland. The meeting between the two leaders was held at the invitation of Spain, with King Abdullah accompanied by Queen Rania during their official visit.

The royal couple attended a lunch hosted by King Filipe and Queen Letizia as part of their visit to Spain. The discussions centred around the significant number of Syrian refugees currently residing in Jordan, most of whom fled the central and southern regions of Syria, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar Al Assad. In 2014, Jordan closed its border to Syrian refugees due to the rise of militant groups, transforming the conflict into a brutal civil war.

While Spain has received a smaller number of Syrian refugees compared to Turkey and other parts of Europe, both countries agreed on the need for favourable circumstances that would ensure the safe and voluntary return of refugees while preserving their dignity. The joint communique issued by Jordan and Spain also highlighted their commitment to supporting Syrians who were forced to flee their homes and helping them find long-term solutions while upholding their basic rights.

Furthermore, the leaders stressed the urgency of intensifying efforts towards a political solution in accordance with UN Resolution 2254, adopted in 2015. This resolution advocates for a political transition in the Syrian civil war, the release of prisoners, and other measures aimed at curbing authoritarian rule and designated terrorist groups in the country.

During the visit, Spanish and Jordanian officials signed agreements to enhance cooperation in the judicial sector and recognise maritime certificates issued by both countries. This meeting between the monarchs follows the recent attendance of King Filipe’s parents, former king Juan Carlos and former queen Sophia, at the wedding of King Abdullah’s son, Crown Prince Hussein, in Amman earlier this month.

Jordan, with an income per capita of $4,100 in 2021, relies heavily on international aid, primarily provided by the US. However, European countries also play a significant role in supporting the kingdom, including funding for local communities accommodating Syrian refugees.

Image Credit: Jordanian News Agency on Twitter

Cyprus has effectively disrupted an Iranian terror plot directed towards Jewish and Israeli individuals, according to Sunday reports by the Cypriot media.

Speculation links the averted assault to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an arm of the Iranian military deemed a terrorist organisation by several nations, including the United States.

Earlier in the year, warnings from Israel’s National Security Council singled out Cyprus and Greece as probable areas for Iranian attacks on Jews and Israelis. Both countries attract a significant number of Israeli tourists and boast considerable expatriate communities.

According to the Phile News website, Cypriot intelligence, in collaboration with foreign agencies, alleged to be Israeli and American, successfully intercepted the planned attack.

The alleged attackers purportedly utilised the northern section of the island as a launching pad for the prospective assault. Cypriot intelligence reportedly tracked the cell for several months.

A source, who requested anonymity, stated that the disruption of the plot underlines Cyprus’s refusal to let its territorial disputes engender a “security loophole” for launching attacks.

Neither confirmation nor denial of these reports has come from Israeli officials.

Cyprus has been a split nation since 1974, due to a Turkish military invasion in response to a coup intent on uniting Cyprus with Greece. The governance of the northern third of the island is recognised solely by Turkey.

In October 2021, Israel announced the thwarting of an Iranian scheme against Israeli entrepreneurs in Cyprus. Allegedly, the would-be assassin was an Azerbaijani national who travelled to Cyprus from Russia with a Russian passport.

The man reportedly arrived in Larnaca, located in Cyprus’s southern region, and travelled north to the Turkish-governed city of Paralimni, where he hired a room and two vehicles. Multiple crossings of the Turkish-Cypriot border on a bicycle were reported.

Over the past year, Iranian plots targeting Israelis have been successfully countered in several other nations.

In November, Georgian authorities intercepted an attempt by a Pakistani national to assassinate an Israeli on the orders of an Iranian operative.

Additionally, Turkish authorities arrested three men in July, halting a plot by Iranian agents to murder Israelis in Istanbul. The report emerged a month after the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and local agencies deterred three attempted Iranian attacks on Israeli civilians in Istanbul. Iran rejected these claims.

In the same month, Thai security forces reportedly stymied an Iranian agent’s attempts to establish a terrorist cell and potentially launch attacks against Israelis in the country.

Iran and Israel have been entwined in a shadowy conflict spanning the Middle East and beyond for decades.

Image Credit: Hert Niks on Unsplash

The embattled former boss of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, who fled Japan under controversial circumstances, is seeking £785m ($1bn) in damages from his erstwhile employer, as per recent filings in a Lebanese court.

Born in Brazil to Lebanese immigrant parents, Ghosn masterminded the tripartite car manufacturing alliance comprising Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. He found himself under arrest in Japan in November 2018, facing charges of financial misconduct linked to the intentional misreporting of his earnings.

Following a daring escape to Beirut whilst encased in an audio equipment box, Ghosn is now engaged in legal proceedings against Nissan and associated parties for more than £785m ($1bn). These claims have been lodged with the Lebanese public prosecutor within the court of cassation.

After a 13-month period under stringent bail conditions and surveillance in Japan, Ghosn took up residence in Lebanon towards the close of 2019. The lack of an extradition treaty between Lebanon and Japan allows him to avoid returning to Japan.

Court documents, submitted last month and subsequently translated from Arabic to English, suggest that Ghosn seeks compensation for significant harm caused to his financial status and reputation.

Both Ghosn and his associate, Greg Kelly, who was found guilty in Tokyo last year for abetting Ghosn in concealing £60m ($80.4m) of his income from financial regulators, continue to deny any impropriety.

In the lawsuit, Ghosn posits that, “The grave and delicate allegations levelled against me will cast a long shadow in people’s minds,” adding that the lingering effects of such accusations, even if solely based on conjecture, would persist throughout his life.

Last year, France issued an international arrest warrant in relation to the Renault-Nissan alliance. Ghosn’s claim includes £435m ($588m) in lost compensation and associated costs, as well as £370m ($500m) in punitive damages.

The lawsuit further implicates numerous individuals, including two Nissan board members and several other employees, whom Ghosn alleges orchestrated a scheme to unseat him.

While a September hearing has been slated by the Lebanese public prosecutor, Nissan representatives have purportedly neither received the lawsuit nor been notified of its existence, as reported by Bloomberg.

Ghosn’s 18-page legal document further elucidates his initial plan to unite Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Motors with Fiat Chrysler in an expanded alliance. Ghosn maintains that this proposed consolidation triggered a plot within Nissan to dethrone him.

He insists that Nissan’s attempts to appropriately compensate him to prevent a possible move to a competing global carmaker were subsequently “criminalised” as a strategy to force him out.

Ghosn was dispatched by Renault in 1999 to salvage the then-ailing Nissan, which was on the verge of bankruptcy. This move was the result of a pact between the French and Japanese automobile giants.

He eventually became chairman of both firms as well as the alliance. Mitsubishi Motors joined as a junior partner in 2016. The alliance has since been renegotiated this year to mend relations tarnished by the original deal.

Image Credit: Ecole Polytechnique on Wikimedia

The Middle East finds itself caught in the grip of the international drug smuggling epidemic. As drug syndicates seize upon the vulnerabilities and complexities of the region, the repercussions reverberate across its landscapes. Cocaine shipments are smuggled into major shipping ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam, concealed within legitimate cargo, and subsequently distributed across the Middle East. From there, the drug is further disseminated through established networks, reaching end consumers and fueling the demand for the illicit substance within the region. The Middle East, positioned between production centers and European markets, makes it an attractive transit point and destination for cocaine and other drug smuggling operations. In January 2021, UAE authorities announced the arrest of an international drug trafficking gang, seizing approximately 1.7 million Captagon pills, which were hidden inside wooden panels being transported via sea containers. 

The Middle East is now grappling with not only the staggering influx of narcotics but the mounting socio-economic consequences, surging addiction rates, and an alarming strain on security forces. The challenge will only get worse as drug routes become increasingly intertwined with other illicit activities, including terrorism financing and money laundering. To stem the tide will require an integrated response between regional, national, and international authorities.

The problem with ports

Ports have proven to be critical nodes in global trade and transportation networks, making them attractive to drug smugglers because they provide easy access to international shipping routes. Ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam are strategically located in Europe, a highly lucrative market for drugs, and are known for their extensive infrastructure and large shipping volumes.

Millions of containers of cargo pass through these ports each year, which makes it almost impossible for authorities to thoroughly inspect each shipment. Despite efforts to enhance security measures, the sheer volume exceeds the capacity of authorities to inspect every shipment thoroughly. Criminal organizations calculate that their overall profits from successful shipments will compensate for losses if their shipment is detected and that their chances of being caught are relatively low.

Containers themselves provide an ideal hiding place for illicit substances. Criminal organizations conceal drugs within legitimate cargo or modify containers, vehicles, or other transport modes to include hidden compartments where drugs can be concealed. They have been known to hollow out fruits or vegetables such as pineapples, melons, or peppers and fill them with drugs. In some instances, they attempt to mask the odor of drugs by using chemical substances or masking agents to confuse drug-detection dogs or interfere with the accuracy of drug-detection technologies.  

Corruption within port facilities also poses a grave threat to drug interdiction efforts. Criminal organizations leverage their financial resources to bribe port officials so they might gain insider information, bypass security checks, and receive timely warnings about law enforcement activities. This bribery perpetuates a cycle of criminality and undermines the integrity of port systems, amplifying the challenges faced by authorities.  

Cartel logistics: How they get away with it

These drugs primarily originate from regions such as Latin America, particularly Colombia for cocaine, and the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan) for heroin. Various criminal syndicates, gangs, and cartels are involved in shipping these drugs. Colombian drug cartels, such as the Cali and Medellín cartels, have historically played a significant role in cocaine trafficking. They have established extensive networks for production, transportation, and distribution, and often use the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam as entry points into Europe. Mexican drug cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel, are also heavily involved in the smuggling of drugs into Europe. These cartels control large portions of the drug production and trafficking industry in Latin America and utilize their networks to ship drugs to European markets. European organized crime groups, such as the Italian Mafia and Balkan criminal networks, also have well-established networks and connections that facilitate the transportation and distribution of illicit drugs through Europe and beyond.

The offloading of drugs at sea, away from traditional port facilities, has emerged as an effective technique for criminal networks. This method reduces the risk of detection, as it bypasses traditional port inspections and surveillance systems. Criminal gangs utilize small boats or fishing vessels to rendezvous with larger ships offshore, transferring illicit substances discreetly. This practice further complicates the already challenging task of intercepting drug shipments, highlighting the adaptability of criminal networks.  

Drug smugglers constantly seek alternative routes to evade law enforcement agencies, often using less-busy ports and transportation routes to diversify their smuggling operations. By employing lesser-known ports or using less scrutinized modes of transportation such as air cargo, rail networks, or road routes, criminals can minimize their risk of interception. These alternative routes pose challenges for law enforcement agencies, which must adapt their strategies to combat evolving smuggling tactics.  

Stopping the smuggle

Understanding the significance and importance of these logistics is crucial for law enforcement agencies in developing effective strategies to combat drug trafficking. Customs officials employ an array of sophisticated strategies and cutting-edge technologies such as X-ray scanners, gamma-ray scanners, and density meters to detect concealed drug shipments, but the battle against the flow of drugs transiting through ports like Antwerp and Rotterdam remains an uphill struggle. These officials simply do not have the manpower to individually inspect each container given the sheer volume of merchandise passing through these ports.

Collaborative efforts, improved intelligence sharing, and enhanced security measures at ports are essential to disrupt these illicit operations and protect society from the devastating consequences of drug smuggling.

Dr. Kristian Alexander is a Senior Fellow and the Director of International Security & Terrorism Program at TRENDS Research and Advisory (Dubai). 

Image Credit: AFP

For the first time since 1997, an Indian Prime Minister has embarked on an official visit to Egypt. This past Sunday, the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Cairo, indicating a promising new phase for relations between the two influential powers. The meeting took place at the presidential residence in the suburban area of Ittihadiya.

Arriving in Egypt on Saturday, Modi was received by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Later, both leaders attended discussions alongside senior government representatives from both nations. This journey marks Modi’s inaugural visit to Egypt, though El Sisi himself has already visited India thrice since both leaders assumed office in 2014, with his most recent trip taking place in January.

In addition to these bilateral talks, Modi conversed on Saturday about “challenging extremism and radicalisation” with Egypt’s chief Islamic scholar, Grand Mufti Shawki Allam, as reported by Arindam Bagchi, a spokesperson for the Indian External Affairs Ministry. Modi’s arrival in Egypt followed his visit to the United States, where he met President Joe Biden and addressed the US Congress.

Modi’s itinerary includes a visit to the historic mosque Al-Hakim in Cairo’s old town, recently restored with aid from the Dawoodi Bohra community based in India. He will also pay respects at the Heliopolis War Cemetery, a memorial to Indian soldiers who served in the British Indian Army during the First World War.

India’s notable emergence as an economic and military powerhouse is underscored by Modi’s significant trips to both Washington and Egypt. Its new status as the world’s most populous country, having surpassed China, only amplifies India’s standing on the global stage.

Despite being the Arab world’s most populous nation with 105 million inhabitants, Egypt confronts substantial economic challenges, having been forced to devalue its currency thrice since last year due to inflation nearing record highs and a dollar shortage impacting import-dependent industries.

Nevertheless, Egypt is currently undertaking a comprehensive, multibillion-pound regeneration of its infrastructure, which includes the construction of two dozen new cities, an expansive network of roads, a nuclear power station, and monorail and high-speed rail connections, all worth billions of pounds.

Egypt’s strategic role in the defence of vital Red Sea shipping lanes, its position as one of the world’s largest arms purchasers, and its historical mediator role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscore its international and regional relevance.

When they last convened in India in January, Modi and El Sisi committed to a series of initiatives intended to boost bilateral trade to $12 billion within five years, an increase from the $7.3 billion recorded in 2021-22. The nations also endorsed agreements for heightened collaboration in the areas of cyber security, information technology, culture, and broadcasting.

Indian companies have made significant investments in various sectors of the Egyptian economy, including chemicals, energy, textiles, clothing, agribusiness, and retail. Over 50 Indian firms have collectively invested about $3.15 billion.

The two nations have also conducted a series of joint military exercises, exchanged vital intelligence, and coordinated counterterrorism initiatives. A potential collaboration to produce military equipment in Egypt, targeting primarily African markets, is currently under consideration.

Egypt has shown keen interest in Indian defence products and is ready to collaborate, according to Ani Trigunayat, a retired Indian diplomat with extensive Middle Eastern experience. Signalling India’s burgeoning relations with Egypt, it invited the Arab nation, alongside Oman and the UAE, to attend the G20 Summit in September as special guests.

Image Credit: India Prime Minister’s Office

Demonstrators in Lebanon have gathered in front of the central bank, demanding the removal of capital controls hindering them from accessing their savings, and calling for the bank’s governor to be held accountable for the deepening economic crisis.

Expressing their anger, Lebanese citizens who took part in the rally on Friday in the capital, Beirut, highlighted the unfairness of the situation. While politicians have been able to transfer substantial sums of money abroad, ordinary citizens have been left to bear the brunt of the crisis.

The severe economic deterioration in Lebanon first became evident in October 2019 when the central bank abruptly imposed capital controls, restricting withdrawals and preventing most Lebanese from transferring money abroad.

In February, the central bank officially announced a new exchange rate of 15,000 pounds per US dollar, abandoning the decades-long pegged rate of just over 1,500 pounds. However, depositors have complained that withdrawing funds at the official rate places them at a significant disadvantage, as the Lebanese pound has plummeted to approximately 100,000 to the dollar on the parallel market where day-to-day transactions occur.

“I need my money to purchase medication; I am diabetic,” shared pensioner Micheal Iliovits. Starting in 2021, the subsidies for medicines were largely lifted, rendering essential drugs unaffordable for many.

Unemployed individual Salam Zeiban expressed his frustration, accusing politicians of wanting the people to pay for their “theft.” He condemned this unethical behaviour, highlighting the unfairness of ordinary citizens withdrawing their funds at an unfavourable exchange rate for years, while politicians managed to smuggle their money out of the country in the early stages of the crisis.

Central bank Governor Riad Salameh has dismissed reports that the country is bankrupt due to an estimated $70 billion in losses to the financial system. Despite international arrest warrants issued against him, Lebanon has thus far refused to extradite Salameh. Although he is barred from leaving the country, Salameh continues to hold his position at the bank.

Apart from enduring a devastating economic crisis for over three years, Lebanon has been governed by a caretaker cabinet for more than a year and has been without a president for almost eight months. The parliament, where no group holds a clear majority, has failed 12 times to elect a new president, reflecting the bitter divisions between Hezbollah, supported by Iran, and its opponents.

Kazakhstan has made a surprise decision to cease hosting talks aimed at resolving the long-standing Syrian conflict that erupted 12 years ago. The move, announced by officials, has taken Russia by surprise and is expected to shock other participants as the 20th round of talks concluded in the capital, Astana.

Since 2017, Kazakhstan has provided a venue for discussions between representatives from Russia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran, focusing on finding ways to resolve the Syrian conflict. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan stated that the talks have achieved their goals, including the establishment of de-escalation zones, the reduction of casualties, and the cessation of bloodshed.

Aibek Smadiyarov, spokesperson for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, pointed to Syria’s recent re-entry into the Arab League and efforts to restore relations with Turkey as evidence that the Astana talks have fulfilled their purpose. However, Alexander Lavrentyev, Russia’s envoy to Syria and leader of Moscow’s delegation at the talks, expressed his surprise at Kazakhstan’s decision.

While no decision has been made regarding the venue for future talks, Lavrentyev suggested that Moscow, Ankara, Tehran, or even Damascus could be potential locations in the second half of the year.

The recent round of talks took place amid improving relations between Syria and Arab countries that previously supported opposition groups within the country and called for the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. Lavrentyev welcomed Syria’s reinstatement into the Arab League in May during the summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a significant step toward resolving the conflict.

Representatives from the United Nations, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq attended the Astana talks as observers, expressing their hope for a swift end to the conflict and the return of millions of refugees residing in their countries.

In a joint statement, Turkey, Russia, and Iran described the latest round of talks in Astana as “constructive” and discussed progress in preparing a plan for the restoration of relations between Turkey and Syria.

Russia has been involved in a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, collaborating with Iran to help al-Assad’s government regain control over most of the country. Turkey, on the other hand, has supported armed opposition groups throughout the Syrian war.

While Russia has been preoccupied with its military engagement in Ukraine, it has maintained its presence in Syria and made consistent efforts to assist al-Assad in rebuilding ties with Turkey and other regional countries.

Turkey has deployed troops in northwestern Syria to support opposition fighters in an enclave held by the opposition.

On Tuesday, Syrian Assistant Foreign Minister Ayman Sousan called on Turkey to provide a “clear timeline” for the withdrawal of its forces from Syria.

In May, the foreign ministers of Turkey and Syria agreed to establish a roadmap for improving strained relations following talks in Moscow, marking the highest-level contact between the two countries since the beginning of the Syrian uprising over a decade ago.

The Syrian conflict has resulted in the death of nearly 500,000 people and displaced half of the country’s population of 23 million.

Image Credit: J B on Unsplash

A recent labour Ethiopia-Lebanon agreement, aimed at safeguarding the rights of Ethiopian domestic workers, has come under scrutiny for its inadequate provisions and absence of a minimum wage requirement. The bilateral agreement, signed in April but not publicly disclosed, has raised concerns regarding the potential legitimisation of passport confiscation. According to documents obtained by Middle East Eye (MEE), the 12-page draft agreement and an accompanying eight-page worker contract fail to provide adequate legal protection for the hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian workers in Lebanon.

While the agreement received positive coverage in the media of both countries upon its signing, the obtained documents reveal that its effectiveness in safeguarding the rights of workers is questionable. Notably, the agreement does not establish a minimum wage and relies on Lebanese laws that do not extend to migrant workers. This raises concerns over potential abuse and exploitation of Ethiopian workers. Rothna Begum, a senior women’s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch, highlighted the agreement’s flaws, stating that it lacks minimum salary provisions for domestic workers and predominantly refers to weak and non-existent regulations applicable to other foreign nationals.

Sections of the agreement make reference to Lebanese legislation, asserting that Ethiopian workers would enjoy the same privileges and protections as other foreign workers. However, as Begum pointed out, Lebanon’s labour law excludes domestic workers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation without adequate legal recourse. Moreover, rather than focusing on preventative measures against abuses, such as training employers on safeguarding workers’ rights, the agreement places the burden of acquiring training and necessary information on the domestic workers themselves.

Lebanon has a history of labour abuses and mistreatment of migrant workers, particularly from developing countries in Asia and Africa. Ethiopian workers, in particular, have faced dire conditions, with reports of deaths due to suicide, accidents, and violence, often uninvestigated by authorities from either country. A study conducted recently revealed that over two-thirds of workers in Lebanon experienced sexual harassment on the job. The kafala system, a sponsorship-based arrangement that regulates the legal status of foreign workers in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries, has been heavily criticised by human rights activists as a form of modern-day slavery.

Ethiopia initially implemented a ban on labour migration to Lebanon in 2008 due to the abuses associated with the kafala system. However, the ban has not been effectively enforced. While Lebanon’s former labour minister expressed regret over the failure to abolish the kafala system in 2020, proposed reforms were hindered by appeals from Lebanese foreign worker recruitment agencies. The lifting of Ethiopia’s 15-year ban on economic migration to Lebanon in April 2023 was accompanied by concerns that the agreement’s wording could legitimize passport confiscation. Lebanese employers often seize workers’ passports to prevent them from escaping, leaving them trapped and unable to leave the country.

Experts have raised additional doubts about the effectiveness of the agreement amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis. With a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line, the ability of Lebanese nationals to afford hiring domestic workers has significantly diminished. The severe shortage of foreign currency has resulted in Lebanese civil servants earning meagre salaries of around $50 per month. Furthermore, enforcement of labour laws in Lebanon has historically been weak, with informal side agreements remaining prevalent.

These concerns add to the challenges faced by migrant workers in Lebanon, who have endured multiple crises in recent years, including the economic collapse, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the devastating Beirut port explosion. Scores of African domestic workers were abandoned by their employers in 2020 due to their inability or unwillingness to pay salaries. Ethiopian workers, who were among the lowest paid in the country prior to the crisis, have been particularly affected.

Ethiopia, grappling with its own internal conflicts and economic hardships, is seeking to boost its economy through remittances from migrant workers in the Middle East. However, agreements signed with states criticised for migrant rights abuses, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have drawn condemnation from rights activists. The lack of transparency surrounding the negotiation process and the absence of public disclosure of signed agreements have raised concerns. The leaked document obtained by MEE provides rare insight into the details of these controversial deals.

The labour agreement between Ethiopia and Lebanon has faced criticism for its lack of protections for Ethiopian domestic workers, including the absence of a minimum wage requirement and potential legitimisation of passport confiscation. The agreement, which relies on Lebanese laws that do not cover migrant workers, has raised concerns over the vulnerability and exploitation of Ethiopian workers in Lebanon.

Image Credit: Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa on Unsplash

The Minister of Health and Population in Egypt, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has issued a permanent ban on smoking in all health facilities offering curative, preventive, or rehabilitative services. The objective behind this measure is to safeguard the health and well-being of citizens by mitigating the risks associated with smoking.

Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, elaborated that the minister’s decision encompasses a prohibition on smoking within ministry premises as well as its affiliated bodies and agencies.

“The director in charge of each facility has a responsibility to enforce measures that deter smoking. Failure to comply with this directive will result in penalties in accordance with the law, which entails fines ranging from EGP 1,000 to EGP 20,000 for the director and fines between EGP 50 and EGP 100 for the smoker.”

Abdel Ghaffar emphasised that the minister’s decision aligns with the provisions set forth in Law No. 154 of 2007, amended by certain provisions of Law No. 52 of 1982, pertaining to the prevention of smoking-related harm. These regulations encompass a complete prohibition on smoking in all forms within health and educational facilities, government entities, sports and social clubs, and youth centres.

He further stated that “a supreme committee for tobacco control will be established, chaired by the Minister of Health and comprising relevant ministers and representatives from civil society institutions, as mandated by the law. The outcomes of the committee will be presented by the Health Minister during cabinet meetings to facilitate necessary actions.”

In accordance with the aforementioned legislation, a specialised department within the Ministry of Health will be established. Its members, appointed by the Minister of Justice in consultation with the Minister of Health, will possess the authority of judicial officers in enforcing laws related to combating the harms of smoking.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

Affectionately termed as the bulldog of the goat world due to its short snout, the Damascus goat is a breed that evokes mixed reactions. While some find its distinctive appearance off-putting, others are smitten by the animal’s unique features.

Native to the Middle East, they are lauded for their adaptability to the region’s scorching temperatures and arid landscape. Sporting long-haired coats, predominantly in shades of reddish-brown to brown, these goats have developed impressive resilience. This woolly coat proves to be a significant advantage as it provides insulation during the colder seasons.

A peculiar aspect of their appearance is the occasional occurrence of a plain black and white to cream coat colour. These variations, albeit rare, are attributed to the goats’ recessive genes. Additionally, Damascus goats share a close kinship with Nubian goats due to their fluffy ears, which characteristically point downwards.

In 2008, the allure of the Damascus goat’s unique looks was officially recognised at the Mazayen al-Maaz competition in Riyadh. A Damascus goat named Qahr was crowned the “Most Beautiful Goat,” capturing the hearts of goat enthusiasts across the globe. This event played a significant role in amplifying the breed’s charm and popularity.

Given that Damascus goats are bred in the Middle East, where the climate is predominantly hot, arid, and desert-like, they are exceptionally hardy, particularly in hot weather. The breed’s strength and boldness mean that they require minimal care, making them an efficient and robust addition to farms and homesteads.

Though one might initially be sceptical about integrating Damascus goats into their farm or homestead, these creatures have proven to be multifaceted. Beyond their bewitching beauty, their capacity to thrive in extreme weather conditions with little maintenance is highly commendable.

As opinions remain divided on the aesthetic appeal of the Damascus goat, there’s no denying the breed’s remarkable attributes. Whether it’s the unusual visage that fascinates you, or the admirable adaptability and hardiness that appeal to your pragmatic side, the Damascus goat is an invaluable treasure in the Middle East’s rich tapestry of flora and fauna.

The Damascus goat exemplifies the notion that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Its unorthodox looks, coupled with its resilience, make it a noteworthy and resourceful breed. So, before you pass judgement on this quirky creature, consider the possibilities it brings to the table – you might just have a change of heart.

Image Credit: Marsmux on Wikipedia

In the buzzing metropolis of Dubai, the name Mohamed Alabbar has become synonymous with opulence and innovation. As the Chairman of Emaar Properties, Alabbar’s influence in the real estate sector is monumental. However, one question remains a subject of intrigue: What is Mohamed Alabbar net worth?

A towering success: Emaar Properties and the Burj Khalifa

An emblematic figure in the Middle Eastern business sphere, Mohamed Alabbar’s net worth can largely be attributed to Emaar Properties. The real estate giant is known for its lavish projects, the most iconic of which is the Burj Khalifa. Soaring into the skies, this architectural marvel is a symbol of Dubai’s ambition and innovation.

Contrary to some misleading information, Mohamed Alabbar does not own the Burj Khalifa; it is owned by Emaar Properties, the company he chairs. The skyscraper undoubtedly generates substantial revenue, but this does not entirely translate into personal income for Alabbar, as profits are shared among shareholders.

The tapestry of business ventures

Emaar Properties is not the only string in Alabbar’s bow. He is also at the helm of Eagle Hills Properties and is associated with Africa Middle East Resources, RSH, and the investment fund Capital City Partners. These companies, with their diverse portfolios in real estate development, mining, fashion distribution, and investment, contribute significantly to Mohamed Alabbar’s net worth.

A man of remarkable intellectual prowess, Alabbar holds a doctorate in economic sciences and has received honorary degrees from institutions such as Seattle University and Sun and Moon University in South Korea. His acumen and academic background have been instrumental in his meteoric rise, starting with his early days at the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.

Weighing the scales: estimating Mohamed Alabbar Net Worth

As of 2022-2023, Mohamed Alabbar’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 billion, while the valuation of the companies under his stewardship exceeds $20 billion. However, it is essential to note that this does not solely constitute Alabbar’s personal wealth.

The global crisis that emerged in 2022 due to geopolitical upheavals may have repercussions on the financial landscape. Emaar Properties has been experiencing an upward trajectory for years. But as the saying goes, ‘the only constant is change’, and it will be worth monitoring the company’s reports in the forthcoming periods.

A keen investor and philanthropist

Alabbar is known to be an astute investor and philanthropist, with an unwavering commitment to supporting various causes. His wealth is continually being funnelled into new projects and charitable endeavours.

It is, therefore, tricky to pinpoint his exact annual income, though some sources speculate it could be up to $1 billion. However, as a man whose finances are perpetually in motion, absolute figures are elusive.

A legacy beyond numbers

While Mohamed Alabbar net worth is an intriguing topic, his legacy transcends monetary value. His contributions to transforming Dubai into a global metropolis and his unrelenting pursuit of new ventures and philanthropy paint the picture of a visionary whose wealth is matched only by his ambition and largesse.

Image Caption: World Economic Forum on Flickr

An uncommon drone strike authorised by Israel in the occupied West Bank has resulted in the deaths of three Palestinian militants, amplifying the tension in the volatile territory.

Israel’s military released a statement confirming the drone operation targeted “a terror cell in a suspicious vehicle”, responsible for a shooting attack near Jalama on Wednesday evening. This drone attack marks the first such operation in the West Bank since 2006, underscoring the escalating crisis.

Palestinian first responders on the scene reportedly discovered three bodies in the scorched remnants of a vehicle, though Israeli soldiers obstructed their removal.

Palestinian news agency, Wafa, identified the deceased as Mohammed Bashar Uweis, 28, Suhayb Adnan al-Ghoul, 27, and Ashraf Murad Saadi, 17, all residents of the city of Jenin.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), confirmed that Ghoul and Saadi were members of their organisation, while Uweis was associated with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade, the armed division of the Fatah movement.

In response to the drone strike, PIJ warned Israel’s decision-makers that they would “bear the consequences for their imprudent decision to utilise drone strikes against these operatives, and to retain their bodies”.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant retorted via Twitter, stating, “We’ll adopt an assertive and proactive stance against terror, utilise all means within our reach, and exact the heaviest price from each terrorist.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conveyed that its soldiers had identified a vehicle transporting gunmen who had previously perpetrated a shooting at a checkpoint near Jalama, a town approximately 3.5km north of Jenin.

The IDF further stated, “The terror cell had undertaken several shooting attacks towards communities in Judea and Samaria recently”, using the biblical names for the West Bank. “Upon identification of the terror cell, an IDF UAV [Unmanned Aerial Vehicle] targeted the cell and neutralised them.”

Local residents reported hearing gunfire immediately preceding the drone strike.

Nasser Torokman, a local resident, told Reuters news agency, “We heard the bullets, then an explosion. There was a fire and a burning car.”

Social media was awash with video footage showing several emergency vehicles near the fiery wreck of the targeted vehicle.

This drone strike occurred mere hours after a Palestinian man was shot dead amidst a violent outburst by hundreds of Israeli settlers who set fire to homes and cars in the town of Turmusaya, about 50km south.

The Palestinian health ministry stated the man was shot by Israeli forces “during a confrontation with the settlers”. In contrast, Israel’s paramilitary border police said its forces were providing security for firefighters when locals “rioted”, and troops returned fire when shot at.

The violence in Turmusaya followed the funeral of a 17-year-old boy in a nearby settlement, one of four Israelis killed by two Palestinian gunmen from Hamas at a petrol station and restaurant on Tuesday.

Hamas, in turn, justified the shooting as a reprisal to an Israeli military raid in Jenin on Monday, during which seven Palestinians were killed. It was the first incident in years where an Apache attack helicopter was used by IDF in the West Bank, firing missiles at militants who had attacked troop carriers with explosives, resulting in injuries to seven soldiers.

Image Caption: Ammar Awad at Reuters

The Saudi Super Cup, also known as The Berain Saudi Super Cup, witnessed an exciting shift in format during its 9th edition in 2022. This annual football competition, held for clubs in the Saudi Arabia football league system, saw a transition from a two-team format to an exhilarating four-team tournament. The alteration included the inclusion of a semi-final round, showcasing the winners and runners-up of the Saudi Professional League and the King Cup. This article delves into the captivating journey of the 2022 Saudi Super Cup, highlighting the triumph of Al-Ittihad, who emerged as the worthy champions after defeating Al-Fayha 2-0 in a fiercely contested final.

The semi-final round

On the 26th of January 2023, football fans across Saudi Arabia eagerly tuned in to witness the semi-final matches of the Saudi Super Cup. The stakes were high as the top-performing teams from the Saudi Professional League and the King Cup fought for a coveted spot in the final. The matches were a true display of skill, determination, and strategic brilliance, captivating spectators with each thrilling moment.

The final showdown

The anticipation reached its peak on the 29th of January 2023 when Al-Ittihad and Al-Fayha took the field in the final battle for the Saudi Super Cup title. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans filling the stands, exuding an unwavering passion for their respective teams.

Al-Ittihad, a football powerhouse with a storied history, showcased their experience and prowess throughout the tournament. In the final, they displayed exceptional teamwork, tactical astuteness, and clinical finishing that proved to be the deciding factors in securing their first Saudi Super Cup title.

The game commenced with a flurry of attacks from both sides, as Al-Fayha sought to make their mark on the grand stage. However, Al-Ittihad’s solid defense held firm, thwarting their opponents’ advances. It was a testament to their well-drilled backline, which successfully nullified Al-Fayha’s attacking threat.

In the 30th minute, Al-Ittihad’s relentless pressure finally paid off when their striker found the back of the net with a well-placed shot, sending their fans into a frenzy of celebration. The goal injected further momentum into Al-Ittihad’s gameplay, and they continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.

Al-Fayha, refusing to surrender, launched a spirited fightback in the second half. They pushed forward relentlessly, seeking the equaliser that would reignite their hopes. However, Al-Ittihad’s resolute defense held firm, denying their opponents any breakthrough.

As the match reached its climax, Al-Ittihad delivered the final blow, sealing their victory and the Saudi Super Cup title with a second goal in the dying minutes. The roar of triumph from Al-Ittihad’s players and fans reverberated throughout the stadium, marking a historic moment for the club.

The 9th edition of the Saudi Super Cup witnessed an exhilarating transformation in format, elevating the competition to new heights of excitement and intensity. Al-Ittihad’s triumph in the final showcased their remarkable skill, resilience, and commitment to clinch their first-ever Saudi Super Cup title. This memorable tournament will undoubtedly go down in Saudi Arabian football history, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the future editions of this prestigious competition.

Image Credit: Afdhallul Ziqri on Unsplash

In the aftermath of a deadly attack on Israeli civilians, an incensed mob of settlers launched a violent retaliation in the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya on Wednesday. The onslaught, which included the torching of homes, vehicles, and fields, left a trail of destruction and terror among the local populace. The assaults extended to the West Bank village of Urif, marking a severe escalation of violence in the region.

A day of violence began in the wake of the burial service for Israeli victims of a recent Palestinian terror assault. A subsequent rampage by Israeli settlers left one Palestinian dead, identified as Omar Qattin, a 27-year-old father of two, and a further twelve injured. Four of those were casualties of gunfire, one of whom is critically wounded, according to the Palestinian Authority health ministry.

Residents maintain that Mr Qattin, an electrician by profession, was unarmed and distant from the scene of conflict when he was shot. The identity of his assailant remains undetermined.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) criticised the violence but neglected to mention any incidents of Palestinian casualties. Despite the devastating impact on Turmus Ayya, the IDF claimed that their forces had managed to disperse the settlers and that an inquiry was underway. Meanwhile, the police force is investigating a shooting incident involving their officers, who returned fire after reportedly being targeted during the riots.

In the aftermath of the settlers’ attack, Turmus Ayya’s mayor reported that around 60 cars and 30 homes had either been partially or entirely burned, with approximately 400 settlers implicated in the assault.

Repercussions of the settlers’ rampage reached international audiences, eliciting strong reactions. Both Egypt and Jordan’s foreign ministries condemned the violence, calling for international intervention to protect Palestinians, and immediate cessation of attacks on Palestinian settlements.

The violence continued later on Wednesday when settlers from the Yitzhar area launched an assault on the nearby village of Urif. Palestinian media documented these instances of violence, adding to the rising tensions in the region.

The surge in hostility between Israelis and Palestinians is following a year of escalating tensions marked by frequent military raids in the West Bank and recurrent deadly Palestinian terror attacks. This year alone, 24 people have fallen victim to Palestinian attacks in Israel and the West Bank, with the death toll on the Palestinian side reaching 129, according to The Times of Israel.

Image Credit: Majdi Mohammed/AP

On Tuesday afternoon, four Israelis lost their lives and another four were left injured when Hamas-associated Palestinian gunmen initiated a deadly assault at a petrol station in the West Bank. This information was confirmed by both the Israeli military and healthcare services.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the incident, involving two armed assailants, occurred at a petrol station and an adjoining hummus eatery near the Eli settlement. A local Israeli civilian armed and present at the scene neutralised one of the attackers, whilst the second gunman managed to escape, only to be killed two hours later by special forces.

The emergency medical services of the Magen David Adom confirmed that they had attended to eight Israelis at the scene. While four individuals were pronounced dead, the remaining victims were transported to hospitals within Israel. Of these, one is in a serious condition, two are moderate, and one is stable.

Post-attack, Eli residents were instructed by the military to stay indoors and secure their homes while the area was swept by troops. After approximately 90 minutes, the alert was lifted.

The initial IDF investigation revealed that the assailants arrived at the petrol station in a car, initially focusing their assault rifle attack on customers at the adjacent Hummus Eliyahu restaurant before turning their attention to the petrol station. After an armed civilian neutralised one of the attackers, the remaining gunman commandeered a vehicle left running by one of the victims and fled.

Local security officials also reported discovering several knives in the attackers’ abandoned vehicle.

The victims of this deadly assault were identified by Tuesday evening as Harel Masood, 21, from Yad Binyamin; Elisha Anteman, 17, and Ofer Fayerman, 64, both from Eli; and Shmuel Mordoff, 17, from the Ahiya settlement.

The first attacker, killed at the scene, was identified by Palestinian media outlets as Muhannad Faleh, 26, from the village of Urif in the Nablus region.

Two hours later, Israeli forces tracked down the second fleeing gunman. The Shin Bet security agency reported that the elite Yamam counterterrorism police unit found the stolen vehicle abandoned near Tubas, a Palestinian town. Inside was an assault rifle used in the attack. The gunman was later located in a taxi within Tubas and neutralised by special forces.

The Palestinian Authority health ministry confirmed the second gunman’s death. He was identified in media reports as Khaled Mustafa Sabah, also from Urif.

Hamas has acknowledged Faleh and Sabah as members, though it stopped short of claiming responsibility for the assault. Hamas expressed that the attack was a response to perceived Israeli aggression against Nablus, Jenin, and the “blessed al-Aqsa Mosque”.

Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, visited the scene of the attack, holding discussions with senior officers. Following this, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesman, announced that Halevi had directed a strengthening of the region with more forces, sanctioned the demolition of Palestinian terrorists’ homes, and called for more arrests in the area.

This latest incident comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinians over the past year, punctuated by nearly daily military raids in the West Bank and a series of lethal Palestinian attacks.

Image Credit: Akivapath at English Wikipedia

The UAE Moon Mission’s ambitious journey into the cosmos is taking another giant leap as Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, announces a second attempt to land a rover on the Moon, aptly named the Rashid 2. This resolute decision comes after the UAE’s Rashid rover encountered a misfortune during its previous lunar landing attempt.

The road to the stars

The Emirates Lunar Mission (ELM), headed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), embarked on an audacious quest on the 11th of December, 2022. The Rashid Rover was integrated into Japan’s ispace Hakuto-R Mission 1 lander, and lifted off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force, Florida. This marked the UAE’s first Moon mission and made it the first Arab nation to venture towards the lunar surface.

The Rashid Rover, named after Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a key figure in Dubai’s transformation, was a technological marvel. Touted as the world’s most compact rover, it weighed approximately 10 kilograms, and was engineered to explore the Moon’s surface with a bespoke configuration.

Equipped with two high-resolution cameras, a microscopic camera, and a thermal imaging camera, the rover was intended to study the lunar surface and the mobility on the Moon’s surface. Additionally, the Langmuir probe was designed to analyse the Moon’s plasma, giving insight into the mystifying stickiness of Moon dust.

The collaboration between MBRSC and ispace was a monumental one. The MBRSC partnered with 10 international and four UAE-based entities for the Emirates Lunar Mission’s science programme. Moreover, close to 40 scientists and researchers were involved in the development of the main instruments on board the Rashid Rover.

Unfortunately, the Hakuto-R lander lost contact just seconds before its attempted landing on 25th April 2023, culminating in the crash of the spacecraft into the Moon.

UAE Moon Mission: learning and rising

Sheikh Mohammed, during a visit to the MBRSC, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to continue with its space exploration endeavours. “Emiratis have proved their ability to develop advanced space projects and rapidly create a vibrant national space sector,” he said. “The UAE built a space sector from scratch within just 10 years. The Rashid Rover mission was driven by the country’s ambitious vision for space exploration.”

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, stressed that the essence of space missions is managing risks through scientific and systematic approaches, pushing the boundaries of exploration and experimentation. He echoed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s sentiment, stating, “The biggest risk in life is not taking any risk.”

Rashid 2: a renewed hope

Sheikh Hamdan announced the inception of the Rashid 2 project, marking the UAE’s renewed determination to reach the Moon. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this second UAE moon mission reflects an unwavering spirit, one that accepts setbacks as stepping stones.

The UAE’s trailblazing venture into lunar exploration epitomises the nation’s unwavering resolve to be a leader in space science. With the second attempt now in the pipeline, the world watches with eager anticipation.

Image Credit Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Twitter account

From early April, the Middle East has been enveloped in blankets of thick, gritty haze with ominous orange skies, signalling a dire escalation in dust storm occurrences. Hospitals are flooded, and flights are grounded. With at least four fatalities in Iraq and Syria, the situation is perilous. The Kuwait dust storm and its regional counterparts highlight the urgent need for climate resilience and action.

The rising threat of dust storms in Kuwait and beyond

Dust storms, an atmospheric phenomenon prevalent in arid regions, have been striking earlier and across wider expanses. Nasim Hossein Hamzeh, a dust researcher, asserts, “The increasing frequency of dust storms means more problems, more loss of life and property, and more destruction.”

Typically occurring in late spring and summer, dust storms engulf land bereft of vegetation, driven by winds through dry, sandy terrains. The Middle East, particularly Northern Iraq, is facing the brunt of this natural calamity, with experts attributing climate change as a significant factor for the spike.

The shamal winds, known for their north-westerly direction, collect dust between Iraq’s Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often spreading it across the Arabian Peninsula. This year’s storms stretched to Saudi Arabia and even shrouded parts of Jordan.

Mohammed Mahmoud from the Middle East Institute alerts that the climate crisis is intensifying aridity and altering weather patterns, which contributes to more frequent and potent dust storms.

The human and economic toll

The Kuwait dust storm and similar occurrences in neighbouring countries have severe consequences on public health. In May alone, over 5,000 people in Iraq sought medical help for respiratory issues, and several deaths have been reported. The United Nations approximates the annual economic toll of dust storms on the region’s economy to be $13bn (£10.3bn).

Kuwait’s economy is hit particularly hard, with losses exceeding 190 million USD per annum. Sectors including aviation, oil, and commercial activities are adversely affected.

A United Front Against the Storms

UN-Habitat, in collaboration with partners, has initiated a project to bolster cities’ resilience to sand and dust storms. The project, funded by the Kuwait Fund with a 4 million Kuwaiti Dinar budget, focuses on Southern Iraq and Kuwait. It aims to enhance understanding of the dust storms, restore ecosystems in source areas, and bolster resilience and capacity among local authorities and vulnerable communities.

Eng. Wa’El Ashhab, Head of UN-Habitat’s Country Programme in Iraq, stresses the importance of this initiative, highlighting that water scarcity and drought due to climate change are formidable challenges that need urgent attention.

Dr. Ameera Al-Hasan, Head of UN-Habitat’s Country Programme in Kuwait, articulates that the project’s collaboration between multiple partners ensures that efforts are harmonised to combat the effects of climate change effectively.

A call to action

The Kuwait dust storm, coupled with the Middle East’s devastating dust storms, underlines the urgency for regional collaboration and a proactive approach to combating climate change.

As Dr. Mohammed Sadeqi from the Kuwait Fund indicates, Kuwait is a primary beneficiary in terms of countering health and economic implications caused by these storms. The project is poised to bring significant improvements to living conditions in Kuwait and the region.

In an interconnected world where environmental issues do not recognise borders, it is imperative that nations work together to address the challenges posed by dust storms and the broader climate crisis. This collaboration symbolises a crucial step in building resilience and safeguarding the region’s future.

Image Credit: Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash

The Saudi census of 2022 has recently provided the public with fresh insights into the population statistics based on nationality. This long-awaited data unveils critical dimensions of the likely presence of de-facto refugees in Saudi Arabia, and consequently casts new perspectives on the country’s refugee policies.

Elusive figures no more

For scholars analysing migration to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, obtaining reliable statistics has been a vexing challenge. Saudi Arabia, along with other GCC members such as Qatar, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, traditionally publishes estimates on the numbers of Saudi and non-Saudi populations. However, a breakdown based on nationality was absent. This made it difficult to precisely ascertain the number of migrants and refugees from various nationalities, particularly Syrians, whose presence has been a subject of debate and criticism.

Setting the record straight

The 2022 Saudi census revealed a significant presence of nationals from countries that are major sources of refugees globally. Among the top ten countries under UNHCR’s mandate in 2022, six have large communities in Saudi Arabia: Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. These numbers include 816,600 Sudanese, 449,300 Syrians, 132,300 Afghanis, 163,700 Myanmar nationals, 47,300 Eritreans, and 45,700 Somalis. Additionally, 1,814,700 Yemenis and 129,900 Palestinian nationals are residing in the Kingdom.

Interestingly, since 2018, Saudi Arabia has maintained that approximately 5% of its total population comprises refugees, a claim based on the ad-hoc assistance provided to Syrians, Yemenis, and Rohingya. However, this figure represents a form of soft recognition, and the actual number of individuals who might be entitled to refugee status under international law is likely higher.

The intricacies of identifying refugees

It’s crucial to understand that while the Saudi census figures shed light on the presence of people who might be refugees, they don’t paint the complete picture. Many individuals residing in Saudi Arabia, particularly from Palestinian and Rohingya communities, often hold travel documents from third countries, complicating their identification. Furthermore, the majority are classified as temporary labour migrants, despite many having resided in Saudi Arabia for decades. Without a formal refugee status evaluation, it is challenging to ascertain the number of people eligible for asylum.

A shift in terminology and perception

Another noteworthy aspect is the inclusion of migration as a main category in the census, signalling a potential shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach to foreign populations. Historically, Saudi Arabia has been averse to the terms “migrant” and “migration,” preferring to label foreign populations as “guests” and “visitors”. This change in terminology might indicate a gradual recognition of the permanency of certain populations within the Kingdom.

Moving forward: Saudi Arabia and refugee law

The Saudi census results underscore the importance of acknowledging the probable presence of hundreds of thousands of individuals in Saudi Arabia who might be entitled to asylum under international law. As conversations about Saudi Arabia’s commitment to refugee and asylum law continue, this data serves as a foundational basis for advocacy and dialogue. A deeper understanding of the situation is vital not only for regional geopolitics but also for the lives of those who may find refuge within Saudi Arabia’s borders.

As Saudi Arabia’s role in Middle East affairs evolves, it’s essential that this information is harnessed to foster informed discussions on refugee policies and encourage engagement with both domestic and international refugee and asylum laws. The Saudi census figures are a step in the right direction, and continuous transparency and dialogue are critical for addressing the complexities of migration and asylum in the Kingdom.

Image Credit: Ekrem Osmanoglu on Unsplash

Contrary to popular perception, Jesus is not an exclusive figure to Christianity; he is also a revered personality in Islam. It is imperative to unveil the fabric of Islamic belief to truly appreciate the tapestry that holds Jesus as an integral thread. This article endeavours to unravel the layered understanding of Jesus in Islam, and through this exploration, foster an atmosphere of interfaith dialogue and appreciation.

The prophetic lineage

The embrace of Jesus in Islamic scripture

In Islam, Jesus, or ‘Isa’ in Arabic, is considered one of the great Prophets. The Qur’an, which is the holy book of Islam, reveres Jesus as a messenger who was born to the Virgin Mary. His birth is seen as a miracle and he is often associated with performing miracles such as healing the sick and raising the dead. The Qur’an speaks of Jesus in more than ninety verses spread over fifteen chapters.

A conduit of God’s message

In the Islamic tradition, Jesus is perceived as a conduit of God’s message, similar to other Prophets like Moses and Muhammad. Muslims believe that Jesus was sent to guide the Children of Israel and that he preached the same monotheistic faith that was taught by the preceding Prophets. His core message in Islamic theology is one of peace, submission to God’s will, and adherence to piety and righteousness.

Divergent narratives

Crucifixion and ascension: an alternate perspective

One of the most profound differences between Islamic and Christian narratives revolves around the crucifixion. In Islam, it is widely believed that Jesus was not crucified but rather, he was raised to heaven. The Qur’an states that it only appeared to people as if he was crucified. This ascension is deemed to protect Jesus, who is believed to return near the Day of Judgment.

The return of Jesus: the eschatological Messiah

The eschatological beliefs concerning Jesus in Islam are particularly captivating. He is considered the Messiah who will return in the end times to restore justice and defeat the false messiah, known as the Antichrist or ‘Dajjal’ in Islamic eschatology. This belief reflects the revered and central role Jesus has in the culmination of human history in Islamic thought.

Cultural Enrichment and Interfaith Dialogue

An icon across faiths: building bridges

Understanding Jesus in Islam is not only essential for a comprehensive knowledge of Islamic theology but also acts as a bridge in interfaith dialogue. Recognising the shared reverence for figures like Jesus can foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation among different religious communities.

A cultural tapestry: Jesus in Muslim heritage

The portrayal of Jesus in Islamic poetry, literature, and art reflects a rich tradition that often intersects with Christian narratives. This cultural tapestry is indicative of the deep-rooted respect and love that Muslims hold for Jesus. His image is used to symbolise piety, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and truth.

Delving into the multifaceted role of Jesus in Islam, we uncover a figure who is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural fabric of the Muslim world. By engaging with this nuanced understanding, we can foster a deeper sense of interfaith solidarity and appreciate the shared values and beliefs that exist across religious divides. Jesus, as a revered prophet in Islam, serves as an ambassador of peace, justice, and spiritual uplifting.

Image Credit: The Dancing Rain on Unsplash

Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, is reportedly planning a diplomatic tour of the Middle East in July, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar earmarked as his destinations, according to governmental insiders.

A cornerstone of Kishida’s discussions with leaders of these Middle Eastern nations is anticipated to be the stabilisation of crude oil prices. Additionally, the Japanese Premier is keen to foster collaboration in securing reliable sources of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Japan, the insiders revealed.

Saudi Arabia’s role in the G-20

During his sojourn to Saudi Arabia, which is part of the Group of 20 (G-20) – an international forum of major economies that also counts Japan as a member – Prime Minister Kishida is expected to underscore the importance of collaboration for the upcoming G-20 summit, slated for September in India.

Deepening security ties with the UAE

The United Arab Emirates segment of his visit is particularly noteworthy as the Prime Minister is likely to engage in discussions surrounding bolstered security cooperation. Notably, the UAE became the first Middle Eastern nation to sign a defence equipment and technology transfer agreement with Japan, just last month.

Expanding the horizons of cooperation

At a press conference on Tuesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi highlighted Japan’s commitment to expanding relations with Middle Eastern countries beyond traditional energy concerns. He stated, “Japan is working on advancing relations in not only the field of traditional energy but also various other areas, such as clean energy.”

The rescheduling of a cancelled visit

It’s worth noting that a similar tour to the UAE and Qatar was originally slated for August of the previous year but was subsequently cancelled due to Prime Minister Kishida testing positive for COVID-19.

The upcoming tour reflects Japan’s ongoing commitment to strengthen ties and foster collaboration with key Middle Eastern countries in an array of sectors, including energy, security, and sustainable development.

Image Credit: Cabinet Public Relations Office, Cabinet Secretariat

Cairo and Ankara are looking towards a thaw in diplomatic relations as Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, is poised to undertake a state visit to Turkey. The invitation was extended by the recently re-elected Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and serves as a significant step in rebuilding relations between the two nations.

The information regarding President Al-Sisi’s impending visit was revealed by Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen, who holds the position of Ankara’s chargé d’affaires in Cairo, as per a report in the Daily Sabah last Friday.

It is understood from diplomatic channels, which were cited by NTV, a Turkish broadcaster, that President Erdoğan invited President Al-Sisi to visit Turkey after the latter phoned him to extend his congratulations on Erdoğan’s election triumph. The visit is speculated to take place shortly after the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, commencing on 28 June.

This latest progression in diplomatic affairs is in continuation of an earlier agreement made last month, where both nations concurred to bolster their relations through the exchange of ambassadors. This development is particularly noteworthy considering the protracted strain in relations since 2013, when Egypt underwent a military coup backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The coup led to the ousting of the late President Mohamed Morsi, who was known to share close political and ideological ties with President Erdoğan.

Following the coup, diplomatic relations between Egypt and Turkey have been sustained at a reduced level, with both nations being represented through chargés d’affaires.

Furthermore, the groundwork for enhanced diplomatic engagement has been building since November of the preceding year, when Presidents Al-Sisi and Erdoğan were seen meeting and exchanging pleasantries on the sidelines of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

As the Middle East grapples with myriad challenges, this potential rapprochement between two of the region’s influential nations could hold broader implications. Eyes will be on Ankara and Cairo to see how these developments unfold and what it could mean for the region’s stability and cooperation.

Image Credit: Reuters

Weaving the threads of history

Lebanon, a picturesque land nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Mount Lebanon, has long been a crucible of civilisations. Its sartorial culture, which mirrors the myriad influences it has absorbed over centuries, is an oft-overlooked jewel in this treasure trove of heritage.

A tapestry of traditions: the evolution of Lebanese garments

Traditional Lebanese attire, like the country itself, is a mélange of cultures. The primary ingredients in this sumptuous sartorial stew are the indigenous Levantine traditions, marinated in an assortment of Ottoman, French, and other Mediterranean influences. For instance, the ‘tarboush’ or fez, a quintessential part of male attire, was borrowed from the Ottoman Empire, whilst the French Mandate introduced modern tailoring techniques to Lebanon.

The quintessence of elegance: women’s attire

Abaya and Jalabiya: Among the quintessential garments in a Lebanese woman’s wardrobe, the Abaya and Jalabiya stand out. These flowing robes, embroidered with intricate threadwork and accented with ornate accessories, are both an ode to femininity and a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of yore.

The Headscarf: Donning a headscarf is not merely a religious observance but also a cultural emblem. The headscarf’s material, design, and manner of draping often speak volumes about a woman’s social standing and heritage.

The stoic grandeur: men’s attire

Sherwal and Serwal: The ‘Sherwal’ (baggy trousers) and ‘Serwal’ (similar to ‘Sherwal’ but tapering at the ankles) are staples in a Lebanese man’s wardrobe. These comfortable yet dignified garments are often coupled with a ‘Jubba’ or ‘Qumbaz’ (a long-sleeved tunic).

The Tarboush and the Agal: As mentioned earlier, the tarboush has its origins in the Ottoman Empire, while the Agal (a black cord worn to secure the headscarf) reflects Bedouin influence.

Modern embellishments: the contemporary reimagining

In recent years, contemporary Lebanese designers have been assiduously weaving their ancestral culture into modern fashion. Designers like Elie Saab and Reem Acra have elevated traditional Lebanese clothing and embroidery onto the global stage, encapsulating an elegant mélange of the old and new.

Social and cultural significance

Traditional Lebanese clothing is not merely a way to cover oneself but an emblem of cultural identity and social unity. Festivals such as Eid and the Feast of the Assumption often see a resurgence of traditional attire, as an array of colourful garments illuminate the streets, resonating with pride and camaraderie.

Threads that bind

Traditional Lebanese clothing is a rich tapestry woven through centuries, reflecting the social, cultural, and historical heritage of this fascinating nation. As modern designers breathe fresh life into these time-honoured garments, it is crucial to appreciate and preserve the intricate threads that bind the Lebanese people to their splendid past.

Image Credit: Redd F on Unsplash

Intense skirmishes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian militants in the West Bank city of Jenin resulted in the demise of five Palestinians and injuries to eight members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday morning. The IDF deployed an Apache helicopter for a series of unprecedented airstrikes – the first in the region in nearly two decades – in a bid to evacuate the wounded soldiers from the combat zone following a roadside explosion targeting a military vehicle, according to official reports.

The IDF and Border Police issued a succinct joint statement, disclosing that they had entered Jenin in the early hours with the objective of apprehending two sought-after Palestinians. The statement further illuminated that the forces were engulfed in heavy gunfire, and assailants launched an assortment of explosive devices. The Israeli forces retaliated with live fire, resulting in several gunmen being struck.

The Palestinian Authority’s health ministry released a statement reporting that in addition to the five fatalities, approximately 91 individuals were wounded in the melee. The deceased were identified as Khaled Asasa (21), Qassam Abu Sariya (29), Qais Jabareen (21), Ahmed Daraghmeh (19), and Ahmed Saqr (15). Notably, at least 23 of the injured, including a young girl, were severely wounded.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad subsequently asserted that Abu Sariya, Jabareen, and Daraghmeh were affiliated with local factions in Jenin and the nearby town of Tubas.

The Jenin Battalion, a local arm of the Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for detonating explosive devices in proximity to IDF vehicles, which were subsequently assaulted with gunfire.

Visuals circulated by Palestinian media depicted an IDF vehicle enveloped in smoke following a roadside explosion. In subsequent footage, IDF vehicles were targeted with gunfire and a cacophony of gunshots and explosions could be discerned throughout the city.

The IDF and police released a separate communique revealing that eight personnel, comprising soldiers and Border Police officers, were injured in the conflict. Among them, three IDF soldiers sustained injuries – two moderate and one light. Of the five injured Border Police officers, two were moderate and three light. All were airlifted to various hospitals in Israel for treatment.

An Apache helicopter was deployed to launch missiles at areas where militants were identified, facilitating the evacuation of the injured soldiers.

Footage disseminated by Palestinian media demonstrated the helicopter deploying missiles and flares over Jenin, possibly in response to concerns regarding potential anti-aircraft missile attacks from the ground. This marked the first time since the early 2000s, during the Second Intifada, that airstrikes have been deployed in the West Bank.

The IDF reported that Palestinian militants fired upon the helicopter, causing slight damage to the tail rotor. This, however, did not impede the completion of the airstrike mission.

IDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, indicated that forces continued operations in Jenin for several hours to retrieve heavily damaged vehicles. He assured that the situation was under control and that a thorough investigation would ensue to draw lessons from the incidents.

Tensions in the region have been escalating for the past year, with frequent military incursions in the West Bank and a spate of deadly attacks. The raid on Monday marked the deadliest in Jenin since January.

Image Credit: Omri Greenberg on Unsplash

A storied past: the genesis of knowledge

Established in 1923, Damascus University holds the illustrious title of the oldest and largest university in Syria. It stands as a testament to Syria’s rich historical tapestry and its unwavering commitment to education. The university was born at a time when the Middle East was undergoing seismic shifts, and it has since played a crucial role in shaping the minds that build nations.

The architectural oasis: aesthetic wonders on campus

With its sprawling campus, Damascus University is more than an educational institution; it is an architectural marvel. Blending traditional Arabesque motifs with modern designs, the campus buildings stand as a symbol of the synergy between the university’s heritage and its forward-thinking vision. The central library, with its towering stacks and serene reading rooms, is a haven for bibliophiles and scholars alike.

Academic prowess: a cornucopia of disciplines

Damascus University boasts an impressive array of faculties, ranging from Medicine and Engineering to Fine Arts and Humanities. Its academic programmes are revered for their rigour and commitment to excellence. With an international faculty and a diverse student body, the university is a melting pot of cultures and perspectives, fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.

Nurturing medical innovators

The Faculty of Medicine, one of the university’s crowning jewels, has been at the forefront of medical advancements in the region. Notable alumni, such as Dr. Saad Alah Ibrahim, have gone on to make ground-breaking contributions in the field of medicine.

Engineering the future

With its finger firmly on the pulse of technological innovation, Damascus University’s Faculty of Engineering is pioneering cutting-edge research. The faculty prides itself on cultivating engineering marvels that are not only pushing the boundaries of innovation but also addressing real-world challenges.

Cultural stewardship: beyond the books

Damascus University is not just an academic giant; it’s also a cultural steward. The university is deeply intertwined with the rich culture and history of Syria. Through various clubs, societies, and events, it nurtures an appreciation for arts, literature, and traditions among its students.

Global outreach: touching lives beyond borders

The university’s impact is not confined to the Middle East. Through collaborations with institutions around the globe, Damascus University is a part of a larger academic community. Its scholars contribute to global knowledge, and its alumni are making waves internationally. Some of its alumni include Mahmoud Abbas.

Triumphs amidst tribulations

Despite the challenges faced by the region, including conflicts and economic hardships, Damascus University has demonstrated resilience. It continues to provide quality education, support research, and contribute positively to society.

The Road ahead: paving paths of excellence

As Damascus University enters its second century, it faces the challenge of maintaining its heritage while adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving world. With its indomitable spirit, a diverse community, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Damascus University is poised to continue its legacy as the cradle of enlightened minds in the Middle East.

Damascus University, steeped in history and driven by excellence, remains an integral part of Syria and the wider Middle East. Through education, innovation, and cultural preservation, it continues to light the path for future generations.

Image Credit: Bassel.92 on Wikipedia

In an unexpected turn of events, the highly anticipated animated film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, has been barred from screening in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a week before its planned debut in the Middle Eastern nation.

The superhero saga, which has garnered global acclaim and raked in approximately $400 million worldwide within just twelve days of its release, has failed to clear the UAE’s stringent censorship protocols.

As reported, speculation suggests that the film may have been restricted due to the presence of a scene featuring a background poster that shows the transgender flag with the words “Protect Trans Lives”.

The UAE has a history of stringent laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Same-sex relations are criminalised, and the country’s legal framework also takes a stern stance against transgender individuals’ gender expression. The Human Dignity Trust highlights that convictions in such cases can be severe, including the theoretical possibility of capital punishment.

These laws are enshrined in the Criminal Codes of several Emirates, such as Abu Dhabi, where “unnatural sex with another person” is considered illegal, and Dubai, where acts of “sodomy” are prohibited. Additionally, Sharia law, which operates in tandem with the UAE’s legal system, prescribes stringent penalties, including the death sentence. However, there is no recorded evidence of such a penalty being enacted against LGBTQ+ individuals to date.

Transgender individuals also face potential legal action under the UAE’s Federal Penal Code of 1987, which criminalises a “male disguising as a female”, and can result in up to one year of imprisonment and a financial penalty.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is not the first cinematic creation to face such an impediment in the UAE. In the previous year, Disney and Pixar’s space adventure, Lightyear, was also prohibited due to a scene that portrayed a same-sex kiss between two characters.

Moreover, it is important to note that the UAE is not alone in this regard. Other Middle Eastern or Muslim countries, including Malaysia, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, have also withheld Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse from their cinemas.

This ban serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between global cinematic productions and the cultural and legal constraints within specific regions. As the film continues to thrive internationally, its absence in the UAE and several other Middle Eastern nations highlights the divergent values and regulations across different parts of the world.

Image Credit: Felix Mooneeram on Unsplash

Ryanair’s chief executive, Eddie Wilson, has issued a formal apology following an incident that sparked an outcry among Israeli passengers aboard a flight from Bologna to Tel Aviv on 10 June. The commotion ensued after a cabin crew member inadvertently referred to Tel Aviv as being situated in Palestine during an in-flight announcement made in both English and Italian.

In a conversation with the Jewish Chronicle, Ryanair clarified that a junior cabin crew member made the statement in error during a routine descent announcement. The company asserted that there was no political agenda or motive behind the slip-up. The error was promptly rectified, and an apology was extended to the passengers by a senior crew member on board.

However, despite the apology, some passengers on the flight continued to express their anger vociferously. As reported by the BBC, local law enforcement was summoned to meet the aircraft upon its landing due to the escalated situation.

Israeli media pundits weighed in on the matter, with some suggesting that Israelis should contemplate boycotting the airline unless an official apology was forthcoming.

In a statement, Mr Wilson emphasised that the incident was “an innocent mistake with no political overtones or intent”. He added that Ryanair views the blunder seriously as mentioning Tel Aviv as a Palestinian city could be perceived as denying recognition to the Jewish state, which is deemed highly sensitive and provocative.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Mr Wilson conveyed that he personally penned a letter to the Israeli ambassador to Ireland, expressing regret over the incident. He also reaffirmed that Israel is an essential partner for Ryanair.

Ryanair, currently the second-largest airline operating in Israel, has ambitious plans in the country. Mr Wilson expressed the company’s commitment to bolstering its presence by investing in Israel. He underlined that the goal is to augment both the number of Israelis travelling to Europe and to foster inbound tourism into Israel.

Image Caption: Kevin Hackert on Unsplash

In a noteworthy development indicative of diminishing hostilities, Yemenia Airways conducted the first commercial Yemen-Saudi flight from Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, to Saudi Arabia since 2016. The flight, which carried 277 hajj pilgrims, took off at around 8 pm local time on Saturday.

The Saudi-led coalition, engaged in conflict with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, had imposed a blockade on Sanaa’s international airport since August 2016. This latest development is seen as a beacon of hope among Yemenis.

Mohammad Askar, one of the passengers on the flight, expressed his emotions by saying, “Hopefully, the blockade will end and the airport will remain open. We are very happy and relieved, and I cannot describe the feeling.”

Prior to the blockade, the airport was largely closed to commercial flights, with only a few exceptions for vital aid flights. These humanitarian flights have been crucial for the Yemeni population in the midst of what the United Nations has labelled as one of the globe’s most severe humanitarian crises. Yemen has seen hundreds of thousands of fatalities due to both the conflict and collateral hardships such as famine and water scarcity.

Remarkably, despite the Saudi-led military campaign against them, the Houthi rebels continue to control key areas of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, which they seized in 2014.

The Yemeni authorities announced two additional flights to take place on Monday and Tuesday. Houthi Works Minister Ghaleb Mutlaq estimated that approximately 200 flights would be required to facilitate the travel of the 24,000 people keen to travel.

Najeeb Al-Aji, the Houthis’ Minister of Guidance, Hajj and Umrah, viewed this development positively. He said, “We consider what is happening today as a good gesture, so that airports, especially Sanaa airport, will be opened to Yemeni travellers.”

Before the reopening, pilgrims had to undertake an arduous 12-hour bus journey to reach Saudi Arabia or the government-held city of Aden, where flights to Saudi Arabia were available. This was a significant burden, as the route was marred by checkpoints and difficulties.

The conflict in Yemen saw a marked decline after a UN-brokered ceasefire came into effect in April of the previous year. The truce, although temporary, allowed for a resumption of international flights from Sanaa. The first such flight in six years took off for Amman, Jordan in May last year.

Moreover, peace endeavours have gained momentum since March, following Saudi Arabia’s unexpected overtures towards Iran aimed at pacifying the region and bolstering its economic diversification efforts.

This detente led to Iran reopening its embassy in Riyadh, and recently, the Saudi foreign minister visited Tehran for discussions with his Iranian counterpart.

Although there have been promising developments, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain. United Nations Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, remarked at a forum in The Hague, “We are all aware that the road to peace is going to be long and difficult,” highlighting the rise in bellicose rhetoric threatening further escalation.

The recent opening of the Yemen-Saudi flight path is a small but significant step towards easing tensions in a region fraught with conflict, and offers a glimmer of hope for the people of Yemen.

Image Caption: Konstantin von Wedelstaedt on Wikipedia

A verdant wonder in the Arabian forests

The Arabian Peninsula, a region known for its vast deserts, is also home to lush jungles and forests, where a hidden gem lies nestled amongst the foliage. This gem is the Yemen Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus), an arboreal lizard whose kaleidoscopic colours and peculiar behaviours make it one of the most fascinating creatures in the Middle East.

The abode in the canopy: a life above the ground

Yemen Chameleons, also referred to as cone-head chameleons or veiled chameleons, are predominantly found in the jungles of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. They lead a quintessentially arboreal existence, spending the majority of their lives clinging to branches and swaying gently. This subtle swaying mimics the movements of leaves in the wind, allowing the chameleon to blend in with its environment exquisitely.

Polychromatic prowess: The art of changing hues

One of the most intriguing attributes of the Yemen Chameleon is its ability to change colours. However, contrary to popular belief, this is not primarily for camouflage. The hues of a Yemen Chameleon’s skin reflect its emotional state and physiological conditions. When basking in the warmth and feeling content, the chameleon boasts vibrant shades. In contrast, cooler temperatures or stress cause the colours to dim, and dark spots may emerge. During the breeding season, males flaunt vivid colours to entice females, while gravid females display dark markings.

A dichotomy in size and lifespan: males vs. females

In the world of Yemen Chameleons, sexual dimorphism is striking. Males are significantly larger than their female counterparts and exhibit more elaborate patterns in shades of blue, teal, yellow, and green along their abdomen and tail. In addition to the size, there is a substantial difference in lifespan between the sexes. Males live almost twice as long, with an average lifespan of 7-8 years, compared to the females’ typical 3-4 years.

Nature’s sniper: the chameleon’s hunting techniques

Yemen Chameleons are astute hunters. With their unique eyes that can move independently, they have a 360-degree view of their surroundings. They remain almost statuesque, blending in with their perch as they await their prey. Once an unsuspecting insect comes into range, the chameleon’s tongue, which can be as long as its body, shoots out at lightning speed to capture the prey.

An arboreal treasure worth protecting

The Yemen Chameleon represents a spectacular blend of beauty, adaptability, and mystery. Its enthralling lifestyle and ability to paint itself in myriad colours make it an invaluable treasure of the Arabian Peninsula’s jungles. As the world continues to face environmental challenges, it is vital that we safeguard these delicate ecosystems and the enchanting creatures like the Yemen Chameleon that call them home.


Image Credit: Oleksandr Kuzmin on Unsplash

In a breakthrough move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar have reopened their respective embassies today, signalling a strengthening of ties between the two Gulf nations. The official confirmation of the UAE embassy opening its doors in Doha and Qatar’s embassy resuming operations in Abu Dhabi was announced on the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

This development has been linked to the Al Ula agreement, which marked the commitment of both countries to bolster their bilateral relationship. The Ministry noted that the reopening of embassies reflects the “collective will of the leaderships of both nations”.

UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, engaged in a cordial conversation with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman. They exchanged felicitations on the recommencement of the embassies’ operations, as reported by the state news agency, Wam.

The path to this moment has been arduous, as the UAE and Qatar have worked determinedly to renew ties and reopen embassies following the pivotal Al Ula agreement in 2021. This agreement was instrumental in quelling the Gulf rift, which ensued in 2017 when Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic relations with Qatar. The severance was grounded on accusations of Qatar supporting terrorism and meddling in the internal affairs of neighbouring countries, charges which Doha steadfastly refuted.

The resolution of the conflict was cemented in 2021 when Qatar, alongside other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, congregated in Saudi Arabia to herald the Al Ula declaration. This declaration aims to create a “unified and geostrategic bloc” to collectively address shared challenges.

Following this stride towards regional amicability, Saudi Arabia and Egypt were quick to take the lead by assigning ambassadors to Doha. Bahrain also followed suit in April, announcing its intention to re-establish ties, including reinstating travel connections.

This landmark reopening of embassies is perceived as a significant step towards regional stability and enhanced cooperation amongst Gulf countries, which is likely to have positive ramifications in the Middle East.

A gateway to ocean wonders

Unveiled to the public on 6 June 2008, Sharjah Aquarium is not just an attraction; it’s an invitation to dive into a world teeming with marine wonders. Nestled in the enchanting emirate of Sharjah, this enthralling sanctuary covers a staggering 6,500 square metres, encompassing two floors of spellbinding marine exhibits.

A tapestry of marine life

As you traverse the 21 aquariums that the Sharjah Aquarium graciously hosts, you are submerged into a vibrant tapestry of marine life. Holding 1.8 million litres of water, these aquariums are a microcosm of the natural aquatic habitats found around Sharjah’s coast. Over 100 species, from the intricate seahorses and vivacious clownfish to the majestic sea rays and enigmatic reef sharks, beckon visitors to contemplate their grace and diversity.

The coral reefs: nature’s jewelled crown

The Sharjah Aquarium particularly celebrates the delicate beauty of coral reefs. Often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, these complex ecosystems are home to an astonishing array of marine species. The aquarium’s coral exhibit offers a glimpse into the chromatic splendour and ecological significance of these underwater forests.

Mangroves and lagoons: crucibles of biodiversity

Moving along, the mangrove and lagoon exhibits illuminate the intricate networks of roots and calm waterways that harbour nurseries for countless marine creatures. These vital ecosystems play a pivotal role in protecting coastlines and supporting biodiversity.

Education and conservation: a commendable undertaking

Sharjah Aquarium’s commitment extends beyond showcasing marine biodiversity; it embraces a formidable role in conservation and education.

The Turtle Rehabilitation Program: a journey home

One of the crowning achievements of Sharjah Aquarium is its Turtle Rehabilitation Program. This noble initiative involves the meticulous care and rehabilitation of injured or sick sea turtles. The expert husbandry team tends to these gentle giants until they are ready to make their triumphant return to the sea.

“Because We Care”: an environmental anthem

As part of Sharjah Museums Authority’s “Because We Care” initiative, the aquarium is actively engaged in raising environmental awareness. The annual marine environment clean-up campaign epitomises the aquarium’s resolve to preserve the beauty and integrity of marine attractions. This campaign is instrumental in educating the public about the perils of marine pollution and the significance of responsible stewardship.

A nurturer of maritime legacy

Beyond its contemporary efforts in conservation and education, Sharjah Aquarium also serves as a custodian of Sharjah’s maritime heritage. Through its exhibits, the aquarium pays homage to the emirate’s historic coasts and ports, engendering a sense of pride and belonging amongst visitors.

A treasure beyond measure

Sharjah Aquarium is more than a repository of marine life; it is a clarion call to embrace the wonders of the ocean with reverence and responsibility. Whether you are an eager student, a curious tourist, or a steadfast environmentalist, this is an experience that will leave you both enriched and inspired. So don your explorer’s hat, and let the currents of Sharjah Aquarium carry you into a world beyond imagination.

Image Credit: Shibin Baby on Unsplash

A Babylonian tablet, bearing an inscribed cuneiform text and believed to be 2,800 years old, has been unveiled in Iraq following its repatriation from Italy. The artefact, which was absent from its homeland for almost four decades, features an ancient Babylonian alphabet and was displayed to the public as a symbol of Iraq’s rich cultural heritage.

The relic was formally returned to Iraq by the Italian authorities in a ceremony held in Bologna, where it was presented to the Iraqi President, Abdul Latif Rashid.

The circumstances surrounding the Babylonian tablet’s discovery and its subsequent journey to Italy remain shrouded in mystery. It was seized by Italian law enforcement in the 1980s, but the specifics of how it ended up in Italy are not well-documented.

Iraq’s Culture Minister, Ahmed Badrani, has speculated that the tablet might have been unearthed during the archaeological excavations that coincided with the construction of the Mosul Dam in the 1980s.

Iraq, often hailed as the ‘cradle of civilisation’, boasts a history steeped in cultural achievements, not least of which is the development of the world’s first writing system. Its illustrious past includes the establishment of the Bayt al-Hikmah, or House of Wisdom, in the late 8th century. This iconic institution housed what was, at the time, the world’s most extensive collection of literature on science, art, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy.

Tragically, the rich trove of Iraq’s antiquities has suffered devastating losses due to looting, particularly in the aftermath of the US-led invasion two decades ago.

President Rashid lauded Italy for its collaboration in returning the Babylonian tablet and expressed a steadfast commitment to pursuing the recovery of additional Iraqi artefacts that remain abroad. He highlighted the importance of such historical pieces in understanding and preserving Iraq’s cultural heritage.

This development marks a pivotal moment in Iraq’s ongoing efforts to protect and reclaim its historical treasures and underscores the global importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage.

Image Credit: Zunkir on Wikipedia

On Saturday, Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi castigated the Members of Parliament (MPs) who absented themselves from Wednesday’s presidential election session, thwarting the electoral process from proceeding along its “constitutional and democratic course”.

This mass departure left the session bereft of the requisite quorum, impeding a second electoral round after Jihad Azour garnered 59 votes to Suleiman Franjieh’s 51 in the initial round. To clinch the presidency in the first round, a candidate must secure 86 votes, while 65 votes suffice in the second round.

Beshara al-Rahi’s response

Patriarch al-Rahi lamented that this turn of events “pained us, compromised our national dignity, and made us appear lamentable in the eyes of the international community, particularly as all are yearning for Lebanon to elect a president and thus ameliorate its tribulations.”

He also maintained impartiality, articulating that he harboured no preference for any particular candidate, and stressed that the newly-elected president must “rise to the challenges, chiefly forging national unity, invigorating state institutions, and initiating imperative reforms.”

For the twelfth time, Lebanon’s Parliament has been unable to elect a president, leaving the nation mired in political stalemate.

The legislative body convened on Wednesday in an attempt to appoint a successor to former President Michel Aoun, whose term concluded in October of last year. However, deep-seated discord prevented the attainment of the necessary majority. The main contenders were Jihad Azour, a past finance minister and a high-ranking figure within the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Sleiman Frangieh, the head of the Marada party, which boasts a rich lineage in Lebanese politics.

“Hezbollah remains resolute in not recognising the opposition’s candidate, terming him confrontational,” said Khodr. She added, “Hezbollah has come under fire for endorsing its own nominee, Sleiman Frangieh, a figure whose legitimacy is questionable within his community, as Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing arrangement reserves the presidential post for a Christian, and the dominant Christian factions in Parliament are rallying behind Jihad Azour.”

In the first electoral round, 86 out of a possible 128 votes, equivalent to two-thirds, are needed to elect a new leader. Azour, who has the backing of those opposing the Iran-supported Hezbollah, narrowly outperformed his rival with 59 votes compared to Frangieh’s 51 but failed to amass the requisite majority. Eighteen legislators cast blank or protest votes or supported minority candidates.

Following the first round, the bloc led by the influential Hezbollah recused itself, causing the session to lack quorum and thereby inhibiting a second round where only a simple majority of 65 votes is required to secure the presidency.

Lebanon’s convoluted confessional political structure, predicated on the National Pact (an informal agreement forged in 1943), mandates faith-based representation and power-sharing. Accordingly, the president and army commander must be Maronite Christians, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker a Shia Muslim. The deputy speakers must be Greek Orthodox Christians, and the armed forces chief must be Druze. MPs are allocated according to a quota, with a 6:5 ratio in favour of Christians over Muslims and Druze.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS

A cultural nexus in the heart of Mecca

Nestled within the enchanting city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the Al-Zaher Palace Museum, commonly known as the Mecca Museum, stands as a testimony to the inexhaustible richness of Islamic culture. The museum, housed in an opulent palace, is an extraordinary amalgamation of the historical and the spiritual. This resplendent institution not only chronicles the vibrant heritage of Mecca but also sheds light on the broader cultural tapestry of the Islamic world.

The architectural prowess: a palatial marvel

Originally constructed in 1946 as a royal abode, Al-Zaher Palace captivates visitors with its architectural prowess. With grand courtyards, sweeping arches, and intricate geometric patterns adorning the walls, the palace is an exemplary representation of Islamic architecture.

Sublime artistry and ornamentation

The stucco work, Muqarnas (ornamental vaulting), and Mashrabiya (latticework windows) exude an aura of grandeur and opulence. The exquisite artisanship of the past is painstakingly preserved, making the building itself a treasure trove that transports visitors back in time.

The exhibitions: a journey through centuries

As one meanders through the corridors of Al-Zaher Palace, the senses are beguiled by the plethora of artefacts that document the annals of Islamic history.

Sacred relics and manuscripts

Amongst the museum’s prized possessions are sacred relics and centuries-old Qur’anic manuscripts. These, alongside other religious artefacts, foster a deep connection between the visitors and their faith.

Art and craftsmanship

Additionally, the Mecca Museum showcases exquisite Islamic art, jewellery, and craftsmanship that bear witness to the ingenuity and aesthetic sensibilities of the Islamic civilisations.

The Hajj pilgrimage: a spiritual odyssey

A special section of the museum is dedicated to the Hajj pilgrimage, chronicling its history and evolution. Through captivating displays and multimedia exhibits, visitors gain insight into the pilgrimage’s significance in the Islamic faith.

Educative endeavours: bridging generations

The Mecca Museum serves as an educational hub. Through workshops, lectures, and guided tours, it seeks to inculcate an appreciation for cultural heritage among the younger generation.

Engaging with modernity

Interestingly, the museum doesn’t limit itself to the past. It engages with contemporary issues and showcases modern art, thereby fostering a dialogue between tradition and modernity.

An immersive experience

The Mecca Museum is not just a place to observe objects; it is an immersive experience that entwines the spiritual, cultural, and historical threads of Islamic heritage. As one leaves the ornate halls of the Al-Zaher Palace, there is an ineffable sense of having journeyed through the annals of time, enriched by the sagas that have shaped not just Mecca but the broader tapestry of the Islamic world.

Image Credit: Abdurahman Iseini on Unsplash

A timeless edifice

Nestled within the pulsating heart of Egypt’s capital, the Cairo International Stadium serves not only as an arena for sporting triumphs but as a grand monument to the indomitable spirit of a nation steeped in antiquity. This iconic venue, which has played host to footballing titans and witnessed athletic prowess of the highest calibre, has evolved over the decades into a nexus of sporting and cultural convergence.

The genesis of a landmark

The vision to construct a behemoth of this stature was conceived in the late 1950s. With Egypt’s star on the rise, the country needed a coliseum befitting its ambitions. Designed by the esteemed German architect Werner March, the stadium broke ground in 1955 and opened its gates to a bedazzled populace in 1960. Its architectural prowess was ahead of its time, a marriage of brutalist aesthetics with the traditional Egyptian elements.

The theatre of dreams and more

While football dominates the headlines, Cairo International Stadium has been a fertile ground for a plethora of events, from athletics to concerts, and political gatherings. Its versatility is a testament to the genius of its design, and its capacity to seat over 70,000 eager spectators makes it an unparalleled venue for any spectacle under the desert sun.

Moments that shaped history

Cairo International Stadium has been the stage for many moments that have reverberated through the annals of history. Among these are the legendary football matches of the African Cup of Nations and the indelible footprints left by the iconic athletes during the All Africa Games. Each goal scored and record shattered has added a thread to the intricate tapestry that constitutes the stadium’s illustrious legacy.

The people’s Coliseum

To the people of Cairo and Egypt at large, this stadium is far more than an assembly of concrete and steel. It is an emblem of national pride, a sanctum where dreams are realised and heroes are born. The roar of the crowd is not just an echo against the cavernous dome but a chorus of a thousand voices, unified in triumph and despair.

Future-proofing a legacy

As the stadium marches through the 21st century, it does so with its gaze firmly on the horizon. Numerous refurbishments and modernisations have ensured that Cairo International Stadium continues to be an enviable venue on the global stage. With state-of-the-art amenities, it harmoniously blends its storied past with the unrelenting march of progress.

An enduring icon

The Cairo International Stadium stands as a testimony to the triumphs of yesteryears and the dreams yet to be fulfilled. It is not just a structure but a living, breathing entity that reflects the soul of a nation. As the sands of time continue to shift, this monumental edifice remains steadfast, a beacon in the heart of Egypt and an eternal reminder of the greatness that has been and that which is yet to come.

Image Credit: Crosskimo on Wikipedia

In a groundbreaking development, the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia convened in Tehran on Saturday, signalling a thaw in relations after seven years of animosity between the two nations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, extended a warm welcome to his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, at the foreign ministry. The high-ranking Saudi diplomat also held discussions with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who recently completed a Latin American tour.

The ministers expressed optimism over the restoration of diplomatic relations, highlighting the significance of this rapprochement in bolstering regional security.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not associate security with militarism. For us, security embodies a holistic concept encompassing political, economic, cultural, trade, and social dimensions among all regional countries,” stated Amirabdollahian at a press conference.

He elaborated that the dialogue encompassed trade relations, joint investments, and facilitating Saudi tourists and pilgrims interested in visiting Iran.

Prince Faisal accentuated that “mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs, and adherence to the United Nations Charter” would form the cornerstone of their renewed bilateral relations, with the objective of safeguarding the interests of both nations.

During the meeting, the issue of maritime security and curtailing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was also addressed.

In March, the two nations revealed that they had struck an agreement, facilitated by China, to reinstate diplomatic relations after a hiatus spanning seven years.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi did not mince words in his criticism of Israel during the meeting. “Only the foes of Islam, spearheaded by the Zionist regime (Israel), are aggrieved by the advancements in bilateral and regional cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia,” Raisi asserted, as reported by the Iranian state news agency, IRNA.

The Saudi foreign ministry revealed that the dialogue between Prince Faisal and President Raisi was centred on assessing bilateral relations and investigating opportunities to enhance and broaden cooperation in diverse sectors.

Both dignitaries also exchanged perspectives on the latest developments in the regional and global landscape and underscored the ongoing endeavours in these domains.

Prince Faisal characterised the talks as “positive,” emphasising the imperative of non-interference in domestic affairs. He conveyed Riyadh’s aspiration that the restoration of relations with Tehran would have a positive ripple effect regionally and globally.

In a landmark deal inked in March, Riyadh and Tehran agreed to reopen embassies and consulates within each other’s borders and enforce security and economic cooperation agreements established over two decades ago.

Saudi Arabia terminated diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 in the wake of an assault on its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad by pro-regime protesters.

While Iran reinstated its embassy in Riyadh earlier this month, Saudi Arabia has not announced a specific date for reopening its embassy in Tehran.

Image Credit: Vahid Salemi/AP Photo

In the glamorous realm of towering skyscrapers and dazzling lights, where Dubai Earthquake looms as a constant threat, Dubai stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring achievements of modern civilization. Nestled within the United Arab Emirates, this desert jewel increasingly turns heads not only for its opulence but also for the whispers of the Earth beneath. Let’s embark on a riveting journey through the world of tectonics to unearth the risks and probabilities of earthquakes.

A brief overture to Earth’s cadence

To comprehend Dubai’s position, it’s imperative to glance at the globe’s orchestration. Earth’s crust is divided into several gargantuan slabs, termed tectonic plates. These behemoths, albeit at a snail’s pace, jostle for position. Occasionally, their dance proves less than graceful, releasing energy in the form of an earthquake.

The Arabian plate: A key player in the seismic orchestra

Dubai resides on the Arabian Plate, which is marching inexorably north-eastwards. While not traditionally associated with seismic activity, the Arabian Plate’s entanglements with its neighbouring Eurasian Plate result in noteworthy occurrences.

Iran’s resounding counterpoint

The northern boundary of the Arabian Plate near Iran is particularly animated. The contentious relationship between these plates culminates in tremors that could be felt in Dubai. The 2013 Bushehr earthquake, though primarily affecting Iran, was a cogent reminder that Dubai is not insulated from the repercussions.

The Musandam twist

The Musandam Peninsula, an Omani exclave bordering the UAE, is another noteworthy crescendo. The relative motion here causes the peninsula to coil, akin to a conductor readying for a grand finale. Though not as active as the aforementioned, it is a section to watch with bated breath.

The Seismic scale: a conductor’s score

Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale, with each incremental unit indicating a tenfold amplitude increase. In the UAE’s context, earthquakes have generally been low in magnitude, rarely exceeding a 5. However, the surrounding regions have historically experienced more intense movements, with magnitudes surpassing 7. These tempestuous symphonies, though farther afield, carry the potential to reverberate through Dubai.

Assessing Dubai’s earthquake risk: a sobering adagio

Dubai’s seismic risk, although often deemed moderate, is a topic that demands continuous attention and assessment. The city has taken significant measures to ensure the safety of its buildings, especially those constructed after 1994. These structures adhere to stringent codes and regulations meticulously designed to withstand the strains and tremors caused by earthquakes. From the implementation of advanced engineering techniques to the use of innovative materials, Dubai has made remarkable strides in mitigating seismic risks.

Despite these efforts, it is essential to remember that natural phenomena, including earthquakes, can be unpredictable and dynamic in nature. The shifting sands of uncertainties constantly remind us of the need for ongoing research, monitoring, and preparedness to effectively manage any potential seismic activity that may arise in the future. The emirate remains committed to staying vigilant and adapting its strategies to enhance its resilience against Dubai earthquakes. The collaboration between experts, engineers, and architects continues to thrive, fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring the city’s ongoing safety and stability in the face of seismic challenges.

The Human component

The relentless pursuit of grandeur in Dubai’s architecture could inadvertently compose its own tremors. The colossal weight and incessant construction might not cause earthquakes, but they can potentially accentuate the effects of a Dubai earthquake.

The encore: preparedness and resilience

Despite the seemingly low probability, it’s wise to never underestimate nature’s ability to ad-lib. Preparedness is essential, from ensuring structural integrity to educating the populace in earthquake safety. A city that prides itself on innovation and grandeur should equally laud the merits of resilience and fortitude.

In conclusion, Dubai earthquakes may not be as thunderous as others, but it is an ensemble that demands respect. By acknowledging and understanding the Earth’s movements, society can ensure that the crescendo, when it comes, will be met with a standing ovation of readiness and poise.

Image Credit: Håkan Dahlström / dahlstroms.com

The Miss Lebanon 2022 beauty pageant brought a sparkle to Beirut that outshone the brightest star. On the 24th of July 2022, an exceptional cadre of young women ascended the stage at the Forum de Beyrouth. By night’s end, Yasmina Zaytoun, the dazzling star from Tyre, had her life changed forever.

A night of elegance and international pomp

With the fragrance of jasmine in the air, the Miss Lebanon pageant began. But this year’s affair had an international touch as members of the Miss World organisation graced the event. Amongst the distinguished guests were Julia Morley, CEO and chairperson of the Miss World organisation, Stephen Douglas Morley, Miss World 2021 Karolina Bielawska, first runner-up Miss World Americas 2021 Shree Saini, second runner-up Miss World Africa 2021 Olivia Yacé, and Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh.

The crowning of Yasmina Zaytoun

The crowning moment was as splendid as the journey. Maya Reaidy, the erstwhile Miss Lebanon, passed on the mantle to Yasmina Ismail Zaytoun amidst tumultuous applause. It was an emotional moment for all, as Yasmina’s grace, poise, and beauty charmed the audience and judges alike. A virtual speech by Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, National Director of Miss Universe Lebanon, unveiled that Yasmina would represent Lebanon in Miss Universe 2022 and Miss World 2023. This revelation added an aura of responsibility and pride to the crown.

Yasmina Zaytoun: a star is born


Yasmina Zaytoun, a radiant star whose brilliance shone on the stage of the Miss Lebanon 2022 beauty pageant, is not only a symbol of beauty but also a reflection of her rich and diverse heritage. Born on the 26th of October 2002 in the enchanting city of Tyre, Lebanon, she carries within her the tapestry of a vibrant culture that extends beyond geographical boundaries.

Raised in Tyre, Miss Lebanon 2022’s youth was marked by her thirst for knowledge and elegance. Her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Notre Dame University-Louaize in Zouk Mosbeh exemplifies her passion for education. This passion manifested itself in April 2021 when she started hosting an education-focused show titled With Yasmina Show.

From Tyre to the world stage

This was Yasmina’s first foray into the world of pageantry, having been chosen to represent the district of Hasbaya. Amongst 16 other talented candidates, Yasmina’s journey to the top was marked by her refinement and intellect. Advancing through the top nine, and subsequently the top five, she stood poised as the crowning glory awaited her.

A platform for change and empowerment

As Miss Lebanon 2022, Yasmina Zaytoun is not just a national icon but a global ambassador. With the responsibility of representing Lebanon at Miss Universe 2022 and Miss World 2023, her platform can catalyse positive change.

Yasmina’s background in education, along with the grace she has displayed, positions her uniquely to champion causes close to her heart. As she stands on the cusp of representing her country on the world stage, her journey from the shores of Tyre to the global platform is an inspiration for every young woman.


The pageant’s grand finale was a captivating spectacle that etched an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those fortunate enough to witness its awe-inspiring culmination. In the midst of a dazzling display of beauty, poise, and talent, Yasmina Zaytoun, a true epitome of grace, intellect, and cultural heritage, stood as a shining beacon of hope and inspiration. Adorned not only with a crown that perfectly adorned her head, but also with the weighty expectations and aspirations of an entire nation, Yasmina became an embodiment of resilience and determination, carrying the dreams and aspirations of countless young women on her regal shoulders.

Image Credit: Yasmina Zaytoun on Instagram

Lebanon’s political landscape is precariously perched, as the nation’s lawmakers, on their twelfth endeavour, once again failed to elect a president. The critical impasse, exacerbated by antagonism between Hezbollah, with its Iranian allegiance, and other factions, threatens to propel Lebanon into an extended period of governance void. As the nation already grapples with a crippling economic crisis, the imperative for leadership is paramount.

The electoral conundrum: Frangieh vs. Azour

The election in focus is distinctive in the sense that the Lebanese constitution dictates that the president must be a Maronite Christian, a testament to Lebanon’s intricate sectarian power-sharing system. This particular electoral duel witnessed Sleiman Frangieh, backed by Hezbollah, contend against Jihad Azour, a financial luminary favoured predominantly by Christian and independent representatives.

Despite spirited campaigns, neither contender could muster the requisite support to clinch victory; Azour secured 59 votes to Frangieh’s 51, in a parliament of 128 seats.

The evaporating quorum: a parliamentary tale

As the parliament convened for this highly anticipated election, a curious phenomenon transpired. The lawmakers, having cast their votes, steadily deserted the parliamentary chamber, resulting in the loss of quorum, rendering the initiation of the second round of voting – where a simple majority of 65 is sufficient – impossible.

This evaporation of quorum is not unfamiliar in the Lebanese political scene, and often, as conjectured by analysts, serves as a deliberate strategy employed by Hezbollah and its allies to disrupt the electoral process.

The need for consensus: words of the wise

In the wake of yet another abortive attempt, Nabih Berri, the Parliament Speaker, implored his fellow lawmakers to cease the blame game. He asserted that consensus and dialogue are the sole accelerants that can catalyse the presidential election process. The Speaker’s admonition, however, was bereft of any concrete schedule for a subsequent electoral session.

International reverberations: a cry for unity

The international community, cognisant of Lebanon’s tribulations, has persistently entreated the nation’s politicians to elect a consensus presidential candidate, instrumental in actualising the vital reforms needed to unlock a cascade of foreign loans.

Additionally, the power vacuum is not isolated to the presidency. Lebanon has been under the stewardship of a caretaker government with circumscribed authority for over a year, further enervating its political machinery.

The candidates: a divergence of paths

Sleiman Frangieh, of an illustrious political lineage, and known for his camaraderie with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, avowed that, if elected, he would be a president for all Lebanese, despite his divisive allegiances.

Contrastingly, Jihad Azour, with an esteemed financial background including a tenure as Finance Minister and a directorship at the International Monetary Fund, proclaimed his aspiration to contribute towards resolution rather than conflict.

The analyst’s eye: what lies ahead

Karim Bitar, a seasoned analyst, posits that the series of futile election attempts could well be a manoeuvre by political forces to evaluate their electoral muscle. A protracted stalemate could ultimately culminate in negotiations that may necessitate a compromise candidate – a “third-man solution.”

As the Lebanese parliament fails to elect the country’s president, the spotlight rests on its lawmakers to navigate through sectarian divides, align their compasses towards consensus, and bestow upon the nation the leadership it profoundly needs. The global fraternity, as epitomised by calls from the United States and France, keenly awaits a resurgence of Lebanese unity and progress.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Bilal Hussein

When one gazes upon the vast, splendid panorama of the United Arab Emirates, a land that harmoniously fuses the historic sands of the Arabian Peninsula with the architectural marvels of modernity, one cannot overlook the embodiment of its resolute spirit: the Saker Falcon, National Bird of UAE.

Origins and historical significance

The Saker Falcon, a majestic bird of prey, has had its talons deep in the culture of the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. Historically, Bedouin tribes of the region revered these raptors, not merely for their majestic beauty but also for their astounding hunting prowess. Falconry, a sport that involves the training of these birds for hunting, grew to be an integral part of the cultural fabric. The Saker Falcon, revered as the ‘Sheikhs of birds’ for its regality, has been a symbol of power, freedom, and victory in Emirati culture.

An ornithological exposition

Morphology and distinguishing features

The Saker Falcon, with its robust physique and wingspan stretching up to 130 centimetres, is a sight to behold. Its plumage exhibits an intriguing palette ranging from shades of brown to an ashen grey, with the females, in general, being larger and darker than their male counterparts. A prominent feature is the dark ‘moustache’ that streaks down from the eyes, lending them a captivating visage.

Habitat and behaviour

The natural habitat of the Saker Falcon spans across vast expanses, from the steppes of Central Asia to the deserts of the Middle East. However, it is in the arid landscapes of the UAE where they are truly revered. The Saker Falcon is a formidable hunter, with a sharp eyesight and agility. Its diet mainly comprises of other birds and small mammals, which it catches in mid-air or after a relentless pursuit.

Conservation efforts and sustainable practices


The Saker Falcon, revered as a majestic and iconic bird that symbolizes national pride, has long captivated the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide. However, its magnificent presence in the natural world has been overshadowed by a concerning situation that has been closely monitored and analyzed by conservationists and environmentalists alike.

In response, the UAE has been at the forefront of conservation efforts. The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), based in Abu Dhabi, is a significant entity working to conserve both the Houbara bustard, which is a primary prey for the Saker Falcon, and the falcon itself. Breeding and release programs, legal frameworks to curb illicit trade, and fostering international collaborations for conservation are some of the steps undertaken.

A cultural and diplomatic envoy

The Emirati affinity with the Saker Falcon extends beyond borders. The falcon is not just a national symbol; it is a cultural ambassador. A testament to this is the UAE’s Falcon Passport initiative, where the National Bird of UAE has its own passports to facilitate hassle-free travel with its owners. The Saker Falcon has thus become a conduit for strengthening diplomatic ties.

The Saker Falcon in modern emblems and motifs

The Saker Falcon has an indelible presence in the modern-day UAE. One can see the National Bird of UAE grace the nation’s emblem, currency, and numerous other insignia. The very airlines that bridge the UAE with the world, Etihad and Emirates, don the Falcon in their logos, symbolising the nation’s spirit taking flight.

A soaring legacy

The Saker Falcon, through the sinews of its wings, carries forth the legacy of the UAE. A symbol of power, grace, and cultural heritage, this bird is an epitome of the Emirati spirit. Through concerted conservation efforts and cultural celebration, the government ensures that the National Bird of UAE continues to soar high, carrying with it the stories and pride of a nation etched in both history and modernity.

As the sun bathes the sandstone monuments in a golden hue, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan celebrates its Independence Day with unparalleled grandeur. Held annually on the 25th of May, Jordan Independence Day marks the end of the British Mandate over Transjordan in 1946 and commemorates the full sovereignty and independence of this enthralling nation. Today, we delve into the tapestry of Jordan’s rich history, its spirited people, and the significance of its Independence Day.

Embracing a storied past

Unbeknownst to many, Jordan is a land that cradles ancient civilisations within its borders. The Nabatean city of Petra, the Roman ruins at Jerash, and the biblical sites along the Jordan River are testaments to a history that has shaped not just Jordan, but the world. Independence Day, therefore, is not just a celebration of political autonomy but also an homage to the timeless heritage that makes Jordan a cultural mosaic.

The road to independence

The tumultuous years leading up to independence were punctuated by geopolitical jostling and national aspirations. In the wake of the Great Arab Revolt during World War I, Transjordan emerged as a distinct entity under British supervision. The Treaty of London (1946) catalysed the nation’s emancipation, and on May 25th, 1946, the United Kingdom formally recognised Jordan as an independent sovereign kingdom. The significance of Jordan Independence Day in the country’s history cannot be understated as it epitomises the culmination of sacrifices made by generations for self-determination and national identity.

A celebratory tapestry

Jordan Independence Day is a momentous occasion that encompasses an extraordinary tapestry of vibrant festivities, emanating a palpable aura of cultural exuberance that reverberates throughout the nation. The air becomes infused with an electrifying energy as the enchanting sounds of traditional music harmonize with the rhythmic beats of folkloric dances like the renowned Dabke, captivating the hearts and souls of all who witness these captivating performances. The streets, adorned with jubilant decorations, pulsate with life as they become vibrant stages for captivating displays of the country’s rich Bedouin heritage, serving as a vivid testament to the resilience and time-honoured traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The Monarch’s role

The Hashemite dynasty, as the custodian of the sacred sites in Jerusalem and stewards of Jordanian culture, plays a significant role in Independence Day celebrations. The monarch, currently King Abdullah II, delivers a keynote speech and partakes in the festivities. The royal family’s involvement signifies the consolidation of national unity, honouring the lineage that has been intrinsic to the formation and prosperity of modern Jordan.

Education and reflection

While Jordan Independence Day is a day of joyous celebration, it is also an occasion for reflection and education. Schools, museums, and cultural institutions engage in educational activities, allowing the younger generation to understand the significance of independence and the sacrifices made. This educative aspect ensures the perpetuation of national pride and understanding of Jordan’s place in the Middle East and the world.

Bridging past and future

As Jordan stands as a beacon of stability and moderation in the Middle East, Independence Day is a reminder of its responsibility towards regional peace and development. The celebration underscores the nation’s commitment to a future that honours its past, invests in human capital, and embraces innovation.

Jordan Independence Day is more than a historical milestone; it is a symphony of pride, unity, and aspiration. From the ancient ruins of Petra to the progressive urban landscape of Amman, the day is a tribute to a nation that has gracefully woven its illustrious past into a tapestry that continues to evolve. As the Jordanian flag billows in the wind, the steadfast spirit of its people remains the true emblem of its independence.

Image Credit: Hassan Bushnaq/Wikimedia Commons

Sowing the Seeds of Diplomacy

Oman, an unassuming gem nestled in the cradle of the Middle East, has recently been whispering across the corridors of diplomacy. The Sultanate has an age-old history of bridging communication gaps, and in its capital, Muscat, two global titans – the US and Iran – are reportedly edging closer to an instrumental prisoner deal. Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s sagacious Foreign Minister, divulged that a potential accord is near fruition. Both parties, he articulated, are exhibiting solemnity as they iron out the finer intricacies.

The devil in the details

In the meticulously-crafted ballet of diplomacy, the 2015 nuclear accord plays a significant role. The US and Iran have forayed into the labyrinthine negotiations to rejuvenate this arrangement. This deal, initially sewn in 2015, saw Iran agree to shackle its nuclear ambitions in return for a reprieve from stifling sanctions. However, this tapestry was tarnished, and talks collapsed in September 2020 when Iran purportedly sought terms beyond the original deal.

The human cost

At the heart of these negotiations pulsates a dire human element. Americans Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, and Morad Tahbaz remain incarcerated in Tehran’s Evin Prison, a site infamous for its brutality. Espionage is the indictment, though the US vehemently rejects these charges. Observers contend that the Biden administration is unlikely to entertain any nuclear accords sans securing the release of these individuals.

The Iranian stakes

Iran’s ante in this high-stakes diplomatic poker is access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, ensnared in South Korean banks courtesy of US sanctions. The mooted agreement would witness Iran reclaim these funds, albeit solely for humanitarian ends. Oman, alongside Qatar and the United Kingdom, has graciously orchestrated these discussions.

Winds of change in Muscat

The tranquil breezes wafting through Muscat recently carried whispers of clandestine talks between the US and Iran. Oman, which wielded its prowess as a conduit in the 2015 nuclear accord, is again offering its good offices to smoothen ruffled feathers. Albusaidi remained coy on Oman’s involvement but assured their earnest endeavours to aid both parties.

The necessity of urgency

The clock ticks ever faster as Iran’s nuclear programme swells and inspectors face barriers. The US now assesses that Iran’s nuclear breakout period, the time required to amass sufficient fissile material for a nuclear bomb, has dwindled alarmingly. This lends urgency to the negotiations and demands swift action.

A tapestry of diplomacy unfolding

Oman’s efforts are heralded by experts as instrumental in constructing a milieu conducive to the detainee deal. The current talks have gained traction and momentum, and the wider diplomatic community is abuzz with anticipation. European diplomats intimate at the proximity of a breakthrough, and even the Iranian mission to the United Nations has chimed in with optimistic tones.

Moreover, recent diplomatic engagements including meetings in Abu Dhabi, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said’s visit to Iran, and Iran’s release of foreign detainees have contributed to the intricate weave of this diplomatic tapestry.

The path ahead

In a welcome overture, the US recently permitted Iran to access $2.7 billion in gas and electricity debt, a move seen as an olive branch. Albusaidi paints the picture of a positive atmosphere. Muscat, he says, believes the Iranian leadership is earnest in reaching an agreement.

These negotiations could herald a seminal moment in US-Iran relations, but for this delicate tapestry to sustain, reciprocity and good faith must remain the loom and thread.

Image Credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Pool via AP

Heralding a new dawn each year on the second Tuesday of February, Qatar National Sports Day is a grandiose spectacle that emphasises the importance of an active lifestyle. This illustrious occasion showcases the sheer determination and unity of the people, transcending the bounds of the physical realm. Qatar, a nation often synonymised with opulence and splendour, gracefully marries tradition and modernity on this triumphant day.

The genesis of a monumental tradition

The decree to celebrate Qatar National Sports Day was promulgated by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in 2011. This initiative, lauded as ground-breaking, reflected a visionary approach to nurturing a society grounded in health and fitness. The day, nestled in the heart of the calendar, symbolises a nation’s unyielding commitment to the wellness of its denizens.

Celebrations galore: events and activities

Qatar National Sports Day unfurls a tapestry of events and activities that appeals to all age groups and abilities. From the exhilarating dragon boat races in the cerulean waters of Doha’s West Bay Lagoon to the invigorating marathons that snake through the historic Souq Waqif, there’s a smorgasbord of options for every enthusiast.

  • Sporting Challenges and Tournaments: Football, Qatar’s most cherished sport, takes centre stage with myriad tournaments hosted across the country. The iconic Al Bayt Stadium and the shimmering Aspire Zone play host to domestic and international teams who partake in spirited bouts of friendly rivalry.
  • Fitness Regimens and Workshops: Engaging the community in the pursuit of health, numerous fitness centres and sports clubs offer complimentary classes and workshops. Yoga by the picturesque Corniche, or a CrossFit session in the shadows of the imposing skyscrapers of West Bay, the choices are limitless.
  • Traditional Pursuits: Equally significant is the reverence for traditional sports. Camel racing, a sport steeped in Bedouin culture, is showcased in the sprawling Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack. Additionally, falconry, an age-old pastime, garners admiration and intrigue from both locals and tourists.

Culminating in grandeur: closing ceremonies

The crescendo of this sporting symphony is the closing ceremony, typically held at the Khalifa International Stadium. With an astonishing display of fireworks, musical performances, and a procession to commemorate the athletes, it exemplifies the spirit of togetherness and achievement.

Implications for the broader community

While Qatar National Sports Day is celebrated with aplomb and revelry, its essence resonates throughout the year. Schools, corporations, and government institutions actively promote physical education and wellness programmes. Moreover, this remarkable initiative has burgeoned into a blueprint for other Middle Eastern nations aspiring to integrate sports into their cultural fabric.

A legacy for posterity

Qatar’s commitment to sports has been notably evident with the nation hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2030 Asian Games. Qatar National Sports Day symbolises the burgeoning legacy of a nation poised at the cusp of athletic excellence and societal well-being.

Qatar National Sports Day is not merely an event, but a manifestation of a nation’s dreams and aspirations. It stands as an indomitable reminder of the role of sports in forging bonds, building character, and nurturing the holistic development of society. In a world increasingly fragmented, the camaraderie and unity displayed on this resplendent day carry profound significance.

Image Credit: Jonny Kennaugh on Unsplash

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made a historic journey to the land of the Red Dragon earlier this week, as he became the first Arab leader to grace Beijing with his presence in 2023. This monumental visit casts a spotlight on China burgeoning involvement in the Middle East, as it seeks to bolster its diplomatic presence in a region traditionally under the aegis of the United States.

Setting the stage: the genesis of the visit

Abbas’ three-day sojourn in China seems to have been orchestrated as a strategic manoeuvre by the Chinese government to augment its diplomatic cachet in the Middle East. This is set against the backdrop of Beijing’s earlier successful mediation between the perennial rivals, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Additionally, China proffered its diplomatic acumen to broker peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. It also offers an implicit signal to the Biden administration regarding Palestinian dissatisfaction with the perceived lacklustre American efforts to advance the two-state solution.

A glimpse into Abbas-Xi dialogue

During this summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his unwavering support to Palestine’s aspirations for full membership in the United Nations, as per a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Additionally, Xi asserted China’s commitment to champion the Palestinian cause in multilateral forums.

Not stopping there, the Chinese leader voiced his support for an international peace conference to foster conditions conducive to the resumption of peace talks between Israel and Palestine. Xi Jinping also communicated China’s readiness to play a significant role in reconciliation endeavours between Fatah and Hamas and expressed a keen interest in establishing a strategic partnership with the Palestinian Authority.

On the other hand, Abbas reciprocated by reaffirming Palestine’s unwavering adherence to the One China principle, and vowed to actively partake in the Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, Abbas committed to enhancing collaboration with China across diverse arenas, as reported by the Palestinian official news agency WAFA.

A calculated gesture by China

Assaf Orion, a connoisseur on China from the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, shared insights on China’s nuanced diplomatic engagements. He posited that China’s public and diplomatic patronage of the Palestinians serves as a sophisticated PR campaign amongst Arab and Muslim constituencies. It is a cost-effective strategy for China, as it seeks to carve out an independent policy in the region while advancing its global initiatives, seemingly at the expense of the US.

The Broader Implications

This visit marks a pivotal moment in Sino-Palestinian relations. China is steadily positioning itself as an influential player in the Middle East, filling the vacuum left by a seemingly reticent United States. The Chinese juggernaut continues to make inroads, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region. With the Middle East’s political kaleidoscope constantly in flux, the role that China will assume in the region remains to be seen.

Image Credit: Jade Gao/Pool on REUTERS

Türkiye entered a new path after the casting of votes last month. Turkiye’s Erdogan has emerged the clear winner of the presidential election.

Regarding the economic issue, many experts expect a return to economic orthodoxy, where Erdogan should give the Central Bank a say in the future as the ‘interest cause-inflation effect’-based monetary policy implemented under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the escalating inflation, combined with the effect of the 6 February earthquakes, made the economy the number one priority in the new period called Century of Turkiye.

According to the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), inflation exceeded 12 percent in the first three months of the year. Annual inflation was 50.51 percent according to TUIK and 112.51 percent according to the Inflation Research Group (ENAG). Inflation figures are deeply felt in the bazaar and the market. The kilogram price of meat exceeded 300 TL, and cheese exceeded 200 TL. The price of onions reached 30 liras. In addition to the expensiveness of food, prices in all expenditures such as clothing, health and education are out of control. The housing crisis has deepened due to increases in rent and house prices.

Relatedly, the Turkish Lira has lost nearly 340 per cent against the US dollar, from 3 liras to 20 liras during the five years of the President’s last term, and inflation is running at more than 50 per cent.  The Lira weakened another 1 per cent earlier this week to 20.31 per dollar.

Will foreign investors come back?

While the rule of law is a very important requirement for financial investors when deciding to invest, it is a “must have” for strategic investors.  However, especially in the last 5 years, there have been events that negatively affected the investment enthusiasm of both strategic and financial investors. As an example of these events, We can say that the government could not replace Mehmet Şimşek, the Minister of Finance of the time, respected by foreign investors, with an alternative with similar qualifications in the eyes of investors, and of course, the negative results of the coup attempt in 2016.

On the other hand, the qualified work force is very important for serious foreign investor. Universities’ international publications need to be transformed into patents, and patents into industrial products, and reflected in high-tech export figures. If Turkey turns into a center for global education and international companies at master and doctorate level, its economic growth will double in 5 years, and the country will be among the top 10 world giant economies in 10 years at the latest.

Türkiye allocates 15.3 billion dollars for research and development and the Netherlands 16.5 billion dollars. The Netherlands is 11th in the world, producing nearly 35,000 patents, 3 times more than Turkiye do, with an annual revenue of 101.2 billion dollars with high technology exports. Turkey fell behind even Malaysia and Israel and ranked 37th with 5.7 billion dollars. Turkey’s high technology exports, which were 1.1 billion dollars in 2000, increased to 5.7 billion dollars in 2021. China increased its revenue from $41.7 billion to $942 billion on the same dates.

To sum up, the newly elected government has two main challenges. The first one is to flatten the curve of inflation and to balance the trade deficit budget because Turkey exported $250 billion last year, and imported more than $360 billion, there is a deficit of $110. 

It is time to focus on what Turkiye “should not do” rather than what it “should” do. We cannot continue to hide the truth about statistical or any other data from the world and the Turkish people. This is a “must have”, and it will be a good start to tell the truth in every situation, without exception and unconditionally. Second, Turkiye must stop using the legal system as a tool to achieve a goal, breaking the law, and changing it when it’s not in their favour. These make the rule of law in Turkey controversial, and it is unrealistic to expect strategic foreign investors to return before the debate is over.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Francisco Seco

The tapestry of Middle Eastern geopolitics is constantly evolving, and once again, the region has found itself at the epicentre of aerial activity. The latest ruffle in the skies is attributed to the alleged “unsafe and unprofessional behaviour” of Russian fighter jets. In response to these aerial escapades, the US military announced this week the deployment of its lethal F-22 Raptor fighter jets to the Middle East.

Unravelling the motive behind the deployment

A crescendo of concerns

General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, the CENTCOM commander, expressed in a press release that the conduct of the Russian Forces was unbecoming of a professional air force. He pointed out the recurring violation of airspace deconfliction agreements by Russian aircraft, which significantly escalates the risk of unintended confrontations. “Alongside our partners and allies, we are committed to improving the security and stability in the region,” asserted General Kurilla.

The backdrop to this deployment is an increase in the frequency and audacity of Russian flights in the Middle East, even as Russia continues its military engagement in Ukraine. These flights have in particular been observed in the vicinity of Syria, a country that has been caught in the crosshairs of numerous geopolitical interests.

The aerial waltz in April

As recently as April, Russian pilots purportedly engaged in audacious attempts to “dogfight” with US jets over Syria. General Kurilla mentioned a “significant spike” in such brazen flights by Russian forces to lawmakers back in March. An anonymous spokesperson from the US Air Forces Central divulged that the unprofessional behaviour varied widely but showed an upward trend.

“Russian pilots have become significantly more unprofessional and unsafe in their attempts to challenge Coalition enduring defeat-Da’esh operations,” stated the spokesperson. He further indicated that the Russian military leadership in Syria, which had previously shown a willingness to adhere to deconfliction protocols, was now seemingly turning a blind eye.

The deployment: the raptors take flight

The F-22 Raptors, now patrolling the Middle Eastern skies, hail from the 94th Fighter Squadron based at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. In an official statement on Wednesday, Lieutenant General Alex Grynkewich, commander of the US Air Forces Central, confirmed that the Raptors were strategically redeployed from Europe.

The F-22 Raptor is a cutting-edge stealth air superiority fighter, with exceptional manoeuvrability and capabilities in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Its deployment is a clear indication of the seriousness with which the US regards the recent actions of Russian aircraft in the region.

Navigating a powder keg: stability as the ultima ratio

The Middle East, a veritable mosaic of cultures, has long been a cauldron of complex geopolitical machinations. With this recent upsurge in aerial theatrics from the Russian side, and the US deploying its formidable F-22 Raptors in response, the situation reflects the delicate equilibrium of the region.

In these skies, where the crisscrossing of geopolitical interests is as intricate as the woven patterns of a Persian rug, the international community awaits with bated breath. The hope is that prudence and adherence to international protocols will prevail, curtailing the risk of escalation, and maintaining the fragile stability that the region desperately needs.

As the Raptors soar over the Middle East, one can only hope that their presence will serve as a deterrent to further unprofessional antics, and ultimately foster an environment conducive to peace and stability.

Image Credit: Luke Jernejcic on Unsplash

Deep in the heart of Kuwait City lies a cultural gem that has for long been a focal point for bibliophiles and scholars alike. The National Library of Kuwait, a splendid repository of knowledge, encapsulates the essence of Middle Eastern heritage. With its vast archives, it is an indispensable resource for anyone who seeks to immerse themselves in the historical and contemporary literary marvels of the region.

Architecture that Epitomises Elegance

One can’t help but be entranced by the architectural grandiosity of the National Library of Kuwait. Aesthetically, it exudes a harmonious amalgamation of traditional Kuwaiti design and modern elements. Its façade, adorned with ornate patterns reminiscent of Islamic art, invites visitors into an ambience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is aesthetically pleasing.

The Time Capsule of Literature

A Wealth of Manuscripts and Tomes

The library’s collection is, in no uncertain terms, staggering. Housing a plethora of books, journals, manuscripts, and multimedia materials, it ensures that the legacy of the Middle East’s intellectual triumphs is preserved for posterity. Of particular note are the centuries-old manuscripts, many of which are resplendent with intricate calligraphy and illustrations that evoke an almost tangible sense of the bygone eras.

The Kuwaiti Heritage Collection

A true treasure within the National Library of Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Heritage Collection. This segment of the library focuses on the preservation and documentation of Kuwait’s historical documents and materials. The collection showcases various facets of Kuwaiti culture, including traditional music, oral literature, and folk arts, that present an authentic portrayal of the nation’s rich heritage.

A Hub for Intellectual Endeavours

Research and Scholarship

The National Library is not merely a place to borrow books; it is also a haven for researchers and scholars. With its specialised reading rooms and access to an impressive array of databases and academic journals, the library provides an environment conducive to scholarly pursuit. Whether one is delving into the depths of Middle Eastern history or exploring contemporary social issues, the library’s resources are indispensable.

Cultural Events and Programmes

As a custodian of culture, the National Library of Kuwait regularly hosts events that bring the community together to celebrate literature and the arts. These range from book readings and signings by renowned authors, to exhibitions showcasing the exquisite artistry of local talents. It is this commitment to fostering a love for culture and learning that renders the library an essential institution in the fabric of Kuwaiti society.

A Testament to Kuwait’s Commitment to Education

The existence and continued development of the National Library of Kuwait is a testament to the country’s commitment to education and cultural preservation. With its diverse collections and programmes, the library plays an instrumental role in promoting literacy and intellectual growth among Kuwaitis and the international community.

The National Library – A Portal to Knowledge and Culture

In an age where the digital often overshadows the tangible, the National Library of Kuwait stands as a beacon for those who yearn for the written word in its most authentic form. With its grand architecture, vast collections, and dedication to fostering intellectual growth, it is more than just a library; it is a repository of the Middle Eastern soul.

Visiting the National Library of Kuwait is not merely about borrowing a book; it is an enriching journey through the annals of history and the tapestries of cultures that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of the Middle East.

Credit: The Dancing Rain on Unsplash

Kuwait Liberation Day annual celebration on the 26th of February is a phenomenon worth witnessing. Marking the day Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi occupation in 1991, this occasion is steeped in national pride, unity, and an enduring spirit of resilience. However, beneath the fireworks, parades, and jubilation lies a tapestry of intricate details and fascinating stories untold.

The Hidden Meaning of ‘Operation Desert Storm’

‘Operation Desert Storm’ – the military operation that led to Kuwait’s liberation might be familiar to many, but few are aware of the story behind this name. This operation was so named to reflect the harsh desert conditions of Kuwait, signifying the storm of military force unleashed by the coalition forces against the Iraqi invasion. The name, thus, symbolises the daunting challenge faced and ultimately overcome in the path to Kuwait’s freedom.

The Forgotten Island of Bubiyan

In the context of Kuwait’s liberation, one lesser-known aspect is the strategic role of Bubiyan Island. Located in the northernmost part of Kuwait, the island’s strategic position served as a significant point of military control during the war. The liberation of Bubiyan Island was a crucial step towards reclaiming Kuwait from Iraqi control, a fact that remains etched in the country’s liberation history.

The Secret Operation ‘Providence’

While the success of ‘Operation Desert Storm’ is often highlighted, few know about ‘Operation Providence.’ This covert operation, involving logistics support from dozens of nations, ensured that the coalition forces were adequately supplied for the mission ahead. An unsung hero in the Liberation Day saga, Operation Providence’s pivotal role is a testament to the collective efforts that fuelled Kuwait’s freedom.

The Symbolism of Kuwait Towers

The Kuwait Towers, an iconic symbol of the nation, stand as a testament to Kuwait’s resilience post-liberation. Illuminated beautifully on Liberation Day, they remind the citizens of their nation’s triumphant rise from the ashes of the invasion. These towers, thus, are more than an architectural marvel – they are an embodiment of Kuwait’s undying spirit.

The Extraordinary Tale of the ‘Kuwaiti Pompeii’

The fascinating story of the ‘Kuwaiti Pompeii’ remains relatively unknown. A town in the Al Ahmadi area was abandoned during the invasion and left untouched after liberation, eerily preserving the invasion’s remnants. This ‘frozen-in-time’ site serves as a stark reminder of the hardships faced during the occupation, underpinning the profound significance of Kuwait’s Liberation Day.

So, as Kuwaitis commemorate their Liberation Day with an array of vibrant celebrations, these hidden secrets lend a deeper understanding of the significance of this momentous day. Beyond the captivating pomp and splendour, these fascinating snippets of history unravel a remarkable tale of resilience, unity, and enduring national pride. Thus, the next time you mark Kuwait Liberation Day, remember – you’re not just observing a public holiday; you’re honouring an extraordinary narrative of liberation that continues to resonate with each passing year.

Image Credit: Andrew Fackler/Flickr

The highly-anticipated vote to elect the Knesset’s representatives on Israel’s Judicial Selection Committee, originally scheduled for Wednesday morning, is likely to be delayed by a month, casting a shadow over the ongoing judicial reform negotiations at the President’s Residence.

In a last-ditch effort to resolve the contentious political impasse, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened leaders of the coalition parties. However, a halt in the negotiations may plunge Israel back into the tumultuous state witnessed earlier this year when the coalition endeavoured to unilaterally push through its reforms.

According to the Knesset’s protocol, a vote is deferred by a month if, with only two candidates contesting for the Knesset’s two seats on the Committee, one fails to secure more affirmative votes than negative. In a tactical move, Netanyahu opted for this clause as he could not guarantee that Yesh Atid MK Karin Elharrar, the sole candidate from the opposition, would clinch one of the seats.

The Judicial Selection Committee, a nine-member body, is tasked with the appointment of judges across all tiers of Israel’s civil court system. The Committee comprises three High Court justices including the chief justice, two ministers one of whom is the justice minister, two Knesset members, and two representatives from the Israel Bar Association (IBA). Additionally, a minimum of one woman must be among the judges, ministers, MKs, and IBA representatives.

The composition of the Committee is a key point of contention in the government’s judicial reform agenda. Supporters of the reforms, led by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, contend that the Bar Association members may be biased towards the judges they frequently encounter in court. This, according to them, grants judges an undue majority, enabling them to handpick candidates of their choice. Levin advocates for a coalition majority in the Committee, which he argues would reflect the public’s mandate in selecting the nation’s judges.

The opposition, on the other hand, warns that providing the coalition with unrestrained control over judicial appointments could lead to judges being selected based on political affiliations rather than expertise or competence.

Traditionally, the coalition reserves one seat for itself and allows the opposition to occupy the second. However, the delay in the vote could severely hamper the process of appointing new judges, notwithstanding the numerous vacancies awaiting fulfilment.

Opposition leaders, Yesh Atid chairman MK Yair Lapid and National Unity MK Benny Gantz, have consistently voiced their intentions to abandon the negotiations if Elharrar is not elected to the Committee. The National Unity party, responding to Netanyahu’s manoeuvre, proclaimed that any political shenanigans surrounding the Judicial Selection Committee would be detrimental to Israel and its citizenry.

Furthermore, the outcome of the Judicial Selection Committee vote holds implications beyond the immediate negotiations. For instance, it could significantly impact Levin’s long-term influence and potentially precipitate his resignation.

The eventual composition of the Committee could also affect the selection of the next Chief Justice as current Chief Justice Esther Hayut is set to retire in October. Traditionally, the Supreme Court justices have adhered to the “Seniority Method,” nominating the most senior judge for the position. The frontrunner, in this case, is liberal judge Yitzhak Amit.

However, Levin might secure substantial control over the Committee if he succeeds in electing the next Chief Justice. If former IBA head Efi Naveh, who is vying to lead the association and is viewed as closer to Levin, triumphs in the election, he might align with Levin, ensuring a 5-4 majority that could favour the appointment of a more amenable chief justice.

This complex scenario is further complicated by the position of Netanyahu’s coalition members. While Netanyahu reportedly favoured Elharrar’s election to bolster the likelihood of at least a partial agreement, significant sections of his coalition, including members from the Likud, perceive conceding a seat on the Committee as an unwarranted compromise with an opposition that hasn’t reciprocated with tangible commitments.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on Israel’s political leaders who must navigate this delicate predicament with caution and prudence, bearing in mind the wider implications for the nation’s judicial system and democratic principles.

The Lebanese Parliament will convene today in its twelfth bid to select a new president, a process that has thus far been unsuccessful on eleven occasions since 2022.

Former President Michel Aoun stepped down at the end of October 2022, necessitating the appointment of a successor before that time. However, Lebanon’s intricate confessional political system and the absence of a clear and unified opposition in parliament have hindered the appointment of a new leader.

Wissam el-Lahham, a senior researcher and professor at St Joseph University, predicts that the vote for the Lebanese presidential election is likely to fail once again, presenting a significant challenge for the country. Notably, Hezbollah and its allies have previously submitted blank ballots when dissatisfied with the candidates.

Who are the contenders for the presidency?

As there is no formal nomination process for the position, it is challenging to determine the candidates before the session commences, as MPs are allowed to vote for any individual they choose.

Nonetheless, the competition in this round appears to be between Sleiman Frangieh, the leader of the Marada Party and grandson of former president Sleiman Frangieh, and Jihad Azour, the former regional director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Frangieh, who assumed the role of member of parliament in 1991 following the death of his father, successfully won three consecutive terms until his removal from office in 2005. In 2009, he was elected as an MP for the Maronite seat of Zgharta al-Zawiyah. It is common in Lebanon for seats to be transferred within families, and in 2018, his son, Tony Frangieh, took over his parliamentary seat.

In contrast, Azour possesses less political experience. He served as Lebanon’s minister of finance in Fouad Saniora’s government from 2005 to 2008 and until recently held the position of regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at the IMF. Azour has garnered support from the Free Patriotic Movement and other opposition parties, while Frangieh has enjoyed the backing of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement for several months.

Michel Moawad, leader of the Independence Movement and son of former president Rene Moawad, received the majority of votes in previous sessions but failed to secure the necessary quorum for victory. Other names, such as former interior minister Ziad Baroud, may also emerge during today’s session.

What are the criteria for the presidency?

In accordance with the National Pact, an unwritten agreement among Lebanon’s political factions established in 1943, the president of Lebanon must be of Maronite Christian faith. The National Pact, based on a 1930s national census, designates the president and army commander as Maronite, the prime minister as Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament as Shia Muslim. The positions of deputy speaker of parliament, deputy prime minister, and the chief of the general staff of the armed forces are held by Greek Orthodox Christian and Druze individuals, respectively.

The MPs themselves are divided based on a quota system, with a 6:5 ratio of Christians to Muslims and Druze.

How does the voting process unfold?

To elect a new leader in the first round of voting, Parliament requires a quorum of 86 out of the 128 lawmakers, equivalent to two-thirds of the total. Should the MPs fail to agree on any of the candidates, they may cast symbolic votes or name a candidate not included in the official ballot to convey a political message.

El-Lahham stated that it is highly improbable for any candidate to secure the two-thirds majority in the first round of voting on Wednesday. In the event the session proceeds to the second round, a simple majority of 65 MPs is sufficient for a candidate to be declared the winner.

Credit: Charbel Karam on Unsplash

Kuwaiti citizens have begun to vote in their seventh legislative election in just over a decade, as a result of ongoing political crises that have hampered parliamentary proceedings and hindered reform initiatives.

Polling commenced at 8am (05:00 GMT) on Tuesday and will carry on until 8pm (17:00 GMT). The official Kuwait News Agency confirmed that the results are set to be announced on Wednesday. Over 793,000 eligible voters are anticipated to contribute to the shaping of the 50-seat legislature. Notably, Kuwait is the only Gulf Arab state to have an elected parliament with the power to hold the government accountable.

A total of 207 candidates are vying for a four-year term as lawmakers, marking the smallest number in a general election since 1996. The roster includes members of the opposition and 13 women.

Kuwait’s emir, Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, called the election last month after yet another dissolution of parliament amid a persisting political deadlock.

Frequent conflicts between different branches of the government have obstructed lawmakers from passing crucial economic reforms. Recurrent budget deficits, low foreign investment, and disputes over a contentious bill regarding government takeover of Kuwaiti citizens’ consumer and personal loans have further fuelled a sense of despondency.

The consistent discord between elected lawmakers and an appointed cabinet has led to a deterioration of social services, including healthcare and education. This lack of stability has also deterred investors from Kuwait’s petroleum industry, which holds seven percent of the world’s crude reserves.

In spite of widespread disillusionment with the political elite, human rights activist Hadeel Buqrais highlighted the importance of participating in the election. Although Kuwait’s cabinet members are appointed by the ruling Al-Sabah family, which maintains a firm control over political affairs, lawmakers are elected by the people.

In an interesting turn of events, the constitutional court in March nullified the results of last year’s elections, where the opposition had made considerable strides. The court ruled that the previous parliament elected in 2020 should be reinstated instead.

Since the implementation of a parliamentary system in Kuwait in 1962, the legislature has been dissolved approximately a dozen times.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jaber Abdulkhaleg

In a significant development towards mending a seven-year-old diplomatic rift, Iran has announced its decision to reopen its embassy in Saudi Arabia this week.

In a brief statement issued on Monday, Nasser Kanani, the spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, confirmed that Iran’s embassy in Riyadh would reopen on Tuesday, followed by the reopening of its consulate in Jeddah and its representative office with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation a day later.

According to Kanani, the embassy and consulate have already begun operations to facilitate Hajj pilgrimages. The official reopening will take place in the presence of foreign ministry officials from both nations.

This move follows a China-brokered agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, signed in Beijing on March 10th, which stipulated a two-month deadline for the embassies’ reopening.

Although Iranian authorities noted that the embassies had started conducting some practical work, they required additional time for an official reopening, given that the buildings had remained closed for years.

As of yet, there’s no official confirmation regarding when the Saudi embassy in Tehran or the kingdom’s consulate in Mashhad will officially reopen or who will be appointed as its ambassador.

Iranian state-linked media reported last month that Tehran had chosen Alireza Enayati, a former envoy to Kuwait and a foreign ministry deputy for regional affairs, as its envoy to Riyadh.

In 2016, Riyadh severed diplomatic ties with Tehran after its representative offices were stormed during protests against the execution of a Shia religious leader by the Sunni-majority kingdom.

Recent months have seen these two regional powerhouses steadily easing tensions, a step they claim will help enhance security across the region.

Post the agreement in March, other countries in the region have also begun following Saudi Arabia’s lead towards normalising relations with Syria and its president, Bashar al-Assad. This follows his ostracisation post his brutal repression of protests in 2011, which sparked a decade-long civil war. Saudi Arabia has also been increasingly engaging with the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, where Riyadh and Tehran have supported opposing sides in the country’s civil war since 2015.

Image Credit: Fayez Nureldine / AFP

Lebanon’s political landscape, characterised by an array of political parties and alliances, can often appear as a labyrinth to the uninitiated observer. This complexity is not merely a matter of diversity but an embodiment of Lebanon’s rich and multifaceted cultural, religious, and historical layers.

Future Movement

In the turbulent world of Lebanese politics, the Future Movement, led by Saad al-Hariri, a prominent Sunni figure and incumbent Prime Minister since 2016, carves out a distinctive place. Al-Hariri found himself thrust into the political arena following the assassination of his father, Rafik al-Hariri, in 2005. Following the Beirut port explosion in August 2020, Hariri was tasked with forming a government in October, but unable to form a government, he resigned as prime minister-delegate in July 2021 marking the suspension of his political career in January 2022.

Hezbollah

As a key player in Lebanon’s political field, Hezbollah, a creation of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982, boasts significant influence. Its power has only magnified since 2012, owing to its active involvement in the Syrian war, where it fights in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

Free Patriotic Movement

The Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) offers another intriguing dimension to the Lebanese political scene. Michel Aoun, a Maronite Christian politician and former army commander, founded the FPM. Interestingly, Aoun was also at the helm of one of two contending governments during the 1975-90 civil war climax.

In a testament to Lebanon’s convoluted political dynamics, Aoun became president in 2016, while Hariri assumed the prime ministerial role. Aoun’s son-in-law, Gebran Bassil, currently leads the FPM, which also happens to be an ally of Hezbollah. Aoun was elected president in 2016 until October 2022 as Parliament failed to agree on his successor leaving Lebanon with a highly polarised political environment.

Shiite Amal Movement

The Shiite Amal Movement, previously a civil war rival of Hezbollah, is the largest Shia party in Parliament currently boasting 14 representatives compared to Hezbollah’s 13. Led by Nabih Berri, Speaker of the Parliament since 1992, the Amal Movement also has close ties to Assad.

Progressive Socialist Party

The Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), under the leadership of Walid Jumblatt, represents the Lebanese Druze minority. Inheriting his position from his assassinated father, Kamal, Jumblatt was a prominent figure during the civil war. Currently, he is gradually transferring his authority to his son, Taymour.

Lebanese Forces

The Lebanese Forces (LF), led by Maronite Christian politician Samir Geagea, evolved from a powerful civil war militia. Geagea, the only Lebanese militia leader to have served prison time for civil war atrocities, remains a formidable Christian adversary of Hezbollah.

Kataeb Party

The Kataeb Party, or Phalange Party, helmed by Maronite Christian politician Sami Gemayel, adds another layer to the intricate web of Lebanese politics. Sami Gemayel assumed leadership following the assassination of his brother, Pierre, in 2006, during a spate of murders targeting opponents of Syrian influence in Lebanon.

Marada party

Lastly, the Marada party, under Maronite Christian politician Suleiman Franjieh, a staunch ally of Hezbollah and a friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, completes the diverse Lebanese political spectrum.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Bilal Hussein

Turkey’s newly appointed Finance Minister, Mehmet Şimşek, announced that significant shifts in economic policy are urgently needed to control the country’s spiralling inflation. In his first press conference following his appointment, Şimşek warned on Sunday that Turkey must “return to rational ground” regarding its economic strategies.

“Price stability will be our main target,” stated Şimşek. He underscored the urgency of reining in inflation to single digits over the medium term, describing it as “of vital importance for our country”.

Over the past two years, Turkey has been grappling with soaring consumer prices. In October, inflation hit an official 24-year peak of 85.5 percent. However, independent analysts maintain that the actual figures exceed these official statistics significantly. The escalating cost of basic commodities became a hot-button issue in the recent presidential run-off election.

Following his unprecedented third-term victory, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan designated Şimşek as Treasury and Finance Minister as part of a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle. The appointment of Şimşek, a former economist at Merrill Lynch who played a key role in Turkey’s recovery from the 2008 global financial crisis, signals a potential shift towards more traditional economic policies.

Erdoğan has been staunchly resistant to increasing interest rates to counteract inflation in the past, deeming such a measure un-Islamic.

“Şimşek will be treading a very fine line,” commented Aura Sabadus, a researcher at the Centre for European Policy Analysis.

“While Şimşek’s appointment is a positive development for the markets, it’s worth remembering that Erdoğan has previously dismissed two deputy central bank governors who opposed his unconventional economic views,” Sabadus added.

However, this clash in economic perspectives could presage further complications, according to Karabekir Akkoyunlu, a lecturer at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

“Şimşek claims Turkey has no choice but to return to rational economic policies, which prompts the question – why were the previous policies irrational?” Akkoyunlu queried. Akkoyunlu suggested that Erdoğan’s previous policy of generous spending, including measures like providing households with free gas and augmenting public sector salaries, may be succeeded by efforts towards fiscal balancing. “With the election concluded, the ‘campaign economy’ is now a thing of the past. It’s likely Şimşek will pivot towards austerity measures,” he added.

Image Credit: Reuters

On Sunday, Lebanon’s parliamentary opposition officially endorsed former finance minister, Jihad Azour, as their candidate for the nation’s presidency. This announcement came hot on the heels of Michel Moawad’s withdrawal from the race, significantly reshaping the presidential contest.

Legislator Mark Daou announced Mr Azour’s candidacy on behalf of 32 opposition-aligned MPs, following weeks of negotiations to find an alternative candidate to Suleiman Frangieh, who enjoys the backing of the pro-Hezbollah bloc.

Describing Mr Azour, Mr Daou stated, “He is the candidate capable of protecting Lebanon from collapse and domination”. Azour’s nomination arrives subsequent to his endorsement by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) on Saturday.

The FPM, which currently maintains a strained alliance with Iran-backed Hezbollah, has seen its relations cool in recent months due to Hezbollah’s unyielding support of Mr Frangieh’s presidential bid.

Upon the announcement of Mr Azour’s nomination, the opposition bloc immediately called for an electoral session in parliament.

Notably, the previously favoured candidate for the parliamentary opposition, Mr Moawad, endorsed Mr Azour after withdrawing from the race, stating the issue has “always been the project, not the person”.

Mr Moawad’s withdrawal came on the back of several weeks of talks between the opposition, spearheaded by the Lebanese Forces, aimed at finding a robust alternative to Mr Frangieh. It had become clear that Mr Moawad struggled to secure sufficient votes for the presidency, with blank ballots frequently outnumbering the votes cast in his favour across eleven different electoral sessions.

The country has been embroiled in a presidential vacuum since the departure of former President Michel Aoun from office in October. Since then, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has convened 11 sessions to pick a successor, but MPs have so far failed to reach a consensus.

Who is Jihad Azour?

Jihad Azour, 57, comes with an impressive track record. He is a former finance minister and currently heads the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Widely seen as a technocrat, Azour could be a beacon of hope to usher in economic stability as Lebanon navigates the worst financial crisis in its history.

Having previously served as Lebanon’s Finance Minister from 2005 to 2008, Azour coordinated key reforms, including modernising the country’s tax and customs systems. In addition to his public service, Azour’s private sector experience is noteworthy. He has held senior positions at McKinsey and Booz & Co., as a Vice-President and Senior Executive Advisor, and was a Managing Partner at investment firm Inventis Partners.

Educated at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, Mr Azour holds a PhD in International Finance and a post-graduate degree in International Economics and Finance. His research at Harvard on emerging economies and their integration into the global economy and a wide range of publications and teachings on economic and financial issues, underscore his credentials as a leading expert in the field.

Saturday bore witness to a tragic encounter along the southern border shared by Egypt and Israel, where shootings claimed the lives of three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian policeman, according to military sources from both countries.

The Israeli military confirmed the loss of two soldiers – one male and one female – near the Egyptian border. A third soldier was killed during an armed confrontation with an assailant in the vicinity of the Paran Regional Brigade.

The Israeli army identified the perpetrator as an Egyptian policeman. “An investigation is being conducted in full co-operation with the Egyptian army,” stated the military spokesperson.

The immediate vicinity was subsequently swept by soldiers to eliminate the possibility of remaining assailants. The female soldier who was killed was later identified as 19-year-old Lia Ben Nun. In addition to the fatalities, a non-commissioned officer sustained minor injuries.

An Egyptian armed forces spokesperson divulged that “a member of the security forces breached the border security barrier” during a pursuit of drug traffickers, which resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers and injuries to two others.

According to the Egyptian spokesman’s statement, the Egyptian security officer was also killed during the exchange of fire.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident, stating, “The fatal incident at the Egyptian border during the Sabbath is serious and unusual and will be thoroughly investigated.”

Senior members of the Israeli army, including Chief of General Staff Maj Gen Herzi Halevi and the commander of the Southern Command, arrived at the scene to assess the situation and oversee the investigation.

In an unrelated incident hours before the fatal encounter, Israeli forces successfully intercepted an attempted drug-smuggling operation at the border. They seized contraband estimated to be worth 1.5 million shekels ($400,000), a military spokesman revealed.

At present, the Israeli military has found no connection between the drug seizure and the subsequent violent episode on the border.

Despite the peace forged between Israel and Egypt following the 1978 Camp David accords – with Egypt being the first Arab nation to formalise such relations – the border region is occasionally disturbed by drug smugglers who engage in skirmishes with Israeli troops.

This incident follows several violent encounters along the border in recent years. In 2011, a triple ambush by assailants originating from Sinai resulted in eight Israeli fatalities. Subsequent pursuits by Israeli forces led to the deaths of seven attackers and five Egyptian police.

In 2012, three militants who infiltrated from Sinai and an Israeli soldier lost their lives in a border clash. Two years later, unidentified men from the Sinai attacked two Israeli soldiers with an anti-tank weapon during a failed drug-smuggling operation.

In a 2015 incident, rockets launched from Sinai struck southern Israel, although no casualties were reported. ISIS subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack.

Image Credit: AFP

Egypt-israel border

An embodiment of royalty and grace, Queen Rania is renowned for her understated yet sophisticated style. Her engagement ring is a quintessential reflection of this elegance. Unlike the often grandiose and ostentatious rings typically associated with royal families, Queen Rania’s engagement ring espouses the essence of minimalism, showcasing an exquisite round diamond set on a simple band of yellow gold.

The concept of wearing engagement rings constantly is a Western tradition and not something usually practised in Islam, the religion followed by Queen Rania. It is therefore not surprising that Queen Rania’s engagement ring is not always worn.

The solitaire diamond, known for its classic and timeless appeal, is particularly befitting of Queen Rania, renowned for her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for education and health. The simplicity of the design, far from being a sign of austerity, resonates with her well-known mantra of leading a life defined by substance rather than extravagance.

Queen Rania’s engagement ring first captured the public’s attention during her engagement to King Abdullah II in 1993. The ring’s understated elegance juxtaposed the pomp and splendour usually associated with royal engagements, highlighting the couple’s shared preference for simplicity and authenticity.

Despite the straightforward design, the ring carries profound symbolism. The round diamond, a shape known for its brilliance and fire, reflects Queen Rania’s luminous presence and her burning passion for her philanthropic endeavours. The yellow gold band is a nod to enduring love and fidelity, symbolising the royal couple’s strong bond and commitment to each other and their country.

The choice of a diamond for the ring’s centrepiece also carries a depth of meaning. Diamonds, renowned for their hardness and durability, are often used in engagement rings to symbolise an unbreakable bond, reflecting the enduring strength of the royal couple’s relationship.

Through the years, Queen Rania’s engagement ring has become an iconic piece, representing a unique blend of royal tradition, personal style, and symbolic resonance. It stands as a testament to the Queen’s grace and elegance and continues to inspire a preference for understated luxury and meaningful symbolism in engagement ring trends.

Queen Rania’s engagement ring, while devoid of the opulence typically associated with royal jewels, stands as a remarkable symbol of timeless elegance, love, and commitment. It serves as a glowing beacon of royal romance, reminding us that true luxury resides in authenticity and meaning rather than mere display of wealth.

Image Credit: Pintrest

In an unprecedented turn of events, Hannibal Gadhafi, son of Libya’s deceased leader, Moammar Gadhafi, has begun a hunger strike, protesting against his detention without trial for over seven years in Lebanon, according to his legal counsel.

Hannibal Gadhafi has been held captive in Lebanon since 2015 after he was abducted from Syria, where he had sought refuge as a political outcast. His kidnapping by Lebanese insurgents was reportedly prompted by a quest for information on the whereabouts of a long-lost Shiite cleric, who mysteriously disappeared in Libya over four decades ago.

Following his abduction, Gadhafi was apprehended by Lebanese law enforcement and has since been held in a Beirut prison, yet to be brought to trial.

Hannibal Gadhafi’s solicitor, Paul Romanos, informed The Associated Press that his client began his hunger strike on Saturday morning, steadfastly asserting that “he is serious and will continue with it until the end.” Romanos did not delve into case specifics, citing his lack of authorisation to discuss the matter publicly.

The detained Libyan has since released a statement describing his conditions. He questioned, “How can a political prisoner be held without a fair trial all these years?” Married to a Lebanese woman, Gadhafi highlighted his hunger strike as a potent symbol of protest against his unjust treatment and asserted that the individuals responsible would bear the consequences.

Gadhafi also lamented about the detiorating state of his physical health. His lawyer, Romanos, commented that his client is suffering from back pain due to confinement in a compact cell for years, restricting his mobility and physical activity.

The sudden disappearance of Moussa al-Sadr, a prominent Lebanese Shiite cleric, in 1978, continues to be a contentious issue in Lebanon. Al-Sadr, originally from the Iranian holy city of Qom, moved to Lebanon in 1959 and was an ardent advocate for the rights of Shiites in Tyre, a southern port town.

Al-Sadr’s whereabouts remain a mystery, with many suspecting foul play at the hands of Moammar Gadhafi during a disagreement over Libyan payments to Lebanese militias. However, Libya has consistently asserted that the cleric left Tripoli for Rome in 1978, possibly falling victim to a power struggle within the Shiite community.

Hannibal Gadhafi, born just two years before al-Sadr’s disappearance, fled to Algeria following the fall of Tripoli, along with his mother and several other family members. His subsequent journey led him to Syria, where he was granted political asylum, only to be later abducted and transported to Lebanon. As the hunger strike continues, the fate of this political prisoner remains precariously balanced, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Gadhafi dynasty’s tumultuous history.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Abdel Magid al-Fergany, File

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, better known as MbZ, is the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates. A charismatic leader known for his military acumen and forward-thinking initiatives, the Prince’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of his homeland.

The background of the UAE Prince

Born on 11th March 1961, Sheikh Mohammed is the third son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. Educated at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, the Prince has a strong military background. His leadership journey commenced in 1979 when he was appointed as an officer in the UAE Armed Forces.

A Visionary Ruler

Sheikh Mohammed assumed the role of Crown Prince in 2004, following the death of his father. Since then, his leadership has been marked by a visionary approach to transforming the UAE into a knowledge-based economy, reducing reliance on oil revenues. His economic diversification strategies have led to substantial growth in sectors like tourism, aviation, real estate, and renewable energy.

Steering UAE’s Foreign Policy

As the de facto ruler of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s foreign policy. His diplomatic strategies have strengthened the UAE’s international alliances while maintaining a strong stance on regional security issues. The Prince is known for his pragmatic approach to tackling geopolitical challenges, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

Advocate of Social Reforms

Sheikh Mohammed is also a strong proponent of social reforms. He has driven significant progress in areas like women’s empowerment, with women now holding key roles in the UAE’s government and business sectors. His commitment to developing the nation’s human capital is evident in his robust support for education and innovation initiatives.

A Philanthropist at Heart

Philanthropy forms an integral part of Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership. He is instrumental in driving numerous charitable initiatives, both within the UAE and internationally, focusing on areas like healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. His generous contributions to global relief efforts, particularly in war-torn regions, underscore his commitment to humanitarian values.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is more than just the Crown Prince of the UAE; he is a visionary leader, a catalyst for change, and a beacon of modern Arab leadership. Under his stewardship, the UAE continues its journey towards a future marked by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity. His leadership serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of his father, Sheikh Zayed, and the dynamic future that lies ahead for the UAE.

Image Credit: WAM

As the country’s economic heart, Doha is a thriving metropolis that offers a rich cultural tapestry for visitors and residents alike. Here, we’re unveiling the top five attractions you simply cannot afford to miss while exploring Qatar’s capital. As the country’s economic heart, Doha is a thriving metropolis that offers a rich cultural tapestry for visitors and residents alike.

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA): A Crown Jewel of Doha

An architectural masterpiece designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is a homage to Islamic artistry and craftsmanship spanning over 1,400 years. This striking museum houses a vast collection of ceramics, manuscripts, textiles, and precious stones from across the Islamic world, all displayed within the elegance of the museum’s geometrically inspired architecture.

Souq Waqif: A Walk Through History

Step into a bygone era at Souq Waqif, a century-old marketplace exuding traditional charm. With its labyrinthine alleyways, aromatic spices, handcrafted wares, and bustling cafés, the Souq presents an authentic slice of Qatari life. Be sure to visit the Falcon Souq, a testament to Qatar’s longstanding falconry tradition.

The Pearl-Qatar: The Shimmering Island

The Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island spanning nearly four million square meters, is Doha’s most glamorous address. Luxurious residential towers, high-end retail boutiques, and gourmet restaurants line its picturesque marinas. The Venetian-inspired Qanat Quartier, with its pastel-coloured buildings and charming canals, is an unmissable highlight.

Katara Cultural Village: The Epicentre of Art and Culture

Immerse yourself in Qatar’s rich cultural heritage at Katara Cultural Village. As the hub of Doha’s arts scene, Katara hosts international art exhibitions, film screenings, and theatrical performances within its amphitheatre, art studios, and galleries. Don’t forget to check out the stunning Golden Mosque, an architectural marvel in its own right.

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ): A Journey Through Time

Symbolizing the Qatari national identity, the NMoQ narrates the story of Qatar from prehistoric times to the present day. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, its unique desert rose-inspired design sets it apart as an architectural landmark. With immersive displays and cutting-edge technology, a visit to NMoQ is a journey through the nation’s history and evolution.

Visiting Qatar’s capital, with its intriguing blend of traditional charm and futuristic ambition, is a journey into the heart of the Middle East that leaves you with memories for a lifetime.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from a US-led maritime coalition, indicating a re-evaluation of its security requirements, according to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a statement quoted by the state news agency WAM on Wednesday, the ministry said, “Following our ongoing assessment of productive security cooperation with all partners, two months ago, the UAE withdrew its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces.” The UAE further asserted its commitment to dialogue and diplomatic engagement in advancing regional security and stability, and ensuring navigational safety near its shores in line with international law.

This decision marks a significant turning point in the region’s geopolitical framework, modifying the dynamics of international maritime security cooperation.

The 34-nation task force, based at the US naval headquarters in Bahrain, was established to counter terrorism and piracy in the Red Sea and Gulf areas.

These regions encompass some of the world’s most critical shipping routes. Since 2019, the escalation in tensions between the US and Iran has seen a spate of attacks on vessels.

The UAE, given its strategic location along vital maritime trade routes, had been a proactive participant in the US-led coalition. Earlier in May, the US announced a bolstering of its “defensive stance” in the Gulf, attributing an increase in commercial shipping attacks to Tehran.

Late April and early May saw Iran seizing two international oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, including the Niovi, en route from Dubai towards the UAE port of Fujairah. Iranian officials stated that one of the tankers had collided with an Iranian vessel and attempted to escape, while the other was drawn into Iranian territorial waters by judicial order following a legal complaint.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the UAE’s decision to withdraw was rooted in disappointment at the perceived lack of US response to Iranian threats.

US and Gulf officials told the US newspaper that the UAE was disheartened and had sought stronger US action to deter Iran following these recent incidents.

However, the UAE dismissed these reports as “mischaracterisations” of the dialogues between the two nations.

Kristian Ulrichsen, Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, suggested that the UAE’s action was indicative of Abu Dhabi’s dissatisfaction with Washington. He told Al Jazeera that the move echoed frustrations in Abu Dhabi over the perceived reluctance of the US to actively safeguard its partners and reestablish credible deterrence in the Gulf.

Andreas Krieg, an associate professor at the Defence Studies Department of King’s College London, said the UAE-US relations were experiencing “a bit of a rough patch,” with Abu Dhabi perceiving the US as consistently failing to fulfil its role as a regional security guarantor. Krieg suggested that this perception had prompted regional players to diversify their security partnerships and independently address security gaps wherever possible.

Krieg elaborated that the UAE was utilising the tanker incidents symbolically to highlight the perceived failure of the US security partnership, demonstrating to the US their sovereignty in choosing their alliances.

“The UAE is also resisting US demands to sever relations with Russia and China … they need to diversify their partnerships from the US, including with Russia and China, to serve its security interests,” he added.

“The UAE is signalling to Washington in the context of the maritime partnership that the US requires Emirati support as well and that the UAE have leverage in this bilateral relationship too,” Krieg explained.

Image Credit: Saj Shafique on Unsplash

A young female activist named Manahel al-Otaibi has been arrested and currently languishes in jail due to her social media activities that endorsed recent social reforms and appealed for more substantial rights within Saudi Arabia.

Manahel al-Otaibi, a 29-year-old certified fitness instructor and artist, known for her regular posts advocating female empowerment on her social media accounts, was apprehended in November 2022. Saudi authorities have accused Otaibi, among other charges, of using a hashtag that translates to #societyisready to campaign for the abolishment of male guardianship rules.

Yet to be convicted or sentenced, Otaibi remains in detention. Previous similar cases indicate that public demands for basic women’s rights, encompassing inheritance rights and the ability to end an abusive marriage, have been construed as seditious.

This instance is the latest of several where Saudis have been arrested and incarcerated for utilising social media to encourage reform or question Saudi authorities. Salma al-Shehab, another Saudi woman and former PhD student at Leeds University, received a sentence exceeding three decades from a terrorism court for her Twitter activity, which included following and retweeting dissidents and activists.

Otaibi’s social media profiles depict her as a modern, progressive woman passionate about fitness, art, yoga, travel, and women’s rights advocacy.

Despite its effort to project an image of a country liberalising strict regulations concerning women, including dress codes and work opportunities outside home, the government continues to crack down on women who seek fundamental reforms.

Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist and ALQST’s Head of Monitoring and Advocacy, opined, “Al-Otaibi’s cases exemplify the hollow promises of Saudi Arabia when it comes to reforms. Saudi women still end up in prison and face bogus trials merely for demanding their rights, or believing they are now free to dress as they please.”

Court documents reveal that Otaibi’s use of social media, reported to authorities by religious police, and accusations of indecent attire led to her arrest. Fouz al-Otaibi, her sister, escaped the same charges and fled Saudi Arabia before her arrest. Another sister, Maryam, a renowned women’s rights advocate, was detained, held, and ultimately released in 2017 for protesting guardianship rules.

Khalid Aljabri, a Saudi specialist and regular commentator on US-Saudi relations, observed, “Manahel’s case is an example of the hypocrisy and selective application of severe laws by the Saudi government, which invites foreign Instagram models to promote tourism by posting swimsuit pictures but jails Saudi women for posting photos without Abayas.”

The Saudi crown prince’s government has targeted Twitter users in its wide-ranging domestic and international suppression campaign, which included infiltrating the company to extract confidential user data about anonymous Twitter accounts considered threatening to the royal family.

Meanwhile, the prince indirectly owns a significant stake in Twitter through the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Saudi’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the world’s wealthiest investors, holds the second-largest investment in Twitter after Elon Musk, and a £200 million stake in Snapchat.

Snapchat promotes itself as a platform where users in Saudi Arabia can “live in the moment and be themselves”, indicating a discrepancy between the platform’s philosophy and the country’s harsh reality.

Image Credit: Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

Christian parliamentary blocs in Lebanon announced on Tuesday that they have agreed upon a presidential candidate. The nation has been devoid of a president since last October, following the exit of Michel Aoun from the office. Polarisation within the parliament has caused a protracted stalemate, preventing consensus on a successor.

“An accord around a contender between the FPM and the opposition is in place,” stated Gebran Bassil, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader, during a Tuesday interview with Kuwaiti press. The opposition encompasses the Lebanese Forces, the Kataeb party, and a group of independent MPs identified for their resistance to Hezbollah.

While Bassil did not disclose the candidate’s identity, rumours suggest that Jihad Azour, an ex-Finance Minister and current Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, has risen to the fore.

The FPM, known for its historical alliance with Hezbollah, has traditionally rivalled the Lebanese Forces. Recent moves, however, indicate a growing distance from the Iran-backed party and its associate, the Amal Movement, which backs a different presidential nominee, Sleiman Frangieh.

Frangieh’s Marada Party is reportedly a close ally of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Bassil commented that, while communication with Hezbollah continues, there is no immediate meeting planned. In Lebanon’s sectarian political landscape, such negotiations are crucial for presidential elections, with intricate bargaining between allies and rivals dictating candidate selection.

Significant progress appeared uncertain after Bassil dismissed the prior opposition candidate, Michel Moawad, with no clear consensus on an appropriate nominee. This recent announcement marks an essential milestone, hinting at potential cooperation between the rival parties.

Nonetheless, the schedule for the subsequent parliamentary session to elect a president remains undetermined. Parliament Speaker and Amal leader Nabih Berri has opted against convening a session, citing a likely continuation of the futile election attempts – a pattern seen 12 times in a row.

Lebanon’s most substantial Christian parliamentary parties appear to have united behind Jihad Azour as a potential candidate to end the eight-month impasse on choosing a new president. With a June 15 deadline set by Speaker Nabih Berri for parliament to select the next president, Azour is considered a capable candidate to usher in Lebanon’s much-needed economic stability.

However, as Azour’s name emerged as a potential candidate, the Hezbollah, Amal, and their political coalition, the “Loyal to the Resistance” bloc, who prefer Sleiman Frangieh of the Marada Movement as president, have promptly denounced the proposition.

Image Credit: wirestock –www.freepik.com

This week, Jordan buzzes with anticipation for the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein, a Sandhurst-educated 28-year-old, and Rajwa Alseif, a 29-year-old US-educated architect. The impending nuptials at Zahran Palace – the historical venue for the weddings of King Abdullah II and the late King Hussein – hold immense significance for the Kingdom.

Prince Hussein’s wedding to Alseif is slated for Thursday and expected to uphold grand traditions of past ceremonies. Notably, this includes a royal motorcade of red Land Rovers that will escort the newlyweds through the heart of Amman, the capital city, post-ceremony.

High-profile attendees from around the globe are expected, with US First Lady Jill Biden and the King and Queen of the Netherlands already confirmed to be in attendance. Other aspects of the wedding, such as the comprehensive guest list and the details of the bride’s dress, remain under wraps, fuelling widespread anticipation.

The festivities began last week with a henna party in honour of Alseif, hosted by Queen Rania of Jordan and attended by hundreds of women. Moreover, thousands of Jordanians enjoyed a free concert featuring acclaimed Arab singers, including Egypt’s Tamer Hosny, adding to the nationwide jubilation.

Rajwa Alseif, the soon-to-be princess, hails from Saudi Arabia and holds an architecture degree from Syracuse University. Having lived and worked in Los Angeles, she is also the daughter of a founder of one of Saudi Arabia’s largest engineering firms, and her mother is a relative of King Salman of Saudi Arabia.

The groom, Crown Prince Hussein, has been the designated heir to the throne since 2009. A Georgetown University graduate with an international history degree, he later graduated from the British Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst. As a captain in the Jordanian military, Prince Hussein boasts a following of over four million on Instagram.

Details about their relationship and initial meeting are yet to be revealed by palace officials, though their engagement was formally celebrated in a traditional Muslim ceremony in Riyadh in August 2022.

The royal wedding, amidst persistent economic difficulties, is viewed as a morale booster and a means of strengthening public support. As a prospective power couple in the Middle East, the union of Alseif and Hussein is expected to solidify ties between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, further establishing the latter as a regional power broker.

The impending wedding has triggered a wave of enthusiasm in Jordan, not seen since King Abdullah’s marriage to Queen Rania in 1993. This royal event offers a fresh chapter in the country’s history, amid the public rift between the King and his half-brother.

Born to a Palestinian family in Kuwait, Queen Rania previously worked in marketing before marrying Abdullah, who ascended the throne in 1999 following his father’s death. This historical context amplifies the significance of the upcoming royal wedding, as Jordan and its monarchy brace for a new era.

Image Credit: alhusseinjo / Instagram

In a move that may signal the end of decades-long tensions, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has granted his approval for the complete restoration of diplomatic ties with Egypt. This move is a possible sign of warming relations between the two prominent regional forces.

Khamenei’s endorsement came during a meeting with the visiting Omani Sultan, Haitham bin Tariq, who is believed to be playing a mediating role between Tehran and Cairo.

Earlier this month, Sultan Haitham visited Egypt where he engaged in discussions with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on issues including the normalisation of relations between Iran and Egypt. His visits to Iran and Egypt are his first since his ascension to the throne of the Gulf Arab nation in 2020.

Khamenei’s endorsement of restored ties has significant implications as the Supreme Leader holds final say on major foreign policy matters in Iran. This lends further gravity to his commentary on relations with Egypt.

Oman has traditionally acted as a mediator in regional disputes and conflicts, between Arab and western nations and boasts close ties with Iran.

Official sources from Egypt reveal that Cairo and Tehran are anticipated to exchange ambassadors before 2023 concludes, and a meeting between President El Sisi and his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, is on the cards for later this year.

During March and April, clandestine discussions were held in Baghdad by mid-level diplomats and intelligence officials from both Iran and Egypt focusing on normalisation of relations. Senior officials from the two nations are expected to reconvene next month in the Iraqi capital.

Further dialogues are projected to take place in Oman at a future date.

Egypt-Iran ties

Historically, relations between Egypt and Iran soured after Egypt offered refuge to the deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi following the 1979 Islamic revolution. However, there was a brief period of improved relations following the removal of Hosni Mubarak and the election of Mohammed Morsi in 2012.

Relations deteriorated after the rise to power of Mr Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in 2014 and due to Egyptian concerns over Iran’s involvement in the affairs of Arab nations like Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.

Egyptian officials believe that normalised relations with Iran will help secure Tehran’s support in its effort to enhance economic and commercial ties with countries under significant Iranian influence, such as Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. They also hope to persuade Iran to cease its support for Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the two main Palestinian militant groups in the Gaza Strip, which Egypt borders.

This proposed diplomatic thaw between Cairo and Tehran would add another layer to the ongoing regional realignment. Saudi Arabia has agreed to restore diplomatic ties with Iran, severed since 2016, and Egypt and Turkey are working to normalise relations after a decade of disputes.

Recently, President El Sisi offered congratulations to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon his re-election, signaling a possible easing of tensions between Cairo and Ankara.

The situation in Yemen, where Iran has backed the Houthis against the internationally recognised government supported by a Saudi-led military coalition, has quietened significantly amid diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

The recent readmission of Syria to the Arab League after a suspension of over a decade following anti-government protests, and the attendance of Bashar Al Assad at the Arab League summit in Jeddah – his first in 12 years – has been heartily welcomed by Iran.

In the realm of global politics, it is not uncommon for the spouses of world leaders to play significant roles. Turkey’s First Lady, Emine Erdogan has had an interesting role as Turkey’s First Lady.

Background

Emine Erdogan was born on February 21, 1955, in Istanbul, Turkey. She hails from a conservative background and was raised in the Kasımpaşa neighbourhood. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of traditional values and community.

She pursued her education at Mithatpasa Primary School and Istanbul Vocational School. Despite being a private person, Emine Erdogan’s devotion to learning and continuous personal growth have been recognized throughout her life.

Role as First Lady

As Turkey’s First Lady, Emine Erdogan has taken an active role in various philanthropic endeavors, focusing particularly on women’s rights, education, and social welfare. She has initiated and supported numerous projects to empower women, promote education, and improve healthcare across Turkey.

One of her most notable initiatives is the “Zero Waste” campaign, which emphasizes environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Her advocacy for green initiatives has garnered widespread acclaim, both within Turkey and on the international stage.

Emine Erdogan is a prominent advocate for women’s rights and has been instrumental in raising awareness about domestic violence and gender inequality. She has actively supported programs and organizations that address these issues, striving to create a more equitable society for women in Turkey.

Her commitment to social causes has extended beyond women’s rights. She has actively participated in initiatives targeting poverty alleviation, healthcare access, and the well-being of disadvantaged communities. Emine Erdogan’s efforts to improve social conditions highlight her dedication to making a positive impact on Turkish society.

As the wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Emine Erdogan wields significant influence. While she is known for maintaining a relatively low public profile, she has been regarded as a trusted advisor and confidante to her husband. Her perspectives and insights are valued within political circles, and her support is often sought after for key government initiatives.

Image Credit: AA Photo

Turkish citizens are participating in a pivotal presidential run-off today to determine the fate of Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s prolonged 20-year rule. The outcome of this election will determine whether Erdogan remains in power or steps down.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Erdogan’s challenger and the candidate backed by a broad opposition alliance, has positioned this vote as a decisive referendum on the future trajectory of Turkey. As the favourite to win, President Erdogan has pledged to usher in a new era of unity, aiming to rally the country around a vision of a “Turkish century.”

However, a more pressing concern that resonates with the populace is the prevailing issue of skyrocketing inflation and the resulting cost-of-living crisis. The citizens’ struggles with the economy have taken precedence in the run-up to the election.

Polling stations across the country will close at 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT). Turkish expatriates in Europe and the United States have already cast their votes, contributing to the overall electoral process.

The first round of voting witnessed an impressive turnout of 88.8%, with Erdogan enjoying a lead of 2.5 million votes. Consequently, both candidates are now focusing their attention on the eight million eligible voters who did not participate in the initial round, hoping to secure their support this time.

In the run-up to the run-off election, Kilicdaroglu accused his rival of engaging in unfair practices by blocking his text messages to voters, while allowing Erdogan’s messages to be delivered unhindered. To ensure a fair electoral process, opposition parties have mobilised a legion of volunteers to prevent any potential vote-rigging.

Following the first round, international observers remarked on the uneven playing field, but no suggestions were made that any irregularities in the voting process could have altered the result.

On his final day of campaigning, Kilicdaroglu promised a distinctly different style of presidency, stating, “I have no interest in living in palaces. I will live like you, modestly… and solve your problems.” This comment took aim at Erdogan’s extravagant presidential complex on the outskirts of Ankara, which he moved into when transitioning from the position of prime minister to president in 2014. Since surviving a failed coup in 2016, Erdogan has acquired extensive powers, detained tens of thousands of individuals, and assumed control over the media.

Symbolism was rife when Erdogan made a campaign visit to the mausoleum of a former prime minister executed by the military following a coup in 1960. He proclaimed, “The era of coups and juntas is over,” linking Turkey’s current stability to his own authoritarian rule.

Turkey, however, remains deeply divided, with Erdogan relying on the support of religious conservatives and nationalists, while Kilicdaroglu’s supporters largely consist of secularists, although many of them also identify as nationalists.

For days, both candidates exchanged insults, with Kilicdaroglu accusing the president of cowardice and evading a fair election, while Erdogan labelled his opponent as being aligned with “terrorists,” referencing Kurdish militants.

However, after a period of inflammatory rhetoric regarding the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees, the opposition candidate redirected the narrative back to Turkey’s most pressing issue: the economic crisis, particularly its impact on low-income households.

During a campaign event, a 59-year-old woman and her grandson joined Kilicdaroglu on stage, highlighting how her monthly salary of 5,000 lira (£200; $250) had become untenable due to a sharp increase in rent, amounting to 4,000 lira (£160; $200).

While this instance may have been staged, it reflects the reality faced by many across Turkey, as inflation has surged to nearly 44%, with wages and state assistance failing to keep pace.

Economists argue that Erdogan’s policy of reducing interest rates instead of raising them has exacerbated the situation. The Turkish lira has plummeted to record lows, demand for foreign currency has surged, and the central bank’s net foreign currency reserves have entered negative territory for the first time since 2002.

In Kirikkale, located east of Ankara, gleaming high-rise buildings have emerged, creating an illusion of prosperity in a city governed by Erdogan’s party. However, a significant portion of the population is grappling with financial difficulties.

Irrespective of the victor on Sunday, Turkey’s parliament is already firmly under the control of Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted AK Party and its far-right nationalist ally, the MHP. Additionally, the AKP boasts the youngest member of parliament, who assumed office on the eve of the presidential vote.

This grandiose Erdogan endeavor focuses on Turkey’s economy, which is likely to pose a more immediate challenge for whichever candidate emerges victorious in the run-off.

Image Credit: AP News

Lebanon finds itself in the midst of a deepening economic crisis, and the legal actions against its central bank governor, Riad Salameh, are intensifying both domestically and internationally. Germany has issued a second arrest warrant against Salameh, as reported by Reuters on Thursday. The German public prosecutor verbally informed the Lebanese judiciary of the warrant, adding to the ongoing investigations into Salameh’s alleged involvement in a series of financial crimes.

According to a senior judicial source, the charges against Salameh include corruption, forgery, money laundering, and embezzlement. This development comes a week after France issued a similar arrest warrant when Salameh failed to appear at a hearing in Paris where French prosecutors planned to present fraud and money laundering charges against him.

Salameh is currently being investigated by six European countries, including France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg. The investigations focus on his alleged role in the embezzlement of $330 million from the central bank between 2002 and 2015, involving money transfers to an obscure offshore company.

Last Friday, Lebanon received an Interpol red notice for Salameh, a nonbinding request for global law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally arrest a fugitive wanted for prosecution. Lebanon’s policy prevents the extradition of its nationals, opting instead to try them in local courts.

Judicial officials have confirmed that Salameh will not be handed over to French authorities. State prosecutor Ghassan Oueidat will request his files from France to oversee the case within Lebanon. Oueidat has summoned Salameh for questioning in a hearing session scheduled for later this week.

Salameh, maintaining his innocence, is expected to file an appeal against the Interpol notice on Tuesday, as stated by his lawyer in an interview with LBCI TV channel.

Meanwhile, the French prosecution has summoned Salameh’s brother, Raja Salameh, and assistant, Marianne Hoayek, for separate hearings in Paris on May 31 and June 13, respectively.

Following the French arrest warrant, calls for Salameh’s resignation have grown, even before his term expires in July. Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh al-Shami and Caretaker Justice Minister Henry Khoury have both called for his resignation, citing the gravity of the crimes he is accused of.

Despite the mounting pressure, the government has refrained from dismissing Salameh. In a statement issued after a Cabinet meeting on Monday, it was announced that Salameh would remain in his position until the end of his term, awaiting a judicial decision.

Once regarded as a symbol of financial stability in Lebanon, Salameh is now seen as a fugitive. Many hold him responsible for the country’s economic collapse in October 2019. The local currency has suffered an over 98% devaluation, with millions of Lebanese unable to access their deposits due to informal capital controls imposed by commercial banks. This situation has led to skyrocketing prices, increased poverty rates, and a lack of progress in implementing necessary reforms to unlock international aid.

Sources have revealed to Reuters that Lebanon is likely to be added to the grey list of a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. The Middle East and North Africa section of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has completed its preliminary evaluation of Lebanon’s economy, scoring the country as only partially compliant in several categories. The final report is expected to be submitted during a meeting in Bahrain this week. Being grey-listed would further damage Lebanon’s financial reputation, disrupt capital flows, and impede global finance packages.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi reportedly issued a decree on Monday appointing Ali Akbar Ahmadian as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) of Iran. This decision comes with gratitude expressed by Raeisi towards the outgoing Secretary, Shamkhani, for his commendable 10-year service at the helm of the SNSC.

Shamkhani, who assumed the position in 2013, had previously held significant posts, including Defense Minister and Commander of Iran’s Army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navies.

Meanwhile, Ahmadian, the newly appointed Secretary, brings his experience as the Former Chief of the IRGC Joint Staff.

Who is Ali Akbar Ahmadian?

Ahmadian’s career trajectory includes his appointment as Commander of the IRGC Navy in August 1997. He reportedly ascended to the position of Chief of the IRGC Joint Staff in July 2000, before being succeeded by Brigadier General Mohammad Hejazi in September 2007. Notably, he served as the head of Imam Hoseyn University (Imam Hussein University of the Revolutionary Guards) from October 2005 until his departure in July 2007. Subsequently, in September 2007, Ahmadian assumed the role of head of the IRGC Strategic Studies Centre. Born around 1961 in Kerman, Iran, he brings a wealth of knowledge and strategic acumen to his new appointment.

Ahmadian’s past has been marred by various international sanctions. The United Nations Security Council designated him as a person linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on March 24, 2007, through resolution 1737 (2006). This designation was further reinforced by UN Security Council resolution 2231 (2015). Member states are required to freeze assets owned or controlled by Ahmadian, directly or indirectly, and ensure that these assets are not made accessible to him.

Moreover, the European Union listed Ahmadian as a person connected to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on April 21, 2007. EU member states must freeze his assets, with certain exceptions, and prevent any availability of assets to him. Additionally, member states must restrict his entry into or transit through their territories, with exceptions as defined.

Further amplifying the impact of sanctions, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added Ahmadian to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list on October 25, 2007. This action resulted in freezing his assets under US jurisdiction and imposing a prohibition on transactions involving US parties, in accordance with Executive Order 13382. The order specifically targets individuals involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their delivery systems. Foreign entities facilitating transactions for Ahmadian or providing assistance to him also face potential US sanctions. Additionally, he falls under the purview of the Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations. Foreign financial institutions facilitating transactions for Ahmadian may be prohibited from opening or maintaining correspondent or payable-through accounts in the United States.

The governments of Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom have also imposed sanctions, restricting business and financial transactions with Ahmadian and possibly freezing his assets within their respective countries.

Image Credit: Mehr News Agency

French prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for Riad Salameh, the Governor of Lebanon’s central bank, after he failed to appear for questioning on corruption charges. Salameh, 72, who vehemently denies all allegations against him, criticized the move and vowed to appeal the warrant, calling it a violation of the law.

Salameh has been the subject of multiple domestic and international investigations, accused of offenses including fraud, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. A European judicial team comprising investigators from France, Germany, and Luxembourg is conducting a corruption probe into various financial crimes, including the alleged laundering of $330 million and illicit enrichment.

During a visit to Lebanon in March, a European delegation interrogated Salameh regarding the Lebanese central bank’s overseas assets and investments, as well as a Paris apartment owned by the governor and the brokerage firm Forry Associates Ltd, belonging to his brother Raja Salameh. Forry, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands, listed Salameh’s brother as its beneficiary and is suspected of facilitating the brokering of Lebanese treasury bonds and eurobonds, with alleged commissions transferred to foreign bank accounts.

Lebanese authorities failed to deliver the official summons to Salameh, as police officers made four unsuccessful attempts to locate him at the central bank. The summons was subsequently returned to Lebanon’s judiciary, which was to notify the French authorities. Salameh’s current whereabouts remain unknown.

In Lebanon, the Beirut Public Prosecutor charged Salameh, his brother, and a close associate with corruption, including embezzlement of public funds, forgery, illicit enrichment, money laundering, and violation of tax laws. Salameh, once regarded as a guardian of Lebanon’s financial stability, is increasingly held responsible for the country’s severe economic crisis, which has pushed three-quarters of the population into poverty.

Salameh’s term as central bank governor concludes in July, and while no apparent successor has been identified, he has expressed his intention to step down. Defence lawyers representing Salameh, his brother, and his former assistant have submitted a formal request to suspend European judicial assistance, arguing that it conflicts with the ongoing Lebanese investigation. They accuse the European investigators of encroaching upon Lebanon’s sovereignty and demand the permanent suspension of the probe into the central bank’s association with Forry Associates Ltd.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

Political crisis between Morocco and Algeria reached its climax in August 2021, when Algeria suspended diplomatic ties with Morocco. The escalation has ended in reciprocal acerbities following a slew of ostensible accusations from both sides, mainly over Western Sahara case.

While the Moroccan Foreign Ministry maintains a politically correct and hostility-free discourse, Algerian regime opines that, according to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, relations between two countries have superseded “the point of no return.” The crisis dates back to what’s renowned as the Sand War.

The Sand War

The Sand War was a border armed conflict between Morocco and Algeria in September 1963. It ensued from the Moroccan government’s claim to land ownership of Algeria’s Tindouf and Béchar provinces. The war was propelled by a myriad of reasons, mainly The lack of a conterminous border line between Algeria and Morocco, the discovery of abounding mineral resources in the disputed area, and the Moroccan irredentist drive galvanized by the Greater Morocco ideology of the 1960s. The war was short and suffered minor casualties from both sides. However, it marked exogeneous intervention from the Algerian side. Hundreds of Cuban and Egyptian troops were deployed to bolster the Algerian army. As for the Moroccan side, Western allies provided assistance and military equipment.  

The Sand War marked the onset of a long and severely acute political contention between Morocco and Algeria. Part of this feuding is fueled by the vicissitudes in political plexus between the Islamic Moroccan monarchy and the socialistArab nationalist Algerian military regime.

In January 1969, Algerian President Houari Boumediene made a formal visit to Morocco and signed a treaty of friendship with the Moroccan government in the city of Ifrane. The treaty states that the two governments are to establish a joint commission to demarcate the border and determine future efforts to the utilization of natural resources in the disputed region. With signing the Accord of Ifrane, Morocco finally relinquished all claims to Algerian territory in 1972.

The war also ensconced Algeria’s stance in respect to the conflict in Western Sahara. Since the 1970s, Algeria has supported the Polisario Front, perfunctorily to ward off Moroccan expansionism in the region.

The Sand War exacerbated sheer tensions between the two countries for several decades. Along with the Western Sahara crisis, the relations between the two governments are at loggerheads.

Western Sahara Case

After Morocco gained its independence from France in 1956, the Western Sahara remained under Spanish control. Occupied until 1975, Western Sahara has been on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories since 1963 after a Moroccan demand of annexing the territory. The Sahrawi people demanded self-determination as a lawful act of decolonization.

In October 1975, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released an advisory opinion on the subject, which resolved that there were no ties of “territorial sovereignty between the territory of Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco or the Mauritanian entity” that would hinder the process of self -determination of the Sahrawi people. In the meantime, Morocco organized a march of hundreds of thousands of Moroccans into Western Sahara to affirm a “right to national unity.” In November 1975, Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania signed the “Madrid Accords,” which stated that Spain would unburden itself from any administering authority in Western Sahara. The Accords also declared that Morocco, Spain, and Mauritania, along with indigenous Sahrawi representatives, would cooperate together to establish a temporary administration, recognizing Western Sahara as self-governed entity. 

A war broke out between the Sahrawi indigenous Polisario Front and Morocco from 1975 to 1991, marking the most crucial chapter of the Western Sahara conflict, with Algerian backing the Sahrawi people with political shielding and military assistance.

After six decades of recurrent political and military escalations, and ongoing media and propaganda firestorm, Morocco and Algeria stand on the edge of a precipitous breakdown. This opposition will only be mitigated by serious commitments from both sides to find peaceful and diplomatic solutions to the continuant quandary.

Image Credit: Farouk Batiche/AFP

Iranian authorities carried out the execution of five individuals on Monday for their involvement in “armed drug smuggling” in the southern region of the country, according to reports from the judiciary.

The convicts, described as “criminals and armed drug smugglers,” had been sentenced to death by hanging, a verdict upheld by Iran’s highest court, stated Mojtaba Ghahramani, the Chief Justice of Hormozgan province. The executions took place in Bandar Abbas and Minab prisons in Hormozgan, as confirmed by Ghahramani.

These recent hangings bring the total number of individuals executed for drug smuggling to eight in less than a week.

Last Wednesday, the judiciary executed three individuals convicted of being members of a drug cartel, prompting concerns from the United Nations about the alarmingly high number of executions in the country.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have reported that Iran carries out more executions per year than any other nation except China.

On Monday, Iran also executed two people who were convicted of desecrating the Quran and insulting the Prophet Mohammad, a rare conviction that drew condemnation from the United States and sparked outrage among human rights organizations.

UN rights chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern about Iran’s “abominable” track record this year, highlighting an average of more than 10 executions per week.

More than 210 individuals have already been executed in Iran this year, with the majority of cases related to drug-related offenses. However, a statement from the United Nations suggests that the actual number is likely much higher.

A joint report by Iran Human Rights (IHR) based in Norway and Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) based in Paris revealed that the country witnessed a 75 percent increase in executions in 2022 compared to the previous year. In 2021, at least 582 people were executed in Iran, marking the highest number of executions since 2015 and significantly surpassing the 333 recorded in 2021, as stated by the two rights groups.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of Tunisia’s opposition party Ennahda, has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Tunisian judge on Monday. Ghannouchi, the former house speaker, has been in pre-trial detention for over a month and was absent during the sentencing.

According to his party, the judge at the Tunis Court of First Instance handed down a one-year prison term and a fine of 1,000 Tunisian dinars ($326) for the “glorification of terrorism.” Ennahda expressed disappointment that the judge issued the verdict without hearing the defense presented by Ghannouchi’s lawyer.

The case revolves around a eulogy delivered by Ghannouchi at the funeral of an Ennahda party member in February 2021. In his speech, Ghannouchi referred to the deceased as someone who had fought for freedom, unafraid of poverty, rulers, or dictators. Ennahda has consistently denied the allegations against Ghannouchi and argued that the term “tyrant” was taken out of context, highlighting the late person’s peaceful struggle against the dictatorships of former presidents Bourguiba and Ben Ali.

In recent weeks, Tunisia has witnessed the arrest of numerous opposition figures, including members of the National Salvation Front and Ennahda, its main constituent. These arrests and prosecutions, which also targeted businessmen and journalists, have raised concerns from the United States, the European Parliament, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

Tunisian President Kais Saied, who suspended Parliament in July 2021 and unilaterally enacted significant changes to the country’s political system, has repeatedly labeled those detained as terrorists. He has accused them, without providing evidence, of conspiring against Tunisia’s national security. Critics have accused Saied of interfering in the judiciary’s independence and utilizing his authority to influence investigations.

Who is Rached Ghannouchi?

Ghannouchi, a prominent Tunisian opposition leader, has been sentenced in absentia to one year in prison, according to his lawyer Monia Bouali. He was found guilty on charges of incitement on Monday. Ghannouchi, who held the position of speaker of the Tunisian parliament before its suspension, was arrested in late April on suspicion of plotting against state security.

Earlier this month, Ghannouchi refused to appear before the judiciary, dismissing the trials as politically motivated fabrications. Since the suspension of parliament, Saied has conducted a sweeping crackdown on the country’s opposition. Many opposition figures, including numerous members of Ghannouchi’s Ennahda Party, which was previously the largest in parliament, have been detained in recent months.

Saied, a former law professor who won the presidential election in 2019 amid public anger towards the political establishment, has granted himself extensive powers to govern and legislate by decree. He has also asserted control over the judiciary, which opponents view as a setback for democracy in the birthplace of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings.

Critics argue that Saied’s actions have undermined Tunisia’s democratic achievements and pushed the country, which is also grappling with a severe economic crisis, toward a dangerous path of autocracy. Ghannouchi, who returned to Tunisia from exile to a warm reception in January 2011 following the departure of longtime leader President Ben Ali, played a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape. Ennahda emerged as the largest party in Tunisia’s first parliamentary elections after Ben Ali’s removal in October 2011, securing 37 percent of the vote.

It was only in 2019 that Ghannouchi assumed a leadership position within the government as the parliament speaker.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hassene Dridi, File

In a decisive move aimed at propelling its reform agenda forward, Egypt has effectively divested a 9.5% stake in the state-run telecommunications company, Telecom Egypt, raking in an impressive sum of 3.7 billion Egyptian pounds (equivalent to approximately $121 million). The transaction, which occurred on Sunday, was executed via the Egyptian Stock Exchange, with each share priced at 23.11 Egyptian pounds, as confirmed in a filing submitted by the company.

Moreover, the government has concurrently revealed its intention to extend an additional 0.5% stake in Telecom Egypt to the company’s employees, as specified in a separate filing on Sunday. This move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to foster employee participation and align the workforce’s interests with the company’s growth trajectory.

This groundbreaking deal, which has been under discussion since March, serves as a momentous initial step in Cairo’s comprehensive program designed to ameliorate the nation’s faltering economy through the divestment of state-owned assets. By strategically reducing its stake in various entities, the government aims to attract private investment, boost market confidence, and drive economic growth.

As part of the overarching economic reform agenda, the government has announced plans to partially sell its shareholdings in 32 companies, either through initial public offerings or private placements. Notably, these state-linked enterprises encompass a range of entities operated by the Egyptian military, although the precise number remains undisclosed. Presently, only Wattaneya and Safi have been publicly identified as entities falling within this framework.

The Egyptian economy has endured severe setbacks due to the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the protracted conflict in Ukraine. As a result, the national currency has suffered significant depreciation, losing over 50% of its value following three successive rounds of devaluation since March of the previous year. Against this backdrop, the divestment of the stake in Telecom Egypt not only bolsters Egypt’s reform initiatives but also underscores the government’s resolute commitment to resuscitating the nation’s economy during these turbulent times.

Looking ahead, with further divestment plans in the pipeline, Cairo seeks to attract substantial investment, stimulate economic growth, and secure a prosperous future for the Egyptian populace. This deliberate approach towards economic restructuring demonstrates the government’s unwavering determination to navigate challenges effectively and forge a path towards sustained progress and prosperity.

Over 12 hours have passed since the polls closed in Turkey, yet the outcome of the presidential election remains deeply uncertain, with over 90% of the vote counted.

Preliminary results indicate that neither President Recep Tayyip Erdogan nor his main rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu have secured the majority of votes required for a decisive victory. Although final results are yet to be released, it appears likely that a run-off vote will be necessary.

Erdogan, who has held power since 2002, is currently leading with 49.49% of the vote. Addressing his supporters from the AK Party, he expressed his belief that he can still achieve an outright win. Meanwhile, Kilicdaroglu, who has garnered 44.79% of the vote so far, has vowed to emerge victorious in the second round.

However, it is anticipated that Erdogan’s AK Party alliance will form a majority in parliament. This election is proving to be Turkey’s most tightly contested in recent years, taking place amidst the country’s struggles with high inflation and ongoing recovery efforts following devastating earthquakes earlier this year.

The Turkish election seems to be heading towards a run-off, as both main candidates are poised to fall short of the 50% threshold required to avoid a second round. With nearly 97% of ballot boxes counted, Recep Tayyip Erdogan leads with 49.39% of the votes, while Kemal Kilicdaroglu holds 44.92%, according to the state-owned news agency Anadolu.

Turkey’s High Election Board reported that Mr. Erdogan received 49.49% of the votes with 91.93% of ballot boxes counted.

Speaking to his supporters in Ankara, Erdogan expressed his confidence in winning but assured that he would respect the nation’s decision if the race necessitates a run-off on 28 May. He stated, “If our nation has chosen a second round for the election, then we welcome that decision. We believe that we will secure over 50% of the vote in this round. I would like to emphasize once again that the fact the election results are not yet finalized does not change the clear preference of our nation in our favor. We strongly believe that we will continue to serve our nation for the next five years.”

His rival, Kilicdaroglu, expressed gratitude to the voters, particularly highlighting the high turnout among young people and women. He stated, “Despite all his slander and insults, Erdogan did not achieve the result he anticipated. No one should consider it a done deal. Elections are not won from balconies. The data is still being compiled. If our nation says ‘a second round,’ we welcome that decision. Our people should be certain that we will absolutely, absolutely emerge victorious and bring democracy to this country.”

At 69 years old, Erdogan, who has been in power for 20 years, is seeking a third consecutive term as president. However, Kilicdaroglu has presented him with his toughest challenge to date.

Opinion polls conducted before the election had given Kilicdaroglu, who leads a six-party alliance, a slight advantage. Two surveys on Friday even placed him above the 50% threshold. However, most polls suggested a narrow margin.

In addition to the presidential race, Turkey’s voters have also been selecting representatives for the 600-seat parliamentary assembly.

Image Credit: AP News

In a significant development, Syria has announced the extension of humanitarian aid access to rebel-held areas affected by the recent earthquake. According to Syria’s UN ambassador, Bassam Sabbagh, the permission for the United Nations to use the Bab Alsalama and Al Ra’i border crossings has been extended for an additional three months until August 13. This decision follows the initial approval granted by Syrian President Bashar Al Assad on February 13, shortly after the earthquake struck both Turkey and Syria, claiming the lives of over 50,000 individuals. The agreement allowing the UN to utilize these crossings was set to expire on Saturday but has been extended in response to a request from the UN.

The original decision to open the Bab Al Salama and Al Ra’i crossings in February was influenced by diplomatic efforts from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move enabled aid to be delivered to opposition-held areas in the north-west of Syria. Since 2014, the UN has already been granted access to the Bab Al Hawa border crossing by a Security Council mandate, facilitating the delivery of aid to millions of people in the north-west.

The addition of these two crossings has been viewed by aid agencies as a significant step in increasing the scale of humanitarian deliveries. The powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake caused extensive damage and loss of life, particularly impacting individuals sheltered indoors at the time of the tremor. Distressing images of collapsed structures and devastated buildings highlighted the magnitude of the disaster.

The aftermath of the earthquake has underscored the crucial importance of maintaining humanitarian access to Syria’s north-west, where millions of people heavily rely on aid provided through these border crossings amidst the ongoing civil war. Amnesty International has stated that regardless of the extension, the provision of aid through these crossings remains legal under international law. The organization emphasized that the UN’s cross-border relief operations play a critical role in preventing further suffering among the civilian population in north-west Syria.

The response to the earthquake has also highlighted the necessity of continued international cooperation in the face of such disasters. Countries like the UAE, the Netherlands, and Romania have actively provided aid and support, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collaboration. As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the earthquake, the extended access to border crossings for aid distribution will be instrumental in the ongoing recovery process.

A ceasefire agreement has been reached to bring an end to the intense fighting between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants in Gaza that has persisted for five days. However, the truce got off to a shaky start, with both sides continuing to fire at each other for two hours after the ceasefire was supposed to commence on Saturday evening. The death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 33 Palestinians since Tuesday, while Palestinian rocket fire into Israel has claimed the lives of one Israeli and one Palestinian.

Efforts to mediate the conflict were led by Egypt, which urged both sides to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. The United States welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire and revealed that US officials had collaborated with regional partners to facilitate the resolution. However, just before the truce was set to take effect at 10:00 PM local time on Saturday, Palestinian rockets were launched towards Israel, triggering renewed airstrikes. The majority of these rockets were intercepted by Israeli air defenses.

Egypt, a longstanding mediator in Gaza, managed to secure the agreement of both Israel and the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad to its latest ceasefire proposal. Israel’s National Security adviser expressed gratitude towards Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his efforts in bringing about the ceasefire. The Israeli government clarified that their acceptance of the ceasefire signifies that quiet will be met with quiet, but they will continue to defend themselves if attacked or threatened.

Islamic Jihad confirmed their agreement to the ceasefire and expressed gratitude towards Egypt for its mediation efforts. The recent round of violence began after Israeli airstrikes targeted Gaza, resulting in the deaths of three Islamic Jihad leaders and numerous civilians. In retaliation, Islamic Jihad fired barrages of rockets into southern and central Israel. The Israeli military reported that a total of 1,234 rockets and mortars were fired from Gaza, with most either intercepted or landing in open areas. However, some rockets have struck homes and other buildings, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Throughout the conflict, there have been mounting calls for a ceasefire, including from the United States. The US Deputy Secretary of State emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire agreement to prevent further loss of civilian life. Egypt continued its mediation efforts despite setbacks, aiming to broker a cessation of hostilities. The recent exchange of fire also followed an Israeli army raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, where two men were killed.

The current escalation in violence has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction in Gaza, as well as casualties in Israel. The ceasefire agreement brings hope for a temporary respite in the ongoing conflict, allowing civilians in the region to recover and rebuild.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Fatima Shbair

In a momentous event for the Turkish nation, voting for the highly contested presidential election began on Sunday morning. Surveys indicate that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trailing behind his opposition counterpart, Kemal Kilicdaroglu. Should these polls prove accurate, Turkey may witness a transfer of power after over two decades of Erdogan’s rule.

At 8 am local time, polling stations opened their doors to voters and will remain accessible until 5 pm. Following the closure of voting, results are expected to pour in from across the country, with the first updates anticipated after 9 pm.

To secure victory in the first round, a presidential candidate must attain more than 50 percent of the votes, thereby avoiding a run-off election scheduled for May 28. Several restrictions have been implemented, including a prohibition on the sale of alcohol until midnight.

Media outlets are subjected to a ban on reporting any news, commentary, or predictions concerning the election until 6 pm.

State media has reported the distribution of over 191,000 ballot boxes across Turkey, catering to approximately 61 million eligible voters. Moreover, additional polling stations have been set up to accommodate tens of thousands of individuals displaced by the earthquake in February, allowing them to exercise their voting rights.

In addition to the presidential race, voters will also be electing deputies for Turkey’s 600-seat parliament.

The two presidential candidates made their final pleas for votes on Saturday, addressing supporters in Istanbul and Ankara. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the People’s Republican Party (CHP), delivered a speech in Ankara and visited the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the party’s founder and the architect of modern Turkey. Speaking fervently amidst the rain, Kilicdaroglu emphasized Ataturk’s openness to innovation and urged supporters to focus on building the new rather than combating the old.

Meanwhile, President Erdogan, the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), embarked on a tour of three Istanbul districts on the eve of the election. His visit to Kasimpasa, his hometown, showcased the steadfast support he enjoys from residents despite the challenging economic circumstances gripping the nation. Speaking at the Hagia Sophia mosque, Erdogan expressed confidence in emerging stronger from the ballot box.

Refuting accusations of refusing to step down in the event of defeat, Erdogan stated in an interview aired by numerous Turkish broadcasters on Friday, “If our nation decides to make such a different decision, we will do exactly what’s required by democracy.”

The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which garners approximately 10 percent of votes and has endorsed Kilicdaroglu, held its final rally in the Istanbul district of Yenekepi. As Kurdish rap reverberated through the loudspeakers, officials took to the stage, proclaiming the famous Kurdish slogan, “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” or “Woman, Life, Freedom.” This slogan has recently gained prominence during Iran’s anti-government protests. The withdrawal of presidential candidate Muharrem Ince on Thursday is expected to bolster Kilicdaroglu’s chances.

Historically, voter turnout in Turkey has been robust, with more than 81 percent of eligible voters participating in the 2018 election. Additionally, millions of first-time voters are poised to exercise their democratic rights.

The Turkish diaspora has already set records for participation, with over three million votes cast. Notably, Turks will be electing both a president and a parliament for a five-year term. In the presidential race, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the cast ballots to claim victory in the first round.

Image Credit: Arnaud Jaegers on Unsplash

Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, the daughter of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a dynamic figure who has emerged as a powerful influence within the country’s political and social spheres. Her multifaceted role within the Erdogan family, her engagement in the political landscape, and her philanthropic work have all contributed to her public profile. This article seeks to shed light on Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar’s life, career, and her influence in contemporary Turkish society.

Born as the youngest of President Erdogan’s four children, Sumeyye has always been a prominent figure within her influential family. Educated in the United States and the United Kingdom, she holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and Politics from the London School of Economics. This international exposure has undoubtedly broadened her perspectives and enriched her understanding of global affairs, qualities that are reflected in her subsequent career.

Following her academic endeavours, Sumeyye returned to Turkey and took up a role within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which her father co-founded and has led for many years. As part of her role in the AKP, she provided strategic input and contributed to policy-making, demonstrating her political acumen and deep understanding of Turkish politics.

In 2015, Sumeyye married Selçuk Bayraktar, the chief technology officer of Baykar, a leading Turkish defence and tech company. The couple’s union marked a significant alliance between two of Turkey’s most powerful families and further elevated Sumeyye’s profile within the country.

Beyond politics, Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar has made a significant impact through her philanthropic work. She is the Vice President of the Turkey Youth and Education Service Foundation (TÜRGEV), a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing scholarships and housing for students. Her involvement in TÜRGEV has been instrumental in aiding the organisation’s efforts to support education and nurture the next generation of Turkish leaders.

However, her influence does not stop at the borders of her homeland. Sumeyye’s reach extends to the international stage, where she has consistently represented Turkey at various global forums, promoting dialogue and fostering relationships with international counterparts.

Image Credit: AA Photo

Delving into the world of North African cuisine, one quickly encounters a symphony of flavours, colours, and aromas, central to which is the Tunisian spice blend. Often referred to as Tabil, this aromatic blend forms the backbone of countless traditional Tunisian dishes, bestowing them with a warmth and depth of flavour that is both unique and tantalising.

Tunisian spice blend, or Tabil, is a testament to Tunisia’s rich culinary heritage, its composition reflecting the country’s history as a crossroads of various cultures, traditions, and trade routes. Here, we’ll explore the key ingredients of this enchanting spice blend, and their roles in creating its signature flavour profile.

Coriander Seeds: A cornerstone of the Tunisian spice blend, coriander seeds are renowned for their warm, slightly citrusy flavour that imparts a delightful hint of sweetness. Coriander seeds are often lightly toasted before being ground, which serves to enhance their natural aroma and intensify their flavour.

Garlic: Tunisian cuisine is characterised by its generous use of garlic, and Tabil is no exception. The pungent, spicy tones of garlic add an unmistakable depth and complexity to the spice blend, providing a robust counterpoint to the milder ingredients.

Caraway Seeds: This powerful spice brings an earthy, slightly sweet taste with a hint of citrus, subtly infusing the blend with its characteristic aroma. Caraway seeds are also believed to offer a range of health benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.

Cayenne Pepper: For an authentic Tabil, a touch of heat is essential. This is usually provided by cayenne pepper, which contributes a fiery kick that elevates the other flavours without overwhelming them. Depending on personal taste, the amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to control the level of heat in the blend.

Turmeric: This golden-hued spice is known for its warm, peppery flavour and numerous health benefits. Turmeric imparts a vibrant colour to the Tunisian spice blend, while its mildly bitter undertones help to balance the sweeter elements.

Creating a Tunisian spice blend involves a delicate balancing act, adjusting quantities of each ingredient until the perfect harmony of flavours is achieved. While the ingredients listed above form the core of traditional Tabil, variations may include other spices such as cumin, fennel seeds, or dried mint, offering endless opportunities for personalisation and experimentation.

Making your own Tunisian spice blend

If you can’t find Tunisian spice blend in your local market, try making it at home. Begin by taking two tablespoons of coriander seeds and one tablespoon of caraway seeds. Toast these spices lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until they become fragrant. Then, allow them to cool. Once cooled, transfer these toasted seeds into a spice grinder, along with two teaspoons each of dried garlic powder and turmeric, and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust this quantity to suit your heat preference).

Grind all the ingredients together until they form a fine powder. This homemade Tabil can be stored in an airtight jar, and kept in a cool, dark place for up to six months, ready to add a burst of Tunisian flavour to your dishes at a moment’s notice. Remember, this is just a basic version, and the beauty of making your own spice blend is the ability to tweak and adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste. Whether you prefer it spicier, sweeter, or milder, the choice is entirely yours.

To experience the full potential of this exotic spice blend, incorporate it into traditional Tunisian recipes, such as couscous, stews, or grilled meats. A spoonful of Tabil can transform a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece, adding a dash of North African magic to your cooking.

Image Credit: Tamanna Rumee on Unsplash

The United Arab Emirates’ aviation sector is now boasting a workforce composed of 42 percent women, equating to nearly 27,000 employees, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency on Wednesday. Mervat Sultan, the president of the Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation, addressed the Women in Aviation 10th Anniversary Conference, highlighting the increasing female representation within the industry due to active engagement with women interested in pursuing aviation careers.

In her speech, Sultan asserted the importance of nurturing a generation for nation-building, emphasizing the critical role of women’s empowerment, education, and training in achieving societal betterment. She stressed the need to inform parents and children about the plethora of employment opportunities in the aviation sector.

Contrary to traditional notions, women’s roles in aviation are not confined to being pilots, with many women serving as engineers, air traffic controllers, medical, technical, and legal staff, she added.

In conjunction with the Women in Aviation 10th Anniversary Conference, the 22nd edition of the Airport Show opened for a three-day exhibition in Dubai. The focus was on the brighter prospects for complete recovery, growth of passenger demand, and emphasis on future mobility, sustainable infrastructure, and innovation.

First Lieutenant Pilot, Dubai Police Airwing, Sheikha Mozah Bint Marwan Al Maktoum, addressed the considerable gender gap in the aviation field, asserting the need for an effective strategy to tackle this disparity. She shared her initiative, Shehana, a Women in Aviation Association, aimed at empowering women in the aviation industry through local, regional, and international partnerships and collaborations. She reiterated the respect and inclusion women receive in the UAE, urging for greater collaboration from sponsors, government, and organisations supporting women in aviation.

Kuljit S Ghata-Aura, President, Boeing Middle East Türkiye and Africa, praised the UAE’s strides in empowering women in the aviation industry. He pointed out Boeing’s commitment to supporting gender equality in the workplace, referencing a pledge signed by the company in December 2022 along with 15 other UAE private sector companies to increase women’s representation in leadership roles to 30% by 2025. This move aligns with the UAE’s gender balance agenda and has already resulted in an increase in women’s representation in the global Boeing workforce to 24.6%.

Several key stakeholders and leaders were honoured at the event, including Suzanne Al Anani, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, who received the Innovative Leader Award in Women in Aviation. Awards were also presented to other notable companies and individuals in recognition of their contributions to the industry and their support for women in aviation.

Back in February, Oman Air announced that Maha Al Balushi has become the first female Omani Captain in the airline’s history. 

Image Credit: John McArthur on Unsplash

An Egyptian documentary network has pledged to create its own documentary on the life of Queen Cleopatra in response to an upcoming Netflix film that has sparked controversy across the nation. Cairo-based channel Al Wathaeqya announced their intention to collaborate with the documentary production division of Egypt’s United Media Services, an initiative dedicated to providing an accurate portrayal and promotion of Egyptian culture and history.

In a statement to the Egypt Independent, the filmmakers unveiled their plans to present the true story of Queen Cleopatra VII, the daughter of Ptolemy XII and the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty that governed Egypt following the death of Alexander the Great.

The statement elaborated, “In keeping with the usual approach of the Documentary Production Sector and Wathaeqya Channel, work sessions are currently being held with a range of experts in history, archaeology, and anthropology.” Al Wathaeqya is committed to conducting thorough ‘subject research related to the film’ and depicting both the film and Cleopatra in accordance with the ‘highest levels of research and study’.

This decision to produce a documentary on one of Egypt’s most iconic rulers comes in the wake of Netflix’s release of a trailer for their own forthcoming documentary, which has incited widespread disapproval across the Arab nation and has become one of the streaming platform’s most disliked trailers to date.

An Egyptian lawyer has even filed a lawsuit against Netflix for their decision to portray Cleopatra as a Black woman, demanding legal action against the creators of the show and calling for the streaming service to be shut down in Egypt.

In response to the criticism, director Tina Gharavi defended her casting choice, stating that the likelihood of Cleopatra being white was ‘somewhat unlikely’. Gharavi embarked on a search for ‘the right performer’ to play the queen and ultimately cast Adele James, a Black actress.

Image Credit: Tom Podmore on Unsplash

In an effort to restore diplomatic ties between Ankara and Damascus, high-ranking officials including the foreign ministers of Russia, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, convened in Moscow for significant talks, years after their relationship was strained amidst the Syrian conflict.

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, expressed optimism about the prospects of cooperation between Damascus and Ankara, as quoted by the Syrian state news agency SANA. However, he emphasised that the primary objective for the Syrian administration was to end the presence of foreign military forces, including those from Turkey. Mekdad asserted, “Without progress in this matter, we will remain stagnant and will not reach any real results.”

Northwestern Syria encompasses territory controlled by opposition factions, including armed groups supported by Turkey. The Russian foreign ministry shared in a statement that the gathering had a “positive and constructive atmosphere”, and that deputy foreign ministers of the participating nations will be assigned the task of formulating a roadmap for improving Syria-Turkey relations.

Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, opened the discussions with a hopeful note that the gathering would lay the foundation for the creation of a roadmap for normalising relations between Turkey and Syria. Lavrov envisions Moscow’s role as not only affirming the progress made politically but also outlining general directions for the journey ahead.

Moscow, being Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s primary ally, has been promoting reconciliation with Turkey. Additionally, defence ministers from Syria and Turkey had previously met in Moscow in December.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu emphasised the importance of “cooperation in combating terrorism and working together to establish the foundation for the return of Syrians” during the meeting. Cavusoglu mentioned that the advancement of the political process in Syria and protection of Syria’s territorial integrity were also key topics of discussion.

In parallel developments, al-Assad received a formal invitation to attend the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia on May 19, marking a significant thaw in the regional isolation of Damascus.

Arab League member states, at a meeting in Cairo, agreed to reinstate Syria’s membership, which was suspended over a decade ago. Arab nations have been striving to normalise relations, emphasising an “Arab-led political path” to solve the crisis and maintaining direct dialogue on common issues, including the refugee crisis, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

The pace of restoring ties with Damascus accelerated after the catastrophic earthquake on February 6 in Turkey and Syria and the re-establishment of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, mediated by China. The two nations had previously backed opposing sides in the Syrian conflict.

The decision to readmit Syria into the Arab League, however, has been met with significant opposition from residents in opposition-held Syrian territories and members of the country’s political opposition, who perceive it as a validation of the government’s attacks during the prolonged 12-year war.

Image Credit: Russian Foreign Ministry/Reuters

In a meticulously orchestrated strike on Gaza on Thursday, a prominent military leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and two other members were tragically killed. The armed faction of the PIJ confirmed the demise of the head of its missile division, Ali Hassan Ghali, also known as Abu Muhammad, in the assault.

The armed wing of the organisation, Al Quds Brigades, announced, “Ali Ghali … commander of the rocket launch unit … was assassinated in the southern region of the Gaza Strip along with other martyrs.”

The Israeli military acknowledged its targeted strike on Ghali. Smoke was observed billowing from the densely populated coastal enclave as Israel declared it was focusing its attacks on the group’s rocket launch facilities.

The skirmish between Israel and militants in Gaza has been intensifying since Tuesday. More than 20 Palestinians, including civilians, have lost their lives in the strikes, and hundreds of retaliatory rockets have been launched. According to the Israeli military, Ghali had been ensconced in a residential complex in Khan Younis.

In the aerial attack, two other militants from the group were also killed. Ghali had led rocket offensives against Israel in recent months.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that Israel had delivered a severe blow to the militants and cautioned, “this round is not over”. He warned the terrorists and their backers, “we see you everywhere. You can’t hide, and we choose the place and time to strike you”. He further added that Israel would determine when calm is restored.

Despite Egypt, a mediator between the two factions, claiming to have brokered a ceasefire, the efforts seemed to falter as the fighting escalated on Wednesday, with neither side willing to capitulate. White House National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, underscored the necessity for tension de-escalation during a call with Tzachi Hanegbi, the head of Israel’s National Security Council.

A White House statement affirmed that Mr Sullivan had “reaffirmed the administration’s ironclad support for Israel’s security, as well as its right to defend its people from indiscriminate rocket attacks”. It was also noted that Mr Sullivan encouraged “regional efforts to broker a ceasefire, and emphasised the need to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life”.

Earlier on Wednesday, tensions had amplified in the occupied West Bank after Israel executed arrest raids. Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in the town of Qabatiya, claiming they had fired at them. Meanwhile, in Tubas, an Israeli soldier was injured in a separate gunfire exchange with Palestinian gunmen.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Fatima Shbair

In a strategic move aimed at securing votes ahead of Turkey’s closely contested election, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a significant 45% pay increase for more than 700,000 public workers on Tuesday. This substantial raise will elevate the minimum monthly wage for affected workers to 15,000 Turkish lira (€700).

The timing of this announcement, just days before the election, highlights the importance of economic issues in the minds of the electorate. Just last month, he promised that households would receive up to 25 cubic meters of free natural gas per month for one year, beginning next month. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to showcase large-scale energy and infrastructure projects before the elections. In previous years, Erdoğan’s economic policies were hailed as successful, but they have since become a point of contention due to soaring inflation rates and a plummeting lira.

Addressing the nation in Ankara, Erdoğan stated, “As part of this collective bargaining agreement, we are implementing a 45% wage increase, incorporating the welfare share, effectively raising the minimum wage for public workers to 15,000 lira.” Furthermore, the president indicated that the government has plans to boost wages and pensions for civil servants as well.

The announcement sparked a heated debate on social media platforms such as Twitter, with some users expressing concern that public workers will now earn more than their counterparts in public engineering roles. Skepticism lingers over whether Erdoğan will adopt a more serious approach to tackling the rampant inflation plaguing the nation. The president’s unorthodox monetary policies, which include cutting interest rates amid escalating prices, have resulted in double-digit inflation, currency turmoil, and spiralling living costs that have left Turkish voters feeling disillusioned.

Inflation in Turkey reached a record-breaking 85.5% in October last year, while April’s figures hovered just below 44%. Erdoğan acknowledged the financial strain caused by the recent earthquakes in the southeast, stating, “Despite the burden of over $100 billion that the earthquake disaster placed on our economy, we will continue to take these measures. Thankfully, Turkey has now achieved the strength and capacity to handle such burdens.”

As the country gears up for the pivotal presidential and parliamentary elections, President Erdoğan faces a tight race against his main opposition rival, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu.

Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that it will resume the work of its diplomatic mission in Syria, according to a statement by the foreign ministry. The move comes two days after the Arab League voted to reinstate Syria, ending a 12-year suspension.

The foreign ministry’s statement highlighted Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to contribute to the development of joint Arab action on Syria and enhance security and stability in the region. The decision also takes into account the resolution made by Arab foreign ministers at an emergency meeting in Cairo, the Arab League’s headquarters, regarding the resumption of Syrian participation in the league’s council meetings and its organisations and bodies.

This development follows a recent meeting between Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Damascus, marking the first such visit since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

The Arab League expressed its intention to reinstate Syria in order to continue working towards alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and to support them in realising their legitimate future aspirations. The league also called for a prominent Arab role in addressing all aspects of the Syrian crisis, encompassing security, humanitarian, and political issues.

The body emphasised the need to tackle the repercussions of Syria’s civil war on neighbouring countries, the region, and the world, pointing to the strain of refugees, the threat of terrorism, and the smuggling of narcotics.

The resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Syria is expected to strengthen regional security and stability while fostering cooperation between the two nations.

Image Credit: SANA via AP

Lebanon’s Caretaker Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, has called on the Ministry of Telecommunications to suspend the operation of the Bolt app in the country starting from May 8, 2023. This decision comes in response to a surge in complaints from public transport unions and a series of protests that have taken place across various Lebanese regions. Mawlawi’s request aims to ensure compliance with traffic laws and other regulations in force, addressing concerns raised by the unions.

In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Communications, Mawlawi highlighted the need to confirm that Bolt’s operations do not violate the traffic law and other laws and regulations in force. The move follows a series of sit-ins and complaints by public transport unions last week, demonstrating the growing dissatisfaction with the ride-hailing app’s operations in Lebanon.

Furthermore, Mawlawi has instructed the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces to strictly pursue and penalise drivers who use forged public license plates or operate public transport vehicles with private license plates. This measure is expected to clamp down on illegal practices within the transportation sector and further address the concerns of public transport unions.

It remains to be seen how the suspension of the Bolt app will impact the transportation landscape in Lebanon and whether the company will be able to address the concerns raised by the authorities and public transport unions to resume its operations in the country.

Image Credit: Bolt

A suspected drug smuggler, Marai al-Ramthan, and his family were reportedly killed in an airstrike near the Syria-Jordan border, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The strike has been attributed to Jordan, which has not yet commented on the matter. Al-Ramthan, believed to be the region’s most prominent drug trafficker, was responsible for smuggling drugs, including the highly addictive amphetamine Captagon, into Jordan.

The attack follows a meeting on May 1 in Amman, during which Syria agreed to cooperate with Jordan and Iraq in identifying and combatting drug production and smuggling across borders. The airstrike also comes shortly after the Arab League welcomed Syria back into the bloc after more than a decade-long suspension. Syria’s Captagon industry, which generates an estimated $10 billion, has become a major concern for its neighbouring countries, particularly Jordan, which has become a transit route for the drug trade.

According to the SOHR, another attack occurred in the southern province of Deraa, targeting a building that housed a drug factory. Opposition activist Ahmad al-Masalmeh confirmed that the pre-dawn attack killed al-Ramthan and his family, while another strike hit a facility used by Iran-backed groups to produce and store drugs for smuggling to Jordan.

Jordan has been increasingly concerned about the flow of drugs from Syria. In February 2022, the Jordanian army reported that it had killed 30 smugglers since the beginning of the year and thwarted attempts to smuggle 16 million Captagon pills into the country from Syria, surpassing the entire volume seized in 2021. Jordan has previously conducted airstrikes targeting drug smugglers in Syria, with some incidents dating back to 2014.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi recently warned that the country would take decisive action if drug trafficking from Syria continued, stating, “If we do not see effective measures to curb that threat, we will do what it takes to counter that threat, including taking military action inside Syria to eliminate this extremely dangerous threat.” The recent airstrikes highlight the ongoing efforts to tackle the Captagon trade and its impact on the region. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for neighbouring countries to cooperate in combating drug trafficking and its associated criminal activities.

Image Credit: AFP

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has successfully evacuated a total of 566 individuals from Sudan, as conflict continues to plague the nation. The fourth evacuation flight, carrying 176 people from seven countries, including journalists, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday afternoon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Mofaic) emphasised that the evacuations were part of the UAE’s humanitarian efforts, commitment to global cooperation and solidarity, and focus on providing protection to civilians in times of need.

Evacuees, prioritised by vulnerability, such as the sick, children, elderly and women, will be hosted and provided with necessary support and assistance in the UAE before returning safely to their respective home countries. Mofaic also highlighted the UAE’s dedication to working with international partners to serve Sudanese interests, stressing the importance of securing a ceasefire and returning to political dialogue to achieve stability and security.

Additionally, the UAE sent urgent food and medical supplies to Sudan on Friday. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the 30-tonne aid shipment, which was flown to the Chad-Sudan border to assist Sudanese refugees affected by the military conflict. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and the International Humanitarian City in Dubai.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

Over a decade after being expelled due to its brutal repression of pro-democracy protests leading to a civil war, Syria has been reinstated into the influential Arab League. The move signals a thaw in relations between Damascus and other Arab governments and precedes a summit in Saudi Arabia later this month, which President Bashar al-Assad may attend.

The US and UK have criticised the decision, with a state department spokesman stating that Syria does not deserve reinstatement but that the US supports the Arab League’s objective of resolving the Syrian crisis. Lord Ahmad, the UK’s Minister of State Foreign Commonwealth & Development Affairs, declared the UK’s continued opposition to engaging with the Assad regime, asserting that Mr Assad persists in detaining, torturing, and killing innocent Syrians.

The decision to readmit Syria was taken during a meeting of foreign ministers from 13 of the 22-nation group’s members in Cairo, who emphasised the need to end Syria’s civil war and address the resulting refugee and drug smuggling crises. A committee involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq will be established to aid Syria in achieving these goals. The Arab League’s secretary general, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, emphasised that the decision does not equate to a resumption of relationships between Arab states and Syria and that such decisions will be made by individual countries.

Displaced Syrians in the rebel-held area of Idlib have expressed shock at the Arab League’s decision. Meanwhile, Arab moves to restore ties with Syria have accelerated since the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in February, with foreign ministers from Egypt and Saudi Arabia visiting Syria and Tunisia restoring full diplomatic relations.

After Israel arrested Imad al-Adwan, a member of Jordan’s parliament, on suspicion of smuggling weapons and 100kg of gold into the occupied West Bank in April. Al-Adwan was apprehended at the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli security reportedly discovered the contraband in his car.

Israel has now reached an understanding with Jordan and Imad al-Adwan has now been released to Amman’s custody on condition that he is prosecuted and treated “harshly”.

Who is Imad Al-Adwan?

Imad Al-Adwan, 35, is a lawyer and a member of the Palestine Committee of the Jordanian Parliament.

Image Credit: Roya News

Queen Rania of Jordan showcased her impeccable fashion sense as she attended the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. She arrived in a form-fitting pastel yellow pencil dress featuring a wide Bardot neckline and semi-sheer underpinnings, paired with a high neck and long sleeves for modesty. Complementing the ensemble, Queen Rania wore a matching pillbox hat with a short veil, embodying both elegance and modernity.

Queen Rania of Jordan’s accessories

The Jordanian monarch accessorised with a woven Intrecciato clutch in cream by Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta and a pair of matching pumps by her preferred shoe designer, Gianvito Rossi. King Abdullah II, her husband, sported a navy blue suit with a white shirt, maroon tie, and the pin of the Jordanian flag on his lapel, which he also wore at the coronation reception on Friday evening.

Queen Rania’s sophisticated outfit followed the Schiaparelli dress she donned for the Buckingham Palace event on Friday. She paired the simple, ruched brown dress from the French house with a gold clutch and gold Gianvito Rossi pumps. In contrast, Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco opted for a striking cream cape over a blush pink dress, reminiscent of the traditional burnoose cape worn by Moroccan Berbers.

Image Credit: AFP

Egypt has announced a significant increase in diesel prices, reflecting the recent surge in global crude oil prices and the decline of the local currency. Starting on Thursday, diesel will cost users 8.25 Egyptian pounds ($0.27) per litre, a near 14% increase of 1 pound.

The decision was made “in light of the increase in international prices for crude oil and petroleum products and the exchange rate of the pound against the dollar”, according to a statement by Egypt’s domestic fuel pricing committee. As a result, public bus fares will also be increased by 10%, as announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Local Development.

However, the price of petrol will remain unchanged. Earlier this year, in March, the committee raised domestic fuel prices for 80-octane petrol to 8.75 pounds per litre and 92-octane fuel to 10.25 pounds per litre. Premium 95-octane petrol prices were also increased to 11.50 pounds per litre.

The price of natural gas for vehicles experienced an increase as well, rising from 3.75 pounds per cubic metre to 4.50 pounds. In order to secure funding from the International Monetary Fund, Egypt has committed to gradually reducing subsidies for its population of 104 million, approximately 30% of whom live below the poverty line.

For the 2023/2024 fiscal year, Egypt’s Finance Ministry has allocated 119.4 billion Egyptian pounds, or around $3.8 billion, to subsidise petroleum products. The committee, which meets quarterly, monitors and implements involuntary pricing for petroleum products.

As of Thursday, May 4, the diesel price will be set at LE8.25 per litre. Meanwhile, Octane products of all three types have fixed prices: LE 8.75 per litre for Octane 80, LE10.25 per litre for Octane 92, and LE 11.5 per litre for Octane 95. The price of Mazut supplied to the electricity and food industries has also been fixed at LE6,000 per ton.

The Egyptian Petroleum Products Automatic Pricing Committee meets every three months to set the prices of gasoline and diesel fuel, taking into account market variables such as the international price of a barrel of Brent crude and the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Egyptian pound.

Image Credit: Dawn McDonald on Unsplash

Lebanon, a small country nestled along the Mediterranean coast, is known for its rich cultural heritage and religious diversity. Among the various religious groups that contribute to Lebanon’s vibrant social fabric, the Christians of Lebanon hold a prominent position, with their influence reaching far beyond religious matters.

Who are the Christians of Lebanon?

Christianity in Lebanon traces its roots back to the early years of the faith, with the region playing a significant role in the growth and dissemination of Christianity. The Phoenician coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon, now part of modern-day Lebanon, are mentioned in the New Testament as sites visited by Jesus and his disciples.

In the centuries that followed, Lebanon became a focal point for various Christian denominations, including the Maronite, Greek Orthodox, Greek Catholic (Melkite), Armenian Orthodox (Apostolic), Armenian Catholic, and several Protestant denominations.

The Role of Christians in Lebanon’s Society and Politics

Christians have played a pivotal role in Lebanon’s social, political, and cultural development throughout its history. The establishment of the Lebanese Republic in 1943, for instance, was based on a National Pact that enshrined power-sharing between the different religious communities. This agreement ensured that the President of the Republic would always be a Maronite Christian, while the Prime Minister would be a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament a Shia Muslim.

Lebanon’s Christians have also made significant contributions to the country’s educational and cultural sectors. Institutions such as the American University of Beirut and Saint Joseph University, founded by American Protestant missionaries and French Jesuits respectively, have shaped generations of Lebanese leaders, thinkers, and professionals.

The Rich Tapestry of Christian Culture in Lebanon

The diversity of Christian denominations in Lebanon has given rise to a rich tapestry of cultural expressions, including art, architecture, music, and literature. Some of the most notable examples of Christian cultural heritage in Lebanon include:

Monasteries and Churches

Lebanon boasts an impressive number of historic monasteries and churches, such as the Monastery of Saint Anthony (Qozhaya), the Monastery of Saint Maron (Annaya), and the Cathedral of Saint George (Beirut). These sites, some dating back to the early centuries of Christianity, offer a unique insight into the country’s religious history and architectural styles.

Music and Chanting

The Christians of Lebanon have a rich musical tradition, encompassing both liturgical chants and secular music. Traditional Maronite and Byzantine chants, for instance, continue to be an essential part of worship services, while the Rahbani Brothers, renowned Lebanese musicians and composers, have left an indelible mark on the country’s musical landscape.

Festivals and Celebrations

Lebanese Christians celebrate various religious and cultural events throughout the year, such as Christmas, Easter, and the Feast of Saint Maron. These festivities are marked by processions, communal gatherings, and traditional customs that showcase the unique blend of Lebanese Christian culture.

The Christians of Lebanon, with their rich history and diverse cultural heritage, have played a vital role in shaping the nation’s unique identity. As a testament to Lebanon’s religious diversity and tolerance, the Christian communities continue to contribute to the country’s social, political, and cultural landscape.

Image Credit: Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) in Oman has announced the adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Chat GPT, to improve its services, increase the efficiency of internal operations, and enhance employee performance.

Mohammed bin Abdulmajeed Al Hooti, who is responsible for managing the Opaz digital transformation programme, stated that employees would be able to access Chat GPT on their desktops and mobiles for continuous and immediate support. This will enable them to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently.#

The AI chatbot will also enhance internal processes within departments, particularly for new employees and projects requiring new information from multiple sources that can be instantly compared. Al Hooti explained that the introduction of Chat GPT aims to boost efficiency and productivity, hone communication skills, and optimise employees’ time.

Why is Oman’s Opaz using AI?

By implementing Chat GPT, the authority can automatically and immediately answer common questions without training a large number of employees to do so. The AI chatbot will also enable more effective data analysis from clients and potential investors, providing valuable insights to improve Opaz’s overall performance and the experience of investors and customers.

This move marks an important addition to Opaz’s smart services, reflecting its aspirations to enhance the quality of services and increase the efficiency of internal operations. Opaz plans to introduce Chat GPT in all its affiliated zones in the future as part of its vision to fully utilise advanced technologies and apply international best practices in managing its zones.

Image Credit: Silas Baisch on Unsplash

Three months after a catastrophic earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, the living conditions remain dire in Syria rebel-held northwest according to aid officials who visited the region. The earthquake, which occurred on 6th February, claimed the lives of over 50,000 people, including more than 6,000 in Syria, as reported by the United Nations, and displaced hundreds of thousands more.

Why have living conditions remain dire in Syria?

Idlib, Syria’s northwestern province, houses around 4 million individuals, many of whom were previously displaced during the nation’s 12-year civil conflict, which has resulted in nearly half a million casualties. David Carden, the UN’s Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria crisis, stated that since the earthquake, approximately 2,000 lorries have entered from Turkey, offering aid such as shelter, food, medical supplies, and other services.

Lack of funding

Carden acknowledged progress since the initial aftermath of the earthquake but emphasised that more work is needed, citing funding as one of the primary concerns. Despite a fully-funded flash appeal that raised $400 million, the pre-existing humanitarian response plan for Syria, which necessitates billions of dollars in support, is only 7% funded. Carden called for the continuation of the two border crossings between Turkey and Syria, opened for three months following the earthquake to permit aid deliveries.

He expressed a desire to “keep using these crossings as long as possible.” The three-month timeframe expires in mid-May, and it remains uncertain whether the Syrian government will allow future aid deliveries. The February earthquake resulted in over 4,500 fatalities in northwestern Syria, with approximately 855,000 people having their homes damaged or destroyed, according to Carden.

Patrick Mutai, a shelter coordinator at the UN refugee agency, revealed that prior to the earthquake, roughly 2 million individuals in Syria required assistance, including 1.8 million people residing in camps. Among these, around 800,000 live in tents that need replacement. Mutai stated that the earthquake has exposed the population to increased vulnerabilities, with 1.1 million Syrians now in need of shelter. Immediate plans involve assisting the most severely affected with “dignified shelters” that offer better privacy, security, and structural stability.

Idris Elrasheed, who leads northwestern Syria operations from the World Health Organization’s office in Gaziantep, southern Turkey, announced that more medical equipment would be transported to Syria. This move would reduce the need to transfer critically ill patients to Turkey for treatment via obstructed roads and across a border that has been closed since the earthquake. The Swiss Secretariat for Migration has also decided to discontinue priority treatment for Turkish and Syrian nationals applying for a Switzerland Schengen visa due to a steady decrease in the number of applications in recent weeks.

Image Credit: WFP

UAE Flag Day is a national event that embodies the spirit of unity, pride, and national identity in the United Arab Emirates. As a day to cherish the national flag and reflect on the journey of this rapidly developing nation, Flag Day holds a special place in the hearts of Emiratis and expatriates alike. In this article, we explore the origins of UAE Flag Day, its importance, and the various ways in which the event is celebrated across the country.

The Origins and Significance of UAE Flag Day

UAE Flag Day is celebrated on the 3rd of November each year, marking the anniversary of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s accession as the President of the United Arab Emirates. The first Flag Day took place in 2013, initiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

The event is more than just a celebration of the national flag. It symbolises the unity and aspirations of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. The flag, designed by Emirati artist Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, features four colours – red, green, white, and black – representing bravery, prosperity, peace, and strength, respectively.

How UAE Flag Day is Celebrated

UAE Flag Day is commemorated with various events, activities, and ceremonies held throughout the country, with the following being the most notable. On Flag Day, UAE citizens, residents, and government institutions participate in flag-hoisting ceremonies held across the country. The ceremonies are often led by prominent figures, such as members of the ruling families, and are attended by enthusiastic crowds.

Schools and universities play an active role in UAE Flag Day celebrations, organising educational events, workshops, and competitions that aim to foster a sense of national pride and educate students about the UAE’s history, culture, and values.

Various public gatherings take place across the country, with residents coming together to celebrate the day in parks, malls, and community centres. These gatherings often include cultural performances, art exhibitions, and traditional Emirati music and dance.

Social Media Campaigns

In the digital age, social media campaigns are an integral part of UAE Flag Day celebrations. Citizens and residents share photographs, videos, and messages expressing their love and admiration for the UAE, using hashtags such as #UAEFlagDay.

Dressing Up in National Colours

People across the UAE dress in the national colours, adorning their clothing, homes, and workplaces with the colours of the flag. This vibrant display serves as a visual reminder of the unity, pride, and national identity that UAE Flag Day represents.

UAE Flag Day is a significant event that unites the nation in celebration of its national identity, history, and achievements. The day is marked by a variety of events, ceremonies, and public gatherings that express the nation’s unity, pride, and aspirations. As a testament to the UAE’s rapid growth and development, Flag Day serves as an opportunity for citizens and residents to come together and celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey.

Image Credit: Saj Shafique on Unsplash

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a leading figure in the United Arab Emirates and an influential member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, is best known for his immense wealth, business acumen, and investment prowess. In March he was appointed as Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by President Sheikh Mohamed.

Early Life and Background

Born on 20 November 1970, Sheikh Mansour is the son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. He is the half-brother of the current UAE president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the deputy prime minister of the UAE. Educated at Santa Barbara Community College in California, USA, Sheikh Mansour has displayed an impressive aptitude for business and investment throughout his life.

The Staggering Net Worth of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan

As of 2023, Sheikh Mansour’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 billion, placing him among the wealthiest royals globally. The majority of his wealth can be attributed to his role in the Abu Dhabi government and his vast portfolio of investments, including holdings in various sectors such as real estate, energy, and technology.

Diversified Investments and Business Interests

Sheikh Mansour’s investment strategy is characterised by a balanced mix of local and international assets. His investment vehicle, the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), has played a significant role in his wealth accumulation.

Manchester City Football Club

In 2008, Sheikh Mansour acquired the English Premier League football club, Manchester City, for £210 million. Since then, the club has risen to prominence, winning several domestic and international titles. The acquisition has not only bolstered Sheikh Mansour’s net worth but also significantly raised his profile on the global stage.

International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC)

Sheikh Mansour has held various positions in the oil and gas sector, including the chairmanship of the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC). IPIC has invested in several energy-related projects worldwide, which has significantly contributed to his net worth.

Global Investments

In addition to his involvement in the oil and gas industry, Sheikh Mansour has diversified his investment portfolio through holdings in international companies such as Virgin Galactic, Daimler AG, and Barclays Bank. These investments have further solidified his position as a leading global investor.

Real Estate

Sheikh Mansour’s real estate holdings include prestigious properties in London, such as the One Hyde Park apartment complex and the Berkeley Square Estate. These prime assets have contributed to his immense wealth and are a testament to his investment acumen.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Sheikh Mansour’s wealth extends beyond his business interests, as he is also an active philanthropist. Through his foundation, the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, he has donated millions to various causes, including healthcare, education, and disaster relief.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s extraordinary net worth is a testament to his business acumen, strategic investments, and keen insight into global markets. As a leading figure in the United Arab Emirates and a prominent international investor, his influence continues to shape the global economy.

Image Credit: WAM

Kuwait has announced that its national election will take place on June 6, according to state news agency Kuna. This announcement comes two days after the Gulf state’s parliament was dissolved by royal decree forcing Kuwait sets election day. The parliament had only been reinstated in March, based on a Constitutional Court ruling, after a previous dissolution.

Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Sabah stated last month that the legislature would be dissolved and elections held in the coming months. Prolonged disputes between the government and the elected parliament have hindered fiscal reforms in the country. This will be the third election in three years for Kuwait, with the most recent parliament being first elected in 2020.

The Constitutional Court annulled the results of the last vote, held in September, in which the opposition made gains, and restored the previous assembly. Kuwait’s constitution stipulates that elections for a new parliament must be held within two months from the date of dissolution.

Political stability in the OPEC member state has traditionally depended on cooperation between the government and parliament. However, prolonged bickering between the two has hampered investment and reforms aimed at reducing the country’s heavy reliance on oil revenues.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee

As Turkey gears up for its highly anticipated 2023 general election, the stakes have never been higher for the nation’s political future. With a diverse array of parties vying for power and an electorate increasingly engaged in the political process, the outcome of the election is set to have a profound impact on Turkey’s governance and international standing. In this article, we will explore the key players, significant issues, and potential ramifications of Turkey’s 2023 election, offering insight into this pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape.

The Major Contenders: Parties and Their Leaders

Turkey’s 2023 general election will see a host of political parties competing for the hearts and minds of the electorate. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), led by incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is seeking to maintain its hold on power amidst growing opposition from rival parties.

The main opposition, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), led by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, is keen to offer an alternative vision for Turkey, with a focus on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting social justice, and fostering economic growth.

Other significant players include the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), and the İYİ Party, each presenting their unique policy platforms and seeking to gain representation in Turkey’s Grand National Assembly.

The latest polls released in Turkey last weekend give the opposition’s presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu a slight edge over incumbent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as they held with only 11 days to go till elections.

Key Issues Shaping the Election

Turkey’s 2023 general election is expected to be shaped by a range of pressing issues, with the economy, democracy, and foreign policy taking centre stage.

Economic concerns, including high inflation, unemployment, and currency volatility, are top of mind for many voters. Parties will be keen to outline their strategies for stabilising the economy, boosting growth, and improving living standards for the Turkish people.

The state of democracy in Turkey has also been a point of contention in recent years, with critics citing concerns over press freedom, human rights, and the independence of the judiciary. The 2023 election will serve as a critical juncture for parties to address these concerns and chart a course for a more democratic and inclusive Turkey.

Lastly, Turkey’s foreign policy, particularly its relationship with the European Union, the United States, and its neighbours in the Middle East, will play a significant role in shaping the election’s outcome. Voters will be looking to the various parties for their stance on key international issues and how they plan to navigate Turkey’s position on the world stage.

The Impact of Turkey’s 2023 Election

The outcome of Turkey’s 2023 general election will have far-reaching implications for the nation’s political trajectory, with potential shifts in power dynamics, policy priorities, and the nation’s international standing.

Should the ruling AKP maintain its grip on power, we can expect a continuation of President Erdoğan’s policies, with a focus on asserting Turkey’s regional influence and maintaining a firm grip on the nation’s institutions.

Alternatively, a victory for the opposition could signal a shift towards a more inclusive and democratic Turkey, with renewed efforts to strengthen the economy and foster closer ties with international partners.

Turkey’s 2023 general election is set to be a defining moment in the nation’s political history, with the outcome having the potential to shape the country’s future for years to come. As the major parties and their leaders campaign tirelessly to win over the electorate, the world will be watching closely.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is set to visit Damascus on Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Iranian president to Syria since the civil war erupted twelve years ago. The upcoming trip which will see Raisi to visit Damascus follows increased regional engagement between Iran and Syria, and Tehran’s recent landmark agreement to restore ties with regional rival Saudi Arabia.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, Raisi and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will discuss bilateral ties, shared economic and political issues, and recent positive developments in the region. Preparations for Raisi’s visit, which includes an Iranian “economic-political delegation,” have been underway for several days in Damascus.

The last Iranian president to visit Damascus was Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in September 2010. Analyst Osama Danura has said that Raisi’s visit will “open a new page in the close relationship between the two countries” and may focus on long-term economic strategies, with Iran poised to play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction phase.

During Raisi’s visit, a “large number of agreements and memoranda of understanding” will be signed, including those concerning energy and electricity. Discussions regarding a new Iranian credit line for Syria to invest in the power sector will also be held.

Iran has provided crucial economic, political, and military support to Syria during the conflict, helping Damascus regain lost territory and placing Iran in a leading role as al-Assad seeks to prioritise reconstruction. Both countries continue to face heavy Western sanctions.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

The United States has urged Lebanon to swiftly elect a president who is “free of corruption” and capable of uniting the nation, which is currently facing one of the worst economic crises in modern history. The US State Department emphasised that Lebanon’s problems can only be resolved internally and not by the international community.

Six months after President Michel Aoun’s departure, Lebanon remains without a head of state as Parliament has failed to elect a president during 12 sessions, with no candidate achieving the necessary threshold. Speaker Nabih Berri has not reconvened MPs to vote on the matter for months, highlighting the extent of the deadlock.

In a statement, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged Lebanon’s political leadership to “move expeditiously to elect a president” and enact the essential reforms to rescue the country’s economy. The US has remained uninvolved in the selection process but stresses the need for a corruption-free candidate who can advocate for transparency and accountability, put the interests of the Lebanese people first, and implement critical economic reforms, including those required to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

Lebanon has been grappling with political and economic crises, exacerbated by widespread corruption amongst its political elite. Despite adopting the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in 2020, implementation has stalled due to the ongoing political deadlock.

In April, Lebanon secured a draft staff-level agreement from the IMF for approximately $3 billion in aid. However, the IMF has emphasised the need for urgent reforms, including restructuring the financial sector, introducing fiscal reforms, and combating corruption and money laundering.

Image Credit: AFP

Newly released data from DataReportal, a leading online reference library, reveals that Qatar is experiencing a digital renaissance. With an internet penetration rate of 99% in Qatar, only 1% of the population remained offline at the start of 2023. Out of the total population, 2.62 million people (96.8%) were active social media users, making Qatar one of the countries with the highest social media usage rates in the world.

As of early 2023, there were 4.89 million active mobile connections in Qatar, surpassing the country’s total population at a rate of 180.9%. The report also revealed that 97.8% of the country’s internet users accessed at least one social media platform in January 2023. Meanwhile, the number of internet users increased by 0.8%, or 21,000 individuals, between 2022 and 2023, as reported by Kepios analysis.

It is essential to consider that collecting and analysing data on internet users is complex, often resulting in delayed publication and under-representation of actual internet use and growth rates. Consequently, adoption rates and progress may be higher than reported figures.

The most popular platforms among Qatar residents were YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Snapchat. Although the advertisement reach of some platforms has grown, user growth for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and YouTube has declined, with Facebook and Instagram losing around 150,000 and 100,000 users, respectively.

In contrast, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok saw an increase in their user base between the start of 2022 and early 2023. ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, reported that the platform’s ads reached 96.5% of all adults aged 18 and above in Qatar at the start of 2023.

A recent report by the University of Oregon indicated that the top 5 countries in the world for YouTube reach are all located in the MENA region. In terms of TikTok reach, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq hold the top five positions.

Qatar has also seen improvements in internet speeds. Mobile internet connection speeds increased by 78.08 Mbps (over 79.6%) and fixed internet connection speeds increased by 26.70 Mbps (over 41.6%) in the twelve months leading up to January 2023. Qatar’s high social media adoption rates and fast internet speeds demonstrate the country’s growing reliance on technology and digital connectivity. As the world becomes more interconnected, Qatar is at the forefront of this digital revolution, embracing social media and technological advancements as it continues to grow.

Image Credit: Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

Water rationing in Tunisia has been implemented since early April due to severely dry conditions, with little warning to its citizens. From April to September, water supply will be cut off for seven hours a day, between 9 pm and 4 am, across most areas of the country, including the capital, Tunis. Those who do not adhere to the rationing order risk fines or even imprisonment.

Households now require bottled water for late-night washing, toilet use, and meal preparation. Drinking water usage on farms, in city green spaces, and for cleaning streets and cars has also been banned. Raoudha Dridi, spokesperson for the Agriculture Ministry, said the order applies to all areas connected to the state-owned water system, but excludes rural areas that do not rely on this system.

Causes of water rationing in Tunisia

Water levels in Tunisia’s dams have significantly decreased, with some dams holding as little as 17% of possible storage capacity. Tunisia, predominantly desert, is also facing an economic crisis, with political tensions last year delaying talks with the International Monetary Fund for a $1.8 billion loan agreement to support the government.

The water rationing coincides with Ramadan, when water consumption usually increases, and the start of the tourist season, putting further strain on the country’s water supply. Tunisia relies on tourism for income, with approximately 850 hotels, many of which are near the Mediterranean Sea coast. Hotels and hospitals maintain water reserves that are replenished during the day and used when water is not running.

Amnesty International called on Lebanon on Monday to “immediately stop forcibly deporting refugees back to Syria,” after dozens were returned to the war-torn country amidst increasing anti-Syrian sentiment. Lebanese authorities reportedly sent dozens of Syrian refugees back on Friday, despite warnings of grave danger in their home country. The human rights organisation warned that these refugees face the risk of torture or persecution by the Syrian government upon their return.

The London-based rights group revealed that the Syrians were expelled following raids on their homes in different areas of Lebanon, with those who had “entered the country irregularly or held expired residency cards” being deported. It cited one refugee’s brother, who claimed that the Lebanese armed forces drove them “directly to the border and handed them over to the Syrian army.”

Since Syria’s civil war began in 2011, hundreds of thousands of Syrians have fled to neighbouring Lebanon. The country, which is grappling with its own ongoing political and economic crises, hosts around two million Syrian refugees, with nearly 830,000 registered with the United Nations.

Lebanese authorities have long advocated for the return of Syrian refugees and have initiated several repatriation efforts, which they describe as voluntary. However, rights groups argue that these are forced deportations. Aya Majzoub, Amnesty’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasised that no refugee should be sent back to a place where their life would be at risk and warned that the deportation constituted a violation of the principle of non-refoulement.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

Iranian cinema has been captivating audiences worldwide for decades with it’s actors showcasing the country’s rich culture and storytelling prowess. At the heart of Iran’s thriving film industry lies a group of exceptionally famous Iranian actors who have not only captured the hearts of audiences at home but have also made their mark on the international stage.

Shahab Hosseini

Shahab Hosseini is an award-winning Iranian actor whose impressive range and captivating screen presence have earned him critical acclaim both in Iran and internationally. Born in Tehran, Hosseini’s acting career began in the early 2000s with roles in popular Iranian TV series. He soon transitioned to film, delivering powerful performances in movies like “About Elly” (2009) and “A Separation” (2011). His collaboration with renowned director Asghar Farhadi earned him the Best Actor award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for his role in “The Salesman” (2016), further solidifying his status as a true powerhouse of Iranian cinema.

Leila Hatami

Leila Hatami is a beloved Iranian actress who has garnered international recognition for her captivating performances and undeniable charm. Born into a family of celebrated filmmakers, Hatami’s foray into acting began at a young age. Over the years, she has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films, such as “Leila” (1997) and “A Separation” (2011), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Hatami’s mesmerizing screen presence and undeniable talent have made her a household name in Iran and a respected figure in world cinema.

Payman Maadi

Payman Maadi is an Iranian actor and director known for his emotionally charged performances and ability to convey complex characters with depth and sensitivity. Maadi rose to international prominence with his stunning portrayal of Nader in Asghar Farhadi’s “A Separation” (2011), a role that earned him the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival. Maadi has continued to captivate audiences with his roles in films like “The Night” (2020) and the American production “Camp X-Ray” (2014), showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft.

Golshifteh Farahani

Golshifteh Farahani is a trailblazing Iranian actress who has successfully carved out a niche for herself in both Iranian and international cinema. With her striking looks and undeniable talent, Farahani has captivated audiences in a variety of roles, from her early work in Iranian films like “The Pear Tree” (1998) and “M for Mother” (2006) to her more recent ventures in Hollywood productions such as “Exodus: Gods and Kings” (2014) and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2017). Farahani’s boundary-breaking career has made her an inspiration to many aspiring actors in Iran and around the world.

Iran’s film industry has been a breeding ground for exceptional talent, giving rise to a generation of accomplished actors who have made their mark on the global stage. Shahab Hosseini, Leila Hatami, Payman Maadi, and Golshifteh Farahani are just a few examples of the many Iranian actors who have captivated audiences.

The assistant administrative attaché at Egypt’s embassy in Khartoum, Mohamed al-Gharawy, was killed on Monday amid fighting between rival military factions in the Sudanese capital. Egypt’s Ambassador to Khartoum, Hani Salah, confirmed the incident involving an Egyptian diplomat killed in Sudan while emphasising that the diplomatic mission continues to fulfil its duties under challenging circumstances.

Ahmed Abou Zeid, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that caution must be exercised during evacuations to ensure the safety of expatriates and diplomatic mission members. He emphasised the need for particular care in countries with large expatriate communities, such as Sudan, which has over 10,000 Egyptian expats.

Egypt’s foreign ministry stated that al-Gharawy was killed while driving to the embassy to oversee the evacuation procedures for stranded Egyptians in Sudan. The Sudanese army initially reported that Egypt’s assistant military attaché had been killed but later corrected the statement, attributing al-Gharawy’s death to fire from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A ceasefire in Sudan, which began at midnight (22:00 GMT) on Monday, is currently holding after several previous attempts failed. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the 72-hour truce had been agreed upon between the army and the RSF after 48 hours of negotiations. The violence, which started on April 15, has claimed at least 400 lives, with both sides in the conflict independently announcing their participation in the ceasefire.

UN Secretary General António Guterres warned that the violence in Sudan could lead to a “catastrophic conflagration” affecting the entire region and beyond. As the conflict continues, residents in Khartoum have been advised to stay indoors, with food and water supplies running low. It is hoped that the ceasefire will allow civilians to leave the city and enable the evacuation of foreign diplomats and civilians from the country.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs commenced the evacuation of Egyptian citizens from Sudan, according to a statement released on Sunday, 23 April. The operation in which Egypt begins evacuation of citizens from Sudan is being carried out in coordination with Sudanese authorities, with Egypt’s consulates in Khartoum and Port Sudan assisting in the process.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Marwan Ali

On World Malaria Day, April 25, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reinforced the nation’s commitment to eradicating malaria and pledged to continue working with international partners to combat the disease. Sheikh Mohamed stated on Twitter that helping those in need is a shared responsibility, and that all possible means must be pursued to accelerate malaria eradication efforts.

The UAE is a key player in the fight against malaria through its participation in the Roll Back Malaria initiative. Sheikh Mohamed has personally donated millions of dollars towards this cause. In January, the UAE contributed $5 million to an international campaign focused on addressing the effects of climate change on malaria eradication efforts.

Launched by Sheikh Mohamed in 2017, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Reaching the Last Mile initiative is a 10-year, $100 million fund aimed at combating the world’s deadliest diseases. This initiative will provide crucial investment over the next three years, enabling the expansion of the Forecasting Healthy Futures scheme led by the US-based non-profit organisation, Malaria No More.

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, but progress in combating it is under threat. Extreme weather events in Malawi and Pakistan have resulted in significant increases in malaria infections and deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that in 2021 there were an estimated 247 million cases worldwide, with 619,000 deaths attributed to malaria.

Last year, over a million children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi received the RTS,S vaccine manufactured by British pharmaceutical giant GSK, following scientific breakthroughs. The UAE was declared malaria-free by the WHO in 2007, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) reaffirmed its commitment to reducing global malaria incidence by 90% before 2030.

The UAE continues to combat malaria through preventative measures and collaborations with leading institutions, contributing to global health initiatives such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership programme. The nation’s response to malaria is based on a robust strategy, including an efficient epidemiological surveillance programme, which complies with the International Health Regulations and Federal Law No. (14) of 2014 Concerning the Prevention of Communicable Diseases.

Image Credit: Darcey Beau on Unsplash

Delve into the rich and colourful history of Iran, and you’ll find a treasure trove of tantalizing Iranian sweets that have been cherished for centuries. From the bustling bazaars of Tehran to the aromatic kitchens of Esfahan, Iranian sweets are an essential part of Persian culture and cuisine. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the most delectable Iranian desserts, showcasing their unique flavours, textures, and time-honoured traditions. So, get ready to embark on a mouth-watering adventure through the enchanting world of Iranian sweets.

Gaz: The Quintessential Iranian Nougat

Originating from the city of Isfahan, Gaz is a beloved nougat infused with the sap of the angebin plant, native to the Zagros Mountains. This soft, chewy confectionery boasts a delightful blend of sugar, rose water, egg whites, and pistachios, making it the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of fragrant Persian tea. Gaz is often served as a gift during special occasions and represents the warmth and hospitality of Iranian culture.

Sohan: A Crunchy, Buttery Delight

Sohan is a traditional Iranian sweet hailing from the city of Qom. Made from a combination of wheat sprouts, sugar, butter, saffron, and cardamom, this crunchy, caramelized brittle is a true indulgence. Topped with crushed pistachios, almonds, or walnuts, Sohan is an exquisite confectionery that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.

Baghlava: The Royal Persian Pastry

No list of Iranian sweets would be complete without mentioning Baghlava, the decadent pastry that has captivated dessert lovers for centuries. A testament to Persian culinary artistry, Baghlava features delicate layers of filo dough, filled with a sumptuous mixture of finely chopped nuts, sugar, and spices. The entire creation is then drenched in a fragrant rosewater syrup, ensuring each bite is an explosion of flavour. Baghlava is often served during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Faloodeh: A Refreshing Frozen Treat

Faloodeh is a delightful frozen dessert that dates back to the ancient Persian Empire. Made from a mixture of thin rice noodles, sugar, rose water, and lime juice, Faloodeh offers a refreshing, tangy taste that perfectly complements Iran’s warm climate. Often topped with sour cherry syrup or crushed pistachios, this icy treat is a summer staple in Iran and can be found in ice cream parlours and street food stalls across the country.

Zoolbia & Bamieh: The Sweet Fried Duo

Zoolbia and Bamieh are two classic Iranian sweets that are often served together, making for a delightful duo of fried goodness. Zoolbia is a delicate, funnel cake-like confection, made by drizzling a batter of yogurt, flour, sugar, and saffron into hot oil, creating intricate patterns. Meanwhile, Bamieh is a small, tubular doughnut, made from a simple flour and yogurt batter. Both sweets are then soaked in a rosewater-infused syrup, ensuring each bite is a satisfyingly sweet, crispy, and moist experience.

Iran’s rich culinary heritage is a testament to the country’s vibrant culture and history. The diverse array of Iranian sweets offers an enticing journey through Persia’s delectable desserts, showcasing unique flavours, textures, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Image Credit: Malicki M Beser on Unsplash

Saudi Arabia has reclaimed its position as one of the world’s top five military spenders, increasing purchases for the kingdom’s armed forces by 16 percent in the last year, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri). The report reveals that Saudi Arabia ranks fifth globally in military spending, accounting for more than three percent of the worldwide share.

In 2022, Riyadh’s military expenditure reached an estimated $75bn, up from $55.6bn in 2021, representing over seven percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The Middle East as a whole saw military spending rise to $184bn in 2022, an increase of 3.2 percent from the previous year. The surge in Saudi Arabia’s military expenditure coincides with increased revenues from oil sales, enhancing the kingdom’s purchasing power.

The United States remains the largest supplier of weapons to Saudi Arabia, with active government-to-government sales under the foreign military sales (FMS) system amounting to $126bn. Despite concerns over human rights abuses, military sales to the kingdom have continued largely without hindrance.

In an effort to scrutinise Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and potentially halt US security assistance to the kingdom, Democrat Chris Murphy and Republican Mike Lee introduced legislation last month, urging President Biden’s administration to report on the matter. In addition to acquiring hardware and equipment, Saudi Arabia has also sought US military expertise, hiring retired American military officers as contractors or consultants.

Although President Biden initially vowed to treat Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” state for its involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, his administration has adopted a more balanced approach, simultaneously reprimanding and seeking to repair relations with the kingdom. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia appears to be pursuing an independent foreign policy, recently signing a China-brokered deal to re-establish ties with its adversary, Iran – a move some analysts consider a significant moment for the region and China’s geopolitical influence.

 Image Credit: aboodi vesakaran on Unsplash

On Tuesday, Turkish police detained 110 individuals across 21 provinces, including politicians, lawyers, and journalists, for their alleged connections to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group. The operation was centred in Diyarbakir, the largest city in predominantly Kurdish southeast Turkey, and came less than three weeks before the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

This election represents the most significant challenge President Tayyip Erdogan and his AK Party have faced since they first assumed power in 2002. Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Tayip Temel accused the ruling party of conducting the arrests out of fear of losing power, stating on Twitter that “on the eve of the election, they have resorted to detention operations again”.

Why Turkish police have arrested these individuals now

Among those detained were high-ranking members of the HDP, as well as journalists, artists, and lawyers. The prosecutor’s office in Diyarbakir declined to comment on the matter, while a security source revealed that police had carried out simultaneous raids on 186 addresses. Arrest warrants were issued for 216 individuals suspected of providing financial support, recruiting, and spreading propaganda for the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey and several Western countries.

Emma Sinclair-Webb, Associate Director of Human Rights Watch Europe and Central Asia, criticised the arrests as an “abuse of powers and intimidation tactic before election”. The HDP, the third-largest party in parliament, denies accusations of PKK connections and faces a potential ban in a constitutional court case. The party’s parliamentary candidates are running under the Green Left Party’s umbrella.

Despite not being part of the main opposition alliance, the HDP is staunchly opposed to Erdogan. In recent years, thousands of its members, lawmakers, and mayors have been jailed or stripped of their positions due to alleged PKK ties. The conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state has claimed more than 40,000 lives since 1984, with the focus of the fighting now shifting to northern Iraq.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially commenced the evacuation of Egyptian citizens from Sudan, according to a statement released on Sunday, 23 April. The operation in which Egypt begins evacuation of citizens from Sudan is being carried out in coordination with Sudanese authorities, with Egypt’s consulates in Khartoum and Port Sudan assisting in the process.

Egyptian residents in Sudan have been urged to leave the country due to the ongoing armed conflict. The same statement revealed that an Egyptian embassy staff member had been shot amidst the violence. To facilitate the evacuation, designated meeting points have been established at the Egyptian Consulate in Port Sudan and the consular office in Wadi Halfa. The Foreign Ministry has advised Egyptians in Khartoum to remain indoors until the security situation in the capital improves.

Contact details for the Egyptian Consulate in Port Sudan and Wadi Halfa’s consular office have been provided for those requiring further assistance.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that initially operated as a militia during the height of the Darfur conflict. Hostilities between the two groups began on Saturday, 15 April.

A video shared by the RSF showed Egyptian soldiers who had “surrendered” themselves in Merowe, wearing Egyptian army uniforms. Due to coordination efforts with Sudanese parties and the International Committee of the Red Cross, these troops have since arrived at the Egyptian Embassy in Khartoum.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, urging opposing forces to prioritise dialogue and national consensus, keeping the interests of the Sudanese people at the forefront.

Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Mehrdad Bazrpash, announced on Sunday that Saudi authorities have requested the establishment of three weekly flights between the two nations, in addition to Hajj pilgrimage airlifts. This follows the recent agreement to reopen embassies and restore diplomatic relations after a seven-year hiatus, as part of a plan brokered by China in early March.

Bazrpash highlighted the restoration of diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran as a foundation for regional diplomacy and good neighbourliness. He confirmed that the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization will contribute to the reinstatement of flights between the countries, with special flights for Hajj pilgrims agreed upon months earlier.

These developments come as part of the Chinese-brokered agreement to restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. In recent weeks, delegations from both nations have visited each other’s capitals to discuss the reopening of diplomatic missions. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani expressed optimism that the Saudi embassy and consulate would reopen in Iran before the May 9 deadline.

The recent agreements are expected to have a positive impact on cooperation in terms of peace, stability, and economic and trade relations between the two countries and within the region. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has accepted an invitation from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to visit Riyadh, with the visit to be scheduled according to the President’s timetable.

The rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia has reportedly caused frustration for US officials, who feel blindsided by Riyadh’s move towards its rivals Iran and Syria, under the guidance of Washington’s global adversaries.

Image Credit: John McArthur on Unsplash

Israeli authorities have arrested Imad al-Adwan, a member of Jordan’s parliament, on suspicion of smuggling weapons and 100kg of gold into the occupied West Bank, as confirmed by Jordanian officials and media on Sunday. Al-Adwan has apprehended at the King Hussein Bridge (Allenby) border crossing in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli security reportedly discovered the contraband in his car.

Sinan Majali, a spokesperson for the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, announced that the ministry and relevant agencies are actively working to ascertain the details of the incident and resolve it as quickly as possible. However, Israeli authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrest.

Who is Imad al-Adwan?

Imad al-Adwan, 35, is a member of the Jordanian parliament’s Palestine Committee, which monitors Israeli actions in occupied Palestinian Territories but does not have a say on foreign policy. Al-Adwan’s brother, Amer Adwan, expressed confidence in the Jordanian authorities’ efforts to secure Imad’s release.

Despite close security ties between Israel and Jordan, their political relationship has been strained in recent years over disagreements on Palestinian statehood and rights. Prominent Jordanian legislator Khalil Atiya, an outspoken critic of Israel, warned that the Jordanian government would be held responsible if it failed to act swiftly in response to the arrest.

Image Credit: Roya News

Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Al-Safadi, and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, held a phone call on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. The two ministers emphasized their desire for good relations based on principles of good neighbourliness, non-interference in internal affairs, and cooperation that benefits both countries and the region.

Safadi welcomed the Saudi-Iranian agreement and expressed support for the initiative as a significant step towards resolving regional tensions and enhancing security and stability. The ministers also discussed the Palestinian issue, with Safadi reiterating Jordan’s unwavering support for the Palestinians and the pursuit of a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

The phone call highlighted the importance of practical, transparent, and honest dialogue in addressing various outstanding issues, such as the situation on the Jordanian-Syrian border and the challenges posed by drug smuggling. Both ministers agreed to continue security meetings and maintain political communication to reach understandings that foster cooperation and contribute to regional security and stability.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abdollahian conveyed greetings from Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi to King Abdullah and congratulated him on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. Safadi reciprocated the gesture, extending greetings from King Abdullah to the Iranian President.

The two ministers agreed to meet as soon as possible to further discuss ways to overcome challenges in the relationship and work towards achieving full normal relations that serve both countries’ interests and help resolve regional crises and tensions.

In related news, the Iran national football team is set to participate in Jordan’s upcoming four-team tournament.

Image Credit: Hannibal Hanschke/Pool via AP, File

In the run-up to the May 14 elections, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to provide free natural gas to households, a move that could potentially help him regain power after two decades. The announcement where Erdogan promises free natural gas came during a ceremony inaugurating Turkey’s first onshore natural gas port in Zonguldak, which received its inaugural gas delivery from a Black Sea reserve.

Erdogan stated that households would receive up to 25 cubic meters of free natural gas per month for one year, beginning next month. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to showcase large-scale energy and infrastructure projects before the elections. This comes as Turkey, with limited oil and gas resources, is heavily reliant on imports from Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Qatar, the US, Nigeria, and Algeria.

Turkey’s domestic natural gas production, which only accounted for less than 1% of the country’s consumption in 2021, is sourced primarily from the Thrace region. However, Erdogan claims that the Black Sea gas fields will eventually provide 30% of the nation’s annual consumption. He also announced that the initial production of 10 million cubic meters of gas per day will be increased to 40 million cubic meters in the coming period.

Despite the unveiling of various infrastructure and defence projects, Erdogan’s leadership is under threat due to a cost-of-living crisis and criticism of his handling of February’s massive earthquake. Opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu is currently leading in opinion polls.

Next week, Erdogan is set to inaugurate Turkey’s first nuclear power reactor, built by Russia’s state energy company Rosatom. The project is expected to contribute significantly to Turkey’s energy mix and reduce its dependence on foreign energy sources.

In addition to energy initiatives, the Turkish president has promised to complete Istanbul’s urban transformation within five years, addressing earthquake risks and building 650,000 new homes in affected areas. Erdogan aims to replace all risky structures in Istanbul by transforming 300,000 residences per year. The government has pledged to cover half of the conversion costs, while providing affordable, conditional borrowing for the remainder. He removed a retirement age requirement in December, allowing more than two million workers to retire immediately, just six months before an election in Turkey.

President Erdogan has also emphasized the creation of new living spaces, complete with schools, health centres, markets, green areas, and parks. Moreover, he underlined the importance of establishing small industrial estates to address both housing and employment concerns.

During his tenure, Erdogan has overseen the construction of new homes in the aftermath of numerous disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and fires. He expressed hope to replicate this success in the regions affected by the recent earthquake.

Image Credit: Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Presidential Press

Saudi Aramco is set to export more vacuum gasoil (VGO) supplies from its Jizan refinery in May, according to traders and shipping data. This move indicates that the refinery is yet to reach its full output capacity, contrary to initial expectations.

The Jizan refinery, Aramco’s newest facility, was anticipated to increase its output for 10-ppm gasoil and reduce VGO exports this quarter upon achieving full capacity. However, recent shipping records reveal that Aramco has offered three 525,000-barrel VGO cargoes for loading in May, an increase from the two cargoes exported in April. Saudi Aramco was not immediately available for comment.

Scheduled for loading between May 1-3, May 11-13, and May 21-23, the cargoes exceed Aramco’s usual offering of up to two VGO cargoes per month, as per trade sources and past tender records. VGO, a residual oil produced during petroleum distillation, is commonly used as a refinery feedstock to manufacture diesel.

The rise in Aramco’s VGO exports coincides with the weakening of diesel refining margins globally. Refinitiv data indicates a collapse of over 50% in Asian refiners’ diesel margins to $14.46 a barrel on Tuesday, compared to the beginning of the year. Additionally, benchmark Northwest European diesel refining margins dropped below $16 a barrel this week, marking their lowest since February 25, 2022, due to high import levels into the region.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Amr Nabil

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced stringent penalties for the illegal sale and transportation of fireworks in UAE. According to a statement from the Public Prosecutors, offenders caught trading or transporting fireworks without a license will face significant fines and prison sentences.

The penalties, as outlined in Article 54 of the Federal Decree Law 17 for 2019, include imprisonment for no less than one year and a fine of no less than AED100,000 or either for individuals who, without a license, trade in, import, export, manufacture, or transport fireworks within the UAE. The law is part of broader legislation regulating weapons, ammunition, explosives, military materials, and hazardous substances.

Public Prosecution has taken to social media to raise awareness about the new regulations, urging the public to adhere to the relevant laws and avoid using or dealing in fireworks without a license. The campaign aims to protect public safety and prevent legal action against those who fail to comply.

Regulation on fireworks in UAE

The Federal Decree Law defines explosives as chemical compounds or mixtures that react when exposed to factors such as pressure, heat, and speed, potentially causing damage to surrounding areas. Fireworks are included in this definition. Article 3 of the Decree Law prohibits the possession, acquisition, obtainment, carrying, import, export, re-export, transit, trans-shipment, trade, manufacturing, repair, transportation, or disposal of any weapon, ammunition, explosives, military materials, or hazardous substances without a relevant license or permit from the Licensing Authority or concerned entity.

The Public Prosecution’s social media campaign is part of its ongoing efforts to promote legal culture and raise awareness about the latest legislation in the UAE.

Image Credit: Kent Tupas on Unsplash

Abdelsalam Al-Busaifi, head of the Military Organization and Administration Authority in southern Libya, has warned that ongoing clashes in Sudan could negatively impact the situation in Libya, potentially leading to a long-term war that would destabilize the region, particularly southern Libya. Al-Busaifi has urged Libyan authorities to close the border with Sudan and deploy military forces for protection due to the fact that the Sudan conflict threatens to destabilize Libya.

In a statement, Al-Busaifi called on Chiefs of Staff in eastern and western Libya to take quick and serious steps to contain the situation and prevent the conflict from spilling over into Libya. He cautioned that south-eastern Libya would be most affected if the conflict extended across the border and warned of the risk of Sudanese fighters and military personnel fleeing to southern Libya, which could further destabilize the region.

The escalating conflict in Sudan, which has reached major cities, including the capital Khartoum, poses a significant threat not only to Sudan but also to neighbouring Libya. The two countries share a border of less than 400 kilometres, and policing it is difficult due to the harsh desert environment and poor governance in both nations. Sudanese mercenaries have also been involved in Libya’s internal conflicts, supporting General Khalifa Haftar in the east.

Analysts argue that viewing the conflict in Sudan as a limited power struggle with few repercussions for Libya or Chad is short-sighted, given that internal conflicts in Africa tend to have trans-border effects and can cause sub-conflicts in neighbouring countries. This domino effect is exacerbated by the fact that African borders were drawn without consideration for demographic, ethnic, or religious distribution, based on colonial interests.

Libya, a deeply divided and unstable country, struggles to secure its borders and expel foreign fighters, despite calls from the United Nations for their removal. As the conflict in Sudan continues, its resolution becomes more urgent for Libya’s stability and vice versa.

Image Credit: Ömer Erdem/Anadolu Agency

Tunisian authorities have arrested Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the opposition party Ennahda and one of President Kais Saied’s most vocal critics. Ghannouchi, 81, a former parliamentary speaker, is among at least 20 individuals detained in a recent crackdown on the president’s opponents.

Counterterrorism prosecutors arrested Ghannouchi on Monday for allegedly making “inflammatory comments.” Following an eight-hour investigation, a judge ordered his imprisonment, according to Monia Bouali, his lawyer. Three other prominent Ennahda officials were also taken into custody.

Who is Rached Ghannouchi?

Ghannouchi, who lived in exile in the 1990s, returned to Tunisia during the 2011 uprising that brought democracy to the nation. As the speaker of the parliament dissolved by Saied in July 2021, Ghannouchi has criticized the president’s moves, including introducing a new constitution that increased the president’s powers, as a coup.

Ennahda has described Ghannouchi’s arrest as a “dangerous development” with the US officials describing it as a “troubling escalation”. Tunisian authorities have banned meetings at all Ennahda offices and police raided the party’s headquarters to conduct a search. Ghannouchi has faced repeated judicial questioning over the past year regarding Ennahda’s finances and allegations that the party aided Islamist extremists traveling to Syria to fight, charges that both Ghannouchi and the party deny.

President Saied’s opponents accuse him of reinstating autocratic rule in Tunisia, the only democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring uprisings more than a decade ago.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hassene Dridi, File

A tragic incident occurred in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, late on Wednesday, as at least 78 people were killed and 73 others injured in a Yemen stampede during a charity distribution event for Ramadan. The incident took place at a school in the Bab al-Yemen area, where hundreds of people, including women and children, had gathered to receive donations amounting to about $9 per person.

Footage shared on social media showed a crowd of people unable to move, with many in distress, as dozens of bodies lay on the ground. Houthi rebels, who have controlled Sanaa since 2015, reportedly fired into the air for crowd control, accidentally striking an electrical wire and causing an explosion, which led to panic and the subsequent crush.

The Houthi-run interior ministry has arrested two local businessmen who organized the event and initiated an investigation. A ministry spokesman blamed the incident on the “random distribution” of funds without proper coordination with local officials. Of the injured, 13 are in a critical condition, according to a health official in Sanaa.

Response to the Yemen stampede

The Houthi rebels have agreed to pay $2,000 in compensation to each family who lost a relative in the tragedy, while the injured would receive around $400. The disaster comes ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan this week. This is the deadliest incident in Yemen in years unrelated to the ongoing conflict, resulting in one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.

Image Credit: AL-MASIRAH TV CHANNEL via AP

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. At the helm of this beautiful country lies the Jordan Royal Family Tree that boasts a unique heritage and an unwavering dedication to the welfare of its people. In this article, we will explore the current royals of the Jordan Royal Family tree, offering a comprehensive insight into their lives, accomplishments, and the significance of their roles in modern Jordan.

King Abdullah II

King Abdullah II, born on January 30, 1962, is the reigning monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He ascended to the throne in 1999, following the death of his father, King Hussein. Known for his commitment to democratic reforms, King Abdullah II has been instrumental in spearheading efforts to modernize the Jordanian economy and establish the country as a regional hub for technology and innovation. He is married to Queen Rania, and together, they have four children: Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma, and Prince Hashem.

Queen Rania

Born on August 31, 1970, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah is the wife of King Abdullah II and the Queen consort of Jordan. A global advocate for education, women’s rights, and community empowerment, Queen Rania has utilized her platform to create lasting change both within Jordan and internationally. She is a powerful voice on social media, using her influence to raise awareness about important global issues and inspire positive action.

Crown Prince Hussein

Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, born on June 28, 1994, is the eldest son of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. As the heir apparent to the throne, Crown Prince Hussein has been groomed for leadership from a young age, with a focus on diplomacy, military training, and public service. He has a strong presence on social media, which he uses to connect with the younger generation and promote various humanitarian causes. He is also an advocate for youth empowerment and has been actively involved in initiatives that support education and entrepreneurship. Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, 28, is set to marry his Saudi fiancée Rajwa Al Saif on June 1, 2023

Princess Iman

Born on September 27, 1996, Princess Iman bint Abdullah is the second child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. While she maintains a relatively low profile compared to her elder brother, Princess Iman has demonstrated a strong interest in sports and humanitarian work. She has participated in various charity events and has also shown a keen interest in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Jordan’s Princess Iman bint Abdullah II tied the knot with Jameel Alexander Thermiotis on March 12, 2023.

Princess Salma

The third child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, Princess Salma bint Abdullah, was born on September 26, 2000. In 2020, she made history as the first female member of the Jordan Royal Family to complete her pilot training with the Jordanian Armed Forces. Princess Salma’s accomplishment serves as a testament to the progressive values of the Jordan Royal Family and the country’s commitment to empowering women in all sectors.

Prince Hashem

Prince Hashem bin Abdullah, born on January 30, 2005, is the youngest child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. Despite his young age, Prince Hashem has already demonstrated a passion for philanthropy, participating in events such as tree planting and clean-up campaigns. His enthusiasm for environmental causes showcases the Jordan Royal Family’s dedication to sustainability and preserving the country’s natural beauty.

The Jordan Royal Family tree is an intriguing blend of history, tradition, and modernity.

Image Credit: Twitter/@QueenRania

Lebanon witnessed hundreds of public sector workers, including teachers, retired army and police officers, and civil servants, protesting in front of the government building on Tuesday. The demonstrators expressed their frustration over the nation’s ongoing currency crisis and demanded better wages, increased medical coverage, and partial dollarisation of their salaries and pensions.

Lebanon’s financial crisis, now in its fourth year, has left over 80% of the population impoverished and severely impacted the country’s public education and services. With the national currency losing more than 95% of its value, public sector salaries have been drastically devalued, forcing some workers to survive on the equivalent of $50 a month.

As the nation’s caretaker cabinet convened to discuss the issue, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati acknowledged the protesters’ demands as mostly justified and promised to spare no effort in addressing their concerns. However, the initially peaceful protest turned confrontational as security forces clashed with demonstrators and deployed tear gas.

Lebanon’s Parliament recently postponed the municipal elections scheduled for May 2023 due to a lack of funds. Last month, retired army soldiers also held protests, demanding better pensions and clashing with police. Prime Minister Mikati had promised to review public sector salaries at the next cabinet meeting in response to these demonstrations.

Image Credit: AFP

Iran has extended an official invitation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to visit Tehran, following a reconciliation agreement between the two Middle Eastern powerhouses in March, facilitated by China. The invitation marks a significant step towards easing decades of hostility between the two nations, with both sides expressing hope for increased cooperation and stability in the region.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani confirmed the invitation during a televised news conference and noted that King Salman’s visit to Tehran would be conditional upon a reciprocal invitation for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Riyadh. This exchange of invitations demonstrates a mutual willingness to engage in dialogue and rebuild trust between the two countries.

The reconciliation agreement, brokered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, led to the restoration of diplomatic relations and the reopening of embassies between Iran and Saudi Arabia. This development has allowed the United States, traditionally influential in the Gulf region, to take a backseat in the negotiations.

Earlier this month, the foreign ministers of both countries met in Beijing for the first time in seven years. During the meeting, they agreed to reopen their embassies within two months and expand bilateral talks to address important regional issues. Additionally, technical teams from both countries are set to discuss the establishment of embassies for each other within the two-month timeframe.

The recent thaw in relations can be traced back to Saudi Arabia’s 2016 execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, a critic of the Saudi monarchy, and the subsequent attacks on the Saudi embassy in Tehran, which resulted in severed diplomatic ties. Tensions between the two countries were further exacerbated by the Saudi-led war on the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen and the deaths of hundreds of Iranian Hajj pilgrims in a stampede in 2015.

As part of the China-brokered agreement, both Iran and Saudi Arabia “emphasized the respect for the sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other” and agreed to implement a security cooperation agreement signed in 2001. This development is widely regarded as a diplomatic victory for China in the Gulf region, where the US has traditionally been the dominant power.

The reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia may have wide-ranging implications for regional stability and geopolitics, potentially leading to cooperation in resolving ongoing conflicts such as the war in Yemen. Additionally, the improved relations between the two nations could contribute to a more balanced distribution of power in the Middle East, reducing the risk of further escalation and conflict.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf of Kuwait has dissolved the reinstated 2020 parliament and announced general elections to be held in the coming months. The announcement was made in a speech delivered by Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad on behalf of Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf. This decision comes after the Constitutional Court nullified September’s parliamentary elections, which were considered the most inclusive in a decade, and ordered the reinstatement of the 2020 assembly.

Marzouq Al Ghanim, the assembly speaker, had previously called for a parliamentary session this month to address appeals against the court’s ruling. The government had been urged by nearly 30 political figures, former MPs, and activists to challenge the decision. According to Kuwait’s constitution, elections must be held within two months of the parliament’s dissolution.

Prince Meshal emphasized that the decision was based on the “will of the people” and assured that “legal and political reforms” would accompany the elections. Kuwait remains the only Gulf state with a fully elected parliament, having adopted the parliamentary system in 1962. However, it has faced multiple political crises due to disputes between the government and parliament.

Why is Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf calling for elections again?

Experts have cautioned that the court’s ruling to nullify September elections could result in increased voter apathy. Some have called for a “total political reset” to address the ongoing impasse, which has focused on a draft bill proposing that the government assume the debt of Kuwaiti citizens. While the government estimates this would cost nearly $46 billion in public funds, MPs argue it would cost less than $6.5 billion.

Kuwait, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has struggled with extended disputes between its government and elected parliament, hindering fiscal reforms. Though the country enjoys strong fiscal and external balance sheets, internal conflicts and gridlock have impeded investment and efforts to reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee

Queen Rania of Jordan, a modern-day royal icon, captured the hearts of millions when she married King Abdullah II on June 10, 1993. Known for her elegance, intelligence, and humanitarian efforts, the Queen Rania’s wedding was a lavish affair that celebrated love, tradition, and unity. Here are 10 fascinating facts you probably didn’t know about Queen Rania wedding.

A Royal Love Story

Queen Rania, born Rania Al-Yassin, met her future husband, then Prince Abdullah, at a dinner party in January 1993. Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to their engagement just two months later, in March 1993.

Queen Rania’s Whirlwind Engagement

The couple’s engagement period was brief, lasting only three months. They tied the knot in a grand ceremony on June 10, 1993, marking the beginning of their reign as one of the world’s most admired royal couples.

A Unique Wedding Venue

The royal wedding took place at the Zahran Palace in Amman, Jordan. This historical palace has witnessed several royal weddings and remains a symbol of the Jordanian royal family’s enduring legacy.

A Custom-Designed Wedding Gown

Queen Rania’s exquisite wedding gown was custom-designed by British designer Bruce Oldfield. The gown, made from exquisite silk, featured intricate embroidery and beadwork, a fitted bodice, and a full skirt with a long train, reflecting both modern and traditional elements.

Bridesmaids and Page Boys

Queen Rania’s bridal party included her sisters, close friends, and young members of the Jordanian royal family. The bridesmaids wore matching blush-colored dresses, while the page boys donned traditional Jordanian attire.

A Guest List of Royalty and Dignitaries

The wedding ceremony was attended by an impressive list of international royalty and dignitaries, including Queen Noor of Jordan, King Hussein of Jordan, and other notable figures from the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

A Royal Military Salute

To honor the couple’s union, a 21-gun salute was fired during the wedding ceremony, signifying the importance of the occasion and symbolizing the union of two influential families.

A Lavish Wedding Reception

The royal wedding reception was an opulent affair, featuring traditional Jordanian music, dance, and cuisine. The newlyweds shared their first dance to the sounds of a live orchestra, surrounded by their loved ones and esteemed guests.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, Queen Rania and King Abdullah II continue to captivate the world with their love story, dedication to their country, and unwavering support for humanitarian causes. Their inspiring partnership remains a testament to the power of love, compassion, and unity.

Queen Rania’s wedding was a splendid event that showcased the beauty of Jordanian culture, tradition, and love. These lesser-known facts offer a glimpse into the magical day that united two remarkable individuals, whose reign continues to inspire people worldwide.

Image Credit: AFP

Iran’s judiciary announced prison sentences for ten unnamed individuals involved in the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in January 2020. The prime suspect, identified only as the commander of the Tor-M1 surface-to-air missile defence system responsible for shooting down the plane, received a maximum 10-year prison sentence and must pay compensation to the victims’ families.

Two personnel operating the missile system each received one-year sentences, while other Tehran air defense controls and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) aerospace division officials received one to three-year sentences. All sentences, issued after 20 court sessions, are preliminary and can be appealed. A military court has also been ordered to continue investigations for other potentially involved individuals.

Flight PS752 was shot down minutes after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran on January 8, 2020. Iranian authorities initially denied that the plane was shot down but admitted to the “disastrous mistake” three days later, attributing it to “human error.” The incident occurred shortly after the IRGC fired missiles at two United States bases in Iraq in retaliation for the assassination of top IRGC commander General Qassem Soleimani by a US drone.

Families of the victims, along with officials in Ukraine and Canada, have criticized Iran for a lack of transparency and cooperation. A Canadian court ruled in 2021 that the downing was an “act of terrorism” and granted tens of millions of dollars to some of the victims’ families, which could be taken from Iranian assets in Canada. Iran’s government had previously set compensation of $150,000 for each of the victims’ families, though it is unclear how much has been paid.

Victims’ families have dismissed the recent sentencing as a “sham ruling,” claiming that Iranian authorities have not prosecuted those ultimately responsible for the disaster. The Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims demands the dispute be considered by the International Court of Justice.

Image Credit: Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA via Reuters

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of last Iranian Shah announced on Sunday that he will visit Israel this week to attend the annual Holocaust memorial ceremony on Monday. Amid tense relations between Iran and Israel, Pahlavi’s trip highlights the warmth that existed between the countries under his father’s rule and emphasizes the stark contrast with the current animosity.

Pahlavi, son of the last shah before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, plans to deliver “a message of friendship from the Iranian people.” Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, who will host Pahlavi, praised his “brave decision” to visit the country. She emphasized that Pahlavi’s leadership represents peace and tolerance, as opposed to the extremist regime currently governing Iran.

In addition to attending the Holocaust memorial ceremony, Pahlavi will visit a desalination plant, the Western Wall, and meet with local Bahai community representatives and Israeli Jews of Iranian descent. Pahlavi, who left Iran just before the revolution and now resides in the US, has called for a peaceful revolution to establish a parliamentary monarchy, protect human rights, and modernize Iran’s economy.

Although it remains unclear whether Pahlavi can garner enough support for a return to power, his visit to Israel signifies a willingness to rebuild the relationship between the two nations. Pahlavi has expressed his desire to “rekindle the ancient bond” between Israel and Iran, stating that the Islamic Republic does not represent the Iranian people.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, File

Tragedy struck the Al-Ras area of Dubai on Saturday when a fire erupted in a residential building, resulting in the death of 16 people and injuring nine others, according to local media reports. The fire broke out on the fourth floor of the five-storey building, in a neighborhood that houses many migrant workers and traders.

The Dubai Civil Defence Force arrived on the scene at 12:41 local time (9:41 GMT) and has attributed the cause of the fire to “a lack of compliance with building safety and security requirements.” A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to provide a detailed report on the causes of the accident.

Al-Ras, one of the oldest parts of Dubai, is located near the city’s gold and spice markets, which are popular tourist attractions. Dubai is home to approximately 3.3 million people, nearly 90 percent of whom are foreigners. The nationality of the victims has not yet been disclosed.

In recent years, fires have broken out in several skyscrapers in Dubai and other rapidly expanding cities within the UAE. These incidents have raised concerns about building safety, particularly the use of a flammable type of aluminum exterior cladding with a plastic core. In response, authorities announced stricter building regulations in 2017, including the use of fire-resistant cladding to minimize fire risks.

No arrests have been made as part of the ongoing investigation. The Dubai Civil Defence Force urges residential and commercial building owners and residents to fully comply with security and safety requirements and guidelines in order to avoid accidents and protect lives.

Image Credit: Duminda Perera on Unsplash

Sultan al-Jaber, president of the COP28 climate talks and head of the United Arab Emirates’ national oil company, called for “available, accessible and affordable” finance for developing economies most vulnerable to the destructive impacts of climate change. Speaking at the G7 climate and environment ministers meeting in Japan, Al-Jaber urged prioritizing support for poorer countries. He emphasized the need to provide a fair deal for the Global South when it comes to climate finance.

Al-Jaber, also the UAE’s minister for industry and advanced technology and founder of the government-owned renewable energy company Masdar, affirmed that ambitious plans to fight global warming need to be supported with pragmatic, actionable plans enabled by accessible finance. COP27 in Egypt saw a landmark agreement to create a “loss and damage” fund for developing countries to cover climate-related destruction costs.

In a closed-door address to the G7 climate ministers, al-Jaber called for developed countries to fulfill their promise of providing $100 billion a year to developing nations to combat climate change and triple the amount of money available for clean tech investment, adaptation finance, and energy transition in these countries by 2030.

The G7’s latest draft climate statement reaffirms its commitment to the $100-billion pledge, which dates back to COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009, and promises to work with other developed nations to meet this goal in 2023.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, file

Independence Day in Kuwait is celebrated throughout the country. Kuwait Independence Day is special occasion celebrated throughout the country to celebrate Kuwait’s independence. In Kuwait, Independence Day is celebrated on February 25 every year and 2024 will be no different. Kuwait’s Independence Day is a celebration of freedom, unity, and the rich cultural heritage

History of Kuwait’s Independence Day

Kuwait gained independence from British colonial rule on June 19, 1961. However, the country officially celebrates its Independence Day on February 25th to coincide with the ascension of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah to the throne in 1950. Sheikh Abdullah was instrumental in leading the nation towards independence and is fondly remembered as the “Father of Modern Kuwait.” This visionary ruler oversaw the negotiation of the Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement, which ultimately led to the country’s liberation from foreign rule.

Significance of Independence Day in Kuwait

Kuwait’s Independence Day is a symbol of national pride and unity. The country’s liberation from colonial rule laid the foundation for its political, economic, and social development. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the nation’s leaders and people in their pursuit of freedom, dignity, and sovereignty. The celebration of Independence Day also highlights the importance of preserving Kuwait’s unique cultural heritage and maintaining strong national identity in an increasingly globalized world.

Turkey’s upcoming presidential election on May 14, 2023, will see the incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan face off against Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the candidate for the Nation Alliance. The Nation Alliance comprises six opposition parties, including the moderate-nationalist Good Party (İYİ), one Islamist party, one centre-right, and two conservative parties. In contrast, Erdoğan’s People Alliance includes his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the right-wing Nationalist Action Party (MHP), one left-wing nationalist party with Maoist roots, two Islamist parties, and one Islamist-Kurdish party with alleged ties to a terrorist organization.

The presidential race will likely hinge on several factors, including the Nation Alliance’s cohesiveness and the current government’s ability to keep the currency from collapsing before the election. While Kılıçdaroğlu may be the joint candidate for the Nation Alliance, it remains to be seen whether voters from other opposition parties will support him. Additionally, the Labor and Freedom Alliance’s position on his candidacy is uncertain, although an official announcement of support may be forthcoming.

The main campaign issues between Kılıçdaroğlu and Erdoğan center on their competing visions for Turkey’s future. Kılıçdaroğlu promises change, while Erdoğan promises stability. However, the opposition’s advantage lies in their ability to promise change with stability, while Erdoğan is left with the option of scaremongering by conjuring up doomsday scenarios of political fragmentation and chaos if he loses.

While the outcome of the parliamentary election is relatively easy to predict, with none of the alliances likely to win a majority, parties within the same alliance may not always vote as a monolith, especially on critical issues of political reform. The opposition has drafted an Agreement for A Strengthened Parliamentary System and a Memorandum of Understanding on Common Policies, which set out common objectives for their political agendas. With the main support of the Labor and Freedom Alliance, parliamentary approval of proposed political reform measures that do not require constitutional amendments is likely. However, reforms that do require broader consensus, including a restoration of the parliamentary system, may face challenges.

Despite numerous public opinion polls, relying on them to predict the outcome of the election may lead to misperceptions, as many have methodology problems. There are also concerns about election integrity, despite Turkey’s long tradition of democratic elections. Restrictions on freedom of expression, pressure on the media, and the incumbent’s access to public resources mean that Turkish elections are unfair, even if they are real and competitive.

Ultimately, the upcoming election is more than a contest between Erdoğan and Kılıçdaroğlu or the parties and alliances they represent. Erdogan is facing a wave of public anger over poor governance and misguided centralization, and with a general election just nine weeks away, a tight presidential race awaits.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

When placing women, water and diplomacy in the same sentence, often enough the link among them is not easily or well understood. Because, both terms can be seen as an asset in the Middle East region. Both can be bought as an asset or at least the main victims of the water scarcity in the world are women.

In 2017, the UN Security Council organized a briefing meeting on Preventive Diplomacy and Transboundary Waters emphasising the role of water diplomacy and cooperation in conflict prevention. This illustrates that the growing imbalance in global water supply and demand leads to tensions and conflicts and could potentially evolve into a widespread threat to international peace and security. Relatedly, water crises ranked as a top global risk in the 2020 World Economic Forum Report. At the same time, water deprivation is increasingly seen as a fundamentally political and security problem, and not confined only within the realms of human development and environmental sustainability.

When we look at the role of women in water diplomacy related decision-making; it has been underestimated, despite the acknowledged essential role of women in peacebuilding, conflict management and sustaining security even though it was reaffirmed by the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (adopted on 31st October 2000) and by the eight resolutions on the issue adopted thereafter.

Having said this, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is no different, where gender inequality concerns have traditionally taken a back seat to the “larger” or “more urgent” issues of civil wars, foreign interventions, unemployment, corruption, and authoritarianism. It will not be exaggeration if I use the statement that I already used during an interview called ‘The climate conversation: Gender equity and climate change’ with the UK’s first women entrepreneurship magazine, March 8, last January that “worldwide, women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours – daily – collecting water. This is a gigantic waste of valuable time. Just imagine – those 200 million hours add up to 8.3 million days, or more than 22,800 years. In a hypothetical scenario, it’s as if a woman started to walk with her empty bucket in the Stone Age and didn’t reach home with any water until 2022.”

As an example, in Egypt with its neighbours over access to the Nile and plans for a giant hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia, women have been suffering and that have sparked regional tensions over restrictions to shared water supplies. In Syria, during civil war, water becomes a tool in the hands of fighting parties. It becomes a weapon of war. And it is civilians who suffer the most. Therefore, access to water in Middle East should be unconditional. The weaponization of water over so many centuries have obviously led to the situation now – where it just seems so much more extreme.

Relatedly, women’s contribution to water management and effectively usage of it is clearly fundamental. In order to promote the entry of women in this sector, several international conferences have been held, highlighting and making internationally known the importance of women as leaders, experts and mediators in the equitable access to water for all uses. Notable examples include the United Nations Water Conference in Mar de Plata (1977), the International Drinking Water and Sanitation Decade (1981-90) and the International Conference on Water and the Environment in Dublin (1992). NASA’s research in 2019 justifies concerns that drinking water is declining in the Middle East and that some countries will face water shortages in the future. The World Bank also warned at the climate summit in Egypt last year that water shortages could become a major problem in parts of the Middle East and North Africa in the coming years.

‘The need for more women in water diplomacy is universal.’ This was the crucial statement during the first-ever Women in Water Diplomacy Network Leadership Council and Nile and Beyond Strategy launch event hosted by the Swedish Embassy in Pretoria last year. During this workshop, we, as a women representative, with the stakeholders, representing government institutions, civil society organisations, private sector and academia, delved into the key findings of Women & Water Diplomacy in the Middle East and North Africa: A Comparative Study of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine.

In terms of next step on water diplomacy and women empowerment, building women change hubs in MENA region and educating women on water usage and scarcity are the key points. Less fortunate women should be enlightened on the growing imbalance in global water supply and demand leads to tensions and conflicts and could potentially evolve into a widespread threat to international peace and security. 

To sum up, for water diplomacy to bear fruits, the inclusive participation of all stakeholders in the process is an absolute must, including women.

Teacher’s Day Lebanon is celebrated throughout the country. Teacher’s Day is a special occasion to pay tribute to the nation’s dedicated educators. This day celebrates the vital role teachers play in shaping young minds, fostering growth and development, and shaping the future of the country. In Lebanon, Teachers’ Day is observed on October 5, a date that highlights the importance of teachers and acknowledges their immense contributions to society.

This day celebrates the vital role teachers play in shaping young minds, fostering growth and development, and shaping the future of the country. Teachers in Lebanon, like their counterparts around the world, provide essential guidance and mentorship to students throughout their educational journey. They not only impart knowledge but also help students develop essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. In Lebanon, educators are particularly important due to the nation’s diverse cultural landscape and the need for fostering social cohesion and mutual understanding.

How is Teacher’s Day in Lebanon celebrated?

While Teachers’ Day in Lebanon is a significant occasion, it is essential to remember that honoring and appreciating educators should be an ongoing effort. Encouraging professional development, providing necessary resources, and promoting a supportive work environment are crucial steps in ensuring that teachers can continue to make a difference in the lives of their students.

Teachers’ Day in Lebanon is a meaningful event that emphasizes the indispensable role of educators in shaping the nation’s future. By celebrating and honouring Lebanese teachers, society reaffirms the value of education and its role in fostering a brighter future for all.

Image Credit:  Element5 Digital on Unsplash

In a significant development towards regional stability, Qatar and Bahrain have decided to resume their diplomatic ties more than two years after the Arab boycott of Doha was lifted. Both countries’ state news agencies confirmed the decision on Wednesday, marking the latest move in a broader trend of resolving disputes in the region.

Bahrain and Qatar relations

The restoration of diplomatic ties between Qatar and Bahrain follows the end of a three-and-a-half-year boycott of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt in January 2021. Although the other three countries re-established travel and trade links with Doha in 2021, Bahrain had remained an exception until now.

The decision was made during the second meeting of the Bahraini-Qatari Follow-up Committee at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In separate statements, the two countries emphasized their commitment to working together moving forward.

This development comes after Bahrain’s Crown Prince spoke with Qatar’s Emir by telephone in January, signaling a willingness to mend relations between the two Gulf states. The primary disagreement that led to the severing of ties in 2017 was Qatar’s support for Islamist movements, which were considered a threat by its Arab neighbors, and its close ties with Iran and Turkey.

In a further sign of regional stabilization, Saudi Arabia welcomed Syria’s foreign minister on Wednesday, indicating that the Arab League may be ready to reinstate Damascus. Syria’s membership was suspended more than a decade ago following President Bashar Assad’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests.

Additionally, last month, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic ties that were severed in 2016, with China acting as the mediator. Bahrain’s dispute with Qatar focused primarily on the latter’s relationship with Iran and disputes along their maritime border.

The restoration of ties between Qatar and Bahrain is a positive step in a series of ongoing efforts to resolve regional disputes, including those between Iran and Saudi Arabia. These developments suggest that stability and cooperation may be on the rise in the region, offering hope for a more peaceful future.

Father’s Day in UAE is celebrated throughout the country. Father’s Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide to honour the mothers who have made significant contributions to our lives. In UAE, Father’s Day is celebrated on June 21st every year and 2023 will be no different. It is a time when people express their love and gratitude for their fathers through various gestures and gifts.

However, the date of Father’s Day varies in different countries around the world. In the United Kingdom and United States, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.

Why Father’s Day in UAE date is different

In many parts of the world, Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June. These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India and a number of other countries around the world. In Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is a public holiday in Germany.

Despite the different dates of celebration, the sentiment and purpose behind Father’s Day remain the same. It is a special day to honour and appreciate the unconditional love and care that fathers provide to their children. Whether through a thoughtful gift, a card, or simply spending time together, the goal is to show our mothers how much they mean to us and express our gratitude for all they do. If you are planning on celebrating Father’s Day in UAE this year you should have enough time to prepare!

Image Credit:  Derek Thomson on Unsplash

Father’s Day Lebanon is celebrated throughout the country. Father’s Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide to honour the mothers who have made significant contributions to our lives. In Lebanon, Father’s Day is celebrated on June 21st every year and 2023 will be no different. It is a time when people express their love and gratitude for their fathers through various gestures and gifts.

However, the date of Father’s Day varies in different countries around the world. In the United Kingdom and United States, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.

Why Father’s Day in Lebanon date is different

In many parts of the world, Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June. These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India and a number of other countries around the world. In Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is a public holiday in Germany.

Despite the different dates of celebration, the sentiment and purpose behind Father’s Day remain the same. It is a special day to honor and appreciate the unconditional love and care that fathers provide to their children. Whether through a thoughtful gift, a card, or simply spending time together, the goal is to show our mothers how much they mean to us and express our gratitude for all they do. If you are planning on celebrating Father’s Day in Lebanon this year you should have enough time to prepare!

Image Credit:  Derek Thomson on Unsplash

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, is expected to make a visit to Turkey this week, according to an announcement made by the Turkish government on Monday. The visit may lead to progress in reinstating envoys, following the cutting of diplomatic ties a decade ago. Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, stated that during the visit, concrete steps could be taken towards appointing ambassadors. Discussions regarding the possibility of restoring ambassadors between the two countries began in 2021, as Turkey sought to improve ties with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel.

However, the process accelerated after the two countries’ leaders, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt and Turkey’s Tayyip Erdogan, shook hands at the World Cup in Doha. Cavusoglu also stated that the two presidents may meet in person after Turkey’s May 14th election. The visit comes after Shoukry’s visit to Turkey two weeks ago to show solidarity after massive earthquakes that killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

Further discussions on improving relations between Turkey and Egypt have been underway for some time, with the goal of ending the decade-long diplomatic freeze. The relationship between the two countries soured in 2013 after the military coup in Egypt that overthrew then-president Mohamed Mursi. Since then, relations have been strained over a number of issues, including Turkey’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt has designated as a terrorist organization, and the two countries’ differing positions on the conflict in Libya. Additionally, tensions have flared over territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean, with both countries competing for resources in the region.

However, in recent years, there has been a push to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries, as Turkey seeks to improve its standing in the region. This push has been part of a larger effort by Turkey to repair relations with former regional rivals, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

The recent earthquakes that struck Turkey in February have provided an opportunity for the two countries to come together. Shoukry’s visit to Turkey to show solidarity was the first visit by an Egyptian foreign minister since 2016, and it was followed by Cavusoglu’s visit to Cairo last month, which was the first visit by a Turkish foreign minister since 2012.

While the restoration of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Egypt would be a significant development, there are still hurdles to overcome. One major obstacle is the two countries’ differing positions on the Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt considers to be a terrorist organization. Turkey, on the other hand, sees the group as a legitimate political movement.

Additionally, the two countries’ competing interests in the eastern Mediterranean will need to be addressed. Turkey has been pursuing an aggressive foreign policy in the region, including conducting military drills and exploration activities in waters claimed by Greece and Cyprus. Egypt has sided with Greece and Cyprus on this issue, and the two countries have signed an agreement demarcating their maritime boundaries.

Despite these challenges, there are signs that the relationship between Turkey and Egypt is thawing. Shoukry’s upcoming visit to Turkey is a positive sign, and the fact that the two countries have been engaged in talks to restore diplomatic ties is a step in the right direction. With continued efforts, it is possible that the two countries can put their differences aside and work towards a more peaceful and stable region.

Image Credit: Reuters

Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Sabah has announced a new cabinet, appointing a new finance minister, Manaf Al Hajri while keeping other major cabinet roles unchanged, according to the state news agency Kuna. Manaf Al Hajri, a well-known figure in Kuwait’s business and finance circles, has been named as Minister for Finance and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs. Bader Al Mulla will continue in his role as Oil Minister.

The political divisions and institutional gridlock that have hampered investment and reforms aimed at reducing Kuwait’s reliance on oil revenues continue to pose a challenge for the government. The removal of the former finance minister, Abd Al Wahhab Al Rasheed, who was an element of tension with the 2022 parliament, suggests that the government is trying to regain the trust of the people and is betting on the return of the 2022 parliament, said Ahmad Al Din, member of the political bureau of the Kuwaiti Progressive Movement.

Kuwait, which holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves, has strong fiscal and external balance sheets. However, relations between the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly have been particularly tense since the Constitutional Court annulled last September’s election results. Sheikh Talal Al Khaled Al Sabah was reappointed as Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defence, while Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al Sabah remains Foreign Minister.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee

Egyptian Rose Cookies, also known as Kahk, are traditional cookies that have been enjoyed in Egypt for centuries. These delicate and sweet treats are typically served during special occasions and holidays such as Eid Al-Fitr, weddings, and other celebrations.

But what makes these cookies so unique? And why are they so popular in Egypt and beyond? In this article, we’ll explore the history and ingredients of Egyptian Rose Cookies, as well as some tips for making them at home.

History of Egyptian Rose Cookies

Egyptian Rose Cookies have a long and rich history. They date back to ancient times, when Egyptians would offer cakes and cookies to their gods during religious ceremonies. Over time, these cookies evolved into what we know today as Kahk.

Kahk is a staple during Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. During this time, families gather to celebrate the end of the month-long fast by exchanging gifts and sharing food. Kahk is a popular gift during this holiday, as well as during weddings and other celebrations.

Ingredients of Egyptian Rose Cookies

Egyptian Rose Cookies are made with simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. The key ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, and milk. However, what sets these cookies apart is the addition of two unique ingredients: sesame seeds and rose water.

Sesame seeds are a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, and they add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the cookies. Rose water, on the other hand, adds a delicate floral flavor and aroma that is quintessential to Egyptian Rose Cookies.

Tips for Making Egyptian Rose Cookies

Making Egyptian Rose Cookies is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you make perfect Kahk at home:

  1. Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the taste of your cookies. Use fresh butter, good quality flour, and pure rose water for best results.
  2. Chill the dough. After mixing your dough, let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before shaping the cookies. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to shape.
  3. Shape the cookies carefully. Egyptian Rose Cookies are traditionally shaped into small, round balls and pressed with a fork to create a crosshatch pattern. Take your time to shape each cookie carefully, as this will ensure that they bake evenly.
  4. Bake at a low temperature. Egyptian Rose Cookies are delicate and can easily burn if baked at a high temperature. Bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Egyptian Rose Cookies, or Kahk, are a delicious and beautiful treat that have been enjoyed for centuries in Egypt and beyond. Made with simple ingredients and flavored with sesame seeds and rose water, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves Middle Eastern cuisine. With a little practice and patience, you can make perfect Kahk at home and enjoy this delicious treat anytime you like.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government has announced the postponement of a prisoner exchange with Houthi rebels until April 14. The Yemen prisoner exchange, which is supervised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was supposed to begin on April 11, but the ICRC requested additional time to complete the necessary procedures. Yemeni negotiator Majid Fada’el confirmed the delay in a tweet, adding that the ICRC had asked for more time to carry out the swap.

Abdul Qader al-Murtada, who heads the Houthi prisoner affairs committee, also confirmed that the group had been notified of the delay by the ICRC. However, he accused the government of obstructing the implementation of the prisoner exchange deal. As of yet, there has been no official confirmation from the ICRC regarding the delay.

The Yemen prison exchange involves the release of 887 prisoners from both sides. Last year, the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels signed a UN-brokered deal to free 2,000 prisoners, but the release was disrupted amid accusations from each party of violating the agreement.

What does the Yemen prison exchange delay mean?

The postponement of the prisoner swap highlights the ongoing challenges facing Yemen’s peace process. The country has been engulfed in violence and instability since 2014 when Houthi rebels captured much of the country, including the capital, Sanaa. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, a humanitarian crisis, and a severe economic downturn.

The UN has been attempting to broker a peace deal between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels, but progress has been slow. The recent delay in the prisoner swap is another setback for the peace process, and it remains to be seen whether the parties will be able to reach a lasting agreement. The situation in Yemen remains precarious, and the international community must continue to support efforts to end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Image Credit: natanael ginting – www.freepik.com

Iranian authorities have announced the installation of cameras in public places and thoroughfares to identify and penalize women who appear in public without a hijab, according to a statement released by the police on Saturday. The police force will take action to identify individuals who break norms by using smart cameras and tools in public places and thoroughfares. After identifying violators of the hijab law, the police will send proof and warning messages to inform them of the legal consequences of this crime.

The move is aimed at preventing resistance against the hijab law, according to a statement reported by the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency and other state media. The statement said such resistance tarnishes the country’s spiritual image and spreads insecurity. Iran’s police chief, Ahmad-Reza Radan, said in an interview with state television that from next Saturday, individuals who remove their veil will be identified using smart equipment.

“People who remove their hijab in public places will be warned first and presented to the courts as a next step,” the police chief said. Car owners will also receive a warning text if any of their passengers violate the dress code, and their vehicles will be seized if the offense is repeated. Businesses will also be required to seriously monitor the observance of societal norms with their diligent inspections, according to the police statement.

The head of Iran’s judiciary, Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, warned last week that Iranian women who fail to wear the hijab would be “prosecuted without mercy.” However, women are still widely seen unveiled in malls, restaurants, shops, and streets around the country, risking arrest for defying the obligatory dress code. Videos of unveiled women resisting the morality police have flooded social media.

Under Iran’s interpretation of Sharia, women are obliged to cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes to disguise their figures. Violators have faced public rebuke, fines or arrest. The veil is considered one of the civilizational foundations of the Iranian nation and one of the practical principles of the Islamic Republic, according to an Interior Ministry statement released on March 30. The statement urged citizens to confront unveiled women, directives which have previously emboldened hardliners to attack women.

The backlash against Mahsa Amini’s custodial death sparked widespread protests, with accounts emerging of how women protesters have been treated by the Iranian administration. This has led to calls for repealing the controversial hijab law, which dictates that women and girls as young as seven must wear a hijab. Approximately 40 million Iranian women are under constant surveillance since its introduction after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In November 2022, Iranian officials arrested two prominent actors, Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi, for removing their headscarves and publicly supporting anti-government protests.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File

Saudi Arabia is set to send two astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) next month. Rayyanah Barnawi, a breast cancer researcher, and Ali Al Qarni, a fighter pilot, will join UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi on the 10-day mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The target launch date was announced by SpaceX and Axiom Space, the company in Houston that has helped arrange the trip for Saudi Arabia. The inaugural flight is part of the kingdom’s sustainable human space flight program, announced in September. The Saudi astronauts will focus on 11 of the 20 science experiments assigned to the AX-2 crew. They will take off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on May 9 at 6.43 am UAE time.

Saudi Arabia is preparing for a significant milestone in the country’s space program, as two Saudi astronauts are set to embark on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in May. The target launch date was recently announced during a remote media briefing by SpaceX and Axiom Space, the Houston-based company that arranged the trip for Saudi Arabia.

The AX-2 mission will include Rayyanah Barnawi, who will become the first Arab woman to go to space, and Ali Al Qarni. They will join former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and US pilot John Shoffner on the mission. The Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the Dragon crew capsule to space, and the spacecraft will take about 37 hours to dock with the station.

The Saudi astronauts will be assigned 11 science experiments, focusing on breast cancer and stem cell research. The Saudi Space Commission has received scientific proposals from universities across the country to be included in the experiments.

The Saudi government is planning a sustainable human spaceflight program, with the AX-2 mission being the inaugural flight under this program. Mishaal Ashemimry, the microgravity research lead at the Saudi Space Commission, said that the country is considering long-duration space missions in the future. She added that the human space flight program is intended to be sustainable, with a constant flow of astronauts going to space to conduct research for the betterment of humanity.

The AX-2 mission is also significant because of Axiom Space’s involvement in the trip. The same company helped the UAE secure its recent trip to the ISS, and has also signed similar deals with Turkey, Italy, and Hungary, ultimately helping more countries get access to space. The space infrastructure company is also building a commercial space station in low-Earth orbit that would welcome tourists, astronauts, and researchers.

Michael Suffredini, CEO of Axiom Space, said that the company is in the process of signing on two more countries. Suffredini also emphasized the importance of cooperation between countries in space exploration, saying, “we think what we’re doing is not only serving a market but more importantly helping us as a species learn to live off the planet which is going to be very important.”

Image Credit: Axiom Space/Twitter

Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resume direct flights between their countries as a major step towards restoring diplomatic ties, following a meeting of their foreign ministers, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Hossein Amirabdollahian, in Beijing on Thursday. In addition, visas will be issued for each other’s citizens, and both private and state bilateral visits will resume, as per the joint statement released by Saudi Arabia and Iran. The reopening of embassies and consulates will begin soon, and it will take up to two months to complete, according to the statement.

This is the first official meeting between the two countries’ most senior foreign ministry officials since ties were severed seven years ago. The leaders will follow up on a deal brokered by China last month to reconcile relations and reopen embassies. The meeting highlights China’s increasing influence in the region, one that is being monitored by the US.

The move is expected to reduce the chance of armed conflict between the former rivals, both directly and in proxy conflicts around the region. The leaders also discussed reviving a security agreement signed nearly two decades ago that stipulated co-operation on terrorism, drug smuggling, and money laundering, and to revive a trade and technology deal from 1998.

In 2016, Riyadh severed ties with Tehran after protesters invaded Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran after the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric in the kingdom. However, since April 2021, the two sides have held five rounds of negotiations in Baghdad. Prince Faisal also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang during the meeting, where they discussed the Saudi-China relationship and the positive role played by China in reaching the Saudi-Iranian agreement.

Image Credit: John McArthur on Unsplash

The recent announcement of the appointment of Iran’s ambassador to the UAE marks a significant shift in the two countries’ previously strained relations. The UAE had downgraded its relations with Iran in 2016 after the Saudi embassy in Tehran was stormed by Iranian protesters. However, the UAE upgraded its ties with Iran in August 2022 and announced the return of its ambassador to Tehran.

The realignment in relations between Gulf states and Iran is significant for the region, particularly given the animosity between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which has fueled conflicts in the Middle East. The recent announcement by Saudi Arabia to re-establish ties with Tehran in a China-brokered deal marks a step-change in years of hostility between the two nations and has the potential to reduce tensions in the region, leading to improved security and stability in the Gulf.

The UAE’s long history of business and trade ties with Iran has been further strengthened by recent developments. Iran’s newly appointed ambassador, Reza Ameri, has previously served as the director general of the Iranian expatriates office in the foreign ministry, indicating the importance of the UAE-Iran relationship. Dubai, one of the UAE’s emirates, has been one of Iran’s primary links to the outside world, further highlighting the significance of the realignment in relations between the two countries.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has accepted an invitation to visit Saudi Arabia, according to a statement made by First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber on Monday. This marks Raisi’s first official trip to the kingdom, and the move is seen as a positive step in the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation between the two countries.

The Chinese-brokered deal that led to the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after years of hostility is seen as a significant step towards improving ties between the two states. Under the agreement, Iran and Saudi Arabia are due to reopen their embassies and consulates within the next two months.

During a meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, the two countries are expected to discuss ways to strengthen the renewed relations, including arrangements for the exchange of ambassadors.

Experts predict that the renewed relations will reshape the region’s geopolitics that have been dominated by conflict and turbulence for years. This is a positive sign of progress in the ongoing efforts towards regional cooperation and the enhancement of relations with neighbouring states, as a top priority of the Raisi administration.

The Saudi-Iranian rivalry has been one of the most enduring and intractable conflicts in the Middle East, fuelled by a range of political, ideological, and sectarian factors. The two countries have been locked in a struggle for regional dominance for decades, and the situation has been complicated by the involvement of external powers such as the United States and Russia.

The Chinese-brokered deal to restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia was seen as a significant breakthrough in efforts to reduce tensions in the region. The agreement has been welcomed by many in the international community, who see it as a positive sign of progress towards a degree of peace and stability in the Middle East.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, 28, is set to marry his Saudi fiancée Rajwa Al Saif on June 1, 2023 in what is set to be Jordan’s next royal wedding. The Royal Hashemite Court confirmed the wedding date in December 2022. While no details of the Jordan’s next royal wedding have been revealed yet, it is expected to be a grand celebration, befitting a royal wedding.

Rajwa Al Saif, 28, is the daughter of Saudi businessman Khalid Al Saif. She completed her secondary education in Saudi Arabia before moving to the United States for higher education, where she studied architecture at Syracuse University. She also holds a degree in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

The couple announced their engagement in August 2022, with the families gathering at the Al Saif family home in Riyadh to celebrate. Queen Rania of Jordan congratulated the couple, expressing her joy and happiness at the news.

Where is Jordan’s next royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein taking place?

The wedding will take place just days before Crown Prince Hussein’s parents, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. The couple were married on June 10, 1993, after meeting earlier that year.

Rajwa Al Saif is the youngest daughter of Khalid bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz al-Saif and his wife, Azza bint Nayef Abdulaziz Ahmed al-Sudairi. She has four older siblings: Faisal, Nayef, and Dana. She is also exactly two months older than Crown Prince Hussein, who was born on June 28, 1994.

As the wedding date draws near, there is sure to be more excitement and anticipation surrounding the event. Fans and well-wishers of the Jordanian royal family can look forward to learning more about the wedding details as they emerge.

When was the last Jordan royal wedding?

Jordan’s Princess Iman, the daughter of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, tied the knot with Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in a grand ceremony at Beit Al-Urdon Palace in Amman on March 12, 2021. The royal wedding was attended by close family members and friends, following COVID-19 protocols.

The bride looked stunning in a traditional white dress, with a delicate lace veil and a diamond tiara on her head. She was accompanied by her father King Abdullah II as she walked down the aisle, while her mother Queen Rania looked on proudly.

Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, who is of Greek descent, wore a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie. He looked dashing as he stood next to Princess Iman during the ceremony.

The wedding ceremony was a blend of Jordanian and Greek traditions, reflecting the couple’s diverse backgrounds. The newlyweds exchanged rings and vows in front of their loved ones, and were officially declared husband and wife.

Following the wedding, the royal couple posed for photographs at the palace, with King Abdullah II and Queen Rania by their side. The wedding was also attended by Princess Iman’s siblings, Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Salma, and Prince Hashem.

Princess Iman, who was born on September 27, 1996, is the second-eldest child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. She studied at the International Academy Amman and Georgetown University in Washington D.C. before pursuing a career in humanitarian work.

Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, on the other hand, is a businessman and entrepreneur with Greek roots. The couple met while studying at Georgetown University, and have been together for several years.

Overall, the wedding of Princess Iman and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis was a beautiful celebration of love and unity. The newlyweds looked radiant and happy, surrounded by their loved ones, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness together.

Image Credit: alhusseinjo / Instagram

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on a surprise visit to improve relations with one of his country’s key allies and economic backers. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations, with Saudi Arabia having provided Egypt with billions of dollars in grants, central bank deposits, and investments over the past decade to prop up the country’s economy. President El Sisi, who has taken charge of the economy since taking office in 2014, has praised financial assistance from Gulf Arab states and noted that Egypt could not have survived the political tumult and near economic meltdown after a 2011 uprising without aid from Gulf Arab nations.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s visit

During the visit, President El Sisi was received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the Prime Minister, at King Abdulaziz International Airport. They reviewed the close and historical bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed all issues of common concern, including the latest developments in the regional and international arenas. The Crown Prince hosted a suhoor banquet in honor of El-Sisi, where they discussed the prospects for joint cooperation and ways to further enhance and develop bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Egypt’s economy is currently in the throes of an acute crisis chiefly caused by the fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war. Over the past year, Egypt’s currency has lost about 50% of its value, inflation is at its highest level in more than five years, and a dollar crunch continues to undermine local industries and curb imports. In response, Egypt is offering investors stakes in 32 state enterprises, including banks and military-owned companies, to raise foreign currency. The country is hoping that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab nations will seize the opportunity to add to their existing stakes in Egyptian companies. Mending ties with Saudi Arabia would be a significant win for Egypt and its economy.

Lebanon faces internet blackouts as workers at state-owned Ogero continue their strike to demand pay increases reflecting the sharp depreciation of the country’s currency. The strike began on March 25 and the situation has become increasingly dire. Imad Kreidieh, Ogero’s chairman, has warned that the network will completely stop working as their generators run out of fuel. Kreidieh stated that the strike will not only affect Ogero but other operators, Alfa and Touch, too.

The yearly state budget allocated to Ogero has dropped to about $4 million, which barely covers the fuel needed for the operation of internet relay stations, leading to sharp salary cuts. Talks with Lebanon’s parliament are expected to take place on March 27 to seek a resolution. The economic crisis in Lebanon dates back to 2019 and reached a new low last week when 100,000 Lebanese pounds became worth just $1, down from $67. The strike comes amid growing protests and public anger against the ruling political elite, with the majority of the population affected by poverty.

Why does Lebanon faces internet blackouts?

Following the announcement that the Lebanese state-owned Ogero employees launched an open-ended strike, Lebanon faces internet blackouts. The employees are demanding pay increases that reflect the sharp depreciation of the country’s currency. The strike is expected to impact not only Ogero but also other operators, including Alfa and Touch, who rely on Ogero to route their data.

The chairman of Ogero, Imad Kreidieh, has warned that if a deal is not found with the government, the network will completely stop working as the generators will gradually run out of fuel. “Lebanon completely relies on Ogero for its bandwidth, leaving no one exempt from a blackout,” Kreidieh said. The currency crisis has cut Ogero’s yearly budget to the equivalent of $4 million, which is barely enough to cover the expenses for the fuel required to operate the Internet relay stations, leading to drastic salary cuts.

Lebanon’s economic crisis dates back to 2019 but hit its lowest point last week when 100,000 Lebanese pounds became worth just $1, down from $67. It has led to employees at Ogero complaining that their salaries have become worthless, with inflation estimated to be more than 180% last month. Marwan Halabi, a member of Ogero’s Union, said, “Our salary is worth nothing because of the currency collapse, our demands are the same as other public sector employees: we want our salaries to be tied to the dollar.”

Talks with Lebanon’s parliament were expected to take place on March 27 to seek a resolution. The strike is the latest in a full-fledged collapse that Lebanon is undergoing, facing an unprecedented economic crisis, political and security void.

According to its website, Ogero is the executive arm of the Ministry of Telecommunication, founded by the Lebanese state in 1972. The company is the infrastructure operator for all telecom networks in the country, including mobile operators and internet service providers, among others.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Telecommunication, Johnny Corm, has warned that the military might take over the state-run telecom company Ogero amid a growing dispute between the government and the company’s employees, who have been on strike for a week demanding pay increases. “I spoke with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati this morning and he asked me to [allow] for the intervention of the Lebanese army and for us to take over Ogero,” Corm said in an interview with the local Radio Liban Libre station. “I will not see citizens be taken hostage. The internet is a basic need and is necessary for the continuity of life, and any interruption is prohibited,” he added.

The spat between the government and Ogero employees comes as Lebanon faces its worst economic crisis in decades. In February, the inflation rate reached 189.67%, and poverty is affecting more than three-quarters of the population of 6 million, according to the United Nations. Public anger against the government is growing by the day, with regular protests across the country denouncing the failure of the ruling political elite to address the numerous crises.

The country has been without a president since October 2022, when President Michel Aoun, a staunch ally of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, stepped down after the end of his six-year term, which saw deepening political divisions among rivals. Since then, parliament has failed more than 10 times to elect a president. Hezbollah, which has gained considerable influence in the country in the past years, is backing Suleiman Frangieh. But the majority of parliamentarians have refused to support Frangieh, an ally of Syria’s Assad family.

Image Credit: Thomas Jensen on Unsplash

Two Iranian women have been arrested after a man attacked them with yoghurt for not covering their hair in public. The incident, which was caught on camera, went viral on social media. The judiciary reported that the two women were detained on charges of showing their hair in public, which is illegal in Iran, while the man was held for disturbing the public order. The arrests come after months of protests in the country demanding an end to the compulsory wearing of the headscarf. Not wearing the hijab in public is illegal for women in Iran and those who refuse to wear it face arrest, fines, and violence. The situation remains tense as the Iranian authorities show no sign of relenting on this issue.

The incident has sparked outrage and highlighted the ongoing debate over the compulsory wearing of the hijab in Iran. The video of the attack has circulated widely on social media, with many expressing their disgust at the man’s violent and misogynistic behaviour.

The law requiring women to wear the hijab in public has faced significant backlash in Iranian society, with growing numbers of women defying authorities by discarding their veils in public. This has led to an increase in protests and demonstrations across the country, calling for an end to the mandatory hijab.

In September 2022, the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by morality police in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”, sparked widespread protests across the Islamic Republic. Thousands have been arrested and four protesters have been executed since then, but the authorities show no sign of relenting.

The recent arrests of the two women in Iran has once again raised concerns about the treatment of women and their rights in the country. The Iranian authorities have consistently defended the compulsory wearing of the hijab as a “religious necessity“, but many argue that it is a violation of women’s rights and a tool for controlling them.

Despite the risks involved, many Iranian women continue to defy the law and openly protest against it. The situation remains tense as the debate over the hijab continues to rage on in Iranian society, with no clear solution in sight.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

The Bahrain economy grew at its fastest pace since 2013, with a 4.9% increase in 2022, according to the annual report released by Bahrain’s Ministry of Finance and National Economy. The report stated that the non-oil sector’s real gross domestic product had grown by 6.2%, surpassing the annual target of 5% set under Bahrain’s economic reform plan.

However, the oil economy decreased by 1.4% due to a fall in production, contributing just 16.9% to the economy last year. The government unveiled an economic reform plan in 2021, which aims to invest $30bn in strategic projects, drive post-COVID growth, and attract foreign direct investment to create more jobs and diversify the economy. The plan also aims to create over 20,000 jobs for Bahraini citizens annually until 2024 and train 10,000 more through its Tamkeen program. Bahrain’s Ministry of Finance and National Economy has set a target of achieving a balanced budget by 2024.

Bahrain economy

Bahrain’s impressive economic growth in 2022 is a positive sign for the country’s economy, especially considering the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strong growth of the non-oil sector is particularly noteworthy, as it indicates that the government’s economic reform plan is having a positive impact. By investing in strategic projects and attracting foreign direct investment, Bahrain is taking steps towards diversifying its economy and reducing its dependence on oil.

The decrease in the oil economy is a reminder of the importance of diversification, as it highlights the risks associated with relying on a single industry for economic growth. However, with only 16.9% of the economy coming from the oil sector, Bahrain is already making progress in this regard. The government’s goal of achieving a balanced budget by 2024 is also a positive development, as it demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable economic growth.

The economic reform plan’s target of creating over 20,000 jobs for Bahraini citizens annually until 2024 and training 10,000 more through its Tamkeen program is a significant step towards improving the country’s job market and reducing unemployment. The creation of new jobs will not only benefit Bahraini citizens but also contribute to the country’s economic growth by increasing consumer spending.

Overall, Bahrain’s strong economic growth in 2022 and the government’s ambitious economic reform plan are positive developments for the country’s economy. By continuing to invest in strategic projects and attract foreign investment, Bahrain can build on this momentum and further diversify its economy, creating more opportunities for its citizens and driving long-term economic growth.

Image Credit:  Todd Gardner on Unsplash

People around the world are starting to wonder when daylight saving time (DST) will begin and end in 2023. Daylight savings 2023 is a practice in which we set our clocks ahead by one hour in the spring and set them back by one hour in the fall. This practice is observed by many countries, including those in the Middle East.

In the Middle East, most countries observe DST, which is also known as summer time. However, the dates on which they begin and end DST can vary. This is because DST is usually determined by the governments of each country, and they may choose different dates based on their own unique circumstances.

For example, in the United Arab Emirates, DST usually begins on the last Friday in March and ends on the last Friday in September. In Saudi Arabia, DST usually begins on the second Friday in March and ends on the first Friday in November.

When is daylight savings 2023

So when is daylight saving time in 2023? Well, it depends on where you are. Here are the expected dates for some Middle Eastern countries:

  • United Arab Emirates: DST is expected to begin on March 31, 2023, and end on September 29, 2023.
  • Saudi Arabia: DST is expected to begin on March 10, 2023, and end on November 3, 2023.
  • Qatar: DST is expected to begin on March 31, 2023, and end on October 27, 2023.
  • Bahrain: DST is expected to begin on March 31, 2023, and end on September 29, 2023.
  • Kuwait: DST is expected to begin on March 31, 2023, and end on September 30, 2023.

It’s important to note that these dates are subject to change, as the governments of each country may adjust the start and end dates of DST based on their own unique circumstances. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with your local government or official sources to confirm the dates.

If you’re living in the Middle East or planning to visit in 2023, be sure to keep track of the DST dates in your destination country. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important appointments or events due to a sudden change in the time. And remember, always double-check with official sources to confirm the dates of DST in your location.

Lebanon, a country already struggling with one of the world’s worst economic crises, now faces a new challenge – two different time zones making it hard to tell the current local time in Lebanon. The controversy began when the government decided to postpone the winter clock changes, with Daylight Saving being introduced from midnight on April 20 instead of from midnight on March 25.

Daylight saving time (DST) is a practice of advancing clocks by one hour during the summer months so that the evenings have more daylight and the mornings have less. This practice is followed by many countries around the world, including those in the Middle East. While the start and end dates of DST can vary from country to country, it is important to be aware of when DST begins and ends so that you can adjust your schedule accordingly.

In the Middle East, most countries observe DST, but the dates can vary. In some countries, like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, DST begins and ends on the same dates. However, in other countries, like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, the dates can differ by a few weeks. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, DST usually begins on the second Friday in March and ends on the first Friday in November.

The Riyadh Season Team XI is a group of talented individuals who have been carefully selected to organize and execute one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant events, the Riyadh Season.

Riyadh Season is an annual festival held in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. It’s a celebration of culture, entertainment, and fun, and it brings people from all over the world to experience the magic of this vibrant city.

The team behind the Riyadh Season is a group of professionals who have been handpicked from various industries to work together and ensure the success of the event. From marketing and communications to event planning and logistics, the Riyadh Season Team XI has it all covered.

The team is led by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Chairman of the General Sports Authority and Chairman of the Riyadh Season. With his guidance, the team has been able to create an unforgettable experience for the attendees, featuring a wide range of activities, including concerts, cultural shows, sports events, and much more.

Who are Riyadh Season Team XI

The Riyadh Season Team XI is made up of experts from different fields, including event management, marketing, finance, and operations. They work together to ensure that the event is well-planned, organized, and executed to perfection.

The team’s expertise in event planning has resulted in the successful execution of the Riyadh Season, attracting visitors from around the world to Saudi Arabia’s capital city. In 2019, the Riyadh Season attracted over 22 million visitors, generating a significant economic impact for the country.

The Riyadh Season Team XI is also responsible for ensuring that the event is safe and secure for all visitors. With strict security measures in place, visitors can enjoy the event without any worries.

The Riyadh Season Team XI is a group of talented professionals who have worked tirelessly to make the Riyadh Season one of the most significant events in Saudi Arabia. Their expertise, hard work, and dedication have ensured that the event is well-planned, organized, and executed to perfection, resulting in its tremendous success. With their continued efforts, the Riyadh Season is set to become an even bigger and better event in the coming years.

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been appointed as Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by President Sheikh Mohamed, alongside Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The announcement also named Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed as Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi.

As the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Mansour has played a key role in Abu Dhabi’s wealth funds and business sectors. He has also been instrumental in leading the Emiratisation program as the head of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council. Sheikh Mansour is also the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, where he spearheaded a significant overhaul of civic, family and personal status laws that have separated expatriates from the Sharia-based legal system.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, the President’s eldest son, has been a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. He has overseen some of the emirate’s largest recent development projects, along with its highly successful start-up incubator, Hub71.

Who is Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan serves as National Security Adviser and holds top positions in some of the emirate’s largest state-linked companies. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, the Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, also holds several positions in government, sports clubs and business.

The appointment of Sheikh Mansour as Vice President is an essential move for the UAE, and it highlights his vast experience and expertise in business and government sectors. The appointment has been approved by the UAE Federal Supreme Council, and it is a clear indication of the President’s confidence in Sheikh Mansour’s leadership abilities.

The announcement of the appointment of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed as Deputy Rulers of Abu Dhabi is a significant milestone for the UAE. The move will reinforce the country’s leadership in the global arena, and it underscores the UAE’s commitment to achieving its strategic vision.

Image Credit: WAM

Every year, millions of people in the United States and many other countries around the world participate in the tradition of “springing forward” for daylight saving time. This annual event is typically scheduled to take place on the second Sunday in March, but the exact date of when is spring forward can vary depending on where you live. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at when is spring forward and what you need to know to be prepared for the time change.

What Is Daylight Saving Time?

First, let’s define what we mean by “springing forward.” Daylight saving time (DST) is a practice where we adjust our clocks forward by one hour in the spring and then back by one hour in the fall. This shift is intended to make better use of the available daylight during the longer days of summer, when more people are awake and active for longer periods of time.

The idea of DST dates back to the late 19th century, but it wasn’t widely adopted until World War I, when many countries began using it as a way to conserve energy. Today, most countries in North America and Europe observe DST, although some areas have chosen to opt out.

When Is Spring Forward?

In the United States, spring forward typically takes place on the second Sunday in March. For 2023, this means that the time change will occur on March 12th. However, it’s important to note that not all states follow DST, so if you’re unsure whether your state participates, you should check with local authorities.

Other countries around the world have their own schedules for DST. In Canada, for example, most provinces follow the same schedule as the US, but there are a few exceptions. In the United Kingdom, the time change occurs on the last Sunday in March, while in Australia it takes place on the first Sunday in October.

Preparing for Spring Forward

The shift to daylight saving time can be a bit disruptive for some people, as it means losing an hour of sleep. To make the transition easier, experts recommend taking a few simple steps:

  • Start preparing a few days in advance. Gradually adjust your sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up 15-30 minutes earlier each day leading up to the time change.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene. Make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark, and avoid caffeine and alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime.
  • Plan for the extra daylight. Take advantage of the longer days by getting outside and being active, which can help reset your body’s internal clock.
  • Be patient. It can take a few days to adjust to the time change, so try to be patient with yourself and give your body time to adapt.

If you’re wondering when is spring forward, the answer is March 12th for 2023 in the United States. Remember that DST can be a bit disruptive, but with a little preparation and patience, you can make the transition easier and enjoy the benefits of longer days and more daylight.

What is Spring Forward?

Spring forward, also known as daylight saving time, is a seasonal time change where clocks are set forward by one hour to create longer evening daylight during the spring and summer months. It typically occurs on the second Sunday in March in the United States and Canada, while other countries may have varying dates or not observe the time change at all.

The history of daylight saving time can be traced back to the 19th century when Benjamin Franklin proposed the idea to save candles by utilizing more natural sunlight. However, it was not until World War I that many countries began to adopt the practice as a way to conserve fuel and resources during the war effort. Since then, the practice has been used on and off around the world with different start and end dates.

In the United States, the Uniform Time Act of 1966 established the current system of daylight saving time, which occurs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November. The rationale behind this is that it is during this time that there is more natural daylight in the evening, which can reduce energy consumption and encourage more outdoor activities.

However, not everyone agrees with the practice of daylight saving time. Some argue that the disruption to sleep patterns can cause health problems, and studies have shown that there is an increase in traffic accidents and workplace injuries on the Monday following the time change. Additionally, some states and territories within the United States do not observe daylight saving time, such as Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

For those living in the United States and Canada, spring forward occurs on the second Sunday in March. In 2023, that date falls on March 12th. This means that at 2:00 am local time, clocks will be set forward by one hour to 3:00 am. This will result in one hour less of sleep, but longer daylight hours in the evenings.

Lebanon, a country already struggling with one of the world’s worst economic crises, now faces a new challenge – two different time zones making it hard to tell the current local time in Lebanon. The controversy began when the government decided to postpone the winter clock changes, with Daylight Saving being introduced from midnight on April 20 instead of from midnight on March 25.

Looking ahead to 2024, spring forward will occur on March 10th. This means that clocks will be set forward by one hour at 2:00 am local time, resulting in one less hour of sleep but longer daylight hours in the evenings.

It’s important to remember to adjust your clocks accordingly to avoid being late for any appointments or events. Additionally, it’s a good time to check and replace the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

Image Credit: Djim Loic on Unsplash

Mother’s Day is a special occasion celebrated globally to honour the efforts and love of mothers. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is no exception, and the day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and affection. However, the date for Mothers Day in UAE may differ from other parts of the world. In this article, we will share the dates for Mother’s Day in UAE for 2023 and 2024.

In UAE, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 21st of March each year. This date is significant as it marks the beginning of spring in the country, and the day is observed as an official holiday. Mother’s Day is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices and hard work that mothers do to raise their children and support their families.

When is Mothers Day in UAE in 2023?

In 2023, Mother’s Day in UAE will fall on a Tuesday, on the 21st of March. This provides an excellent opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the occasion, either by spending quality time with their mothers or by presenting them with special gifts and flowers.

When is Mother’s Day in UAE in 2024?

Looking ahead to 2024, Mother’s Day in UAE will fall on a Thursday, on the 21st of March. The day provides a mid-week break for mothers to enjoy some time off work and celebrate the occasion with their families.

Why is Mother’s Day in UAE different to the US?

In many parts of Europe, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the same day as in the UK, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent. However, in some countries such as France, it is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. Similarly, in Germany, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, which is the same day as in the United States.

Many businesses and shops offer special deals and discounts on gifts and flowers for Mother’s Day, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for any promotions that may be available. Mother’s Day is a special occasion that provides an opportunity to celebrate and honour the contributions and love of mothers. In UAE, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 21st of March each year, and in 2023 and 2024, it will fall on a Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Make sure to mark the dates in your calendar and take the time to show your appreciation and love for your mother on this special day.

Image Credit: Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Saudi Arabia joins Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a political and security union of countries spanning much of Eurasia, including China, India, and Russia. The move comes after years of close energy cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, with China far overtaking the US as the main importer of Saudi Arabian oil. In addition to energy cooperation, China has also been investing heavily in Saudi Arabia’s oil industry, with Saudi Aramco raising its multibillion-dollar investment in China by finalising a planned joint venture in northeast China and acquiring a stake in a privately controlled petrochemical group.

The SCO was formed in 2001 by Russia, China, and former Soviet states in Central Asia, and has since expanded to include India and Pakistan. The organisation’s goal is to promote regional stability and counter western influence in the region. Iran signed documents for full membership in 2022, and Saudi Arabia has been granted the status of a dialogue partner, which is a first step towards full membership.

Why Saudi Arabia joins Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Joining the SCO is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build a long-term partnership with China, its largest trading partner. In recent years, the two countries have increased economic cooperation, with Saudi Arabia seeking to diversify its economy away from oil and gas by investing in Chinese technology and infrastructure projects.

Experts believe that Saudi Arabia is leaning closer to the East and eyeing stronger cooperation within organizations such as the SCO to gain strong momentum for future development. Riyadh’s move comes after a landmark agreement was reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran mediated by China to resume diplomatic ties and reopen embassies and missions within two months after seven years of no diplomatic ties between the two.

Ties between Saudi Arabia and the US have been strained in recent years over oil and human rights issues. As Saudi Arabia pushes for its 2030 vision of reducing its reliance on oil, the US is pushing the country to produce more oil and gas after Washington banned Russian oil and gas after the Ukraine crisis. China is an ideal partner in providing effective and pragmatic cooperation for Saudi Arabia, as it respects Saudi Arabia’s choices and exerts no additional conditions on cooperation.

On Wednesday, construction of a major chemical project, which is a joint investment initiative by China and Saudi Arabia, commenced in Panjin, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Total investment in the project is 83.7 billion yuan ($12.2 billion), of which Saudi Aramco holds a 30 percent stake while North Huajin Chemical Industries Group Corporation and Panjin XinCheng Industrial Group hold 51 and 19 percent, respectively. After it goes into operation, the project is expected to become a world-class petrochemical and fine chemical industry base in China.

Located in the heart of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air Base serves as a crucial hub for military operations in the Middle East. This sprawling airfield is home to a variety of aircraft and personnel, and its strategic location allows it to provide vital support to military operations throughout the region.

The history of Riyadh Air Base dates back to the 1940s, when it was initially constructed as a small airfield. Over the years, the base has undergone several expansions and upgrades, and today it is one of the largest and most advanced military airfields in the world.

One of the key features of Riyadh Air Base is its extensive runway network. The base boasts multiple runways, including one that is over 12,000 feet long, which allows it to accommodate virtually any type of military aircraft. In addition to its runways, Riyadh Air Base also features a variety of hangars and maintenance facilities, which provide crucial support to the aircraft and personnel stationed there.

Riyadh Air Base – location

Another important aspect of Riyadh Air Base is its location. Situated in the heart of the Middle East, the base is strategically positioned to support military operations throughout the region. It is within easy reach of many of the most important hotspots in the Middle East, including Iraq, Iran, and Syria, making it an essential hub for military operations in these areas.

Riyadh Air Base – role

Riyadh Air Base is home to a variety of military units, including fighter squadrons, transport squadrons, and support units. These units are responsible for a wide range of missions, including aerial reconnaissance, air support for ground troops, and transport of personnel and equipment. The base also houses a number of air defence units, which are tasked with protecting the base and its personnel from enemy threats.

In addition to its military operations, Riyadh Air Base also plays an important role in the local community. The base provides employment opportunities for thousands of Saudi citizens, and it has also contributed to the development of the surrounding area. The base’s medical facilities, for example, have provided care for both military personnel and local citizens alike.

Riyadh Air Base is a vital hub for military operations in the Middle East. Its strategic location, extensive runway network, and advanced facilities make it an essential asset for military planners in the region. And with its long history of service and commitment to excellence, it is sure to remain a critical component of military operations in the Middle East for many years to come.

Riyadh Air Base – history

The Riyadh Air Base has a fascinating history that spans several decades. Originally built by the U.S. Air Force in the early 1950s, it was designed to be a strategic air transport hub for the Middle East. The base was strategically located near the capital city of Riyadh, making it an ideal location for supporting military operations in the region.

Over the years, the base has been used by various branches of the U.S. military, including the Air Force, Navy, and Army. During the 1990-1991 Gulf War, the base was used as a staging ground for the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait. It was also used during the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

In addition to its military uses, the Riyadh Air Base has also played an important role in humanitarian efforts. In 2015, the base served as a hub for the U.S. military’s response to the Yemeni Civil War, providing logistical support for aid deliveries and evacuations of U.S. citizens from Yemen.

The base is also home to the King Khalid Air Base Hospital, a joint venture between the U.S. military and the Saudi Arabian government. The hospital provides medical care to both military personnel and civilians in the region.

The Riyadh Air Base has undergone several upgrades and renovations over the years to keep up with changing technologies and operational requirements. The most recent renovation was completed in 2019, which included upgrades to the base’s air traffic control tower and runway.

US Congressional Democrats have sent an open letter to the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, expressing concern over the alleged Tunisia rights crackdown by Tunisian President Kais Saied on perceived political opponents in the country. The 20 signatories condemned the “stark acceleration in Tunisia’s autocratic consolidation” and highlighted the wave of arrests against activists, former ministers, former MPs, senior political figures, judges, businessmen and media professionals.

They noted that Tunisian authorities charged individuals with conspiring against the state security and plotting to overthrow the government under the Anti-Terrorism Law for meeting US diplomats. They also criticized Saied’s “repugnant racist and xenophobic remarks” that undocumented sub-Saharan migrants were part of a conspiracy to change the country’s demographic make-up, and the increased arrests of undocumented migrants following those comments.

The letter called for any US foreign assistance to Tunisia to support the restoration of inclusive democratic governance and rule of law, as well as directly supporting Tunisians in dire economic need, without strengthening the hand of the internal security services that have exacerbated repression and authoritarianism under Saied.

Following the open letter from US Congressional Democrats expressing concern over Tunisian President Kais Saied’s alleged crackdown on perceived political opponents, tensions between the US and Tunisia have increased. The letter, sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, warned of a “stark acceleration in Tunisia’s autocratic consolidation” and raised concerns about the future of the US-Tunisia relationship.

Tunisia rights crackdown

Since mid-February, Tunisian authorities have arrested activists, former ministers, former MPs, senior political figures, judges, businessmen and media professionals, prompting condemnation from the UN Human Rights Office and several international rights groups. The Congresspersons were particularly alarmed by reports that individuals had been charged with conspiring against state security and plotting to overthrow the government under the Anti-Terrorism Law for meeting with US diplomats.

The American legislators also condemned Saied’s “repugnant racist and xenophobic remarks” about undocumented sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia being part of a conspiracy to change the country’s demographic makeup. In response to the president’s comments, authorities have increased their arrests of undocumented migrants, causing many to flee the country. Black people in Tunisia, both citizens and migrants, have reported being attacked and abused due to their skin colour, and police have arrested dozens of “illegal migrants”. The African Union has also condemned Saied’s remarks, warning against making “racialised hate speech”.

The letter from the US legislators urged President Joe Biden’s administration to ensure that any US foreign assistance to Tunisia supports the restoration of inclusive, democratic governance and the rule of law. They also called on the US to ensure that any aid directly supports Tunisians in dire economic need and does not strengthen the hand of those, including the internal security services, that have exacerbated repression and authoritarianism under Saied.

Tunisia has been in political turmoil since 2011 when mass protests led to the overthrow of longtime President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and the country has struggled to establish a stable democracy since then. In July 2021, President Saied announced that he was seizing control of the government, dismissing the prime minister and freezing parliament for 30 days. The move was widely seen as a power grab, with Saied accused of seeking to consolidate his power and undermine democracy. Although he has since lifted the freeze on parliament, he continues to rule by decree and has yet to appoint a new prime minister.

The situation in Tunisia remains tense, with the country facing multiple challenges, including a deteriorating economic situation, rising COVID-19 cases, and ongoing political unrest. The US, which has been a key ally of Tunisia since the Arab Spring, will need to navigate the situation carefully to ensure that it continues to support democracy and human rights in the country while also maintaining its strategic interests in the region.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hassene Dridi

Protesters in major southern Iraqi cities took to the streets on Tuesday morning, burning tires in objection to the controversial new amendments to the election law endorsed by the Iraqi parliament in a chaotic session on Monday. Independent candidates and small parties fear they will be disadvantaged by the amendments that tend to favour the established parties.

The amendments revert to the modified Sainte Lague system introduced in 2014, a complex formula to apportion seats that benefits the established parties. The law also reverses a key change made in 2019 law, reducing the number of constituencies from 83 to 18, where one district covers each governorate. At least 560 people were killed and tens of thousands were wounded, many with live ammunition during protests in 2019.

Iraqi Parliament pushes amendments

The new amendments were pushed by the Iran-backed Co-ordination Framework, which has the majority in the parliament, and is the main supporter of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani. The protesters vowed more demonstrations in several cities, including Nasiriyah, Najaf, Hilla, Diwaniyah, and Kut, and anti-riot police and other security forces were sent to the cities.

The country is preparing to hold its provincial council elections on November 6, its first in a decade, and the federal government has not yet scheduled the next general elections. The semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government also announced on Sunday that the region would hold elections for its regional parliament on November 18, after a delay of a year.

As the protests continued to rage on, the Iraqi government responded by sending in anti-riot police and other security forces to try and disperse the demonstrators. However, this only seemed to inflame the situation further, as videos shared on social media showed security troops trying to forcefully break up the protests while gunshots could be heard in the background.

The government’s heavy-handed approach to the protests drew condemnation from human rights organizations and activists, who accused the authorities of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. Many also criticized the new amendments to the election law, which they argued would make it harder for independent candidates and smaller parties to compete against the more established parties in the country.

The protests were not limited to just the southern cities of Hilla, Nasiriyah, Najaf, Diwaniyah, and Kut, as demonstrations also broke out in other parts of the country. In Baghdad, protesters gathered in Tahrir Square, the site of the 2019 protests that brought down former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Demonstrators here chanted slogans and held up signs denouncing the new election law and calling for reform.

The passing of the new election law and the ensuing protests have thrown a spotlight on the challenges facing Iraq’s fledgling democracy. The country has been struggling to build a stable political system ever since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, with corruption, sectarianism, and violence plaguing the country.

Despite these challenges, there have been some glimmers of hope, such as the emergence of new independent parties that have sought to challenge the entrenched political elites. However, the passing of the new election law threatens to stifle this progress and reinforce the status quo.

As Iraq prepares for its next round of elections, the country’s leaders will need to find a way to address the concerns of the protesters and ensure that the democratic process is open and fair to all. Failure to do so could lead to further unrest and instability in a country that has already suffered so much.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Anmar Khalil

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a delay in his controversial judicial reform plan, which has sparked one of the most significant domestic crises in the country’s history. The plan, which would weaken the role of the Israeli Supreme Court, has faced intense opposition, leading to protests and strikes that have disrupted the nation’s economy.

Netanyahu’s decision to delay the plan until after the Knesset’s April recess is an attempt to find a compromise and avoid a civil war. However, he remains determined to proceed with the changes, which have divided the newly formed government. Critics have called the reforms an attack on Israel’s democracy.

Response to Netanyahu’s announcement

Following Netanyahu’s announcement to pause the judicial changes, there were mixed reactions from the public. Some viewed it as a positive step towards resolving the crisis, while others criticized it as a delaying tactic to avoid facing the issue head-on.

Proposed judicial reforms

The proposed judicial reform plan, which was introduced by Netanyahu’s government, aimed to limit the power of the Supreme Court and give the government more control over the appointment of judges. The plan sparked outrage and protests across the country, with critics arguing that it would undermine the independence of the judiciary and harm the country’s democracy.

The crisis deepened after the sudden dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who had publicly opposed the reform plan, and the subsequent resignation of the justice minister in protest. The move triggered a wave of strikes and protests, with major industries shutting down, and thousands of people taking to the streets to express their dissent.

The strikes, which were called by the Histadrut labor federation, affected a wide range of sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and education. The federation’s leader, Arnon Bar-David, had urged the government to listen to the people and withdraw the controversial plan.

The decision to pause the plan came after weeks of intense pressure from the public and political opposition. Netanyahu’s government had initially pushed for the plan to be passed as soon as possible, arguing that it was necessary to reform the judiciary and ensure greater accountability.

However, the opposition had accused the government of trying to undermine the rule of law and accused Netanyahu of using the plan to shield himself from corruption charges. Netanyahu is currently facing trial on corruption charges, which he denies.

The crisis has put Israel’s democracy under strain and raised concerns among its allies. The United States and the European Union have expressed concern over the situation, with the US State Department urging Israeli leaders to find a compromise that protects the rule of law and democratic principles.

The crisis is expected to continue until a compromise is reached between the government and the opposition. The next session of the Knesset is scheduled to begin on April 30, and it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to garner enough support to pass the plan or if a compromise can be reached to address the concerns of the opposition.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Oren Ziv

The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has announced that parliamentary elections will take place on November 18, following a delay due to a disagreement between the two major ruling parties. Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani issued a decree on Sunday, approving the election date. The vote will elect both a parliament and a president for Kurdish regions, which have had self-rule since 1991. The President has called on the regional authorities and the Independent High Elections Commission to prepare for the elections and has requested that representatives of the United Nations help make the elections a success.

The parliamentary elections in the region were supposed to take place on October 1, 2022, but were postponed by a year due to disagreements between the two dominant political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, over electoral constituency boundaries. The parliament has 111 seats, with the KDP controlling 45 and the PUK holding 21.

Kurdish officials have portrayed the region as a haven of stability in conflict-ridden Iraq, but activists and opposition figures have criticized corruption, arbitrary arrests, and the intimidation of protesters. Disputes between the KDP and the PUK have centered on the allocation of budgetary funds. Further disagreements at Iraq’s national level have typically been between Erbil and the central government in Baghdad over federal budget allocations to Kurdistan, as well as the management of oil exports from the resource-rich region.

Image Credit: KRG

The White House has urged Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, which led to mass protests across Israel. Thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to protest against the dismissal, which came after Gallant broke ranks and urged the government to halt plans to overhaul the judicial system.

The overhaul package aims to tighten political control over judicial appointments, giving the executive greater freedom to name judges to the Supreme Court. The bill, along with others that would limit Supreme Court powers to rule against government policy, have led to concerns over Israel’s democracy. Asaf Zamir, Israel’s consul general in New York, resigned in response to Netanyahu’s “dangerous decision,” saying he wanted to join the fight for Israel’s future to ensure it remains a beacon of democracy and freedom in the world.

In the wake of the mass protests, tensions between Israel’s government and opposition parties continued to rise, with accusations of corruption and authoritarianism being levelled at Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The protests, which were some of the largest the country had seen in years, were met with a heavy-handed response from the police and security forces. The use of water cannon and other crowd control measures drew criticism from human rights groups and civil liberties advocates.

Despite the pressure, Netanyahu remained defiant in his support for the judicial reforms, arguing that they were necessary to ensure that the courts did not overstep their authority and interfere with the democratic process.

“The reforms we are proposing are essential for the future of Israel as a free and democratic society,” he said in a speech to the Knesset.

“We will not be deterred by the protests of a vocal minority who seek to undermine our government and our democracy. We will continue to stand firm and do what is necessary to protect the interests of our citizens and our nation.”

The controversy surrounding the judicial reforms also drew attention from the international community, with many countries expressing concern over the impact they could have on Israel’s democratic institutions.

The United States, one of Israel’s closest allies, issued a statement calling on the government to find a compromise with the opposition and ensure that any changes to the judicial system were made in a manner that respected the rule of law and democratic principles.

“The United States is deeply concerned by recent developments in Israel and urges all parties to find a peaceful and democratic solution to their differences,” the statement read.

“We remain committed to working with Israel and its leaders to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”

As the controversy continued to unfold, many Israelis were left wondering what the future held for their country and their democracy. With tensions high and protests continuing, it remained to be seen whether the government and opposition could find a way to work together and resolve their differences, or whether the situation would escalate further and lead to more unrest and political instability.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Oren Ziv

Turkey has been ruled against by an international arbitration court in a long-standing dispute with the Iraqi government over crude oil exports from the autonomous Kurdistan region, according to Turkish sources. The court’s decision regarding the Kurdistan oil arbitration case confirms that the Iraqi national oil company SOMO is the only entity authorized to manage oil export operations through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. The Iraqi oil ministry welcomed the ruling, saying that it would discuss mechanisms for exporting Iraqi oil through the port with both the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq to guarantee the continuation of shipments.

When did the Kurdistan oil arbitration case begin?

Iraq sued Turkey nearly nine years ago due to an oil deal between Ankara and Erbil concerning exports through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline. One source familiar with the lawsuit said that Iraqi authorities demanded $33bn from Turkey for the damage but couldn’t get that amount. Turkey was ordered to pay Iraq $1.4bn to cover the 2014-2018 period.

An industry insider said Ankara was making around $1bn as a transit country thanks to Iraqi shipments. Iraqi local media reported that Turkey halted the pumping of Iraqi crude oil through Ceyhan on Saturday morning. The case has been running for almost nine years and centers on Iraq’s claim that Turkey has violated a 1973 pipeline transit agreement by allowing crude exports from Iraq’s Kurdish region without Baghdad’s consent.

Iraq’s Kurdistan depends on crude oil exports through Turkey, and the Paris court ruling will further tighten the noose on Erbil, weakening its hand in negotiations with Baghdad over an authoritative legal framework for the country’s oil sector. The federal court also invalidated the KRG’s contracts with foreign oil firms. Baghdad has been trying to bring Kurdistan’s energy resources under federal control, and Trafigura severed ties with the KRG at the end of January, exacerbating the region’s challenges and complicating its ability to market its crude.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Lebanon, a country already struggling with one of the world’s worst economic crises, now faces a new challenge – two different time zones making it hard to tell the current local time in Lebanon. The controversy began when the government decided to postpone the winter clock changes, with Daylight Saving being introduced from midnight on April 20 instead of from midnight on March 25.

No official explanation has been given for the move, but local media has suggested it was introduced to coincide with Ramadan. However, the decision is facing widespread revolt, with two TV channels going ahead with the clock changes in protest complicating the current local time in Lebanon. MTV Lebanon and LBCI Lebanon say they will refuse to cooperate with the adjustment, announcing they will go ahead with switching to Daylight Saving Time on Saturday.

This has created confusion as to what the correct current local time in Lebanon is, as the government has yet to say whether it has informed officials responsible for synchronizing times on mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices of the change. Additionally, Lebanon woke up in two time zones on Sunday, with an escalating dispute between political and religious authorities over the decision to extend winter time for a month.

Where does the confusion regarding the current local time in Lebanon stem from?

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati issued a decision on Thursday to roll clocks forward an hour on April 20, instead of entering daylight savings time on the last weekend of March as is usually the case in Lebanon, Europe, and other regions. Though no reason was given for the decision, it was seen as an attempt to score a win among Muslims by allowing those fasting during the holy month of Ramadan to break their fasts an hour earlier, at around 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m.

However, Lebanon’s influential Maronite church on Saturday announced it would disobey the decision, calling it “surprising” and saying there had been no consultations with other actors or considerations of international standards. Other Christian organizations, parties, and schools announced similar plans, while Muslim institutions and parties appeared set to remain in winter time.

Businesses and media organizations, including two of Lebanon’s main news channels LBCI and MTV, announced they too would enter daylight savings on Saturday night as calls for disobedience gained steam. LBCI said in a statement that it would disobey Mikati’s decision because it would have harmed its work, adding: “Lebanon is not an island”.

Many have said the uncertainty and potential chaos was emblematic of decades of failed governance by leaders that led Lebanon into a 2019 financial crisis the World Bank said was “orchestrated” by elites. As of now, the situation remains uncertain, with the government facing backlash from various groups and individuals, and no clear resolution in sight.

Image Credit: Djim Loic on Unsplash

Iraq has become the first country in the Middle East to join the UN Water Convention. The agreement aims to ensure sustainable use of transboundary water resources across international borders. Nineteen of the 22 Arab countries are considered water scarce, and Iraq is experiencing mounting social, economic, and political pressures due to water scarcity.

Low rainfall, increasing temperatures, and reductions in the country’s surface water have led to critically low levels of water in Iraq in recent years. Iraq’s President, Abdul Latif Rashid, warned of the impact of climate-related factors such as drought, dust storms, and high temperatures. He encouraged neighbouring countries to join both the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses and the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers are the most important sources of surface water for some 237 million people across Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The UN Water Convention requires signatory countries to use transboundary waters reasonably and equitably and ensure their sustainable management.

Why is it significant that Iraq has joined the UN Water Convention?

Iraq’s move to join the UN Water Convention is seen as a significant step towards promoting sustainable use of transboundary water resources and ensuring cooperation among riparian countries in the region. As one of the countries hardest hit by climate change, Iraq is facing a real water crisis, with its surface water sources, such as the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, facing critical levels of depletion.

The UN Water Convention aims to ensure the reasonable and equitable use of transboundary waters and to promote sustainable management practices. With Iraq now a signatory to this convention, it will have access to a framework that promotes regional cooperation and facilitates peaceful resolution of water-related disputes.

Iraq’s decision to join the UN Water Convention is also expected to have positive impacts on the country’s sustainable development goals. As water scarcity continues to be a major challenge in Iraq, sustainable management practices will be critical to ensuring access to clean water and improving the health and well-being of its citizens. Additionally, transboundary cooperation can contribute to regional stability and peace, which are vital for Iraq’s long-term prosperity.

The UN Water Convention is a legally binding agreement that is open to signature by all United Nations Member States, as well as regional economic integration organizations. As of 2023, a total of 49 countries and the European Union have become parties to the convention. The Convention provides a framework for the development of principles, norms, and guidelines for cooperation on the use of transboundary water resources, as well as mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on compliance with its provisions.

Iraq’s accession to the UN Water Convention marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable management of its transboundary water resources. It sends a clear message to other countries in the region that cooperation and collaboration are essential to ensuring access to clean water and promoting sustainable development. As the international community continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, cooperation on transboundary water resources will be critical to ensuring a sustainable and peaceful future for all.

Image Credit: unece

Saudi Arabia’s first national astronauts, Ali al-Qarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, are set to head to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom-2, the world’s second all-private astronaut mission, in May.

The two will be part of a four-man crew to conduct more than 20 experiments, including cloud seeding in microgravity to develop weather control technology for generating artificial rain in future human settlements on the Moon and Mars, researching stem cell production in microgravity and space tissue regeneration. The mission will also mark the first time two Saudi nationals will be aboard the ISS and the country’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years. The research conducted will impact the understanding of human physiology and establish the use of novel technologies for future human spaceflight missions.

In addition to the groundbreaking experiments being conducted by the Saudi Arabian astronauts, the Axiom-2 mission will also mark another important step towards the development of Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station and successor to the International Space Station.

Axiom Space, the Houston-based company behind the mission, aims to provide commercial access to space for research, exploration, and space tourism. With the retirement of the International Space Station in 2024, Axiom Station is expected to become the new hub for human activity in low-Earth orbit.

The company has already secured agreements with NASA for the first private astronaut mission to the ISS, and aims to begin construction of Axiom Station in 2022. The station will initially be attached to the ISS, but will eventually detach and become a free-flying space station.

The successful completion of the Axiom-2 mission and the continued development of Axiom Station represent major milestones in the commercialization of space, and the increasing participation of private companies and individuals in space exploration and research.

Furthermore, the participation of Saudi Arabian astronauts in the mission reflects the country’s growing interest and investment in the space sector. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has launched its own national space program, with plans to establish a space agency and launch satellites and other space missions.

The inclusion of a female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, in the Axiom-2 mission is particularly noteworthy, as it represents a significant step towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in the traditionally male-dominated field of space exploration.

Overall, the Axiom-2 mission and the continued development of Axiom Station represent exciting new frontiers in space exploration and research, and the growing role of private companies and individuals in shaping the future of space travel and discovery.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Aya Batrawy, File

Ramadan 2024 is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, March 10th, and last for 30 days, ending at sundown on Monday, April 8th. As the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by millions of Muslims around the world with great devotion and commitment.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship and as a reminder of the suffering of those less fortunate. It is also a time for increased prayer, spiritual reflection, and community service.

However, it is important to note that the exact date of Ramadan may vary depending on the sighting of the crescent moon in different parts of the world. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year. As a result, the date of Ramadan and other Islamic holidays shift forward by around 11 days each year.

When is Ramadan 2024 expected to begin?

Despite the possibility of the date changing, Muslims worldwide will prepare for Ramadan 2024 with great anticipation. It is a time of self-reflection, community, and a renewed commitment to spiritual growth and service to others. The observance of Ramadan 2024 will begin with the sighting of the crescent moon and will continue for 29-30 days, depending on the lunar cycle.

In addition to fasting and prayer, Muslims observe Ramadan by breaking their fast each evening with family and friends, sharing meals and extending hospitality to those in need. It is a time of great significance and spiritual growth for Muslims worldwide.

Ramadan 2024 is a significant observance in the Islamic calendar, expected to begin on the evening of Sunday, March 10th, and last for 30 days. It is a time for increased devotion, spiritual reflection, and community service for Muslims around the world. While the exact date of Ramadan may vary, Muslims will eagerly anticipate its arrival and observe it with great devotion and commitment.

Image Credit: afiq fatah on Unsplash

Saudi Arabia is in talks with Syria to reopen its embassy in the war-torn nation for the first time in a decade. State television in Saudi Arabia reported on Thursday that discussions had started with their Syrian counterparts to resume consular services. The report followed Chinese-mediated talks in Beijing that saw Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to reopen embassies in each other’s nations.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has remained in power thanks to the help of Iran and Russia. Russian mediation is believed to have led to the talks to reopen embassies between Saudi Arabia and Syria. Syrian state media is yet to acknowledge the talks, and neither country has responded to requests for comment.

Why are talks between Saudi Arabia and Syria taking place now?

The talks between Saudi Arabia and Syria to reopen their embassies mark a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. The two countries have been at odds since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, with Saudi Arabia backing the opposition forces and Syria aligning itself with Iran and Russia. However, in recent years, the Saudi government has sought to normalize its relations with Syria and other regional powers in an effort to counter the growing influence of China and Russia in the Middle East.

The announcement of the talks comes just days after Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reopen their embassies in each other’s countries, ending a long period of hostility between the two regional powers. The agreement was brokered by China, which has been seeking to expand its influence in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese government has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects in the Middle East, including in Saudi Arabia and Iran, in an effort to secure access to the region’s vast oil reserves.

The talks between Saudi Arabia and Syria were reportedly facilitated by Russia, which has been seeking to strengthen its ties with both countries. Russia has been a key ally of Syria since the start of the civil war, providing military and diplomatic support to the Assad regime. However, Moscow has also sought to build closer ties with Saudi Arabia in recent years, as part of its broader strategy to expand its influence in the Middle East.

The reopening of embassies between Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Syria is a significant development in the region, as it could pave the way for greater cooperation and dialogue between these countries. However, analysts caution that the road ahead is fraught with challenges, as these countries have long-standing differences that cannot be resolved overnight. Moreover, the United States, which has been the dominant power in the Middle East for decades, is likely to view these developments with concern, as they could further undermine its influence in the region.

The talks between Saudi Arabia and Syria also come at a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, which has been blamed for a recent attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. The incident has raised fears of a wider conflict in the region, as Israel and Iran continue to engage in a proxy war in Syria and other parts of the Middle East. The reopening of embassies between Saudi Arabia and Syria could have implications for this conflict as well, as both countries are likely to play a key role in any future peace negotiations.

Overall, the talks between Saudi Arabia and Syria are a sign of the changing dynamics in the Middle East, as regional powers seek to balance their relationships with traditional allies and new partners. While the road ahead is uncertain, these developments could pave the way for a more stable and peaceful Middle East in the years to come.

The IMF warns Lebanon that they are at risk of spiralling into hyperinflation if the government fails to enact economic reforms, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The warning came as progress towards a sorely needed IMF bailout package has largely stalled.

The country has fallen into the worst economic crisis in its modern history, rooted in decades of corruption and mismanagement. Three-quarters of Lebanon’s population of over six million, including a million Syrian refugees, now live in poverty and inflation is soaring. The preliminary deal reached last year for a $3bn bailout would have to be revisited, as the country’s economic situation has changed, according to the IMF.

Underlying reasons behind IMF warns Lebanon

Lebanon’s economic situation has continued to deteriorate since the onset of its financial crisis in late 2019, caused by decades of corruption and mismanagement by the country’s political class. Inflation is soaring, and three-quarters of the population, including a million Syrian refugees, now live in poverty.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been working with Lebanese officials to develop a bailout package to help the country stabilize its economy, but progress has been slow. The IMF’s latest visit to Lebanon, part of its regular assessments of member countries, resulted in a grim assessment of the country’s prospects.

Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, the head of the IMF mission visiting Lebanon, warned that without reforms, Lebanon is headed for hyperinflation, which would have a lasting impact on the quality of life of many Lebanese. Rigo expressed frustration at the slow rate of progress on reforms required to reach a deal, noting that even the legislation that has been passed to enact reforms has fallen short of the IMF’s requirements.

Lebanon’s currency, officially valued at 15,000 Lebanese pounds to the dollar, is trading at more than 100,000 for $1 on the black market, which is used for nearly all transactions. The pound hit a new low on Tuesday, hitting 140,000 pounds to the dollar, before rebounding slightly.

In response to the crisis, hundreds of protesters, mainly retired soldiers, attempted to break through a fence leading to the government headquarters and parliament building in downtown Beirut before being driven back by security forces using tear gas. The IMF has called for much-needed reforms to be enacted, saying the process has been “very slow” considering the country’s devastating financial situation.

The IMF’s visit comes as negotiations for the bailout package have stalled. A preliminary agreement reached nearly a year ago would have provided a bailout of about $3 billion, but Rigo said that figure would have to be revisited as the country’s economic situation has changed. The IMF called on Lebanon’s leaders to enact reforms, saying the delays can only increase the cost on the Lebanese people.

Lebanese and IMF negotiators reached a staff-level agreement in April last year that depended on an economic recovery plan and a series of crucial reforms. But Lebanese leaders have failed to reach agreement on how to resolve the crisis despite an economic recovery plan adopted by the government in May. One of the main bones of contention is the allocation of financial losses between the main stakeholders: the government, the banks, and depositors.

Mr. Rigo said the state’s participation should be minimal to maintain public debt sustainability. “Any solution needs to ensure that there is debt sustainability. Lebanon is in default … it doesn’t have the capacity to recapitalize the system; that would have been the easy solution, but it can’t do that,” he said. The IMF called for a fair allocation of losses while protecting the value of small depositors as much as possible.

The stakes are high: billions of dollars in relief funding from the IMF could pave the way for releasing other international funding and foreign investment to ease Lebanon out of more than four years of economic crisis. The negotiations with the IMF notably stalled on the state’s contribution to cover the financial losses.

Lebanon is a unique case because of the complexity of the balance sheets between the central bank, commercial banks, and the public sector, and the size of the losses. “The numbers are on such a scale for a country as small as Lebanon that everybody will have to take losses,” Rigo said.

The IMF’s visit comes at a time when Lebanon is facing many other challenges, including political instability and a surge in COVID-19 cases. The country’s caretaker government has been unable to form a new administration for months.

Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasonurb/

Lebanese security forces clashed with protesters in Beirut on Wednesday, as hundreds of retired army and police veterans, along with angry depositors and other demonstrators, took to the streets to protest against low pensions and deteriorating economic conditions. The rallies occurred near a joint meeting of parliamentary committees, where politicians were discussing measures to alleviate the public’s increasing financial hardship and declining livelihoods.

Reasons behind protesters in Beirut

The retired soldiers, frustrated at a lack of action to address the currency crisis and devaluing pensions, repeatedly attempted to storm the government palace in the city centre. Security forces responded with tear gas, heightening tensions. The veterans demanded that all public sector salaries be adjusted to a discounted rate of 28,500 Lebanese pounds to the dollar through the government’s Sayrafa exchange platform, bringing their pensions closer to a liveable wage. Before the economic crisis, a veteran’s monthly pension was worth $1,600. Should the veterans’ demands be met, the same amount would be worth $245.

Lebanon’s economic collapse

Since the 2019 economic collapse, over 80% of the population has been pushed into poverty, and the local currency has lost over 98% of its value on the parallel market. Lebanese commercial banks imposed informal capital control laws that locked depositors out of much of their savings, further driving down their quality of life. Inflation has skyrocketed since 2019, making essential daily items increasingly unaffordable.

The central bank’s intermittent interventions through the Sayrafa platform, which sells public sector employees a limited amount of dollars at the discounted rate of 70,000 pounds to the dollar, have been little more than temporary stopgaps and have not kept pace with the rapid devaluation of the nation’s currency. The Lebanese pound fell as low as 140,000 to the US dollar on Tuesday before another intervention by the central bank saw it recover some of its value. On Wednesday afternoon, it was trading at about 110,000 to the dollar.

Protests also erupted in other parts of the country, including the main north-south highway and the eastern Bekaa Valley, with angry protesters briefly closing roads. Many gas stations, which have been changing their fuel prices several times a day, closed on Tuesday amid calls to price oil products in US dollars. Some pharmacies also closed because of the constantly changing exchange rate.

The latest crash of the pound comes days before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when observant Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. The ongoing economic crisis has also stalled the implementation of broad reforms agreed with the International Monetary Fund to enable access to a $3 billion bailout package and unlock funds in development aid to make the economy viable again. The country is currently being run by a caretaker government, and there is an ongoing deadlock over the election of a new president, a post that has been vacant since the end of October.

Five African migrants drowned and 28 others are missing after their boat capsized off the coast of Tunisia while they were attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy. The boat was carrying 38 people, mostly from the Ivory Coast, and had set off from the southern city of Sfax. The Tunisian coastguard rescued five people from the boat.

The incident is the latest in a series of tragedies on the central Mediterranean, which is known as the world’s deadliest migration route. There has been a significant increase in the number of boats departing from the Tunisian coast towards Italy, and the Tunisian authorities have been conducting a campaign of arrests targeting undocumented sub-Saharan African immigration.

President Kais Saied’s remarks about undocumented sub-Saharan African immigration sparked a wave of violence against Black migrants, and landlords fearing fines evicted hundreds of people who are now camping in the streets of Tunis. About 21,000 migrants from sub-Saharan Africa are believed to be in Tunisia, and they have called on the United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR to evacuate them.

Why people are fleeing Tunisia

The incident off the coast of Tunisia highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Many of these individuals are fleeing poverty, conflict, and persecution in their home countries and are seeking safety and a better life in Europe.

However, the journey is often dangerous and deadly. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 1,200 migrants and refugees have died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean in 2023. The central Mediterranean route, which includes the coast of Tunisia, is particularly deadly, accounting for over 80% of all deaths.

Despite the risks, the number of people attempting to make the journey continues to rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the economic situation in many countries, leading more people to seek opportunities abroad. Additionally, political instability, conflict, and human rights abuses in several countries have forced people to flee for their lives.

The situation in Tunisia has also become more complex due to the recent comments made by President Kais Saied about undocumented sub-Saharan African immigration. His remarks have sparked violence against Black migrants and have led to the eviction of hundreds of people who are now homeless and living on the streets.

The UNHCR has called on the Tunisian government to protect the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers and to refrain from any actions that may lead to their stigmatization or discrimination. The agency has also urged European countries to provide more support to Tunisia to help it deal with the influx of migrants and refugees.

Syrian state media has reported that Israeli rockets hit Aleppo International Airport early Wednesday, causing damage. The Syrian Defence Ministry stated that the Israeli enemy carried out the airstrike at approximately 3:55 am with several rockets from the direction of the Mediterranean, west of Latakia, that targeted the airport.

Explosions were also heard in the area earlier in the day. Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes on government-controlled targets in Syria in recent years, including attacks on the Damascus and Aleppo airports, but rarely acknowledges or discusses its operations.

Previous attacks on Aleppo airport

In other recent Israeli attacks in Syria, an airstrike on March 7 killed three people, putting Aleppo airport out of service and disrupting the flow of aid. Syria’s transport ministry has announced that all earthquake aid flights will be re-routed following the Israeli air strike. The Israeli air strike was said to have been carried out from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, west of Latakia, targeting Aleppo International Airport. Last month, a Damascus district housing state security agencies was hit, killing 15 people.

In January, a missile strike on Damascus International Airport killed two soldiers and led to services being suspended overnight. However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group that relies on a wide network of sources on the ground in Syria, stated that “four fighters, including two Syrian soldiers, were killed.”

In December, Israel made a rare acknowledgement of operations “not just in Syria” against what it claimed were Iranian targets. Israel has acknowledged that its targets are the bases of Iran-allied militant groups, such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support President Bashar Al Assad’s forces. Aleppo, which suffered extensive damage during Syria’s civil war, was also heavily damaged in a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in February. Since then, many countries have sent aid shipments to the airport in the city.

Image Credit: AFP

In Yemen’s Houthi-held capital, a court has sentenced four activists, including three Yemeni YouTubers, to prison terms ranging from six months to three years after they published videos alleging abuses by the Iran-aligned fighters. The activists were convicted on Tuesday of inciting chaos, disrupting public peace, and insulting the Houthis. They were detained in Sanaa in December and January on charges stemming from videos they had posted on social media last year criticizing the Houthis over alleged corruption and their handling of the economy.

According to their lawyer, Waddah Qutaish, the Houthis’ crackdown on dissent and on those seen as working for the Saudi-led coalition has intensified. The rebels control Sanaa and most of northern Yemen. The Yemeni YouTubers’ arrest and trial are part of the Houthis’ efforts to suppress freedom of speech and individual liberties, including free speech and movement of women in areas they control.

Who are the Yemeni YouTubers?

One of the Yemeni YouTubers, Ahmed Allaw, was sentenced to three years while another, Mustafa al-Mawmari, got a year and a half. Ahmed Hajar and Hamoud al-Mesbahi, the other two activists, were sentenced to a year and six months, respectively. The court also ordered the closure of the activists’ YouTube channels and fined them each 10 million Yemeni riyals, or about $40,000, Qutaish added. He denounced the verdict as “politically motivated” and said he would appeal.

The sentences came a day after Houthi-controlled media released videos of the men renouncing their earlier criticisms of the rebels. The latest footage sparked an uproar among some Yemenis, who claimed the statements had been coerced. The sentences also followed Monday’s announcement of a prisoner exchange agreed upon between the Houthis and Yemen’s government, after talks overseen by the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross in Switzerland. The deal covers more than 800 conflict-related prisoners, including journalists captured by the fighters, according to Yemeni government officials, as well as 15 Saudis, according to Houthi officials.

Image Credit: natanael ginting – www.freepik.com

The European Commission has pledged €1 billion to Turkey to aid in the Turkey earthquake reconstruction efforts following the devastating earthquakes that claimed tens of thousands of lives in February. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, made the announcement on Monday, ahead of a donors’ conference in Brussels. The aid package will also include €108 million for humanitarian assistance to Syria, according to von der Leyen.

The earthquakes hit south-eastern Turkey in February, resulting in the death of over 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Tens of thousands of buildings were destroyed, prompting questions over the construction standards in the region. The European Commission’s aid package aims to help rebuild homes, schools and hospitals with high standards of seismic safety.

The February 6 tremors resulted in the loss of more than 52,000 lives in southern Turkey and north-western Syria, many of whom were asleep and buried under debris. Last month Washington committed $85 million in immediate humanitarian aid for Turkey, along with continuing USAid help. The additional $100 million pledged by Blinken brings the total to $185 million in aid for Turkey and Syria. The United States remains committed to doing everything it can to support the rescue, relief, and Turkey earthquake reconstruction efforts in the wake of the earthquake.

The cost of the earthquake’s damages in Turkey

Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, estimates the cost of the earthquake’s damages at $104 billion (around €97 billion). In addition to the aid package, the EU and Sweden are hosting a one-day meeting attended by NGOs, G-20 and UN members, as well as international financial institutions to raise money for both Turkey and Syria.

The amount needed for Turkey earthquake reconstruction

Last month’s devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have left behind damages exceeding $100bn, according to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) official. A donor conference was held on March 16 in Brussels to raise funds for survivors and reconstruction, with the provisional damage figure only covering Turkey. Recovery costs are expected to be much higher, including the construction of improved and more environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

The World Bank previously estimated direct damage in Turkey at $34.2bn, with losses to the country’s gross domestic product due to economic disruptions caused by the earthquakes adding to the cost. Hatay province in Turkey was particularly hard-hit, with hundreds of thousands of homes destroyed, and the needs of survivors are vast but resources scarce. Turkish government figures show that around two million survivors have been evacuated or housed in temporary accommodation in the aftermath of the quakes.

EU stance on sending earthquake relief funds to Syria

Survivors of the earthquake in rebel-held northwest Syria have received little assistance due to deep divisions exacerbated by the country’s 12-year war. The EU has been providing humanitarian aid to Syria since 2011 and has expressed interest in stepping up aid efforts. However, the EU does not intend to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction as EU sanctions against President Bashar Assad’s regime remain in place due to its continued crackdown against civilians.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has urged donors to ensure that the UN’s appeal for Turkey and Syria, calling for $1 billion and $397 million respectively, is fully funded. The IRC said that the people affected by the earthquake are relying on donors meeting in Brussels to ensure that funding is available for life-saving items including food, shelter, warm clothes and clean water.

Image Credit: AP Photo/ Emrah Gurel

Ramadan 2023 is expected to begin in the UK on Thursday, March 23, according to astronomy calculations. The precise Ramadan 2023 dates will be determined by the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of Wednesday, March 22. News outlet Hamari Web predicts that the new moon will be visible in the UK on March 22. Additionally, Hamari Web predicts that Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan 2023, will take place on April 22.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink. It is estimated that there are over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, and over 3.9 million people adhere to Islam in the UK. The Muslim population in the UK has increased by 44% in the past decade, with 39% of Muslims living in the “most deprived” areas of England and Wales. Muslims make up approximately 6.5% of the population in England.

What are the Ramadan 2023 dates in North America?

In addition to the UK, countries including the US, Canada, and Morocco are also expected to begin fasting on March 23. The Fiqh Council of North America has announced that North American countries will celebrate the first day of Ramadan on March 23. Astronomers predict that Ramadan will begin on March 23 in Morocco, but this may vary depending on the sighting of the moon. The Islamic calendar is based on the phases of the moon and is approximately 10 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

When does Ramadan end in 2023?

Ramadan lasts between 29-30 days and always ends with the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr, which translates to “festival of breaking the fast,” will fall on Friday, April 21, and end on the evening of April 22. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, during which the Quran was said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad by God. It is a month of fasting and abstaining from impure things for the mind and body, according to the Muslim Hands Organisation.

Why is Ramadan important?

Ramadan is one of the most important and holy months of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time for spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and self-discipline. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship and as a reminder of the suffering of those less fortunate.

How is the date for Ramadan determined?

The exact date of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, and it begins on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered a time of purification and spiritual renewal, and Muslims engage in additional prayer, charitable acts, and increased reading of the Quran during this time. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar, and the month culminates with Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday marking the end of the fast.

How is Ramadan celebrated?

Ramadan is not only a time of personal reflection and devotion, but it is also a time for community gatherings and social events. In many Muslim countries, the streets are filled with people shopping, enjoying traditional foods, and engaging in nightly prayers and festivities. Families gather for large meals, and it is a time for giving and sharing with those less fortunate.

The history of Ramadan dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad, who received the first revelations of the Quran during this month. It is believed that during one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, the Quran was revealed to the Prophet over the course of several years. This period is known as Laylat al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, and it is considered the holiest night of the year for Muslims.

Throughout history, Ramadan has been a time of solidarity and unity for Muslims worldwide. It is a time to put aside differences and come together in worship and community. Today, Ramadan is observed by millions of Muslims across the world, and it is a time for reflection, devotion, and celebration.

Image Credit: Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

Beirut airport is set to receive a major upgrade with the construction of a new $122 million terminal, according to officials. The new Terminal 2 at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport will be operated by Irish company daa International, which is also responsible for managing Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Development Project. The airport, which has not been expanded since 1998, is looking to handle 3.5 million passengers annually when the new terminal opens in 2027.

Where is the new terminal in Beirut airport going to be?

The project is expected to bring in private sector investments worth $122 million and create 500 direct jobs and 2,000 related jobs. Terminal 2 will be built where the airport’s old cargo building used to stand. The new terminal will include six docking stands as well as remote ones and will cater to charter and low-cost flights.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said the project will “open more horizons for air aviation between Lebanon and the world” and help solve several problems, including overcrowding at the current terminal. The airport currently handles 8 million passengers a year and is planning to handle 20 million by 2030.

The announcement comes as Lebanon faces a severe economic crisis that has led to millions of people facing a cost-of-living crisis, with the currency losing over 95% of its value. The government has been unable to alleviate the issues that have pushed three-quarters of the country’s population of 6 million, including 1 million Syrian refugees, into poverty.

The new terminal will not only boost the country’s tourism sector, but it will also deepen business relations between Lebanon and Ireland. The project is expected to be completed within four years.

Could the new terminal help boost Lebanon’s struggling economy?

The construction of the new Terminal 2 at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport is being seen as a major boost for Lebanon’s struggling economy. The country has been grappling with a severe economic crisis that has led to skyrocketing inflation, rising unemployment, and political instability. In recent years, the tourism sector has been one of the hardest hit, with many visitors opting to stay away due to the ongoing political turmoil.

The new terminal, which is set to open in 2027, is expected to attract more low-cost airlines, charter and seasonal flights, and tourists. The project is also expected to create a significant number of jobs, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s labor market. This is particularly important given that Lebanon’s youth unemployment rate is among the highest in the world.

The decision to involve the private sector in the construction and operation of the new terminal is being seen as a positive step towards increasing productivity and efficiency in the country’s public facilities. It is hoped that this will attract further investment into Lebanon, which has been struggling to attract foreign capital in recent years.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir

Nowruz Mubarak 2023! The Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz, is being celebrated around the world by millions of people of Iranian and Central Asian descent. The holiday marks the first day of spring and the beginning of a new year in the Persian calendar. This year, Nowruz falls on March 20th.

Nowruz is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving. Homes are thoroughly cleaned in preparation for the new year, and traditional decorations such as Haft Seen tables are set up with symbolic items such as sprouts, coins, and candles. These items represent the hopes and wishes for the new year, including wealth, happiness, and good health.

The holiday has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Nowruz is not only celebrated in Iran and Central Asia but also in other countries where there are significant Persian communities, such as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.

The celebration of Nowruz has also been adopted by people of various faiths and cultures around the world, including those of the Baha’i, Zoroastrian, and Kurdish communities. It has become a symbol of unity and diversity, bringing people from different backgrounds together to celebrate a common tradition.

In Iran, the holiday is celebrated for thirteen days, with the thirteenth day known as Sizdah Bedar, where families gather outdoors for picnics and nature walks. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations may be limited or adapted to adhere to health guidelines in different countries.

Nevertheless, the spirit of Nowruz remains strong, with people finding new and creative ways to connect with loved ones and celebrate the holiday. Social media platforms are filled with messages of Nowruz Mubarak, wishing family and friends health and prosperity in the new year.

How is Nowruz Mubarak 2023 celebrated?

One of the most important customs associated with Nowruz is the preparation of Haft-Seen, a table setting that includes seven symbolic items, all of which start with the Persian letter ‘sin’. These items include Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts), Samanu (a sweet pudding made from wheat germ), Senjed (dried oleaster fruit), Sir (garlic), Sib (apple), Somāq (sumac), and Serkeh (vinegar). Each of these items has a special meaning and represents different aspects of life, such as health, wealth, and love.

Another important part of Nowruz celebrations is the practice of visiting friends and relatives. People usually dress up in their best clothes and go to each other’s homes to exchange gifts and enjoy traditional foods such as Sabzi Polo Mahi (herbed rice with fish) and Ash-e-Reshteh (a hearty soup made with beans, herbs, and noodles).

Music and dancing also play an essential role in Nowruz celebrations, with people gathering in public spaces to perform traditional dances such as the Bandari and the Azeri. These dances are usually accompanied by the sound of traditional Persian instruments such as the santur, the tar, and the daf.

Nowruz is also a time for charity and generosity, with many people choosing to give to the less fortunate during this time. Donating to charity, feeding the poor, and visiting hospitals and nursing homes are all common practices during Nowruz.

Nowruz Mubarak 2023 is a time for reflection, renewal, and hope for the future. As we welcome the spring season, let us embrace the values of peace, love, and unity that are at the heart of this joyous occasion. Whether it be through virtual gatherings or socially distanced celebrations, let us come together to celebrate the beginning of a new year and the beauty of our diverse cultures.

In conclusion, Nowruz Mubarak 2023 is a special time for millions of people around the world. It is a time to connect with loved ones, celebrate traditions, and embrace the spirit of unity and diversity.

Image Credit: Zahra Tavakoli fard on Unsplash

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has extended an invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to visit the kingdom, marking a significant step in the restoration of ties between the two nations after years of hostility. The invitation comes just over a week after the two countries announced they were restoring diplomatic relations, seven years after they were severed in the wake of the torching of the Saudi embassy in Iran.

Why does Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi want to restore ties with Saudi Arabia?

Mohammad Jamshidi, the Iranian president’s deputy chief of staff for political affairs, confirmed the invitation via Twitter, saying that “Raisi welcomed the invitation”. The move is expected to see Iran and Saudi Arabia reopen their embassies and missions within two months and implement security and economic cooperation deals signed more than 20 years ago.

The detente between Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, and Iran, which is strongly at odds with Western governments over its nuclear activities, has the potential to reshape relations across a region characterized by turbulence for decades. The two nations have long supported rival sides in several conflict zones, including Yemen, where the Houthi rebels are backed by Tehran, and Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the government. They also vie for influence in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.

The deal, brokered by China, was announced after four days of previously undisclosed talks in Beijing between top security officials from the two rival Middle Eastern powers. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told reporters on Sunday that the two countries had agreed to hold a meeting between their top diplomats, with three locations suggested for the talks.

The shift in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran could have significant implications for the Middle East, a region known for its geopolitical volatility. Other Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, have already restored diplomatic ties with Tehran. Iran has also said it would welcome restoring ties with Bahrain, a close Saudi ally that followed Riyadh in severing diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016.

Image Credit: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has met with senior Russian officials to discuss boosting economic ties between the two countries, marking the 14th year of the joint Egyptian-Russian committee. The committee is currently holding a meeting in Cairo to outline cooperation in fields such as commerce, industry, research, and the arts. The talks included discussions on increasing Russian investments in Egypt, the establishment of a Russian industrial complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and co-manufacturing goods with Russian producers operating in the canal zone.

The meeting also addressed the current global crisis in the supply of grain and food, and discussed the continuing trading of wheat and grains between the two countries. In 2022, Egypt imported 4.9 million tonnes of Russian grain, making Russia one of Egypt’s biggest suppliers of grain and wheat, along with Ukraine.

Egypt’s dependence on Russian grain

Egypt’s reliance on Russian grain is expected to continue throughout 2023, according to a January statement from Egypt’s state grain buyer. After announcing its exit from the UN Grain Trades Convention, Egypt is expected to look more towards Russia to fulfill the grain needs of its 104 million population. In January, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister said Moscow was studying a mechanism to settle payments for grain exports to Egypt in roubles instead of dollars.

Despite calls by Western powers to isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine last year, Cairo has maintained relations with Moscow. In fact, Russian efforts to bolster its relations with African and Arab nations have intensified since the invasion, as Moscow continues to face harsh sanctions from the US and Europe. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the Arab League in July 2022 in a bid to curry favour among its member states.

The visit of Russian officials to Cairo came two days after the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin on the war crimes accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. However, the meeting in Cairo did not address this development.

Egypt’s economy has suffered greatly since the invasion of Ukraine last year, with food prices skyrocketing and contributing to a punishing economic crisis. Nonetheless, Egypt has continued to maintain strong relations with Moscow, given its dependence on Russian imports for food and other critical supplies. The meeting between the Russian officials and El-Sisi is seen as an attempt to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries and to mitigate the impact of the ongoing global crisis on Egypt’s economy.

Image Credit: Egyptian presidency

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made a historic visit to Cairo on Saturday in a bid to restore full diplomatic relations between Turkey and Egypt, despite Ankara’s ongoing support for the Muslim Brotherhood group. During a joint news conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Cavusoglu revealed that Turkey was using its influence to extend a Black Sea grain deal, allowing the export of grain from Ukraine, in its role as mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.

Why is the meeting significant?

The fact that Shoukry and Cavusoglu held a joint news conference indicates a significant shift between the two countries after almost ten years of strained relations that followed the ouster from power of the Muslim Brotherhood and former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. Both diplomats hinted that full diplomatic relations will be restored soon amid a general thaw of hostilities throughout the Middle East following the recent agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic ties severed in 2016.

“We largely agree on most issues. We have to improve bilateral relations in every field from transportation to trade,” Turkey’s Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference in Cairo with Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

Cavusoglu emphasized the dangerous ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the need to avoid a more serious — potentially nuclear — conflict. He said Ankara had pushed to gain Russia’s agreement on renewing a Black Sea grain deal that allows Ukraine to export grain to various Middle Eastern and Third World countries, including Egypt.

Egyptian Member of Parliament Mustafa Bakri told Saudi-owned al Arabiya TV that restoring normal relations with Turkey is important for several strategic reasons, including “using Turkey’s good relations with Ethiopia to ease tensions over the Renaissance Dam,” which has caused consternation in Egypt due to its potential to disrupt the flow of water on the Nile.

Latent tensions between Cairo and Ankara over who controls parts of Libya and undersea natural gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean have also made relations between the two countries acrimonious, and improved relations between the two countries could avoid potential conflict in those areas. Egypt’s foreign minister said talks with Turkey on the possibility of restoring ties to the ambassadorial level would happen at “the appropriate time” during the first visit to Cairo by Turkey’s top diplomat since relations ruptured a decade ago.

At the joint news conference, Shoukry and Cavusoglu said Turkey would upgrade its diplomatic relations with Egypt to ambassador level “as soon as possible”. Ties between Turkey and Egypt were severely strained after Egypt’s then-army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi led the removal of Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsi, an ally of Ankara, in 2013. El-Sisi was elected president the following year. The two countries have also been at odds in recent years over Libya, where they backed opposing factions in an unresolved conflict, and also over maritime borders in the gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean.

Why now?

The recent warming of relations between Turkey and Egypt coincides with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s attempt to improve strained ties with the Arab world in anticipation of May’s elections. The two countries’ relationship has been troubled for years, largely due to Turkey’s support for the Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt has classified as a terrorist organization. This was exacerbated by the military removal of former Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi in 2013. Additionally, Egypt and Turkey have had disagreements over other regional conflicts, as well as rivalling claims to energy resources in the East Mediterranean.

Cavusoglu said on Saturday that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt’s el-Sisi would meet “after the Turkish elections,” including the presidential vote slated for May 14, to mark the end of a decade of estrangement between the two countries.

Image Credit: Reuters

Tunisia’s Interior Minister Taoufik Charfeddine has resigned from his post citing family reasons, according to a report by state-run news agency Tap. The announcement came on Friday, with Charfeddine informing Tunisian President Kais Saied of his decision to step down. The President quickly appointed Kamal Feki, the former governor of Tunis, as the new interior minister.

Charfeddine explained to reporters that his decision to resign was based on a desire to take care of his family, particularly his children, after the death of his wife in a fire caused by a gas leak in June of last year. He had held the post since October 2021 and was considered one of the President’s closest aides.

Who is Kamal Feki?

The appointment of Feki, who is known as one of Saied’s staunchest supporters, came just hours after Charfeddine’s resignation. Feki has already refused to grant a protest permit to the opposition Salvation Front coalition, citing their involvement in plotting against state security. However, the Interior Ministry allowed them to protest.

Charfeddine was a key figure in the election campaign that propelled Saied to the presidency in 2019. He had also served as interior minister under former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, who sacked him in January 2021 due to strained relations between the president and prime minister. However, Saied reappointed Charfeddine after dismissing Mechichi and seizing most powers.

Tunisia’s crackdown

In recent weeks, Tunisian authorities have detained several opposition figures, charging them with conspiring against state security. Police have also carried out a crackdown on African refugees lacking residence permits, leading to accusations of detaining hundreds and turning a blind eye to racist attacks.

Saied has taken increasing control over security forces since July 2021, when he dismissed Mechichi’s government. He shut down the parliament and moved to rule by decree before writing a new constitution that he passed last year.

The president has faced international criticism over his treatment of opposition figures and African refugees. Last month, Charfeddine was present during a video meeting with the president, where Saied expressed his position on illegal refugees from sub-Saharan Africa. “There is no question of allowing anyone in an illegal situation to stay in Tunisia,” Saied said. “I will not allow the institutions of the state to be undermined or the demographic composition of Tunisia to be changed.”

Yesterday, March 16 marked one year since Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe release from Iran. On the one year anniversary of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe release, a British-Iranian woman who was detained in Iran in 2016, has called for sanctions against 10 Iranian officials on the first anniversary of her release from prison.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe release

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her legal advisers marked the first anniversary of her release from an Iranian jail by urging Britain to sanction 10 Iranian officials they say are responsible for a resurgence in state hostage-taking of foreign nationals.

Why was Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe held in Iran?

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in Iran in 2016 while on a visit to see her parents in Tehran. She was separated from her daughter Gabriella, who was a toddler at the time, and subjected to vigorous interrogation by authorities. The UK-Iranian was later sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly plotting to overthrow the regime, a charge she has always denied.

What has Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe done since her release?

Since her release from prison in March 2022, Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been working tirelessly to campaign for the release of other dual national and political prisoners detained in Iran. She and her husband Richard have been trying to balance a normal life with their daughter Gabriella, while also advocating for policy changes in the UK to prevent other families from going through similar ordeals. In September, Zaghari-Ratcliffe filmed herself cutting her hair in solidarity with protesters in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini.

British-Iranians Morad Tahbaz and Mehran Raoof are known to still be held in Iranian jails, while another dual citizen Ali Reza Akbari was executed earlier this year. At least three dual nationals have recently had a death sentence confirmed, and it is estimated that 40 dual nationals have been arrested since a wave of street protests in Iran started last September.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s legal advisers at Redress have submitted the names of 10 Iranian officials they believe should be subject to human rights sanctions over state hostage-taking, according to The Guardian. The couple is also calling on the UK government to appoint a special envoy for hostages to handle such crises in the future.

However, Foreign Office minister David Rutley has stated that the UK does not believe a state can be a hostage-taker and instead uses the term “arbitrary detention for diplomatic leverage”. This statement has disappointed Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family, who feel that more needs to be done to hold those responsible accountable.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s husband, Richard Ratcliffe, accused the UK government of being less interested in sanctions for cases such as theirs since his wife’s release. He is worried that the UK’s soft approach will only encourage more state hostage-taking by Iran.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s case has garnered international attention, with many countries and organizations calling for her release. While her release was a positive development, the fact that other dual nationals remain detained or have been executed shows that there is still much work to be done to improve the human rights situation in Iran.

The Ratcliffe family continues to campaign for the release of Morad Tahbaz and Mehran Raoof and for greater accountability for those responsible for state hostage-taking. They hope that by raising awareness and advocating for policy changes, they can prevent other families from experiencing the same trauma they have gone through.

Image Credit: BBC

Turkey has been hit by yet another natural disaster, as torrential rain caused deadly flooding in two provinces that were devastated by catastrophic earthquakes last month. At least 14 people have been confirmed dead, with several others missing, after surging waters swept away homes and inundated campsites sheltering earthquake survivors.

Where has been worst hit by the flooding in Turkey?

The south-eastern province of Adiyaman and the neighbouring province of Sanliurfa were particularly badly affected, with videos from the region showing flood waters surging along streets and sweeping away cars. In Tut, a town in Adiyaman, a container home where a group of earthquake survivors were living was swept away by the raging waters.

In Sanliurfa, a flooded campsite where earthquake survivors were sheltering in tents, as well as a hospital, were both evacuated, according to HaberTurk. Governor Sali h Ayhan reported that four people were killed and two firefighters were missing in Sanliurfa, while in Adiyaman, one person was confirmed dead and four more were missing.

Rescue teams are currently searching for five people who were reported missing in three locations. Television footage showed that the floodwaters caused part of a motorway in the region to collapse.

The flooding in Turkey comes after last month’s, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck parts of Turkey and Syria, killing over 52,000 people, the majority of them in Turkey. More than 200,000 buildings in Turkey were either severely damaged or collapsed.

Turkey’s disaster management agency said that more than a dozen professional divers are involved in the ongoing rescue efforts in each of the two affected provinces. The latest flooding has increased the misery for thousands who were already left homeless by the earthquake last month.

Image Credit: Hakan akgun/Dia via AP

Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports has announced an investment of $700m in two Egyptian ports, Ain Sokhna and the Port of Alexandria. The investment will include the development of a new container terminal in Ain Sokhna Port with a capacity of 1.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). Hutchison Ports will also invest in the development of B100, a new container terminal in the Port of Alexandria, which will serve as a gateway to the Egyptian market. The total investment in the two projects is approximately $700m, bringing Hutchison Ports’ total investment in Egypt to over $1.5bn.

“The new container terminal in Sokhna will provide a significant boost to Egypt’s maritime trade, as it is strategically located on the Red Sea and offers direct access to major shipping routes. The B100 container terminal, on the other hand, will provide a new gateway to the Port of Alexandria, which is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean and a key hub for trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa,” said Hutchison Ports.

Why Hutchison Ports are investing in Egypt

Hutchison Ports has a strong track record of investing in emerging markets and is committed to working closely with local partners and stakeholders to drive sustainable growth and development. The new terminal facilities will further expand its network to 52 ports in 25 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.

The investment comes as Egypt identifies port development as a major area for foreign direct investment, with nationwide capacity expected to rise from just under 10 million TEU in 2022 to almost 19 million TEU in 2024. Hutchison Ports previously signed an agreement with the Egyptian Navy to develop a $730m, 2 million TEU container terminal at Abu Qir peninsula close to Alexandria in 2020.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrives in Moscow on Tuesday for his first official visit outside of the Middle East since last month’s earthquake. Mr. al-Assad is set to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, alongside a large Syrian ministerial delegation. The two leaders are expected to discuss co-operation in the political, trade, and humanitarian spheres, as well as prospects for an overall settlement of the situation in and around Syria.

Why is Assad in Moscow?

Experts believe Mr. al-Assad’s visit is linked to the need to co-operate on a joint strategy with Russia in light of new prospects for the rapprochement process between Iran and Saudi Arabia. “The political processes in the region are taking on a new dynamic, therefore the leaders of Russia and Syria, Vladimir Putin and Bashar Assad, need to get on the same page,” said Nidal Sabi, an expert in inter-Arab relations.

Since the start of Syria’s war in 2011, Mr. al-Assad has been politically isolated in the region, with his country expelled from the Cairo-based Arab League. But since the earthquake, Arab leaders have made overtures to his government. Late last month, Egypt’s Sameh Shoukry became the third Arab foreign minister to meet Mr. al-Assad since the February 6 earthquake killed more than 50,000 people in total, with about 6,000 dead in Syria.

Syria has been a staunch ally of Moscow since Russia launched a military campaign in the country in 2015 that helped to turn the tide of the civil war in favour of Mr. al-Assad. Russia supported Damascus through the extensive aerial bombardment of opposition-held areas. Moscow increased its presence in Syria after the US pulled out its forces in 2019.

Why is the timing of Assad’s trip important?

The visit coincides with the 12th anniversary of the uprising in Syria that began with peaceful demonstrations in March 2011. The protests turned into an armed revolt after Mr. al-Assad used force to crush the opposition. It became a multi-sided conflict that has pulled in neighbors and world powers, as well as causing the largest displacement crisis since the Second World War.

In addition to the talks between Mr. al-Assad and Mr. Putin, Russia is also hosting Syrian and Turkish diplomats on Wednesday as part of its efforts to further thaw relations between the two countries. Turkey backs various rebel groups in Syria fighting Assad’s government, and relations were severed in 2012. However, Turkey has begun to recalibrate its position now that Assad has retaken most of the country with Russia’s help. In December, the Turkish and Syrian defence chiefs held a meeting in Russia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said that month that he would like to meet with Assad. Wednesday’s meeting between the Turkish and Syrian diplomats in Moscow was announced earlier, but Assad’s visit was not.

Image Credit: AFP

The Lebanese lira has reached a historic low, with the country’s largest banknote now worth only $1, according to reports. The new rate came into effect on Tuesday, marking the latest chapter in the country’s economic crisis, which has left more than 80% of the population in poverty, according to the UN.

Before the crisis hit in 2019, the 100,000-pound note was worth $67. However, the currency’s relentless decline means that it now takes 10 million pounds, or 100 of the country’s largest banknotes, to buy $100. This has raised questions about the need for smaller denominations such as the 1,000 and 5,000 notes, as coins have largely become obsolete.

Lebanon is heavily reliant on imports, but most international agents do not accept pounds, forcing importers to pay in dollars. This has driven up the cost of goods and services, with supermarkets and most shops displaying prices in dollars.

Why the Lebanese lira is doing so badly

Meanwhile, Lebanese salaries have not kept pace with inflation and the devaluation of the pound, leading to a severe reduction in purchasing power for most people. The currency is still officially pegged at 15,000 liras to the dollar by Lebanon’s central bank, but private dealers reported a new record low in the shadow economy on Tuesday.

Lebanese banks have imposed strict restrictions on withdrawals for several months, leading to public outrage and even armed raids by depositors. Banks were closed on Tuesday as they continued an indefinite strike in protest against judicial measures aimed at lenders. Judges have sought to seize the funds of bank directors and board members, as well as force them to pay dollar deposits at the pre-crisis exchange rate.

The huge decline in the lira has forced businesses to set prices in dollars, while those paid in liras are now struggling to buy basic goods. An estimated 80% of Lebanon’s population is now living below the poverty line, as part of what the World Bank has deemed potentially one of the three worst economic crises of modern times.

Lebanon’s currency is the worst performing in the world this year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The situation is unlikely to improve any time soon, with residents continuing to navigate the hardships caused by the economy’s rapid decline and the currency’s seemingly endless plunge.

Egyptian authorities are systematically denying identity documents to dissidents, journalists, and activists living abroad, in an attempt to pressure them to return to the country, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. The rights group interviewed 26 Egyptians living in Turkey, Germany, Malaysia, Qatar, and other African and Gulf countries between June and December 2022, who were unable to obtain birth certificates or renew passports or ID cards. This has resulted in restrictions on their access to rights and the risk of deportation back to Egypt.

The report stated that the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was punishing and silencing dissidents abroad after crushing domestic opposition and public dissent through mass arrests, unfair trials, and rampant torture in detention. Interviewees in Turkey said the Egyptian consulate only accepted requests for documents through its Facebook page, requiring applicants to fill out unofficial, extralegal forms in which they were required to provide private details such as links to their social media accounts.

The report added that in recent years, Egyptian dissidents based in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Kuwait, and Malaysia have been extradited, some of whom were later sentenced to years in prison. The report noted that some of the interviewees were considering attempting to migrate irregularly from Turkey to Europe to apply for political asylum.

Egypt’s human rights crisis

Since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi came to power in 2014, his government has overseen a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent, jailing thousands of people. Authorities have targeted not only Islamist political opponents but also pro-democracy activists, journalists, and online critics. The Committee to Protect Journalists ranks Egypt third, behind China and Turkey, in detaining journalists.

Egypt’s human rights crisis is nothing new and the alarming trajectory of human rights violations in the country has caught the attention of more than 30 countries at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Despite the government’s opaque nature, reports of enforced disappearances and torture by Egyptian security forces have surfaced, leading to grossly unfair mass trials and hundreds of death sentences since 2014. The NSA’s practice of “rotation” allows for the indefinite detention of individuals without trial, even after prosecutors and judges order their release. Additionally, a new law has expanded the regulation of social media accounts, further limiting independent journalism in the country.

Egypt has increased the number of death sentences in 2022, according to the Egyptian Front for Human Rights. The group claims that 538 death sentences were handed out, an increase from the previous year. Of those sentences, 28 were executed in political cases and 510 in criminal cases.

In 2021, Egypt was ranked the third highest executioner, following China and Iran damaging Egypt’s human rights crisis. The Court of Cassation and Military Appeals also upheld the death sentence against 39 people in 2022, according to the human rights organization.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File

Princess Iman of Jordan, the eldest daughter of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, married Venezuelan-born Greek national Jameel Thermiotis on Sunday in a ceremony on the outskirts of the capital city of Amman. The wedding took place at the Dabouq Palace, hosted by the bride’s parents.

What did Princess Iman of Jordan’s dress look like?

Princess Iman, 26, was escorted to the ceremony by her brother, Crown Prince Hussein, wearing a white dress with a long train and a lace veil by Dior. She wore a diamond tiara reportedly owned by her grandmother, Princess Muna Al Hussein. The wedding was a rare occasion when most members of the Hashemite family were seen in public, and parts of the ceremony were broadcast live on state television.

Under Jordan’s constitution, all significant powers in the country are with the monarch, who has to be male. Princess Iman sat with her new husband, Mr Thermiotis, and King Abdullah in front of a green Quran placed on a table as a palace cleric recounted how marriage is an exalted virtue in Islam. The couple then signed the marriage document, which declared them husband and wife.

The newlyweds walked under spears carried by Royal Honour Guards, who usually greet foreign leaders when they come on official visits to the kingdom. They jointly used an Arab sword to cut a six-layer wedding cake.

Who attended the wedding of Princess Iman of Jordan?

Guests at the wedding included Prince Hasan, the only living brother of the late King Hussein, who is seen as an elder statesman in Jordan, as well as members of the Hashemite family and Mr Thermiotis’s parents and siblings. Crown Prince Hussein, the king’s eldest son, is due to marry fiancee Rajwa Al Saif, from Saudi Arabia, on June 1.

The engagement of the couple was announced by the Royal Hashemite Court in July last year, and last week, Queen Rania shared photos from her daughter’s pre-wedding henna party.

Image Credit: ROYAL HASHEMITE COURT/FACEBOOK

Saudi Arabia is set to launch a new national airline, named ‘Riyadh Air,’ as announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The airline aims to improve connectivity between the Kingdom and the three continents it straddles: Asia, Europe, and Africa. Former CEO of Etihad Airways, Tony Douglas, has been appointed as CEO of the new carrier.

Riyadh Air, which is wholly-owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is expected to add $20 billion to non-oil GDP growth and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a statement by PIF. The airline is due to serve over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

Where will Riyadh air be based?

The airline will be based in the capital city of Riyadh and will be chaired by Yasser bin Othman al-Rumayyan, the Governor of PIF. The airline’s senior management will include both Saudis and international employees.

Riyadh Air will operate from King Salman International Airport, a major new airport in Riyadh, unveiled in November 2022. The airline will adopt the global best sustainability and safety standards across its advanced fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology.

Why is Saudi launching another national airline?

The establishment of Riyadh Air is part of PIF’s strategy to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors that can help drive the diversification of the local economy. It will enable a more financially resilient aviation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, supporting the industry’s global competitiveness in line with Vision 2030. The new national airline will also serve as a catalyst for the Saudi National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy by increasing air transport options, raising cargo capacity and growing international passenger traffic.

Riyadh Air is expected to enhance customer travel experience while connecting them to more than 100 destinations around the world by 2030, offering exceptional experiences with an authentic, warm Saudi hospitality at its heart. The airline will also provide tourists from around the world the opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions.

Since the announcement of Riyadh Air, there has been excitement and anticipation from both the aviation industry and travellers around the world. The airline’s commitment to adopting the latest cutting-edge technology and global best sustainability and safety standards has garnered positive attention, indicating that Riyadh Air is set to be a world-class airline.

The establishment of Riyadh Air is a significant development in Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy away from oil. The airline is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s non-oil GDP growth and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. With the expansion of the company’s operations, Riyadh Air is poised to become a leading national carrier.

As part of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the National Tourism Strategy, the new national airline will increase air transport options, raise cargo capacity, and grow international passenger traffic. It will serve as a catalyst to attract more tourists from around the world to visit Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural attractions, thus boosting the country’s tourism industry.

Riyadh Air is expected to operate a modern fleet of aircraft that will offer a premium customer experience. The airline will adopt the latest technologies to enhance the customer journey, including advanced in-flight entertainment systems, Wi-Fi, and other amenities to ensure passengers’ comfort and convenience.

On Sunday morning, Israeli missiles targeted a western Syrian city, Masyaf in Hama province, injuring three Syrian soldiers, according to Syrian state media marking the latest Israeli strike in Syria. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), citing a military source, reported that the missiles were fired at dawn, and some of them were intercepted by Syria’s air defenses. No deaths were reported, but photos from SANA suggest that the missiles may have landed on farmland.

Israel has reportedly staged hundreds of strikes on targets in Syria over the years, targeting bases of Iran-allied militias, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah group, which has deployed fighters in Syria to support President Bashar Assad’s government forces. Israel has also targeted arms shipments believed to be bound for the militias. However, Israel rarely acknowledges or discusses such operations.

SANA did not disclose the specific targets of the latest Israeli attack, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said pro-Iran forces and a “scientific research centre” were present in the areas. According to the Observatory, Israel had previously attacked Masyaf twice in May and August 2022, killing five people and injuring two.

Latest Israeli strike in Syria

On Tuesday, Israeli warplanes reportedly attacked the airport in Aleppo, Syria’s second city, killing three people, the Observatory said. The attack caused material damage and putting the airport out of service, according to Syrian state media. Syria’s transport ministry has announced that all earthquake aid flights will be re-routed following the Israeli air strike. The Israeli air strike was said to have been carried out from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, west of Latakia, targeting Aleppo International Airport. The state news agency, Sana, did not immediately report any casualties resulting from the strike. Israeli officials have yet to comment on the operation.

Plans for the first railway between the UAE and Oman are well underway as a result of a $3bn investment deal signed recently which will reduce the UAE Oman travel time between between Sohar and Al Ain to 47 minutes. Oman and Etihad Rail Company, the developer of the UAE-Oman Rail Network, signed an agreement with Mubadala Investment Company to support the development of the 303km railway network that will connect the two countries.

The railway project, widely known as the Etihad Rail project, will serve both passenger and freight trains, offering increased efficiency and reduced costs compared to other modes of transport. The project was announced back in September 2022 during the state visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to Oman.

The partnership aims to explore investment opportunities in the railway sector, strengthen cooperation, accelerate the planning and execution process, and develop economic and financial feasibility studies. It also includes joint investments in the railway network’s development and cooperation to enhance the project’s added value.

The project will provide trade and investment opportunities for the private sector, create new and diverse job opportunities, train national human resources, enrich tourism activities, improve the competitiveness of the two countries in global trade, and establish their position as logistics hubs that serve as gateways to regional markets.

UAE Oman travel time

The railway network will connect Sohar in Oman to Abu Dhabi in the UAE, via Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network. Passenger trains will run up to 200 km/h, reducing the time of the journey between Sohar and Abu Dhabi to 100 minutes, and between Sohar and Al Ain to 47 minutes. Meanwhile, freight trains will reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.

The signing ceremony was attended by Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Chairman of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, and the agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, CEO of Oman and Etihad Rail Company, and Dr. Bakheet Saeed Al Katheeri, Executive Director of the UAE Industries Unit at Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform.

Image Credit: Etihad Rail

UN Special Representative for Libya also known as the UN envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, has emphasized the necessity of national elections in Libya to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity. Bathily spoke at a press conference regarding the high-level panel for elections on Saturday, stating that the Libyan people must have the opportunity to elect their leaders through the ballot box to restore and rebuild legitimate public institutions that represent and serve the people of Libya.

He further added that the postponement of elections a year ago disappointed Libyan citizens and urged all Libyan leaders to “seize this opportunity to commit themselves to this vision and meet the aspirations of their great people”.

The UN envoy Bathily’s call for elections comes as Libya struggles to make a democratic transition since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in 2011. Libya failed to hold general elections in December 2021 due to disagreements over election laws among Libyan parties. However, in January, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah said his government is ready to hold general elections in 2023.

Bathily called on rival administrations in conflict-torn Libya to agree to terms for elections “by mid-June” to be held by the end of the year. The UN envoy has faced pushback over his criticism of the country’s two houses of parliament for failing to reach an agreement. Bathily defended his proposal in a news conference in Tripoli on Saturday, stating that it was “not a foreign-imposed solution”.

Who is the UN envoy to Libya – Abdoulaye Bathily?

Abdoulaye Bathily was appointed as the new Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in September 2022. Bathily, a Senegalese national, has over 40 years of experience in his national government, academic institutions, regional organizations, and the United Nations system.

He previously served as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and as Special Representative for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in Gabon. Bathily has also held various ministerial positions in the Senegalese Government and is a history professor. He is fluent in English, French, Soninke, and Wolof.

Image Credit: World Atlas

Egypt Musk is a fragrance that has captivated the world for centuries. It’s a scent that has been used in perfumes, incense, and other products for thousands of years. But despite its popularity, there are still many things that people don’t know about this mysterious fragrance. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about Egypt Musk.

In case you are wondering what Egyptian musk smell like, well it typically has a warm, earthy, and musky scent with a hint of sweetness. The fragrance is typically made from a blend of natural ingredients, including musk, amber, sandalwood, and jasmine. It has a unique, exotic aroma that is not too floral or overpowering, making it appealing to both men and women.

Egyptian Musk is often considered to be a seductive fragrance due to its warm and sensual aroma. Its musky and earthy scent is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, which can help set the mood for intimacy. The fragrance is not too overpowering, making it a subtle and alluring scent that can be worn by both men and women. However, it’s important to note that individual preferences for fragrance can vary greatly, and what may be seductive to one person may not be to another. Ultimately, whether or not Egyptian Musk is considered seductive will depend on personal taste and the specific context in which it is worn.

Egyptian Musk is not actually from Egypt

Despite its name, Egypt Musk is not actually from Egypt. The fragrance is believed to have originated in the Far East, and it was likely brought to Egypt by traders and merchants. The scent then became popular in Egypt and spread to other parts of the world from there. Today, the term “Egypt Musk” simply refers to a type of musk fragrance that is similar to the original scent that was used in Egypt.

It’s made from natural ingredients

One of the reasons why Egypt Musk has remained popular for so long and one of the reasons why i is so good is because it’s made from natural ingredients. The fragrance is typically made from a blend of oils that are extracted from various plants and animals. Some of the most common ingredients in Egypt Musk include musk, amber, jasmine, and sandalwood. These natural ingredients give the fragrance a unique, exotic scent that can’t be replicated by synthetic fragrances.

It has spiritual significance

In many cultures, Egypt Musk is believed to have spiritual significance. In ancient Egypt, the scent was used in religious ceremonies and rituals. It was believed that the fragrance had the power to purify the soul and help people connect with the divine. Today, many people still use Egypt Musk in spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer.

It’s used in aromatherapy

In addition to its spiritual significance, Egypt Musk is also used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a practice that uses natural fragrances to promote health and wellbeing. Egypt Musk is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body, and it’s often used to help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people also use the fragrance to promote relaxation and sleep.

It’s a unisex fragrance

Unlike many fragrances, Egypt Musk is a unisex scent that can be worn by both men and women. The fragrance has a warm, earthy scent that is not too floral or sweet, making it appealing to people of all genders. It’s also a versatile fragrance that can be worn in a variety of settings, from formal events to casual outings.

Egypt Musk is a fragrance that has a long and fascinating history. From its origins in the Far East to its use in religious ceremonies and aromatherapy, there’s much more to this scent than meets the eye. Egypt Musk is a fragrance that is worth exploring, due to it’s unique smell.

Image Credit:  Fulvio Ciccolo on Unsplash

Iran and Saudi Arabia have made a historic announcement to restore diplomatic ties after five years of tension and conflict. The announcement was made jointly with China on Friday, stating that Riyadh and Tehran would reopen embassies and consulates within the next two months.

The Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers will meet to begin arranging the exchange of ambassadors and discuss ways to strengthen the renewed relations, according to the statement. The countries have also agreed to reactivate a 2001 security co-operation agreement and 1998 deals on the economy, trade, investment, technology, science, culture, sports, and youth. The deal was reached by Saudi and Iranian delegations over the past week in Beijing, officials said.

“As a result of the talks, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies … within two months,” reported Iran’s state news agency Irna.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran, stating that it comes as part of the kingdom’s vision of preferring political solutions and dialogue, and its keenness to uphold this in the Middle East.

The resumption of ties is “major good news” in the current turbulent world, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The US also expressed hope that the deal would help end conflict in Yemen and reduce regional tensions.

The trilateral statement on the resumption of diplomatic ties was welcomed by Oman, which had reportedly hosted talks in 2021 and 2022. Iraq said the agreement was “turning a new page” between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Why is it significant that Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to restored ties?

The restoration of ties between the two countries is a significant development as they have fought a proxy war in Yemen through the Iranian-tied Houthi rebels, and the Saudi Arabian-aligned government that has also received support from the US government. The two countries’ proxies are at odds elsewhere in the region, including in Lebanon and Iraq.

Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran may see fewer tensions because of the accord, experts said. Many hoped that it would decrease violence in Yemen and lead to fewer spats between the two countries. The agreement could also provide cover for the Saudis to pursue the US’s efforts of normalizing ties between the Saudis and Israel without incurring “a physical response” from Iran. However, Israel is unlikely to be very happy with the development, as Iran has long been considered a particularly staunch nemesis of Israel.

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File

Egypt’s government has announced new measures to attract foreign investment by easing the requirements for foreigners to obtain Egyptian nationality. The decision of Egypt to offer citizenship comes at the country seeks to gain foreign investments.

According to local media reports, foreigners can now be granted an Egyptian passport if they buy real estate property worth at least $300,000, a reduction from the previous threshold of $500,000. Additionally, the deposit amount required in an Egyptian bank account has been reduced to $500,000 from the previous $750,000.

How did the decision of Egypt to offer citizenship arise?

The move of Egypt to offer citizenship is part of a series of measures by Prime Minister Mostafa al-Madbouly aimed at bolstering the state’s coffers amid economic difficulties. The country is grappling with inflation and a lack of foreign currency while being squeezed by its creditors.

Egypt is facing one of the worst economic crises in its history, with the Egyptian pound losing half its value against the dollar in just one year. The country’s foreign exchange reserves have also been depleted, while inflation officially reached 26.5% in January.

As one of the world’s largest grain importers, Egypt has also been impacted by soaring wheat prices due to the war in Ukraine, putting further pressure on its foreign exchange reserves. Dollar reserves have shrunk by 20% to $34.2 billion, with $28 billion coming from the Gulf.

In response, the government has implemented an economic reform program since 2016, including phasing out subsidies on petroleum products. In early March, fuel prices rose at rates as high as 20%.

The new measures to ease nationality requirements are seen as an effort to boost foreign investment and strengthen the country’s economy. In addition to buying real estate and depositing funds in an Egyptian bank account, foreigners can also obtain citizenship by participating or establishing an investment project for a minimum of $350,000 while depositing an amount of $100,000 as direct revenue in foreign currency to the state’s public treasury.

Foreigners who deposit a sum of $250,000 as direct revenue in foreign currency, which is later transferred to the public treasury and not refundable, also have the right to hold Egyptian citizenship.

Lebanon’s Association of Banks has announced that the Lebanon bank strike will resume their open-ended strike on Tuesday, March 14, in protest of recent judicial rulings. The Association is calling for “swift legal measures” to put an end to what they say are contradictory standards in the issuance of some rulings, warning that these rulings are “exhausting what’s left of deposits belonging to all depositors and not only some of them.”

Why is the Lebanon bank strike happening?

The banks had suspended their strike on February 24 at the request of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, after they had begun the strike on February 7 in protest of a recent court ruling that forced one of the country’s largest banks to pay out two of its depositors their trapped savings in cash.

Lebanon’s banks have been hard hit by the country’s economic meltdown that began in October 2019 and have since imposed informal capital controls, under which depositors have been able to withdraw only small amounts of their savings at an exchange rate far lower than the one used on the market.

The economic crisis has left more than three quarters of Lebanon’s population of 6 million in poverty, and the Lebanese pound has lost 97% of its value against the dollar. The informal capital controls have prompted some overseas depositors, locked out of their savings, to launch lawsuits overseas and in Lebanon to pressure banks to release their savings in full. In Lebanon, some depositors opted to break into banks, armed, and forced cashiers to hand over their money.

Lebanon’s Court of Cassation recently overturned a 2022 verdict in favour of Fransabank, which was sued by two depositors demanding their money in cash. The ruling threw out the previous verdict, which allowed the bank to pay them with a check. That would not have allowed them to retrieve their money in full since they would have had to deposit the check in a bank account, where the money would get stuck all over again.

Despite the economic meltdown, Lebanese authorities have not implemented reforms demanded by the international community in order to release billions of dollars in loans and grants. The International Monetary Fund has criticized Lebanon for its sluggish progress on the reforms since talks between the government and the IMF began in May 2020.

Image Credit: Reuters

A tragic incident has occurred off the coast of Yemen, as 11 women and three children lost their lives after a boat sank in the Hodeidah province. The Houthi-run Saba news agency reported that the vessel was carrying 25 people when it capsized late on Monday due to high winds and waves. According to sources at the Fisheries Authority, the boat sank between the coastal area of Khoba and Kamaran Island, where the group was heading to a relative’s wedding party. The incident marks the latest maritime tragedy off Yemen’s shores, which have mostly involved African migrants fleeing war and poverty in their home countries.

Since Yemen descended into civil war in 2014, the Saudi-led coalition has intervened to restore the internationally-recognized government to power. At least 16 Yemenis, including 11 women and three children, have lost their lives in two separate boat incidents off Yemen’s western shores. On Wednesday, two Yemeni fishermen died, and two others were rescued when their boat sank in high winds off Khokha. This came after a boat carrying at least 25 people, believed to be overloaded, sank on Monday afternoon near Kamaran Island, resulting in at least 14 deaths.

The boat involved in the Monday tragedy was ferrying passengers from the coastal village of Khuba in the western province of Hodeidah to a wedding on Kamaran when it capsized due to a strong gust of wind. A Khuba resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that only the men who could swim survived, while all the women and three children lost their lives.

The locals received news that the boat had gone missing five hours after it had left, and they immediately raised the alarm. The journey from Khuba to Kamaran typically takes an hour-and-a-half, and such a tragedy has not occurred since the 1980s, according to the resident. Local coastguards and fishermen recovered bodies from the sea early on Tuesday morning, and a statement by the Houthi authorities, who control the island and Khuba, confirmed that 11 women and three children were discovered dead in the water on Tuesday, while 11 others, including a toddler, were saved.

Image Credit: natanael ginting – www.freepik.com

On March 7, a joint statement delivered by Australia before the UN Human Rights Council condemned Lebanon’s pervasive obstruction and interference with the domestic investigation into the August 4, 2020 Beirut blast investigation.

The statement, made on behalf of 38 countries, called on Lebanon to take immediate action to carry out necessary judicial reforms and remove obstacles undermining the investigation. The statement further called for an independent and impartial fact-finding mission to be established without delay to investigate the explosion, which killed over 200 people, wounded over 7,000, and caused extensive property damage.

What is the current state of the Beirut Blast investigation?

Lebanese authorities have been criticized for allowing political interference with the judiciary, which has allowed a culture of impunity to flourish. Judge Tarek Bitar, the lead investigator into the blast, has charged more than a dozen political, judicial, and security officials in the probe, including Ghassan Oueidat, Lebanon’s powerful state prosecutor. However, the investigation has been suspended for over a year, and Lebanese politicians who are suspects in the case have filed over 25 requests to dismiss Judge Bitar and other judges involved in the case.

Following the condemnation of the pervasive obstruction and interference in Lebanon’s domestic investigation into the August 4, 2020 explosion at Beirut’s port, by 38 countries at the UN Human Rights Council on March 7, 2023, Human Rights Watch and Legal Agenda issued a joint statement calling on the Lebanese authorities to urgently act and carry out badly needed judicial reforms and remove other obstacles undermining the domestic investigation into the explosion.

Why is this condemnation of the Beirut blast investigation significant?

The statement delivered by Australia before the UN Human Rights Council stated that the 38 states called on Lebanon to “take all necessary measures to safeguard, in law and in practice, the full independence and impartiality of the Lebanese judiciary” and to ensure that a “swift, independent, impartial, credible, and transparent investigation into the explosion” be carried out. The investigation into the Beirut port explosion has been suspended for over a year.

The statement is significant as it demonstrates that several governments, including many of Lebanon’s donors and supporters, are losing patience with the government’s failure to carry out the investigation effectively. The signatory states included Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and several other countries from around the world.

Why is political interference rife in Lebanon?

For years, Lebanese and international rights groups have documented political interference with the judiciary and criticized its lack of independence, which has allowed a culture of impunity to flourish in Lebanon. The domestic investigation into the Beirut port explosion case is no exception, with Lebanese politicians who are suspects in the case filing over 25 requests to dismiss the lead investigator, Judge Tarek Bitar, and other judges involved in the case, causing the inquiry to be repeatedly suspended while the cases are adjudicated.

Lebanon has also been called upon to urgently review and pass a draft law on judicial independence and transparency that adheres to international standards. This will include the amendment of Lebanon’s codes of judicial procedures to eliminate abuses of the judicial process.

On January 23, 2023, Judge Bitar attempted to resume the investigation and summoned Oweidat for interrogation in the case. Two days later, Oweidat ordered the release of all suspects detained in connection with the catastrophic explosion in Beirut’s port, a decision the Beirut Bar Association, the Lebanese Judges Association, and the Lebanese Coalition for the Independence of the Judiciary criticized as illegal.

The August 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion was one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, killing at least 220 people, wounding over 7,000, and causing extensive property damage.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

On March 8th, International Women’s Day, the United States Treasury Department announced the imposition of sanctions against two senior Iranian prison officials for their involvement in human rights abuses against women and girls. In addition, the Treasury also sanctioned three Iranian companies, their leaders, and two top Iranian army commanders for their role in enabling law enforcement to engage in repression.

In a statement, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson expressed solidarity with Iranian women who have advocated for fundamental freedoms despite the brutal regime’s attempts to suppress their voices by any means.

Why have the US imposed more sanctions against Iran?

These sanctions are part of the tenth round of measures taken by the US against Iranian officials since the nationwide protests that erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while in the custody of the morality police last September. The demonstrations posed the most significant domestic threat to the Iranian regime in years, and Tehran’s brutal crackdown on the protests has especially targeted women.

Who are the Iranian prison officials that got sanctioned?

The two sanctioned prison officials, Ali Chaharmahali and Dariush Bakhshi, have run prisons where political prisoners and protesters have been tortured, sexually abused, and violently threatened. The three companies sanctioned on Wednesday – Naji Pas Company, Naji Pars Amin Institute, and Entebagh Gostar Sepehr Company – have helped procure goods and material for Iran’s security services, according to the Treasury.

Who else did the US sanction?

The US also targeted Mahdi Amiri, who has been central to Iran’s internet shutdowns in the face of widespread protests, as well as Sayyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, the commander in chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, and Habib Shahsavari, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to the Treasury.

As women around the world marched to mark International Women’s Day, many showed their support for Iranians who took to the streets following Ms. Amini’s death. In his statement marking the day, US President Joe Biden noted that the rights of girls and women remain under attack in far too many places, including Iran and Afghanistan, where the Taliban bars women and girls from attending school and pursuing employment.

Image Credit; Blondinrikard Fröberg

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2023, the issue of women’s empowerment and feminism remains a sensitive subject in the Arab world, particularly in Iran. Since the overthrow of the shah in 1979, the image of women in the country has typically been defined by the hijab. However, the past six months have seen a complete turnaround of this past notion, as young women in Tehran have pushed the limits on what they can wear publicly, risking arrest and punishment.

Photos and videos of women with their hair out in public have gone viral on social media, but this newfound sense of freedom has not gone unnoticed by the authorities. The recent Mahsa Amini protests and the revelation that more than 1,000 Iranian girls in schools across the country have been poisoned are stark reminders of the continued oppression of women in Iran. Despite the implementation, criminalization, and promotion of compulsory hijab as the primary gender policy in Islamic states, women have shown remarkable courage and determination in their pursuit of justice, gender equality, and freedom of choice. The ongoing pursuit of these ideals is embodied in the slogan “women, life, freedom.”

The recent Mahsa Amini protests in Iran have shed light on the brutal oppression faced by women in the country. Mahsa Amini, a 26-year-old Iranian woman, was brutally beaten and murdered while in police custody after being arrested for not wearing a hijab in public. Her death sparked widespread protests across Iran, with many women taking to the streets to demand justice for Amini and an end to the oppressive policies that have long plagued their lives. However, the Iranian government has responded to these protests with violence and repression, using excessive force to quell dissent and punish those who speak out against the regime.

Moreover, recent revelations that more than 1,000 schoolgirls in Iran have been poisoned further demonstrate the dire situation faced by women in the country. The use of poison as a weapon against women is a shocking and deeply concerning development, and it is a clear indication that the Iranian government is willing to go to any lengths to maintain its control over the population. This is a violation of basic human rights, and it is a reminder that we must continue to fight for the rights of women and other marginalized groups in Iran and around the world.

The poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran is a shocking and disturbing development, and one that demands a response from the international community. This type of violence against children, particularly girls, is unacceptable and requires a multilateral response. It is essential that Iran’s leadership take swift action to identify and punish those responsible for these attacks, as well as to take steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Additionally, other countries must come together not just to condemn these acts of violence but also to apply pressure to the Iranian regime to enact real change.

While international condemnation is an important step in bringing attention to human rights abuses, it is not sufficient in and of itself to bring about change in the behaviour of the Iranian regime. As history has shown, the regime has a pattern of making baseless statements in response to international criticism and continues to engage in human rights violations. Therefore, in addition to international condemnation, there needs to be concerted efforts to hold the Iranian regime accountable whether it be through sanctions targeting the regime or other measures.

On this International Women’s Day, it is important to recognize the courage and resilience of women in Iran who continue to fight for their rights in the face of incredible adversity. They have shown us that even in the darkest of times, hope and determination can prevail. We must stand in solidarity with these women and support them in their ongoing struggle for justice, gender equality, and freedom of choice.

Image Credit: Twitter

Iran-backed Hezbollah has publicly declared its support for Suleiman Frangieh, a close ally of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, in the race to become Lebanon’s next president. The announcement was made on Monday by Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah during a televised speech. Frangieh, who comes from a prominent Christian political family in Lebanon, has been described as a friend of the Syrian government throughout the country’s civil war.

Why is it significant that Hezbollah is backing Suleiman Frangieh?

The move is significant as it marks Hezbollah’s strongest show of support for Frangieh, following comments from its Shiite ally, the Amal Movement, last week. The presidency in Lebanon is reserved for a Maronite Christian, and in the deeply fractured 128-seat parliament, a two-thirds majority is required for the first round of voting.

Who is Suleiman Frangieh and what is his connected to Suleiman Frangieh Sr?

Suleiman Frangieh comes from a prominent political family in Lebanon, with a long history of involvement in the country’s politics. His grandfather, Suleiman Frangieh Sr., served as Lebanon’s president from 1970 to 1976, and his father, Tony Frangieh, was a powerful political and military figure who led the Marada Brigade during the Lebanese Civil War. However, Tony Frangieh was assassinated along with his wife, daughter, and several other people in the infamous Ehden Massacre in 1978, which has remained a traumatic event in Lebanon’s history. Despite these setbacks, Suleiman Frangieh has continued to be an influential figure in Lebanese politics and is widely respected for his leadership and experience.

Does Suleiman Frangieh have the support to become Lebanon’s next President?

Despite receiving support from about a third of MPs, mainly from those deeply opposed to Hezbollah, Mr Frangieh still falls short of the 65 votes required for him to be elected. Frangieh’s candidacy is also opposed by the Lebanese Forces party led by Christian politician Samir Geagea, who was responsible for the raid that killed Frangieh’s parents and sister in 1978.

Hezbollah’s main Christian ally is the Free Patriotic Movement, founded by former president Michel Aoun and now led by his son-in-law Gebran Bassil, who is believed to harbour presidential ambitions for himself. However, the relationship between the two parties has cooled in recent months, among other factors, due to Hezbollah’s apparent support for Frangieh and not Mr. Bassil.

Lebanon has been without a president since the end of October when ex-army chief Michel Aoun stepped down at the end of his term. The cabinet of Prime Minister Najib Mikati is in a caretaker status and is severely stripped of its powers as the country grapples with one of the worst economic crises in modern history.

Egyptian authorities have arrested 29 individuals, including 13 foreign nationals, for allegedly running an online cryptocurrency scam in Egypt that defrauded thousands of investors, according to state media reports. The network, which operated under the name “HoggPool”, reportedly earned about $620,000 by luring victims with fraudulent means and promising financial gains through cryptocurrency mining and trading services. The scheme charged fees at an attractive foreign exchange rate, and was illegal under Egyptian law, with potential penalties including imprisonment and fines of up to $325,000.

The network suddenly shut down operations in February, and authorities later discovered that they had vanished with investors’ money. The suspects were allegedly planning to launch a new platform called “Riot” when they were arrested. The arrests come as Egypt grapples with one of its worst-ever economic crises, with the value of its pound depreciating by nearly half against the US dollar since March 2022, and inflation surging to 25.8 percent in January, the highest level in five years. The crisis has left nearly 60 percent of the country’s 104 million citizens below or close to the poverty line, and many lower-income households reliant on government subsidies for basic goods like bread.

Why are people turning to cryptocurrency scam in Egypt?

The Egyptian government has been struggling to stabilize the country’s economy amid ongoing challenges, including years of government austerity, the coronavirus pandemic, and the fallout from the war in Ukraine. Egypt is the world’s largest importer of wheat, with most of its imports traditionally coming from Russia. However, the currency crisis and inflation have significantly affected the country’s ability to import essential goods, leaving its population struggling to access basic necessities. The government has responded by implementing measures such as increasing subsidies for food and fuel, increasing public sector salaries, and launching infrastructure projects to create jobs.

However, these efforts have not been enough to address the underlying issues, and the country continues to face significant economic challenges. The recent cryptocurrency scam in Egypt is just one example of the types of fraud and financial crimes that have become more common in the country as people seek ways to make money in difficult economic times.

Despite these challenges, there are some signs of hope for Egypt’s economy. In December 2022, the country received a 46-month arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Egypt in an amount of about US$3 billion by the International Monetary Fund to support its economic recovery efforts.

Image Credit: Jievani Weerasinghe on Unsplash

An Israeli air strike has reportedly hit the Aleppo airport on Tuesday, causing material damage and putting the airport out of service, according to Syrian state media. Syria’s transport ministry has announced that all earthquake aid flights will be re-routed following the Israeli air strike. The Israeli air strike was said to have been carried out from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea, west of Latakia, targeting Aleppo International Airport. The state news agency, Sana, did not immediately report any casualties resulting from the strike. Israeli officials have yet to comment on the operation.

Why Israel carries out air strikes in Syria

Israel has carried out numerous strikes on targets within government-controlled parts of Syria over the past few years, including attacks on the Damascus and Aleppo airports. However, the country rarely acknowledges or discusses the operations. It has been acknowledged, however, that Israel targets bases of Iran-allied militant groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support President Assad’s forces. Iran’s involvement in Syria’s civil war has been hidden by the Syrian government, which has repeatedly claimed that Iran only has military advisers in the country.

Previous Israeli air strikes in Syria

Aleppo was heavily damaged during Syria’s civil war and was again hit by an earthquake last month, which caused widespread destruction. Several countries have since sent aid shipments to the city’s airport. On February 9, Israeli air strikes targeted residential areas in Syria’s capital, Damascus, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and 15 injuries, according to the news agency.

The February strike was dubbed by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as “the deadliest Israeli attack in the Syrian capital” since the civil war began. A month prior to the February Israeli air strike, the Syrian army claimed that Israel’s military had fired missiles towards the capital’s international airport, causing two soldiers to be killed and putting the airport out of service. This attack reportedly came as a result of Israeli fears that the Damascus airport was being used to funnel Iranian weaponry into the country.

Image Credit: AFP

Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Sabah has been reappointed as Prime Minister by an Emiri decree on Sunday, according to state media. As the son of the emir, Sheikh Ahmad’s first task is to form a new government following the resignation of the previous government in January.

The former Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah submitted his cabinet’s resignation after weeks of tension with the National Assembly over requests to question two cabinet ministers. He had served as Prime Minister since July 2022, when he was appointed after the resignation of the previous government more than two months earlier.

What happened to the previous government of Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah

Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s cabinet was assembled in August, and he then restructured it in October after early elections. The September elections were welcomed by opposition politicians after several months of political deadlock. The mass resignation was sparked by a political impasse centred around a draft bill proposing the government take over personal and consumer loans of Kuwaiti citizens, a move later deemed too expensive. MPs offered to withdraw the bill if ministers raised wages in the country in return.

A long-running standoff between the government and the elected parliament has hampered efforts by the wealthy Gulf Arab oil producer to push through fiscal reforms, including a debt law allowing Kuwait to tap international markets. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who has taken over most of the ruling emir’s duties, moved last year to end feuding by naming Sheikh Ahmad as premier, dissolving parliament, and calling early polls, in which opposition members made gains.

However, tensions resurfaced when lawmakers pressed the government sworn in last October for a debt relief bill, under which the state would buy Kuwaiti citizens’ personal loans, and sought to question two ministers, prompting the government to resign in January.

Kuwait bans political parties but has given its legislature more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies. While Kuwait has strong fiscal and external balance sheets, frequent political bickering and institutional gridlock have hampered investment and reforms aimed at reducing its heavy reliance on oil revenues.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Nasser Waggi

Jordan’s Princess Iman bint Abdullah II and her fiancé Jameel Alexander Thermiotis are set to tie the knot on March 12, 2023, according to a statement from the Royal Hashemite Court. The Jordan royal wedding is set to be an extravagant celebration, the couple’s wedding venue has not been announced yet.

The princess is the second child of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, while her fiancé is a managing partner at a venture capital fund in New York. Thermiotis, who was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1994, is of Greek descent and holds a degree in business administration from Florida International University.

Upon announcement of their engagement in July 2022, Queen Rania expressed her happiness on social media, posting: “Congratulations my dearest Iman; your smile has always been a gift of love that I’ve cherished since the day you were born. I wish you and Jameel a life filled with love and laughter!” Princess Iman does not have a public social media presence, but her mother occasionally posts family home videos and photos on Instagram that offer a glimpse into the young royal’s life.

Jordan royal wedding – possible location

According to reports, the wedding ceremony is expected to be a private affair, with only close family and friends in attendance. However, some reports suggest that a larger celebration may take place possibly in the historic city of Petra. The iconic site, which is carved into the rock face, has hosted royal events in the past, including the wedding of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania in 1993. Regardless of the location, the wedding of Princess Iman and Mr. Thermiotis is sure to be a significant event in Jordanian society and a cause for celebration among the royal family and their supporters.

Is Princess Iman in line for the throne?

Although Princess Iman is not in line for the throne as only legitimate, male, “mentally sound” Muslim descendants are eligible, she has been a regular fixture at official photocalls and royal engagements in and out of her home country. The upcoming Jordan royal wedding is sure to be a grand affair, with the Royal Hashemite Court extending its congratulations to the couple and wishing them a lifetime of happiness.

Image Credit: RHC/Twitter

Al-Qaeda has confirmed the death of one of its top leaders in Yemen following a suspected US drone strike. Hamad bin Hamoud Al Tamimi, also known as Abdel Aziz Al Adnani, was killed on February 26th when a drone targeted his residence in Marib province.

Who was Hamad bin Hamoud Al Tamimi?

The US considers Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to be among the most dangerous of the group’s branches. AQAP identified Hamad bin Hamoud Al Tamimi as a “media official” who had previously managed external operations, including attacks against American interests. Hamad bin Hamoud Al Tamimihad spent four years in a Saudi Arabian prison before traveling to Yemen in 2013, where he expressed a desire to attack “vital” American interests and carry out a suicide attack himself.

Unnamed security and local government sources confirmed Hamad bin Hamoud Al Tamimi’s death and said that he had headed AQAP’s leadership council and acted as the group’s “judge”. A statement from AQAP also noted that another media official, Abu Nasser Al Hadhrami, was a victim of the attack.

What is Al Qaeda’s role in Yemen’s civil war?

AQAP and rival militants loyal to ISIS have thrived in the chaos of Yemen’s eight-year civil war, which pits the Saudi-backed government against Iran-allied Houthi rebels. The group has carried out operations against both the Houthis and government forces as well as sporadic attacks abroad. The US has been targeting AQAP with drones for more than two decades, although the number of reported strikes has dropped in recent years.

The February 26th attack came a month after three alleged AQAP militants were killed in another suspected US drone strike on a car in Marib province. The conflict in Yemen has killed tens of thousands of people and caused what the UN terms the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced.

What are the consequences of US counterterrorism operations in Yemen

Concerns have been raised about the impact of these counterterrorism operations on civilian populations in Yemen. In recent years, human rights groups have accused the United States of carrying out unlawful strikes that have killed civilians and violated international law.

According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, U.S. drone strikes in Yemen have killed between 1,244 and 1,416 people, including between 111 and 168 civilians, since 2002.

The United States has defended its actions as necessary to combat terrorism, but some critics argue that the strikes have fuelled anti-American sentiment and undermined efforts to stabilize the country.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Yemen’s Defence Ministry

The UAE and Italy have announced that they will be elevating their relations to the level of a strategic partnership. This announcement was made during a meeting between the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi.

UAE and Italy signed a “Declaration of Intent” on enhancing cooperation within the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) and climate action, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on energy transition projects and sustainability initiatives between ADNOC and the Italian energy group Eni.

Why UAE and Italy signed the MoU

The focus of the MoU is to strengthen cooperation in the field of emissions reduction, new energy technologies, and low-carbon solutions. The partnership aims to enhance long-term strategic ties between the two countries, boost energy security, and accelerate low-carbon economic and industrial growth.

Areas of cooperation between UAE and Italy will include reducing carbon emissions, with a particular focus on carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, joint investment in green hydrogen, and renewable and clean energy.

The declaration of promoting relations to a strategic partnership reads, “The UAE and Italy share common goals, including achieving sustainable development and economic growth, strengthening cooperation with the international community, prosperity and stability, and traditional values of peace, tolerance, human fraternity, coexistence, dialogue, and openness.”

The strategic partnership will enable the two countries to expand and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest, including political, diplomatic, international, economic and trade cooperation, healthcare, sustainable development, food and water security, cooperation in industry and advanced technology, defence and climate change, renewable energy and clean technologies, energy security and transition, education, culture, people-to-people exchanges, sports, and other vital areas.

This partnership is significant as it highlights Italy’s increasing importance in the region. The meetings in the UAE also included discussions on boosting energy security and enhancing energy efficiency, which are crucial issues for both countries.

Image Credit: Twitter

There have been several cases of suspected poisoning attacks targeting Iranian schoolgirls in various provinces, with the latest spate occurring in Hamedan, Zanjan, West Azerbaijan, Fars, and Alborz provinces. The suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran have led to dozens of schoolgirls being hospitalised, but all are said to be in generally good condition.

Over the past three months, hundreds of cases of respiratory distress have been reported among schoolgirls, mainly in Qom.

Is there going to be an investigation into the suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran?

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has ordered the ministers of intelligence and interior to investigate the incidents, which he has dubbed “the enemy’s conspiracy to create fear and despair in the people.” The Deputy Health Minister has suggested that the poisonings are aimed at shutting down education for girls.

Protests have broken out in Tehran, with parents gathering outside an education ministry building to demonstrate against the government over the suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran. There are conflicting opinions about who might be responsible for the attacks, with some politicians suggesting that hardliner Islamist groups opposed to girls’ education may be behind them. The United Nations human rights office in Geneva has called for a transparent investigation, and several countries, including Germany and the US, have expressed concern.

International response

The series of suspected poisoning attacks targeting Iranian schoolgirls has sparked outrage and concern both domestically and internationally. The Iranian government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some accusing it of not doing enough to protect the girls and investigate the incidents. The protests that have erupted in response to the poisonings highlight the broader social and political tensions in the country, including ongoing protests over the death of Mahsa Amini and restrictions on women’s rights.

The motives behind the attacks are unclear, and there are conflicting opinions about who might be responsible. While the Iranian government has blamed “enemies” of the country for the poisonings, some politicians have suggested that hardline Islamist groups opposed to girls’ education may be behind them. Others have raised concerns about environmental pollution, as the affected schools are located near industrial areas.

The suspected poisonings have also raised questions about the state of healthcare in Iran and the availability of medical resources to treat the affected girls. Some reports suggest that hospitals in the affected provinces have been overwhelmed by the number of patients, with some parents reportedly having to take their children to private clinics due to long waiting times at public hospitals.

The international community has called for a transparent investigation into the incidents, with the United Nations human rights office in Geneva expressing concern and several countries, including Germany and the US, voicing support for the affected girls and their families. The situation is still developing, and it remains to be seen how the Iranian government will respond and whether further protests and unrest will ensue.

Image Credit: Twitter

Thousands of people protested in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, on Saturday for a rally organized by the country’s most powerful labour union, the UGTT, to demonstrate against the government under President Kais Saied. The protest, one of the largest since Saied dismissed the previous government and suspended parliament in July 2021, came after a spate of arrests of the president’s political opponents in recent weeks.

Who protested in Tunisia?

Starting at the Mohamed Ali Hammi plaza, thousands marched along the capital’s main Habib Bourguiba avenue shouting slogans such as “Freedom, the police state is over”, “Saied, your time is over” and “IMF government, the people are invincible”.

Noureddine Tabboubi, the head of the Tunisian General Labor Union, addressed the crowd before the march, stating that “no matter how costly it is, we will not fear prisons and assassinations, and we will always stand on the side of equality and justice”. Tabboubi referred to the recent arrests and said, “I salute all the activists and politicians in Mornaguia prison.”

Most of those who protested in Tunisia and were arrested have been accused of “conspiracy against state security”. Tabboubi said the UGTT would not remain silent in the face of a systematic targeting of rights and freedoms in the country.

“Tunisia will not be a land of tyranny and oppression,” he said. Several other Tunisian organizations and political parties also participated in Saturday’s rally.

Hamma Hammami, secretary-general of the Workers Party, called on Saied to resign, saying it was the only feasible option for the country. “He is seeking to intimidate us, but we were never afraid and we will never be afraid of Saied,” Hammami told reporters at the rally.

Why are tensions so high in Tunisia?

Tensions between the UGTT and Saied have escalated following the recent arrest of a member of its transport sector federation and the President’s rejection of a national dialogue that the labour union has been attempting to organize together with the Lawyers Bar, the Tunisian League for Human Rights, and the Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights.

“The national dialogue initiative is in its final stages and will be announced in the coming few days,” Tabboubi said on Saturday.

Saied accused the UGTT of trying to involve foreign parties in Tunisian affairs after it invited representatives of international trade unions to join Saturday’s protest. Tunisian authorities turned back Spanish trade unionist Marco Perez Molina upon his arrival in Tunis on Thursday and also banned representatives from the International Trade Union Confederation from entering the country.

The UGTT called the moves “unnecessary” and part of a wider clampdown on trade unions. The union said it would hold a meeting of its executive bureau on Tuesday, which would set a date for a meeting of its national administrative authority, which brings together representatives of all the union federations.

The crackdown is the biggest since Saied’s seizure of powers and his opponents say it is ever more clear that he has dismantled the democracy won in the 2011 revolution that triggered the Arab Spring and will end the freedoms it brought. Saied has denied his actions were a coup, saying they were legal and necessary to save Tunisia from chaos.

Over recent weeks, police have arrested more than a dozen prominent opposition figures, mostly tied to the coalition of parties and protesters that protested on Sunday, accusing them of conspiring against state security. Those arrested in recent weeks include politicians from Ennahdha, which was the biggest party in the shuttered parliament, leaders of a protest group, the head of Tunisia’s main independent media outlet, and a prominent businessman.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hassene Dridi

Children across the United Arab Emirates will be taking to the streets of their neighbourhoods on Monday night, March 6th, to celebrate the traditional event of Hag Al Laila. Children across the UAE will take to the streets of their neighbourhoods on Monday night knocking on doors and calling out ‘Atoona Hag Al Laila”, which means “Give us sweets for tonight”. This event, which has been celebrated for hundreds of years, marks the arrival of Ramadan and is one of the Emirati traditional celebrations in the middle of Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Hag Al Laila, which translates to “For this Night”, is not a Halloween tradition for trick or treating, but rather a cultural event where Emirati children go from door to door singing and collecting sweets and treats from neighbors. In preparation for the event, families stock up on traditional sweets and nuts to welcome the visiting children.

The purpose of the event is not just to celebrate, but also to educate the public about the occasion and the month of Ramadan and promote the values of sharing and giving. The event also serves as a way to promote unity within the community.

Although the event is primarily celebrated in the UAE, it is also celebrated across the Muslim community, albeit with different names. In Qatar, it is called Garangao; in Bahrain, it is called Gergaoon; in Oman, it is called Garangesho, and in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, it is called Gargean.

As the celebration of Hag Al Laila approaches, families and communities are looking forward to participating in the tradition and spreading joy and happiness throughout their neighbourhoods.

The history behind Hag Al Laila

Hag Al Laila, which is celebrated in the middle of Sha’aban, the eighth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, is an event that is steeped in tradition and culture. It is a time when Emiratis come together to celebrate the arrival of Ramadan, which is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The event is also an opportunity for families to teach their children about the values of sharing, giving, and community.

Hag Al Laila preparations

The preparations for Hag Al Laila begin several days before the actual event. Families throng groceries and shops that sell traditional sweets and nuts before welcoming visiting children. Many households also decorate their homes with colorful lanterns and lights, which adds to the festive atmosphere of the event.

On the day of the event, children dress up in traditional clothes and take to the streets in groups, accompanied by their parents or older siblings. They knock on doors and sing the Hag Al Laila song, which is a catchy tune that has been passed down from generation to generation. The song is usually accompanied by clapping and dancing, which adds to the joyous spirit of the event.

The event is not just about collecting sweets and treats, but also about fostering a sense of community. It provides an opportunity for neighbors to come together, share in the festivities, and learn about each other’s cultures and traditions. Many households also take the opportunity to donate food and clothing to those in need, which is in line with the values of Ramadan.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of preserving Emirati culture and tradition. As a result, there has been a renewed interest in celebrating events such as Hag Al Laila. Schools and community organizations also play an important role in promoting and preserving Emirati culture by organizing events and activities that showcase the country’s rich heritage.

Image Credit: Carl Raw on Unsplash

Oman is planning to phase out fuel-operated vehicles and have 79 per cent of the country’s vehicles powered by electricity by 2035 as part of its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The announcement regarding fuel vehicles in Oman was made during the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology’s annual media meeting on Wednesday. H E Said bin Hamoud bin Said al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that the ministry is working with car dealers to ensure that the country reaches the target by 2035.

Other measures being taken other than Fuel vehicles in Oman

The ministry is also addressing the issue of traffic congestion in the capital city, Muscat. Al Ma’awali revealed that three alternative routes have been identified to solve the problem: Nakhl-Bidbid, Seeb-Bidbid and Amerat-Dima Wa al Taien. The ministry is currently designing the roads and estimates that the cost of constructing new roads, maintenance and repairing roads damaged due to climatic conditions will be more than RO1bn ($2.6bn) in 2023.

Tunnel-based road projects are not feasible in Oman, according to the minister. The cost of operating the tunnels on Sharqiyah Expressway ranges between RO30,000 and RO40,000 per month. The Dibba-Lima-Khasab road will be awarded after completion of technical analysis submitted by five companies before the end of March.

In 2022, tenders worth RO230mn were awarded and eight strategic projects are set to begin and end this year. The ministry aims to improve import and export through Omani ports by increasing the movement of goods by no less than seven per cent annually, increasing container traffic by five per cent, and improving transport and logistics indicators, road quality, and efficiency of port services.

“We are working on digitising more than 200 government services, implementing more than five projects for the National Centre for AI and Advanced Technologies, and training more than 2,000 people as part of the ‘Makeen’ initiative to improve digital competencies,” said Al Ma’awali.

Oman net-zero emissions

Oman has committed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Oman is the third Middle East oil and gas producer to make a net-zero pledge after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The latest announcement regarding fuel vehicles in Oman is in line with similar pledges around the world.

The energy ministry also announced the formation of Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) — a subsidiary of state-owned Energy Development Oman (EDO — previously known as Petroleum Development Oman). The ministry unveiled a Green Hydrogen Strategy, and the country is targeting $140bn of investment in the green hydrogen industry with the aim of producing 1 million tons of it annually by 2030.

Image Credit: Silas Baisch on Unsplash

Saudi Arabia has announced a new national holiday called Flag Day that will be celebrated annually on March 11. The announcement came through the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, stating that the decision was made by the order of King Salman.

The chosen date for Flag Day corresponds to March 11, 1937, which was the day when the design of the country’s current flag was endorsed by former King Abdulaziz. This day falls on the 27th of Dhu Al Hijja 1355 on the Islamic calendar.

The flag behind Flag Day

The flag features a green background with a white shahada, or inscription, above a sword. The shahada is a profession of faith and reads: “There is no deity but God. Mohammed is the Messenger of God.” This design has been in use since 1973, with minor differences from the original flag that was first designed in 1902.

Before the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the flag had several variations. The king’s army used to carry a banner featuring only the shahada during conflicts with other Arabian tribes and rival families. Later on, after capturing Riyadh in 1902, the sword was added to the flag by Ibn Saud.

Last year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that February 22 would be celebrated annually as a national holiday to commemorate the founding of the state. The government’s decree at the time explained that this move was made to “show pride in the well-established roots of this state and the close connection of its citizens with its leaders since the era of Imam Muhammad bin Saud three centuries ago.”

The new Flag Day holiday is likely to further boost the patriotic spirit of the Saudi citizens, who already show immense respect and loyalty to their country’s symbols and traditions.

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirms May 14 election date when the country will hold presidential and parliamentary elections, despite criticism of his government’s handling of the devastating earthquake that hit last month. The announcement sets the stage for a fierce battle between Erdogan and opposition parties, who have seized on rising discontent over the cost of living crisis and criticism of the government’s building regulations that contributed to the scale of the catastrophe.

The earthquake, which killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and neighbouring Syria, has left around 1.25 million people homeless, according to the World Bank. In addition to the loss of life, the disaster caused some $34bn in damage to homes, hospitals, schools, and public infrastructure, highlighting the need for urgent reform.

Erdogan’s government has faced criticism for rules put in place ahead of the 2018 election that forgave shoddy building work, exacerbating the damage caused by the earthquake. The opposition has seized on rising discontent, with Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the Republican People’s Party, holding Erdogan responsible for the immense scale of the catastrophe.

A coalition of half a dozen opposition parties, known as the “table of six”, is due to meet on Thursday to choose a presidential candidate, although it is unclear whether they will announce their decision publicly. Kılıçdaroğlu is one of the leading contenders, along with Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş, the mayors of Istanbul and Ankara, respectively.

There have been few public polls since the earthquake, but a person who had been briefed on a nationwide private survey said the disaster had so far had a relatively muted effect on opinion polls. The ruling AKP party had sagged in the polls for a long period in 2021 and 2022 as potential voters criticized the government’s economic policies, which economists say have exacerbated Turkey’s inflation problem.

Sentiment had started to improve late in 2022 after Erdogan unveiled a series of measures to address the cost of living crisis, including a rise in the minimum wage. However, according to private polling, the improvement has since petered out, suggesting a tight campaign ahead.

The election will be closely watched by Turkey’s neighbours and international partners, who will be looking for signs of political stability and a commitment to reform.

Image Credit: Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Presidential Press

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Arab world’s second-largest economy, is set to launch its UAE National Hydrogen Strategy next month, according to a Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure official. Dipak Sakaria, an energy transition expert at the ministry, said during the World Hydrogen Mena conference in Dubai on Wednesday that the first phase of the strategy was completed last year and the second phase was currently underway.

Last September, the UAE signed an agreement with Australia’s GHD and Germany-based Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft to develop its strategy for the low-carbon fuel. The Emirates, which aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, is bullish about hydrogen and has been drawing up a comprehensive road map to position itself as an exporter of the clean fuel and tap into its future potential. The UAE National Hydrogen Strategy is set to positioning the country as an exporter of the clean fuel and tapping into its future potential.

Why is the UAE national hydrogen strategy being pursued?

Hydrogen, which can be produced using renewable energy and natural gas, is expected to play a key role in the coming years as economies and industries transition to a low-carbon world to mitigate climate change. The UAE currently has 28 hydrogen projects “on board,” of which seven have passed the financing stage, according to Mr. Sakaria.

Globally, 520 million tonnes of hydrogen will be needed to achieve net-zero targets by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency. French investment bank Natixis estimates that investment in hydrogen will exceed $300 billion by 2030. It comes in various forms, including blue, green and grey hydrogen. Blue and grey hydrogen are derived from natural gas while green hydrogen is produced using renewable sources.

“The demand [for hydrogen] is here. If you look at net zero and if you look at the energy mix [targets], you will get all those numbers … the question is on the supply [side],” said Mr. Sakaria. “We have looked at, like, 18 sectors that are calling for a lot of hydrogen by 2030 to 2031.”

Green hydrogen is expected to play an important role in reducing emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as cement, steel, aluminium, and petrochemicals. The Emirates is investing Dh600 billion in clean and renewable energy projects over the next three decades. It is building the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai with a five-gigawatt capacity. Abu Dhabi, which is developing a two-gigawatt solar plant in its Al Dhafra region, has set a target of 5.6 gigawatts of solar PV capacity by 2026.

The UAE, which plans to use its hydrogen for both domestic consumption and exports, will closely monitor the latest EU regulations that specify the requirements a hydrogen project developer must fulfill for the fuel produced to be categorized as “renewable”, said Nawal Alhanaee, director of the ministry’s future energy department.

Last month, Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company Masdar signed a preliminary agreement with four companies from the Netherlands to explore the development of a green hydrogen supply chain between Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam.

Image Credit: Darcey Beau on Unsplash

The country has been in a state of political limbo and faces a stalemate in Lebanon now with the country struggling to find a consensus candidate for the presidency. Despite the fact that none of the major political parties have an interest in blocking the election of a new president, finding a compromise solution that satisfies all sides has proven to be a significant challenge to overcome the stalemate in Lebanon.

The situation is made even more complicated by the severe economic crisis that Lebanon is currently facing, as well as the regional role of Hezbollah. A new president will need to be acceptable to regional states like Saudi Arabia and Iran, while also having the confidence of the US and France. This means that the candidate must be able to show that they will not undermine the expectations of these regional and international actors, while also being able to preserve good relations with Lebanon’s Arab partners and implement much-needed economic reforms.

To this end, a meeting was held in Paris last month, attended by representatives from the US, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. The participants discussed the profile of the ideal candidate, emphasizing the need for a consensual president who would be able to implement reforms and break ties with corrupt patronage networks in the country.

Underlying causes of the political stalemate in Lebanon

However, finding a candidate that satisfies all sides has proven to be difficult, with different factions holding different preferences. Hezbollah and its allies, for instance, have indicated a willingness to engage with the Gulf states, as seen in an article published last November by an affiliated media outlet, Al-Akhbar newspaper. The article suggested a quid pro quo whereby Hezbollah and its allies would choose a president and Saudi Arabia and its local allies would select a prime minister. However, without Christian backing, the candidate suggested by Hezbollah, Suleiman Franjieh, would not have communal legitimacy, handicapping his presidency.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Saudi Arabia is holding back in Lebanon as long as Hezbollah is active in Yemen. This puts a brake on other Arab states, not least Qatar, which has played an axial role in trying to find a solution, given the fact that it can speak to all sides in the deadlock and act as a mediator.

Despite the difficulties, there are indications that talks are taking place behind the scenes, and it remains possible that a package deal can be worked out eventually to resolve the stalemate in Lebanon. However, for now, a positive outcome remains elusive until one side makes a serious concession.

Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX has successfully launched four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA including the 1st astronaut from Arab world, marking the third crewed flight for the private spaceflight company. The launch, which took place on Thursday, March 2, 2023, was notable not only for SpaceX’s continued achievements, but also for the historic significance of one of the astronauts on board.

The Falcon rocket blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, shortly after midnight, illuminating the night sky as it headed up the East Coast. The trip to the ISS, a laboratory orbiting some 420 km (250 miles) above Earth, was expected to take nearly 25 hours, with rendezvous planned for about 06:15 GMT on Friday.

The crew includes NASA’s Stephen Bowen, a retired Navy submariner who has logged three space shuttle flights; Warren “Woody” Hoburg, a former research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and space rookie; Andrey Fedyaev, a space rookie who has retired from the Russian Air Force; and Sultan al-Neyadi, an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates and only the second Emirati to fly to space.

Who is the 1st astronaut from Arab world going for an extended monthslong stay?

Al-Neyadi’s mission marks the first time an astronaut from the Arab world will stay in space for an extended, monthslong stay. His six-month mission will see him replace a US-Russian-Japanese crew that has been on the ISS since October 2022. Nearly 80 spectators from the UAE watched from the launch site as al-Neyadi blasted off into space. Half a world away in Dubai and elsewhere across the UAE, schools and offices broadcast the launch live.

The UAE paid for al-Neyadi’s seat on the SpaceX flight, and the long mission “provides us a new venue for science and scientific discovery for the country,” said the UAE’s minister for public education and advanced technology, Sarah al-Amiri. Al-Neyadi, a communications engineer, served as a backup for the first Emirati astronaut, Hazza al-Mansoori, who rode a Russian rocket to the ISS in 2019 for a weeklong visit.

The UAE’s involvement in space exploration extends beyond just sending astronauts to the ISS. The country already has a spacecraft orbiting Mars and a mini rover hitching a ride to the Moon on a Japanese lander. Additionally, two new UAE astronauts are currently training with NASA’s latest astronaut picks in Houston.

The successful launch of the SpaceX rocket and the inclusion of al-Neyadi on the crew represents a significant achievement for space exploration and international cooperation. As more countries continue to expand their involvement in space exploration, it’s clear that the future of human spaceflight will be defined by cooperation and collaboration across borders.

Image Credit: SpaceX/Twitter

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has ordered an investigation into a series of incidents where noxious fumes have sickened hundreds of girls at about 30 schools since November. Some officials suspect that these incidents of poisoning at girls’ schools may be attacks targeting women’s education. The girls have complained about headaches, heart palpitations, feeling lethargic, or being unable to move, with some even being admitted to hospital.

Why have Iranian officials changed their stance on the poisoning at girls’ schools?

Initially, Iranian officials dismissed the incidents, but they have now acknowledged the scope of the crisis. Unlike Afghanistan, Iran has no history of religious extremists attacking girls’ education. Women and girls continued attending school even during the Islamic Revolution that toppled Iran’s western-backed shah in 1979.

At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Raisi ordered the Interior Ministry to investigate the incidents, with assistance from the health and intelligence ministries. He called for prompt release of the investigation results to the public. It was the first time that the president has publicly addressed the poisonings.

A senior security official had earlier dismissed the matter as psychological warfare by unnamed enemies of the country, saying that “Over 99% of this is caused by stress, rumor and psychological war started particularly by hostile TV channels, to create a troubled and stressful situation for students and their parents.” However, Iran’s prosecutor-general has ordered an investigation, citing “possibilities of deliberate criminal acts.”

Iran’s deputy education minister has also confirmed that the poisoning of schoolgirls “in cities such as Qom and Borujerd has been done intentionally.” The authorities suspect that some people wanted to close all schools, especially girls’ schools, after the poisoning of several students in Qom.

The poisonings have come at a sensitive time for Iran, which has faced months of nationwide protests since Mahsa Amini died in September after being arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s strict Islamic dress code.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

Lebanon’s financial system is on the brink of collapse, according to the outgoing Minister of Finance Amin Salam, marking another momentous mark in the Lebanon economy crisis . In a press conference held in Beirut, Salam announced that the introduction of prices of consumer goods in US dollars alongside prices of the local pound is one of the last phases of the collapse of the financial structure.

The Lebanese pound’s value has dropped by more than 98% within the last three and a half years, and Salam placed the responsibility for the financial default on the financial class that has ruled the country in the last decades. He explicitly accused those responsible for the Lebanese State.

Salam stated that the old Lebanese finance system is finished, and there is nothing to do except to leave the currency to its destiny. The decision to introduce prices of consumer goods in US dollars is to protect citizens from the chaos and randomness of costs pursued by traders and supermarket owners.

Will the fact that Lebanon has dollarizes its economy help?

The Ministry of Finance also increased the customs dollar from 15 thousand to 45 thousand, one month after abandoning the rate of 1,500 used since 1997. However, the exchange rate of the Lebanese pound continues to plummet in the parallel market and is close to 90 thousand per dollar. World Bank figures show Lebanon ranks third globally in food price inflation, and UN reports place 80% of its population below the poverty line.

The country has entered the fifth month of presidential vacuum amid the repercussions of the interconnected financial, banking, social, and political crises that has worsened the Lebanon economy crisis. Economists and political experts warn of looming economic chaos, and the Finance Ministry’s decision to set the price of the customs dollar at 45,000 Lebanese pounds is an attempt to pay public sector salaries from the state treasury.

Lebanon economy crisis – what’s next?

As the situation worsens, shops and supermarkets have begun to price products in dollars. Economists and political experts predict the Lebanese pound will drop to 100,000 to the dollar soon. Meanwhile, a man stormed a Creditbank branch in southern Beirut, threatening to set it ablaze if denied access to his savings. The man left the bank without getting his money after being assured he would face no criminal charges. At the conclusion of the last government meeting, Minister Salam insisted on the need for the election of the President of the Republic to restore the institutions of the State and promote recovery reforms.

Image Credit: Reuters

Southern Iraq’s water crisis has reached unprecedented levels as the Tigris and Euphrates rivers’ water levels have decreased dramatically. Iraqi officials have pledged to take measures to address the ongoing drought in Iraq.

An AFP photographer in the city of Nasiriyah reported seeing the bed of the Euphrates River from its banks. Baghdad has accused its neighbours Turkiye and Iran of reducing water rations reaching Iraq by building dams on the two rivers.

The Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources attributed the drought in Iraq in some southern provinces to “the low quantity of water reaching Iraq from neighbouring Turkey,” as well as Iraqi farmers who misuse water resources to irrigate their land instead of following the ministry’s guidelines.

To cope with water scarcity as a result of the drought in Iraq, the Iraqi government has implemented water rationing for various needs, such as irrigation, agriculture, drinking, and feeding the marshes of southern Iraq. The Ministry of Water Resources stated that the decrease in water shares in some governorates is due to the lack of water revenues coming to the dams, leading to a sharp decrease in the country’s water storage.

Iraqi officials have promised to take measures to address the crisis, although it is unclear what actions will be taken. The water scarcity issue poses a significant threat to the country’s agricultural sector, as well as the health and wellbeing of its citizens who rely on the rivers for their daily needs. The drought in Iraq has severe consequences for the country’s economy, environment, and people. The reduced water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are set to impact the agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s economy. Additionally, the lack of water may result in the drying up of marshes and wetlands, which are important ecosystems that support a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Drought in Iraq – a result of climate change?

The water scarcity crisis in Iraq has been further compounded by climate change, which is causing prolonged droughts in the region. The Middle East has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, and Iraq is no exception.

The country has seen a significant decrease in rainfall in recent years, resulting in reduced water levels in its rivers and reservoirs. The country’s agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of its economy, has been particularly hard hit by the drought.

Experts warn that the situation is likely to worsen in the coming years, as climate change exacerbates the water scarcity problem in the region. According to a report by the World Resources Institute, the Middle East and North Africa region is expected to face “severe water stress” by 2040, with Iraq being one of the most affected countries.

Lebanon’s top prosecutor, Ghassan Oweidat, has instructed Judge Ghada Aoun to halt the Lebanon bank investigations into the financial transactions of commercial banks, according to a letter seen by Reuters. Aoun has been investigating the banking sector since its collapse in 2019 due to years of government corruption, financial mismanagement, and excessive spending.

The move by Oweidat comes a week after caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati blocked Aoun’s investigations, claiming that they overstepped her authority. Mikati also ordered security forces not to carry out Aoun’s judicial decisions, prompting Aoun to take to Twitter to criticize the “unprecedented interference in the work of the judiciary.” Blocks into the Lebanon bank investigation are set to further increase tensions in the country.

The banks have been on strike since February 7th, following a meeting to discuss the legal measures they have faced since Lebanon’s economic crisis began. Aoun’s charges of money laundering against two banks this month further fuelled the banks’ concerns. However, they suspended their strike for a week following Mikati’s move against Aoun and have stated that they are waiting for a long-term resolution of the “deficiency” in the judiciary.

Lebanese politicians retain significant influence over judges’ appointments and prerogatives, while commercial banks also hold considerable sway. The situation has raised concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the ability of authorities to tackle corruption and financial wrongdoing. There was no immediate comment from the banks following Oweidat’s letter on Tuesday.

Lebanon bank investigation effects

The banking system has been paralyzed with most depositors frozen out of US dollar accounts since Lebanon’s financial system collapsed in 2019, marking one of the world’s sharpest ever economic meltdowns. This has led to a wave of bank raids by depositors demanding their money in recent months as a result of the country’s worsening economic crisis.

The United States Department of Defence has said that Iran could produce enough fissile material to create one nuclear bomb in around 12 days. Colin Kahl, the Undersecretary for policy, made the statement during a hearing with the House of Representatives, explaining that Iran’s nuclear progress since the US left the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 has been remarkable.

Before the US abandoned the JCPOA, it was estimated that Iran would have needed a year to produce enough material for one nuclear bomb. However, according to Kahl, it now would only take around 12 days to produce a nuclear bomb.

The JCPOA, which the Trump administration left in 2018, had limited Iran’s uranium stockpile to 300 kilograms (661 pounds) and enrichment to 3.67%, which is enough to fuel a nuclear power plant. However, following the US’s departure from the deal, Iran has started producing uranium enriched to 60% purity, which nonproliferation experts say has no civilian use.

Moreover, uranium enriched to nearly 84% is almost at weapons-grade levels of 90%. Iran, however, said that “unintended fluctuations” during the enrichment process “may have occurred” when asked about the presence of the particles.

It is important to note that while Iran has enough uranium to produce several nuclear bombs, building and miniaturizing a weapon to put it on a missile would take months. The US intelligence community has maintained its assessment that Iran isn’t pursuing an atomic bomb.

What is a nuclear bomb?

A nuclear bomb, also known as an atomic bomb or a nuclear weapon, is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions. The explosion of a nuclear bomb can release vast amounts of energy in the form of heat, light, and radiation, causing massive destruction and loss of life. Nuclear bombs work by initiating a chain reaction of nuclear fission, in which atomic nuclei are split apart, releasing energy and more neutrons, which in turn split other nuclei.

This creates a runaway chain reaction that rapidly releases an enormous amount of energy. The destructive power of a nuclear bomb is typically measured in kilotons or megatons, indicating the equivalent amount of TNT required to produce the same explosion.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

Chicken and poultry prices in Egypt have experienced their first drop in over a year after the government imported more than 100,000 tonnes of frozen chicken from Brazil. The move came after steadily rising prices that had made beef and chicken unaffordable for many Egyptians.

The imported chicken, which was sold at discounted rates to low-income Egyptians through the Ministry of Supply and the armed forces’ outlets and at chain hypermarkets, sold out quickly. Demand for the imported chicken was high, particularly as it costs about 35% less than locally raised poultry. The lower prices led local poultry sellers to drop their prices by about 10 Egyptian pounds by Monday morning.

Why poultry prices in Egypt are so high

The Egyptian poultry industry has been struggling for some time, with a shortage of feed created by government import restrictions and a drop in supply leading to higher poultry prices in Egypt. Farmers have repeatedly asked the government to step in and subsidise corn and soybeans, the two main components of chicken feed.

The government has increased the planting of these crops and released shipments of them held up at ports, but this is not expected to have a significant impact on the industry for several months. Egypt imported an average of 50,000 tonnes of chicken per month last year, while Egyptians consume an average of 180,000 tonnes per month.

Image Credit: James Wainscoat on Unsplash

Iran’s only endangered Asiatic cheetah cub, Pirouz, died on Tuesday at the age of 10 months despite several days of treatment for kidney failure, according to Tasnim News Agency. The young cub was the only survivor of a litter of three endangered Asiatic cheetahs.

Pirouz and the other cats in his litter were the first Asiatic cheetahs to be born in captivity in Iran, and they were born in the Touran wildlife refuge in Semnan province. The Iranian government has been making efforts to save the Asiatic cheetah, which is one of the world’s critically endangered species.

The United Nations has also been working with Iran to step up efforts to rescue the species. The Asiatic cheetah, a close cousin of the southeast African cheetah, was once found throughout the Red Sea to India. However, its numbers have dwindled to an estimated 50 to 70 animals remaining in Iran, down from as many as 400 in the 1990s.

The decline in their population can be attributed to poaching, hunting of their main prey, gazelles, and encroachment on their habitat. Cheetahs have also been hit by cars and killed in fights with sheepdogs. Shepherds who graze their flocks in areas inhabited by the cheetahs are permitted to do so.

Iran’s attempts to save the endangered Asiatic cheetah

Iran has long tried to save the Asiatic cheetah and, despite this setback, is continuing its efforts to protect the species. The government has implemented conservation measures, such as providing incentives for farmers to protect cheetahs, increasing patrolling in protected areas, and building cheetah breeding centres to try to increase their numbers in captivity.

The Asiatic cheetah is not only a national symbol of Iran but also a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage. It has been depicted in ancient Persian art and poetry for centuries. The death of Pirouz, the only surviving cub of his litter, is a blow to the conservation efforts to save this endangered Asiatic cheetah from extinction.

Romanian authorities have announced the arrest of Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi, a Lebanese-Belgian citizen and a key Hezbollah fundraiser and financer of the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. Bazzi’s arrest took place in Bucharest last Friday, and it is considered a significant milestone in the fight against Hezbollah. The US government had been seeking Bazzi’s arrest since 2018, and his apprehension in Bucharest is being viewed as a success.

Bazzi’s role as a “Hezbollah fundraiser”

Bazzi, who is 58 years old, has been accused of funnelling millions of dollars to Lebanon’s Hezbollah over the years and is said to be a major Hezbollah fundraiser. In 2018, the US labelled Bazzi a “global terrorist,” and a $10 million reward was offered for information leading to his arrest. Breon Peace, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, charged Bazzi and Talal Chahine, both Lebanese citizens, with conspiracy “to conduct and cause American persons to conduct unlawful transactions and money laundering conspiracy.”

According to Peace, “Mohammad Bazzi thought that he could secretly move hundreds of thousands of dollars from the United States to Lebanon without detection by law enforcement. Today’s arrest proves that Bazzi was wrong.” DEA Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Daniel J. Kafafian added, “The defendants in this case attempted to provide continued financial assistance to Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization responsible for death and destruction.” Kafafian further emphasized the DEA’s commitment to working with law enforcement and foreign counterparts to dismantle the operations of organizations that support terrorism financially.

Bazzi’s role in West Africa, specifically The Republic of the Gambia, has also come under scrutiny. He was a significant minority shareholder in Prime Bank in The Gambia, which allegedly served as a crucial money-laundering instrument for Hezbollah in West Africa. Bazzi had ties to Yahya Jammeh, the former leader of The Gambia from the mid-1990s to 2017. The financier’s extradition to the US is pending, and further investigations into his activities are ongoing.

Image Credit: Rewards for Justice

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, arrived in Damascus on Monday, marking the first visit by an Egyptian foreign minister to the Syrian capital since the country’s conflict erupted in 2011. The Syrian state news agency Sana reported that Mr. Shoukry’s trip was part of an effort to show solidarity with Syria and Turkey after the devastating earthquake that hit both countries earlier this month. The earthquake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, resulted in the deaths of more than 46,000 people in both countries.

Following his visit to Damascus, Mr. Shoukry is set to travel to Turkey on Monday to continue the mission of showing solidarity with the two countries and their brotherly peoples. The Egyptian foreign ministry released a statement saying that the visit is an opportunity to strengthen ties between the three countries, and to demonstrate Arab outreach to the internationally isolated Syrian government.

Why is the Egyptian foreign minister visiting Syria now?

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi called his Syrian counterpart Bashar Al Assad on February 7, marking the first official exchange between the two leaders. The move was a significant shift in Egypt’s position towards Syria, which had been estranged since the beginning of the Syrian conflict. The visit by Mr. Shoukry is the latest example of Egypt’s efforts to re-engage with the Syrian government.

The situation in Syria has remained complex and unstable, with the country devastated by a decade-long civil war. Egypt’s outreach to Syria is seen by many as a potential step towards a resolution to the conflict, and a return to stability in the region. With the visit of Mr. Shoukry, hopes remain high that the countries can work together towards a brighter future for the region.

Image Credit: Egypt MFA Spokesperson/Twitter

Companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain have signed industrial agreements worth over $2 billion. The agreements were signed during the third Higher Committee meeting of the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development held on February 26 in Amman.

According to state news agency WAM, 12 agreements were signed across nine industrial projects at the meeting. The projects are expected to create around 13,000 job opportunities and boost the national GDP of the partnering countries by more than $1.6 billion.

The Prime Minister of Jordan, Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh, met with the ministers of the partner countries and emphasized the significance of this partnership in strengthening bilateral relations and economic development. He also highlighted the role of the industrial sector in participating countries.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and the UAE’s special envoy for climate change, President-Designate COP28, expressed his country’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with member states to ensure that everyone benefits from each other’s competitive advantages and capabilities. He also called the partnership “an exceptional model for industrial partnerships among private-sector companies.”

Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Engineer Ahmed Samir Saleh, stressed the need to achieve industrial integration among Arab states, given the economic crisis the world is currently experiencing. He said that it is crucial to strengthen regional partnerships and include the private sector as a major partner in implementing sustainable development plans and helping the Arab region to prosper.

Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, believes that the partnership offers a real opportunity to increase the efficiency of supply chains through the integration of industries in the region, which is a pillar of Bahrain’s industrial strategy.

The agreements signed at the meeting covered various industrial sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and aluminium production.

Egyptian company Soda Chemical Industries announced that it will invest $500 million to produce sodium carbonate, a key raw material in many industries, such as the glass and detergent sector. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 500,000 tons, and an MoU was signed for a strategic partnership with the Emirates Flat Glass Company to purchase the final product.

UAE-based automotive manufacturer M Glory Holding will launch a large manufacturing project with an investment of $550 million, which will include the creation of three electric vehicle factories with specialized production and assembly lines in the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt. The production capacity will reach 40,000 compact crossover SUVs during the first three years of operation.

Emirati investor-owned CFC Group announced that it will invest $400 million to establish an industrial complex for fertilizers and chemicals in Egypt. The industrial complex will have an annual production capacity of half-a-ton of fodder and potash fertilizers and 1.1 tons of chemicals. The company signed MoUs with Jordan-based Arab Potash and Egypt’s Misr Phosphate Company to supply raw materials.

Emirates Global Aluminium will invest $200 million to establish a silicon metal plant in the UAE with an annual production capacity of 55,000 tons. The company signed an MoU with Jordan’s Manaseer Group to supply the required crystalline silica.

Manaseer Group, in turn, announced the expansion of a $70 million magnesium oxide plant in Jordan, which will have a total production capacity of 270,000 tonnes annually, which will be exported to the UAE. The company will sell its product to Emirates Global Aluminium. Production is set to commence in 2024.

Several pharmaceutical deals were also signed at the meeting. The UAE’s Globalpharma entered a partnership with Egypt’s Nerhadou to develop advanced technology for the manufacturing of medicines and supplements. An agreement was also signed to transfer technology to two Jordanian companies – Sav.

Image Credit: Egyptian Cabinet Facebook page

Iran has been rocked by a series of girls being poisoned in Iran at girls’ schools, according to a senior health official who spoke to the semi-official Fars news agency. “Certain individuals sought the closure of all schools, especially girls’ schools,” said Younes Panahi, the Iranian deputy health minister. The fact that hundreds have been poised in Iran has led to dozens of girls needing hospital treatment.

At least 14 schools have been hit in four cities, including the north-western city of Ardebil, the capital Tehran and the western city of Borujerd, newspaper Etemad reported. The authorities have been criticised for their response to protests against the leadership that have emerged in the wake of the poisoning, including the execution of four protesters.

The use of toxic chemicals to harm children represents a flagrant violation of human rights and is expected to be widely condemned by human rights groups and governments. The Iranian government has come under fire for its handling of the situation, with many accusing it of failing to protect its citizens.

The protests that erupted in Iran last week after the poisoning of girls at schools have been met with a brutal crackdown by the authorities. Thousands of people have been arrested so far in the Mahsa Amini protests and detained for taking part in demonstrations, and more than 500 people have been killed by security forces, according to rights groups.

Is this the first time girls schools have been poisoned in Iran?

The use of girls being poisoned in Iran to target schools and children is not a new phenomenon in Iran. Similar incidents have been reported in the past, with girls’ schools being targeted in particular. This latest wave of poisonings, however, is set to spark renewed outrage and calls for action to be taken to prevent such attacks from happening again.

The situation in Iran is made even more concerning by the fact that it comes at a time when girls’ education is under threat across the region. The Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan has banned girls and women from attending schools and universities, effectively denying them the right to an education. The poisoning of girls at schools in Iran is a stark reminder of the importance of defending the right to education for all, regardless of gender or background.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File

Over 50,000 people have now been confirmed dead following the devastating Turkey earthquakes that also hit Syria. On Saturday, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag revealed that 184 suspects, including construction contractors and property owners, had already been arrested as part of an investigation into the disaster.

For years prior to the Turkey earthquake, experts had warned that endemic corruption and government policies meant that many new buildings were unsafe. More than 160,000 buildings collapsed or were severely damaged in Turkey after the quakes, leading to questions about whether the natural disaster’s impact was made worse by human failings.

Among those who have been arrested is a mayor of one of the towns close to where the tremors hit, according to Turkish media reports. Mr Bozdag made his televised remarks from south-eastern Turkey, where the 7.8 magnitude quake struck and was followed by another powerful tremor just hours later.

Response of the investigation into the Turkey earthquake

The investigation into the Turkey earthquake has widened significantly since it was launched two weeks ago, with 113 arrest warrants initially issued. Opposition parties and some construction experts have been quick to capitalize on the public’s anger and have accused President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration of failing to enforce building regulations and trying to divert overall blame for the disaster.

Government policies have allowed so-called amnesties for contractors who ignored building regulations, in order to encourage a construction boom, including in earthquake-prone regions. While Erdogan has admitted shortcomings, he has appeared to blame fate for the scale of the disaster, saying “such things have always happened. It’s part of destiny’s plan” during a recent visit to the region.

With elections on the horizon, Erdogan’s future is on the line after 20 years in power. While President Erdogan has admitted to shortcomings, his apparent reluctance to accept responsibility for the disaster and his attempts to shift blame onto fate have not gone down well with the public. His pleas for national unity have gone unheeded, and the opposition parties have continued to speak out against his administration’s handling of the disaster. The tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for reforms to ensure that the safety of the people is prioritized over economic interests.

Image Credit: AP Photo/ Emrah Gurel

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Tunisia’s capital on Saturday to denounce racism and show solidarity with migrants, after the country’s president, Kais Saied, claimed that sub-Saharan Africans were part of a plot to erase the country’s identity.

The protest in Tunisia, organized by Tunisia’s journalists union and several non-governmental organizations, saw protesters shouting slogans such as “no to racism,” “solidarity with migrants,” and “no to police crackdown” as they marched through central Tunis.

Saied had earlier in the week called for “urgent measures” to address the entry of irregular immigrants from sub-Saharan countries, citing “violence, crimes, and unacceptable practices.” The comments prompted an increasing number of racist assaults against sub-Saharan migrants, according to Romdhane Ben Amor, spokesperson for the Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights.

“We noted attempts to drive some migrants out of their homes,” Amor told The Associated Press. “Others are being prevented from taking public transportation.”

Tunisian comedian Fatma Saidane also spoke out against the discrimination, calling on people to show a “civic-minded attitude” towards those living on Tunisian soil.

“We must not assault or insult people who live on our soil, in the same way we don’t accept our compatriots to be ill-treated in Europe,” she said.

Recent days have seen around 100 sub-Saharan migrants detained for illegally crossing the Tunisian border, according to Riadh Nouioui, the deputy prosecutor of Kasserine. Other migrants enter the country from neighboring Libya.

Saied’s comments have drawn criticism from NGOs and sparked outrage on social media. Tunisia, which was once lauded as the only budding democracy in the Arab world, has seen a recent crackdown on opposition politicians and activists. Several opposition figures, including judges, politicians, activists, businessmen, and the head of an independent radio station, have been arrested in recent weeks. The accusations against them range from threatening state security to being responsible for recent price increases.

On Friday, the African Union denounced the remarks made by Tunisia’s president as “racialised hate speech.”

The African Union statement on Friday, expressed “deep shock and concern” at the “form and substance” of the president’s remarks, regardless of the migrants’ legal status in the country. The Tunisian foreign ministry was taken aback by the African Union’s statement, dismissing it as “baseless accusations.”

The president’s comments have sparked widespread criticism from civil rights organizations and on social media. This controversy comes amid the country’s prolonged economic crisis and a mounting crackdown on critics, who accuse the president of an illegal power grab after he suspended parliament in 2021.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Slim Abid, file

Tunisian President Kais Saied’s speech on Tuesday about migrants from sub-Saharan Africa has been condemned as “racist” by several human rights organizations. The speech was made after a National Security Council meeting at the Carthage Palace where Saied emphasized the need to take “urgent measures” to stop the flow of “hordes of irregular immigrants” from sub-Saharan Africa because it leads to “violence and crimes.”

Tunisian human rights organizations such as the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights and Mnemty have denounced the speech as inciting “hatred” against black immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa residing in Tunisia. Ramadan Bin Omar, the official spokesman for the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, described Saied’s speech as “steeped in racism and hate.” Bin Omar also accused Saied of “exploiting” the immigrant crisis to distract public opinion from economic and social issues and to “clearly and completely” obey the demands and pressures of the Italian authorities to control the flow of immigrants.

Groups that condemned President Kais Saied’s speech

The anti-racism organization Mnemty also condemned Saied’s speech and called on the Tunisian authorities to address “hate speech, discrimination and racism” on social media and other media outlets. On social media, reactions to the speech were divided between support and criticism. While human rights activist Mustafa Abdelkabir criticized Saied’s speech for not resembling Tunisia, far-right French politician Eric Zemmour praised it as a warning against the escalation of immigration.

Tunisia hosts around 21,000 immigrants, including students and legal residents, with most coming from Ivory Coast, Mali, Cameroon, Ghana, and Guinea. These immigrants work in simple and difficult jobs to earn enough money to pay for the hazardous journey across the Mediterranean to Italy. The speech by Saied has fuelled the migrant crisis, according to human rights organizations.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Slim Abid, file

February 25 is the date of Kuwait National Day 2023 where Kuwaitis will celebrate its 62nd National Day and 32nd Liberation Day, commemorating Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah‘s ascension to the throne in 1950. The day holds great significance for Kuwaitis as it marks the establishment of Kuwait as an independent country, free from British colonial rule.

Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah was a visionary leader who laid the foundations of Kuwait’s modern state, including signing a treaty that declared Kuwait’s independence from Great Britain. He was also instrumental in creating the Kuwait Constitution and the Kuwait Parliament.

How is Kuwait National Day 2023 celebrated?

National Day is a time for Kuwaitis to celebrate their country’s rich history and its many accomplishments. It is an official public holiday and is marked by a series of events, gatherings, and celebrations across the country. Families and friends come together to honour Kuwait’s legacy and remarkable leaders.

The day provides an opportunity for Kuwaitis to reflect on their country’s achievements and renew their commitment to its future. It is a time for national unity, pride, and patriotism, as Kuwaitis celebrate the many successes that have made their country one of the most prosperous and advanced in the Middle East.

In addition to the festivities and celebrations that take place on National Day, the government of Kuwait also organizes a series of cultural events, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. These events attract both locals and visitors, who come to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Kuwait.

One of the highlights of National Day is the traditional military parade, which takes place in the capital city of Kuwait. The parade is attended by members of the royal family, government officials, and members of the armed forces. It is a grand spectacle that showcases the country’s military might and strength.

Importance of National Day

Another important aspect of National Day is the sense of national pride and unity that it inspires in Kuwaitis. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations to secure Kuwait’s independence and freedom. It is also an opportunity for Kuwaitis to come together and reaffirm their commitment to their country’s future.

National Day is not only celebrated within Kuwait, but also by the Kuwaiti diaspora around the world. Kuwaiti communities in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom organize their own celebrations, showcasing their pride in their country of origin.

As Kuwait continues to grow and develop, National Day remains a vital part of the country’s identity and heritage. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Kuwaiti people, who have overcome many challenges to build a prosperous and thriving nation.

Image Credit: Andrew Fackler/Flickr

The Central Bank of Iraq has announced plans to settle trade with China directly in yuan, a move that is expected to improve its access to foreign currency and stabilize exchange rates. Previously, Iraqi imports from China were financed in US dollars only. The move is part of a series of measures by the central bank to address a dollar shortage in local currency markets, which forced Iraq’s cabinet to allow a currency revaluation earlier this month.

The revaluation plan was submitted by the central bank after the Iraqi dinar shed more than 10% of its value in recent months. The cabinet set the official exchange rate at 1,300 Iraqi dinars per US dollar. The first option for settling trade in yuan would depend on the central bank’s yuan reserves, while the second would rely on the bank’s US dollar reserves at JP Morgan and DBS. The two banks would convert the dollars to yuan and pay the final beneficiary in China. The move signifies the growing importance of the Chinese currency in international markets.

The Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to allow direct settlement of trade with China in yuan is expected to have significant implications for the country’s economy. The move is seen as a response to a dollar shortage in the local currency markets that has forced the country to take measures to stabilize the value of the Iraqi dinar. By allowing trade to be settled directly in yuan, the Central Bank of Iraq is hoping to improve its access to foreign currency and provide a more stable environment for local businesses and individuals.

Why the Central Bank of Iraq made the decision?

The decision to allow trade to be settled in yuan is part of a series of measures that the central bank has taken to address the dollar shortage. In addition to allowing trade to be settled in yuan, the bank has also taken steps to boost the balances of Iraqi banks that have accounts with Chinese banks in the yuan. It has also strengthened the balances of Iraqi banks through the accounts of the central bank to the final beneficiary in the Chinese yuan, through its accounts with JP Morgan and the Development Bank in Singapore.

This move is significant because it marks the first time that Iraqi imports from China will be financed in yuan. Previously, all imports from China were financed in US dollars only. The move is expected to reduce the country’s dependence on the dollar and diversify its foreign currency reserves. It is also expected to improve the country’s ability to do business with China, which has become one of Iraq’s largest trading partners in recent years.

The decision to allow trade to be settled in yuan also signifies the growing importance of the Chinese currency in international markets. China has been working to promote the use of the yuan as a global reserve currency and has been taking steps to increase its use in trade settlement. The Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to settle trade in yuan is seen as a significant step in this direction and is likely to encourage other countries to follow suit.

Possible implications

The Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to allow trade to be settled in yuan is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy. By reducing its dependence on the dollar and diversifying its foreign currency reserves, Iraq will be better able to weather economic shocks and maintain stable exchange rates. It is also expected to improve the country’s trade relations with China and increase its access to foreign currency.

Image Credit: Eric Prouzet on Unsplash

Oman Air has announced that Maha Al Balushi has become the first female Omani Captain in the airline’s history. Al Balushi has been with the airline since 2010, when she graduated from the cadet program at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. She was the only woman enrolled in the program at the time. She became the first female Omani to be awarded the rank of first officer in 2013. Al Balushi officially received her new rank during a ceremony held at the Oman Air’s headquarters in Muscat. This statement comes ahead of International Women’s Day which is celebrated this year on March 8.

In a statement by Oman Air, Al Balushi said, “My dream has always been to become a captain. It hasn’t been easy but thanks to the support I have around me, from my family to my training team and the airline, I have accomplished what I set out to do. It is an honour to hold this role and I hope that I will inspire other Omani women to choose such a rewarding career in the skies.” Oman Air said that 1,230 Omani female employees contribute to the airline’s strength, occupying a range of roles including cabin crew, flight operations, engineering, airport services, marketing, customer services, sales, and communications.

Oman Air’s diversity goals

The airline has achieved an Omanisation rate of 94 per cent, excluding female cabin crew. Oman Air’s appointment of Al Balushi as the first female Omani Captain reflects the airline’s commitment to empowering women and promoting diversity in the aviation industry. It is hoped that her achievement will inspire more women in Oman to pursue careers in aviation, and serve as a reminder of the valuable contributions that women can make to the sector.

Other female captains in the Middle East

In August last year, Etihad Airways announced that Aisha Al Mansoori has made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to become a commercial airline captain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Captain Al Mansoori joined the airline’s pilot cadet programme in October 2007 and was one of only two Emirati women in her class. She graduated from the programme in 2010 and flew her first flight on an Airbus A320 in Amman, Jordan. To become a captain, she had to complete Etihad’s checks and balances program, accumulate a mandatory number of flying hours, and pass the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s theoretical and piloting exams.

Image Credit: Oman Air

Saudi Arabia has deposited $1 billion into Yemen’s Central Bank to support the country’s economic reform programme. This move aims to strengthen the efforts of the Yemeni government to build up reserves at the Central Bank of Yemen and enhance economic stability. The initiative has been welcomed by the Head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al Alimi, and Central Bank Governor Ahmad Ghaleb.

Yemen’s economy has been struggling with a shortage of foreign currency, which is mainly obtained through the export of crude oil through Hadramawt and Shabwah ports that have been under threat due to Houthi attacks. The Houthis have been in control of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa since 2014. Since then, Saudi Arabia has been leading a coalition to fight against the Houthis.

The country is currently in a state of no-war, no-peace stalemate, and active fighting has largely stopped among the warring sides, despite the breakdown of a UN-brokered truce in October. The situation has resulted in economic turmoil and hardship for the Yemeni people, with the Aden-based government raising the US dollar exchange rate used to calculate customs duties on non-essential goods by 50 per cent last month amid dollar shortages, sending prices to all-time highs.

The Yemeni government has been resorting to money-printing to finance the deficit, but in Houthi-held areas, where new notes are banned, the exchange rate is around 600 rials to the dollar, causing further economic hardship for the people. The deposit by Saudi Arabia into the Central Bank of Yemen is expected to help alleviate the country’s economic woes and provide a path towards economic stability.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Fawaz Salman/File Photo

The European Union seeks to hastily find alternatives to what it called the Kremlin’s “weaponization of energy” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last September, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar to roll out the red carpet to these Middle Eastern gas exporters to deepen their position in the world’s largest trading bloc.

Highlighting the dependency on Russian energy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published a report on “A 10-Point Plan to Reduce the European Union’s Reliance on Russian Natural Gas” as the European Union imported an average of over 380 million cubic metres (mcm) per day of gas by pipeline from Russia in 2021. The report clearly points out that the EU should immediately increase near-term LNG inflows by some 60 bcm, compared with the average levels in 2021. This reality leads the region to the Middle East LNG market as the timely procurement of LNG can be facilitated by enhanced dialogue with LNG exporters in the Middle East countries such as Qatar and UAE.

Energy independence of EU

The current energy war between Russia and Europe has also had widespread consequences for global liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets and the war itself leads EU to cooperate with the Gulf countries on the LNG transfer.

In 2022, as an alternative source to gain energy independence against Russia, European countries have successfully attracted an estimated 53 billion cubic meters (bcm) of incremental LNG supplies representing over four times the LNG demand of Japan after Fukushima. On the other hand, the continents’ decarbonization goals of by 2050 mean that companies (and countries) are hesitant to make long term commitments to sign the large volumes of LNG contracts with the Gulf countries.

Within the framework of the net zero target, Europe would like to contract clean LNG for 10 years to avoid being stuck with LNG volumes in the late 2040s. Therefore, German economy minister Habeck recently discussed LNG supply with Qatar for an eight-10-year contract. Also, Germany announced to receive first Middle Eastern LNG, from UAE’s Adnoc. On the contrary, the biggest dilemma for the European stakeholders is how to ensure security of gas supplies while decarbonizing the energy system.

EU and Middle East are also cooperating on green energy. In the medium and longer term, Europe’s transition from fossil-based economies to renewable energy could be increasingly bound to a vigorous development of clean energy production in the Middle East region. With the EU’s established ambitious climate and energy policy targets; reducing greenhouse emissions by 2030 by more than half vis-à-vis 1990 levels and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, the region has lots of potential such as solar and wind energy as well as hydrogen to become the saviour of EU.

During COP27, the Sustainable Electricity Trade (SET) MoU signed by Morocco, Spain, Portugal, France and Germany to promote cross-border trade corporate green energy further highlights the acceleration of the MENA region integration in the energy sector. 

The move towards renewables in MENA is accelerating. Morocco, for instance, aims to have 80% of its total electricity generation capacity from renewables by 2050. According to the World Bank, this trend, boosted by European investment deals for clean energy production in the region has the potential to not only increase GDP in the MENA countries involved, but also provide much needed jobs.

Win-win situation

As I highlight in my newly published book “The Renaissance of Smart Energy”, the Middle East region is more than the Syrian war or visits to Dubai for super-posh expensive shopping. Undoubtedly, the region has huge potential for green investments for European countries.

The energy cooperation path remains clear for the building of trust in order to achieve progress on the environment in 2023 between Europe and the Middle East. The Middle Eastern countries must however unite to combat climate-change and the energy oligarchs in order to build a strong alliance that supports European energy independence. There can be no losers in this scenario. It can only be a win-win situation.

The current challenge of Europe on clean energy and Russian energy supplies creates a unique opportunity to draw the countries of the MENA region into a nexus of trade, growth, and peace, while at the same time pushing forward the transition to renewable energy. It is a win-win opportunity that we must not let slip away.

Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh, along with his brother Raja and an assistant, have been charged with money laundering, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment by a Lebanese judge after an 18-month investigation.

The charges come amidst multiple accusations of corruption and the embezzlement of funds by Salameh, who confirmed earlier this month that he is prepared to resign from his 30-year stint as central bank governor when his fifth term ends this year.

The accusations against Salameh

The accusations against Salameh include the embezzlement of $330 million from the central bank through a contract he signed with Forry Associates, a financial services company run by his brother.

Despite the accusations, the Salameh brothers have denied any wrongdoing. A previous judge had recused himself from the case and did not file charges. The charges against Salameh come at a time when Lebanon is facing a severe economic crisis with a rapidly devaluing currency, hyperinflation, and increasing poverty rates.

Who is Riad Salameh?

Riad Salameh is the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon and has held this position since 1993. Salameh is a well-known figure in Lebanon and has been involved in the country’s financial and economic policy for several decades. He is also considered a close ally of the Lebanese political elite.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

Lebanon’s economic crisis deepened as inflation in Lebanon reached an annual rate of approximately 124% in January, according to the Central Administration of Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. This marks the 31st consecutive month of hyperinflation in the country, which has been hit by a severe economic and financial crisis that has lasted for decades. The inflation in Lebanon is primarily driven by rising communication, education, health, restaurant and hotel prices, along with increased food, water and energy costs.

Why is inflation in Lebanon so high?

The country’s political deadlock has prevented the formation of a new government and enactment of necessary reforms to unlock billions of dollars in aid. The CPI increased by 8.43% in January from December 2022. In 2021, inflation reached 155%, while it climbed to 171.2% in 2022, the highest rate in approximately four decades.

What are the worst affected sectors?

The costs of communication increased by 331% in January from the same month in 2022. Education, health, and restaurant and hotel prices also surged 191%, 176%, and 174%, respectively. Water, electricity, gas and other fuel prices rose 163% annually, while clothing and footwear prices, as well as food and alcoholic beverages, increased by 161% and 138%, respectively.

The costs of miscellaneous goods and services rose by 20% compared to December 2022, while restaurant and hotel prices increased by 18%. Health bills, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and the cost of water, electricity, gas, and other fuels jumped by 11% each.

What’s next for Lebanon?

Lebanon’s economy contracted by about 58% between 2019 and 2021, with GDP falling to $21.8bn in 2021 from about $52bn in 2019, according to the World Bank. The country’s tax revenue more than halved between 2019 and 2021 amid the deepest economic crisis since the civil war, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Could the IMF’s visit to Lebanon in March help?

In March, the IMF delegation is set to visit Lebanon and it is expected that the private sector will propose the creation of a fund to contribute to returning deposits to their owners. This proposal was previously suggested by former Economy Minister Raed Khoury. However, due to the Lebanese government’s failure to implement IMF reform conditions, there is uncertainty over the extent to which the IMF can involve the state in the losses and benefits of such a fund.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Bilal Hussein

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has been advised by his doctor to rest for several days after catching a cold, according to a report by the state news agency Maghreb Arab Press. As a result, the King has been advised to avoid travelling for the time being to protect King Mohammed VI health.

The 59-year-old monarch was set to travel to Senegal on Wednesday, according to reports by Senegalese state media. However, the visit had not been announced by the palace. King Mohammed has the final say on all major decisions in Morocco, a North African kingdom that he has ruled since 1999, following the death of his father, Hassan II.

History of King Mohammed VI health

The Moroccan palace has released several statements in recent years about the King’s health, including when he underwent heart surgery in 2018, suffered a lung infection in 2019, and contracted Covid-19 in June last year when the King’s doctor announced that the monarch exhibited no symptoms despite testing positive for Covid-19.

During his absence, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan has stepped in to represent his father on various occasions, including during trips abroad.

When was King Mohammed VI’s last public appearance?

The King’s most recent public appearance was last week when he travelled to Gabon, where he held talks with the country’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba at the presidential palace in Libreville, the Gabonese capital. According to an official statement, the meeting was an opportunity to highlight the importance of the “deep, rich, and solidly rooted relations between Morocco and Gabon,” as well as the “strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity between the two nations.” During the meeting, King Mohammed VI and the Gabonese president reviewed the state of the bilateral partnership between their two countries in all fields. In particular, King Mohammed VI made a donation of 2,000 tons of fertilizers to Gabonese farmers.

Morocco and Gabon share long-standing diplomatic relations that span over 50 years. In 2020, Gabon cemented its support of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara region by opening a general consulate in the southern Moroccan city of Laayoune. Gabon and Morocco are also large trade partners. Moroccan exports to Gabon amounted to over MAD 537 million ($52 million) in 2020, according to data from Trading Economics. In 2018, Gabonese President Ali Bongo, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, received medical treatment in Morocco.

Morocco has made significant efforts in recent years to build closer ties with West African countries, as part of its wider strategy to bolster support for its stance on the disputed territory of Western Sahara in the continent.

Image Credit: Moroccan Royal Palace via AP

In October 2016, the Egyptian Premier League witnessed a unique refereeing scandal, which was covered by many local and international media, in the 68th minute of the Ismaily and Al-Nasr mining match, which ended in a positive draw with a goal for the same, Ismaily goalkeeper Mohamed Awad saved a ball with his hands from outside the penalty area, and the referee did not calculate a free kick or anything, and even demanded that play continue amid a wide astonishment from everyone.

Egyptian football followers thought that this disaster would resolve the non-repetition of refereeing errors in the Egyptian Premier League football matches, especially after the heinous attack on the refereeing staff, which resulted in an official decision to suspend the referee of the match, but the crisis continued to flare up from year to year, which shattered the hopes of emerging football teams to achieve advanced positions in the league table, and participate in continental tournaments such as the African Champions League or the African Confederation Championship.

Recurring crisis of referee corruption in Egypt

The refereeing crisis in Egypt is witnessing a remarkable development in the recent period, as the emerging football clubs suffer from the continuation of the journey of the Egyptian Premier League, after the clear stubbornness they are exposed to in favour of the most popular clubs, which appeared recently this month, especially in the first minute of the match Zamalek and Smouha, within the eighteenth round of the Premier League Championship.

The arbitration disaster was new of its kind this time, when only 15 seconds passed from the events of the meeting, and Zamalek player Mohamed Abd El-Shafi made a mistake, in passing the ball to his team’s defense line, to be kidnapped by Hossam Hassan, striker of Smouha Club, from inside the penalty area of the white team, to do Mohamed Abd El-Ghani, defender of Zamalek Club, “mashing” the player’s foot clearly in front of everyone.

The strange thing is that the match referee, Ibrahim Nour El-Din, returned to review the game again via the Var technique, but he decided not to calculate a penalty kick in favour of the Alexandrian team to continue playing normally, in a usual scene from the Egyptian refereeing, and even the director of the match deliberately showed the aforementioned shot in front of the viewers (black and white), so that the vision is not fully clear.


Compulsory retirement

One of the players of emerging clubs in Egypt, who refused to be named, so as not to be subjected to legal accountability, says in an exclusive interview with The Middle East Beat, that his journey in moving between the Egyptian Premier League clubs exceeded 7 years, during which he did not achieve any official championship, despite his many participations in matches, attributing the reason to the refereeing crisis in Egypt, which was exposed to disasters more than 20 times.

The player expresses his sad career in the world of football: “I would have liked to play for popular clubs in Egypt such as Al-Ahly or Zamalek, so that I could avoid repeated refereeing errors, which affected the future of many players in different clubs, and even made a difference in the fate of many football coaches, who were greatly wronged by repeated refereeing errors in the Premier League.”

He concludes his speech, explaining that some players in emerging clubs decided to retire from football permanently in the past few years, after they lost hope in the progress of the teams they joined, or competing with the most popular clubs, stressing that small teams suffer from several things, most notably that the media does not address any details except for popular clubs and affiliated with major companies, which affects the absence of marketing for small clubs, and makes them less likely to defend their rights, as they have been exposed to cases of refereeing errors.


Flops of the “Var” rooms

For his part, Omar Emad, a sports critic, believes that the refereeing crisis in the Egyptian Premier League is very huge, due to the referees’ different treatment of the two most popular teams in Egypt (Al-Ahly and Al-Zamalek), and the referees’ strange actions in calculating direct free kicks or penalties, and cancelling goals or counting them in favour of popular clubs.

“Emad” explains in an exclusive interview with The Middle East Beat: “I personally asked many of the players of the Egyptian Premier League, all of them unanimously agreed on one thing, playing for Al-Ahly or Zamalek is one thing, and playing against them is another thing entirely, despite the large presence of corporate clubs in recent times, but the injustice is clear to them, in exchange for the full bias of the popular clubs in Egypt.”

He adds: “There are several crises within the rooms of the Var, and I attended one of the matches inside the room of the Var, accompanied by one of my friends from the directors of the matches, and I saw then the disasters arbitration, it became clear to me the extent of apprehension that exists n before the referees of the Var in favour of Ahli and Zamalek, the two teams if they were wronged once, the teams that play against them will wronged 10 times,  as a compensation for the two teams”.

As for the reasons for the resignation of the previous arbitration committee, which came under the leadership of the English referee Mark Clattenburg, the sports critic confirms that he decided to leave the presidency of the referees committee in Egypt, because of his repeated crises with Zamalek club president Mortada Mansour, as well as being insulted and slandered publicly in the club’s television programs.

In conclusion, he says: “The presence of Clattenburg in the referees committee did not add anything to the tournament, because his personality was completely absent with the Egyptian referees, and this was quite clear especially in his review of the wrong decisions and refereeing cases, and nothing changed”.



Corrupt appointment

We also got in touch with Mohamed Mohsen, a former Egyptian Premier League referee, who decided to leave the profession a few years ago due to widespread corruption in referee matches, and a lack of desire to belong to the system in general, it became clear that there was another disaster in Egyptian arbitration, little is known about, which is the appointment of people as referees inside the Farr rooms, who do not belong in any way to the profession, and do not have the usual referees.

Mohsen continues his conversation with “The Middle East Beat”, pointing out that these people are relatives of members within the arbitration committee and the Egyptian Football Association, and some of them also have close relations with the presidents of mass clubs in Egypt, and have been appointed in order to provide services to certain clubs, and this has become widely clear in front of the fans recently, and resulted in refereeing disasters that have no analogue in other tournaments.

He says: “Last year, 16 clubs out of 18 participating in the Egyptian Premier League competition, filed official complaints against the wrong refereeing decisions they were subjected to, at the same time that the Egyptian Club Association was asking a committee to contract with a foreign expert to develop the system, which was rejected more than once by the referees committee without giving clear reasons”.

Mohsen concludes: “The continuous pressure by the Egyptian clubs forced the referees committee in the end to bring in the English referee Mark Clattenburg, but only a few months have passed until the parties to the system deliberately spoil his work, and even made it completely cancelled, no impact of his decisions permanently, until he submitted his resignation and left the country, and this is the biggest evidence of the lack of hope for the progress of Egyptian football”.

Image Credit: Omar Emad

Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar announced his country’s readiness to support Libya in finding a political solution to end the Libya crisis on Tuesday. The statement was made during a meeting with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, who was on a visit to discuss the Libyan crisis.

According to the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ammar said that Tunisia is committed to providing all necessary support to the Libyan people and the UN’s efforts to restore peace, security, and development in the neighbouring country.

Ammar reiterated Tunisia’s firm stance on Libya’s situation, based on supporting a peaceful Libyan-led and owned solution free of foreign interference.

In response, Bathily praised Tunisia for its constructive stance and its central role in supporting the process of settling the Libyan issue. Bathily reviewed the UN’s efforts made in collaboration with various Libyan factions, neighbouring countries, and international partners to promote dialogue between the Libyan factions, which would lead to the organization of elections as soon as possible, in accordance with the will of the Libyan people.

Growing international interest to find a solution to the Libya crisis

The meeting between Ammar and Bathily reflects the growing interest in finding a solution to the Libyan crisis, which has been ongoing since the 2011 overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi. The crisis has resulted in a protracted civil war, the rise of armed militias, and a surge in terrorism and human trafficking. Libya and Tunisia have been assisting one another amid Tunisia’s deteriorating social and economic situation. In January, almost 100 Libyan trucks brought sugar, oil, flour and rice into Tunisia amid shortages of basic goods.

Last month, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the need for cooperation among all major parties to find a solution for the ongoing Libyan crisis. He also praised Egypt for playing an essential role in facilitating such cooperation. Tajani made the remarks during a joint press conference held with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, in Cairo.

The press conference addressed various issues, including the Palestinian cause, irregular migration, the energy sector, developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, food security, and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

In early January, Egypt played a crucial role in organizing a meeting between Libyan leaders Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh and Head of Higher Council of State Khaled Al-Mishri in Cairo. The meeting was welcomed by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an “important step” towards holding presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously as soon as possible.

At the time, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry pledged its support for the Libyan people and institutions in their efforts to achieve security, stability, and unity in Libya. It also reiterated its commitment to helping Libya remove all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan lands.

Tunisia’s and other countries commitment to supporting Libya in achieving a peaceful resolution to the crisis is an important step towards regional stability and the restoration of democracy in Libya. The resolution of the crisis is vital to restoring peace and stability in the region. The international efforts to find a solution to the crisis is a significant step in the right direction.

Image Credit: World Atlas

On Tuesday, fuel prices in Lebanon saw another significant increase, leading to a rise in the price of various petroleum products. The canister of 95-octane gasoline rose by LBP 14,000, the price of 98-octane gasoline increased by LBP 15,000, diesel increased by LBP 1,000, and the price of LP gas rose by LBP 14,000.

As a result, the new prices for the aforementioned products in Lebanon are as follows:

95-octane gasoline: LBP 1,493,000

98-octane gasoline: LBP 1,529,000

Diesel: LBP 1,426,000

LP gas: LBP 981,000

Back in January, the the price of a 95-octane gasoline was 713,000 LBP in comparison. This price hike comes as a result of the country’s ongoing economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by the recent currency devaluation. Last week’s sudden and sharp decrease in the value of the Lebanese pound created a wave of confusion in the markets and triggered widespread anger among citizens. Within less than 24 hours, the exchange rate in the parallel market plummeted from 68,000 pounds to the dollar to 77,000 pounds, resulting in a significant gap between purchase and sale prices.

The situation has become dire for many, with warnings that people can no longer afford to buy anything. The impact of the fall has already been felt, with gas station owners refusing to sell fuel and government officials attempting to prevent protests from turning into widespread chaos on the streets.

The Lebanese government has been grappling with an ongoing economic crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability. The country has seen a sharp decline in its currency, which has lost over 90% of its value in the past two years. This has resulted in a rise in the cost of living for citizens, with many struggling to afford basic necessities.

Consequences of the increase in fuel prices in Lebanon

This increase in fuel prices is expected to have a ripple effect on various industries, as transportation costs are likely to increase. The agricultural sector, which heavily relies on fuel to power tractors and other machinery, is also expected to be affected.

The Lebanese government has been struggling to address the ongoing economic crisis, with protests erupting across the country in recent months. The fuel price hike is likely to further fuel public anger and unrest.

Image Credit: Dawn McDonald on Unsplash

Kuwait, a small nation located in the Middle East at the Northwest corner of the Arabian Gulf, has a rich history and is governed by the Sabah family. The city of Kuwait was established in the 1700s as a hub for maritime trade between Arabia and India and since then the flag of Kuwait has changed more than once, it eventually emerged as a major port for Mesopotamia and the Arabian Peninsula. After many years of struggles, Kuwait achieved full independence from Britain in 1961, and the current flag was adopted in the same year.

The flag of Kuwait in the 1900s

Before adopting the current flag, Kuwait’s flag was characterized by a red field with a crescent and a star during the Ottoman Empire. A similar design was adopted with an Arabic inscription on the flag as part of an agreement between Kuwait and the British in 1899. The moon and star were made larger in 1909, and the text was placed in the top right corner. In 1915, the moon and star were removed, and the Arabic inscription was moved to the centre, with a broad white stripe added to the left side.

flag of kuwait
Image Credit: Jaume Ollé

The flag of Kuwait between 1920-1956

When Kuwait was declared an independent country under a British protectorate in 1921, the flag was altered once again. The red backdrop and the Arabic inscription of the Shahada, which means “there is no god but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God,” remained in use until 1940. At this point, the Sabah family logo was added, creating the current design that was kept until 1956. This was replaced with a red background and a white wavy stripe along the left edge, and it too had the Shahada lettering.

Image Credit: Eugene Ipavec

The flag of Kuwait in the 1960s

On October 24th, 1961, Kuwait officially adopted a new Pan-Arab-coloured flag, which remains in use to this day. It is composed of three horizontal stripes in green, white, and red with a black trapezoid on the left side. The black trapezoid represents the country’s location at the head of the Persian Gulf, while the green colour represents the country’s prosperity, white represents peace, and red represents the blood of the country’s defenders.

Kuwait during the ’90s

Kuwait was invaded by Iraq on August 2, 1990, marking the beginning of the Gulf War. The Iraqi forces, led by Saddam Hussein, quickly overran Kuwaiti defenses and occupied the country. This triggered a massive international response, led by the United States, to liberate Kuwait and push back the Iraqi military.

Kuwaiti citizens suffered greatly under the oppressive rule of the Iraqi regime. Many were subject to forced labor, torture, and even execution. The Iraqi military looted the country’s resources, including its vast oil reserves, which were set on fire as they retreated. The environmental damage caused by the fires lasted for years and had a devastating impact on the country’s economy and public health.

The international coalition worked tirelessly to push back the Iraqi forces and free Kuwait. After months of intense fighting, coalition forces liberated Kuwait on February 26, 1991, ending one of the most significant conflicts in modern history.

Despite the many challenges Kuwait faced during the Gulf War, the country emerged from the conflict as a strong and united nation. Kuwait’s experience during the war left an indelible mark on its people, shaping their values and fortifying their determination to never give up in the face of adversity.

Image Credit: Andrew Fackler/Flickr

Iranian-German citizen Jamshid Sharmahd has been sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran after being found guilty of planning and directing terrorist acts. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday and reported on the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan website.

The case of Jamshid Sharmahd

Mr Sharmahd, who holds US residency, was accused of being the mastermind of the 2008 bombing at a mosque in Iran that killed 14 people and injured over 200. He was also charged with “corruption on earth”, a broad accusation that has been brought against suspected terrorists, religious minority activists, and protesters.

The arrest of Mr Sharmahd was announced in 2020 by the Intelligence Ministry, which referred to him as “the ringleader of the terrorist Tondar group, who directed armed and terrorist acts in Iran from America.” Currently, there are about two dozen foreigners and dual citizens detained in Iran as hopes of reviving a 2015 deal on Tehran’s nuclear program fade, and anti-regime demonstrations continue for four months.

Last month, Iran executed former defense minister Ali Reza Akbari, a British-Iranian who was convicted of spying for MI6, the UK’s foreign intelligence agency, and was accused of involvement in the assassination of Iran’s senior nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Mr. Akbari was hanged “after going through all the legal procedures and confirming the court verdict in the Supreme Court,” as reported by Mizan.

In January, Iran also sentenced Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele to a total of 40 years in prison and 74 lashes on charges of spying for the US, money laundering, and currency smuggling. Mr. Vandecasteele was given 12 and a half years in jail on each of three charges – espionage, collaboration with hostile governments, and money laundering – and fined $1 million.

Why does Iran not recognise dual nationality?

Iran does not recognize dual nationality, meaning that individuals who hold Iranian citizenship in addition to citizenship in another country are considered solely Iranian in the eyes of the Iranian government. This means that if such individuals are arrested or detained in Iran, the Iranian government may not recognize their other nationality, and they may not be able to receive consular assistance from the other country’s embassy or diplomatic mission in Iran.

The Iranian government’s stance on dual nationality is based on its interpretation of Islamic law, which considers nationality to be a matter of personal identity and loyalty. The Iranian government believes that an individual cannot be truly loyal to two different countries at the same time, and that holding dual nationality can create conflicts of interest and undermine national security.

In practice, this policy has created difficulties for individuals with dual nationality, including Iranian-Americans and Iranian-British nationals, who have been arrested and detained in Iran in recent years. In August last year, Iran sentenced two Swedish citizens to multiyear prison terms on charges of drug smuggling. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a dual British-Iranian citizen was arrested in 2016 in Tehran while working as a charity project manager. She was accused of spying by the country’s authorities which she denied but was only released in 2022 after a long running dispute between Britain and Iran.

Critics argue that the policy is discriminatory and violates the rights of individuals to access consular assistance from their other country of nationality. Not only does Iran not recognise dual nationality, but last month, Iran sentenced an ethnic Iranian-Kurdish pregnant woman, Shahla Abdi, to death. Although international laws prohibit the execution of pregnant women, this is not the first time that Iran has sentenced a pregnant woman to death. In Iran, the regime executed at least 50 pregnant women in the 1980s. The Iranian authorities also executed and hanged thousands of women in 1988, during the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in Iran.

Image Credit: wirestock – www.freepik.com

Turkey and northern Syria have both been hit by a new earthquake of 6.4 magnitude, with buildings swaying as far away as Lebanon and Egypt. This comes almost two weeks after the first Turkey-Syria earthquake. According to the Turkish disaster response agency AFAD, three people were killed and 213 people have been left injured in Turkey. They also said that the earthquake, at a depth of 7.7km, was centred on the town of Defne, in Hatay province.

While this earthquake was far less violent than the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit southwest Turkey almost two weeks ago it’s effects were still devastating. The earthquake was felt in several countries, including Syria, Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon.

In total 45,000 people have now been confirmed dead in the earlier earthquake, with more than 41,000 of them in Turkey with the number set to rise further in the coming days and weeks.

According to the Turkish authorities, about 1.6 million people have subsequently been made temporarily homeless.

Earlier on Monday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Hatay and pledged that his government would begin the construction of nearly 200,000 new homes in the quake-devastated region as early as next month.

Turkey-Syria earthquake – Why is Turkey hit so badly?

Turkey, a country that has experienced numerous earthquakes in the past, has been working to improve its disaster management efforts. Despite these efforts, however, the frequency and severity of earthquakes in the region continue to pose a significant risk to those living in affected areas. President Erdogan, who has been under criticism over a perceived slow response to the earthquake as well as having presided over a system where corrupt developers failed to meet construction standards. The nature of the soil in southwestern Turkey is said to worsen the effects of earthquakes, with Erdogan promising that new apartment blocks will be built on higher ground. The government’s response comes two weeks after a previous earthquake caused significant damage in the nearby city of Antakya.

As the Turkey and Syria work to recover from the latest earthquake, it remains to be seen how effective the government’s response will be in addressing the needs of those affected by this natural disaster.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Bernat Armangue

Antony Blinken’s arrival in Turkey on Sunday was highly anticipated, due to the US’s long-standing relationship with Turkey and has previously provided assistance and aid to Turkey in times of crisis. The Secretary of State landed at the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey’s southern province of Adana on Sunday afternoon and was greeted by Washington’s ambassador to Ankara, Jeff Flake, among other officials.

After taking a helicopter tour of the earthquake damage with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Blinken met with members of the White Helmets rescue group. The White Helmets have played a critical role in the search and rescue efforts in northwestern Syria, where international support from the UN has been lacking.

Blinken also met with the USAid Disaster Assistance Response Team (Dart), which is assisting with the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake. The Dart search and rescue team is starting to leave Turkey after 11 days on the ground, and response operations are now focused on rapidly delivering relief supplies to millions of people. Blinken’s visit coincided with the day that search and rescue operations in Turkey ended, according to the head of the country’s disaster response agency.

Washington is working through UN agencies and charities to provide emergency assistance, including hot meals, water, medical care and supplies, non-food items such as blankets, clothes, and hygiene kits, temporary shelter, and structural engineers, as well as essential mental health and psychosocial support.

On Monday, Blinken is expected to thank Turkey for its support of cross-border aid to affected areas of Syria, an issue that has reignited since the earthquake. He will hold further talks in Ankara and is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

How much aid to Turkey has been pledged already?

Last week, Washington committed $85 million in immediate humanitarian aid for Turkey, along with continuing USAid help. The additional $100 million pledged by Blinken brings the total to $185 million in aid for Turkey and Syria. The United States remains committed to doing everything it can to support the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts in the wake of this devastating earthquake.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool

Egypt has invested heavily in massive infrastructure projects in recent years, including the new capital east of Cairo and widespread road construction, which helped maintain economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this has weakened the investment environment, stifling industrial and agricultural projects and relying on hot money, creating some instability in the Egyptian economy in 2022.

The instability could have disappeared or increased over time without defined moments, but the Russian-Ukrainian conflict ignited the situation and has brought the economic situation to light causing huge difficulties and forcing the Egyptian government to struggle to control the exchange rate of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar, leaving the Egyptian government struggling to keep afloat amidst the overwhelming debt that has grown heavier in last 10 years.

With inflation spiraling, American interest rates rising, ongoing geopolitical disturbances, and structural economic challenges, the Egyptian pound and other regional currencies may face further declines in 2023. Therefore, 2023 may be a defining year for the Egyptian state to chart its destiny for years to come.

Eye on the crisis

The Egyptian pound has declined in value in three stages. The first was in March 2022, when it dropped from 15.7 to 18.2 pounds per dollar. The second was in October 2022, when it reached 23 pounds per dollar, with the central bank announcing a flexible exchange rate policy. The third was in January 2023, when the pound plummeted to a record level of over 32 pounds before stabilizing at around 30 pounds currently.

Egypt has been struggling with foreign currency since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war in February 2022 and the rise in US interest rates throughout 2022, resulting in the exit of over 22 billion dollars in hot foreign investments in debt instruments.

The financial statement for the state’s 2022/2023 general budget project revealed that the total payment of local and foreign debts will amount to 690 billion pounds, representing 7.6% of the total domestic output and an increase of 19.1% over the previous budget. Since October, the Egyptian currency has been depreciating, and the government is facing the challenge of finding sustainable solutions to tackle rising product prices and potential political instability.

Facing the beast

The Egyptian government has faced a challenge and changed some of its important financial leadership, such as replacing Tarek Amer as the governor of the central bank with Hassan Abdullah and appointing Rami Aldekani instead of Mohamed Omran. Since then, the government’s management has improved significantly, despite it not being clear to the Egyptian citizen.

On January 11, 2023, the Egyptian Central Bank succeeded in obtaining a loan from the International Monetary Fund by committing to stringent reform conditions, such as its commitment to maintain a constant exchange rate for the local currency against receiving a loan from the International Monetary Fund worth 3 billion dollars for 46 months. On the same day, the Central Bank announced the exchange rate, and the pound fell to its lowest level ever, 32.5 for the dollar in state-owned banks, close to its price in the black market.

The decision by the head of the Egyptian Central Bank was made due to the observation of four unauthorized practices in the foreign currency market in December 2022 that drained the Egyptian economy. These practices included the use of credit cards abroad to take advantage of currency differences, trading some goods in the local market with hard currency, and violations related to the transfer of money from Egyptians abroad through unofficial channels to take advantage of the unofficial exchange rate. The fourth violation was the establishment of illegal foreign currency trading offices. These practices were negatively affecting the Egyptian economy, and the Central Bank’s decision was aimed at stopping them.

The stock market as a lifeline for the Egyptian Economy

The Egyptian government has taken the reins to revive its stock market and turn it into a safe haven for investors. Along with maintaining a stable exchange rate, the government has also committed to gradually selling some of its state-owned assets, including those owned by the military, to regional and international investors to provide more freedom for the private sector and attract investors back. It has also agreed to increased supervision from the International Monetary Fund on its national budget, state-owned companies, and government spending, in an attempt to control the value of the Egyptian pound.

The government aims to raise 2.5 billion dollars by the mid-year from these sales, covering sectors such as energy, industry, and transportation. Despite the Egyptian stock market being in its worst state in recent years, it has now started to bounce back with the new economic administration. The EGX30, the main stock index in Egypt, has risen by 22.17% in 2022, reaching its highest level since 2017 and adding another 9.51% this year, surpassing 17,000 historical points.

In 2023, there is a high number of companies set to be listed on the Egyptian stock market, attracting Arab and foreign investment, supported by strong performance in the last quarter of 2022 and the first months of 2023. This is just the beginning of a promising future for the Egyptian stock market as a hub for investment.

Sovereign funds as a new player

Egyptian sovereign funds have emerged as a new player in the economy. Failure is the last thing the Egyptian government needs right now, and it seems that the new economic team understands this and will rely on the Arab player in the coming period, specifically the massive financial capabilities and meeting of expectations of the Egyptian Sovereign Fund.

The fund was able to attract investment worth $3.3 billion from Arab and Gulf sovereign funds in 2022, with some in dollars and others in Egyptian pounds, in sectors such as tourism, real estate, industry, financial services, education, and manufacturing. Additionally, the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund is in advanced talks to acquire the state-owned Unified Bank of Egypt in a deal worth approximately $600 million, with more companies on the way in the next four years with a total value of around $40 billion.

The acquisition of the investment will take place through the newly established Egyptian-Saudi Investment Company, valued at a whopping $620 billion. This move is a testament to the Egyptian economic team’s understanding of the challenges they face and their determination to find solutions that benefit everyone involved. The vision of Saudi Arabia to transform its oil-based economy aligns with the Egyptian government’s effort to sell some assets to finance exchange rate fluctuations. This agreement is reflected daily in the Egyptian stock market and will become more evident as the government’s initiatives begin this year.

Credit rating downgrades send shockwaves again

Moody’s has announced a decrease in Egypt’s credit rating from B2 to B3, dashing hopes for a brighter future. This may hamper Egypt’s efforts and make it more difficult to issue more bonds, which the government had relied on to fund Egypt’s external debt of 155 billion dollars by September 2022. The Egyptian government will now have to either raise interest rates or resort to alternative means of funding the debt.

The current situation in Egypt’s economy is better than it has been in the past and the production sector has started to recover to its full capacity. This will help stabilize the prices of all products in the near future. However, Moody’s report is based on data from before the new economic administration took over. Standard & Poor’s has already given Egypt a B rating with a stable outlook, which shows that the current situation is under control.

Nevertheless, these reports emphasize the importance of the stock exchange’s initiatives to improve the Egyptian economy and the Egyptian stock exchange, which is expected to see higher values for its companies in the future. The question remains whether Rami Dakkani and Hassan Abdullah will be able to prevent the Egyptian pound from further depreciation. With their economic performance during the storm, it seems that they are up to the challenge of steering the Egyptian pound to calmer waters.

Abu Dhabi’s Abrahamic Family House is set to become a symbol of hope and unity, representing the country’s commitment to embracing diversity and promoting interfaith dialogue. This pioneering multi-faith complex comprises a mosque, church, and synagogue, allowing Muslims, Christians, and Jews to worship under one roof.

Who’s idea was the Abrahamic Family House?

Opening on March 1, this groundbreaking development is named after Abraham, the prophet revered in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The three houses of worship on Saadiyat Island lead to a central garden under which sits a museum and education center, promoting mutual understanding and respect among different faiths.

Designed by renowned architect David Adjaye, the Abrahamic Family House is a beautiful complex of buildings that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. It not only complements the flourishing Cultural District on Saadiyat Island but also serves as a shining example of the UAE’s tolerance and acceptance.

As a nation that welcomes over 200 nationalities, the UAE recognizes the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating differences. The Abrahamic Family House is a testament to the country’s values of inclusivity and coexistence, serving as a beacon of hope for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Back in September, the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed arrived in Tel Aviv for an official visit to Israel, marking two years since the countries signed the so-called Abraham Accords.

The UAE has taken bold steps in promoting interfaith dialogue and hosting the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula in 2019. The Abrahamic Family House reflects the country’s continued commitment to building bridges between different religions and promoting a more peaceful world.

The Abrahamic Family House is a groundbreaking development that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of coexistence. It sends a powerful message of hope and unity, showcasing the UAE’s values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. As we look towards a future of greater understanding and compassion, the Abrahamic Family House will stand as a reminder that our differences are what make us unique and beautiful.

Image Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons 2022

An Israeli strike on Damascus on Sunday morning has left at least 5 people dead and destroyed a building in a neighbourhood in central Damascus, home to much of Syria’s security apparatus, according to a war monitor.

Israeli strike on Damascus: Various death tolls

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that the strike, which targeted Iranian and Hezbollah targets close to an Iranian cultural centre, had killed 15 people including civilians. “Israeli missiles targeted sites including Iranian militias and the Lebanese Hezbollah,” they added. Syria’s state media, SANA, said that four civilians and one soldier were killed, and another 15 civilians were wounded in the strike on the Kafar Sousah neighbourhood. It also said several of those wounded were listed in critical condition.

The Israeli Defence Forces did not make any comment, in line with its policy of not generally commenting on air raids in the country.

During more than a decade of war in Syria, Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes against its neighbour, primarily targeting positions of the country’s army, Iranian forces, and Hezbollah. But it rarely hits residential areas of the capital. In January, four soldiers were killed in an Israeli missile strike on Damascus International Airport.

Video footage posted by state media illustrated that a 10-story building was badly damaged in the attack, crushing the structure of its lower floors.

Large chunks of the building had been thrown into the street below, which was strewn with cladding and metal fittings. The images also showed that several of the building’s windows had been blown out.

UK-based independent network and Iranian TV station, Iran International TV, has been forced to shut down its London studios following a series of death threats received by its staff, and an alleged escalation in state-backed threats from Iran.

Why the Iranian TV station shut down its UK HQ

The decision to shut down the Iranian TV station was taken on Friday after an Austrian-Iranian man was arrested in the vicinity of the studio in Chiswick, West London last weekend. The man was charged on Monday “with collecting information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”, police said although the police said “serious concerns” remained about the safety of employees. The UK’s Metropolitan Police warned staff that it cannot safeguard them from Tehran-backed assassins or kidnappers on UK soil.

The channel was founded in 2017 and is owned by Volent Media. It reports on human rights abuses in Iran, including gender-based violence and honour killings. In November, concrete barriers were installed outside the studios to prevent any vehicle attack as well as firearms officers and armoured vehicles after warnings of a “credible threat to life”. Despite the man’s arrest, the police stated on Saturday that “we still have serious concerns for the safety of people working at this company”, and as a result, the police gave further advice, which led to the company relocating. About 100 staff work at the UK headquarters, many of whom are long-term British residents.

Iran International will continue its 24-hour broadcasts from its offices in Washington, and its relocation comes amidst the challenging reality faced by journalists around the world, including hostile intentions from foreign states while in the UK.

Image Credit: Iran International English/twitter

After 12 days of search and rescue operations in Turkey, a foreign team from Kyrgyzstan was able to pull a couple and their son alive from under a collapsed apartment building in the southern Turkish city of Antakya. The search and rescue operation in Turkey’s Antakya took place on Saturday, and the family was transferred to ambulances after being found. Unfortunately, the couple’s 12-year-old son passed away in the hospital.

The earthquake, which measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, hit Turkey and Syria on February 6, causing widespread devastation in the region. Hatay province, where Antakya is located, was one of the hardest-hit areas. The death toll in Turkey has now reached 40,642, and Syrian authorities report that 5,800 people died there, taking the total deaths to over 46,000. Many people are still unaccounted for, and the number of casualties is expected to continue to rise.

Why search and rescue operations in Turkey will end now

Search and rescue operations in Turkey will end today, according to the head of the country’s disaster response agency. Tremors continue to shake the country, with a 5.2-magnitude earthquake striking central Turkey on Saturday. However, there were no immediate reports of further damage.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to make a helicopter tour of the affected areas after arriving in Turkey on Sunday for an official visit. He is expected to hold discussions with Turkish officials about how the US can help relief efforts. The focus has turned from rescue to long-term humanitarian support for survivors in Turkey as well as neighbouring Syria, where the movement of aid has been hindered by the country’s long-running civil war.

Despite the co-operation of the Syrian and Turkish governments, the World Food Programme director David Beasley says its operations are being hampered in north-west Syria. The agency last week said it was running out of stocks in the rebel-held region and called for more border crossings to be opened from Turkey. The situation is complicated by the fact that the area is controlled by insurgents at war with forces loyal to President Bashar Al Assad.

The survivors of the earthquake will need help for months to come, with so much crucial infrastructure destroyed. Medics and experts are also concerned about the possible spread of infection in the quake-hit areas after tens of thousands of buildings collapsed, and sanitation infrastructure was damaged. Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca says that although there has been a rise in intestinal and upper respiratory infections, the numbers do not pose a serious threat to public health. Turkey vowed last week to investigate thoroughly anyone suspected of responsibility for the collapse of buildings in the country’s devastating earthquakes nearly one week ago and has already ordered the detention of 113 suspects.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Bernat Armangue

Batroun, one of Lebanon’s ancient coastal cities, is a treasure trove of history and culture, but much of its heritage remains undiscovered. With Phoenician ruins, Roman artifacts, a medieval castle, Byzantine-style churches, and arcaded Ottoman souks, Batroun has a rich history that dates back to before the Phoenician era. Yet, the true origins of the city remain a mystery.

Batroun remains a mystery

The origins of Batroun are still a mystery: While the city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, its true origins are not fully understood. Some experts believe that the city dates back to the time of the Phoenicians, while others suggest that it could be of Roman or even Crusader origin. Despite extensive excavations and research, the city’s true history remains a mystery.

Batroun has many archaeological treasures

Batroun has a wealth of undiscovered archaeological treasures: According to excavator and former Greenpeace activist Georges Mubarak, there are many archaeological treasures waiting to be discovered in Batroun. These include ancient pottery, jade artifacts, and glass objects. Mubarak believes that there are many structures and vestiges buried underneath the city that have yet to be uncovered.

Batroun used to be a trade center

Batroun was once the largest trade center on Lebanon’s coastline: In the early 19th century, Batroun was the largest trade center on Lebanon’s coastline. The city’s strategic location and thriving port made it a hub for trade, with merchandise being imported and exported through its port. Today, the city’s economy is largely focused on tourism.

Batroun has crystal-clear waters

Batroun’s seafront is pollution-free: Unlike many other coastal cities in Lebanon, Batroun’s beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters and lack of pollution. This is due to the city’s proper infrastructure for sewers, which has prevented pollution from damaging the seafront.

Batroun has a special feature

Batroun is home to the “Phoenician wall”: One of the most fascinating features of Batroun is the “Phoenician wall”. The wall was sculpted more than 2,000 years ago by the city’s inhabitants using sandstone quarried from the area. Only 225 meters of the original 1-kilometer-long wall remains, but it is still a stunning example of the city’s ancient heritage.

Image Credit: Christelle Hayek on Unsplash

The Tunisian flag is a symbol of the country’s struggle for independence and the ideals of the nation. National flags are important symbols in every part of the world, but they have particular significance in the Middle East. The flag consists of a red background with a white circle in the centre, which contains a red star and a red crescent. The flag was officially adopted on July 3, 1959, and has been the national flag of Tunisia ever since.

The red background of the flag is said to represent the bloodshed of the country’s fight for independence from France. The white circle in the centre symbolizes peace, and the red star and crescent are common symbols of Islam. The flag’s design was inspired by the flag of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Tunisia for centuries before the country gained independence.

The current flag replaced the previous one, which was used during the French colonial period. That flag was a tricolour of red, white, and green, with a red star and crescent in the centre. This flag was used from 1831 until Tunisia gained independence in 1956. The distinctive red and white flag of the Tunisan flag is shared by many other Arab states.

The design of the current flag was created by a group of Tunisian nationalists who wanted to create a new symbol of their country’s struggle for independence. The flag was first raised on the day that Tunisia became a republic, which was July 25, 1957.

The flag has been the subject of controversy at times, particularly with regards to the use of the red star and crescent, which are often associated with communism. Some political parties have objected to the flag’s design, and there have been calls to change it, but the majority of Tunisians view it as a powerful symbol of their country’s history and identity.

In recent years, the flag has been used by protesters in Tunisia and other countries in the Arab world as a symbol of resistance and hope. During the Arab Spring uprisings, which began in Tunisia in 2010, the flag was prominently displayed by protesters calling for political change and greater freedom.

Today, the flag of Tunisia is a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture, as well as its aspirations for a better future. It is recognized as one of the most powerful and iconic national flags in the world, and is a source of pride for Tunisians everywhere.

One of the world’s most well-known soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo Saudi Arabia where he was greeted with great fanfare, including children wearing the yellow and blue jerseys of his new club. Saudi Arabia, an oil-rich country, has successfully attracted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to play for its Al Nassr FC team on a two-year contract, as part of its ongoing effort to achieve its sports-related goals, even at a high cost.

According to Saudi state-run media, Ronaldo will be the highest-paid soccer player in the world, earning an estimated $200 million per year with Al Nassr. The club’s Instagram page gained over 5.3 million new followers after the signing, and its official website crashed due to a surge in traffic. The hashtag #HalaRonaldo – Hello Ronaldo in Arabic – was trending for days on Twitter throughout the Middle East. Analysts suggest that Ronaldo’s signing is part of a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia to diversify its revenue streams and establish itself as a major player in international sports.

Cristiano Ronaldo Saudi Arabia achievements?

Cristiano Ronaldo has made his mark in the Saudi Pro League by scoring four goals for Al-Nassr in a match against Al-Wehda, achieving a remarkable personal milestone. The 38-year-old had only scored one goal in his first three competitive appearances for the club, which he joined in December, but he showed his class in the match, scoring in the 21st, 40th, 53rd, and 61st minutes. He reached and surpassed a significant milestone of scoring 500 career league goals during the match.

Ronaldo’s first goal was a powerful left-footed finish across the goalkeeper, and he showed his poacher’s instincts to score his second, racing in-behind to latch onto a through-ball and finish under Abdulquddus Atiah. He made no mistake from the penalty spot to score his third, and his fourth came just after the hour mark. He reached the milestone of 503 league goals when the goalkeeper could only paw his tame shot back into his path, and he slid the ball into the empty net. Ronaldo’s goals helped Al-Nassr secure a much-needed victory as they push for another league title.

Ronaldo’s 503 career league goals include three goals in the Primeira Liga for Sporting Lisbon, 84 goals in the Premier League during his first stint at Manchester United, and 311 goals in 292 La Liga games for Real Madrid. He was almost as prolific for Juventus, scoring 81 Serie A goals in 98 appearances for the Turin giants before returning to Manchester United in 2021. Ronaldo has scored five goals in his first three Saudi Pro League appearances, and his overall tally of 503 goals places him behind only Pele, Romario, Josef Bican, and Ferenc Puskas on the list of all-time league goal scorers.

Increased tourism?

While no official figures have been released, Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr is expected to have a positive impact on Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. As one of the most famous football stars in the world, Ronaldo’s presence in the kingdom is likely to draw the attention of soccer fans from around the globe. Additionally, the significant media coverage and social media buzz surrounding his signing and his subsequent performance with the team can help showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, tourist attractions, and vibrant cities to the world. Overall, Ronaldo’s decision to play for Al Nassr could significantly boost the country’s profile as a destination for sports tourism and help promote its national agenda of economic diversification through tourism.

Image Credit: AP photo/Amr Nabil

Mother’s Day in Lebanon is celebrated throughout the country. Mother’s Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide to honour the mothers who have made significant contributions to our lives, . In Lebanon, mother’s day is celebrated on March 21st every year and 2023 will be no different. It is a time when people express their love and gratitude for their mums through various gestures and gifts.

However, the date of Mother’s Day varies in different countries around the world. In the United States, it is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, while in the United Kingdom, it is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which is usually in March or April.

Why Mother’s Day Lebanon date is different to Europe

In many parts of Europe, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the same day as in the UK, which is the fourth Sunday of Lent. However, in some countries such as France, it is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. Similarly, in Germany, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, which is the same day as in the United States.

When countries in Latin America celebrate Mother’s Day

In Latin American countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th, which is the anniversary of the death of the famous Mexican poet and writer, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. In India, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, but it is not an official holiday. In China, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May as well, but it is not a public holiday.

In some countries such as Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the same day as International Women’s Day, which is on March 8th. In Nepal, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Baisakh, which falls in April or May.

Despite the different dates of celebration, the sentiment and purpose behind Mother’s Day remain the same. It is a special day to honour and appreciate the unconditional love and care that mothers provide to their children. Whether through a thoughtful gift, a card, or simply spending time together, the goal is to show our mothers how much they mean to us and express our gratitude for all they do. If you are planning on celebrating Mother’s Day in Lebanon this year you should have enough time to prepare!

Image Credit: Manuel Schinner on Unsplash

Dozens of Lebanese protesters attacked several banks in Beirut on Thursday, causing damage to at least four branches in the Badaro area of the city. The demonstrations were held in protest of informal restrictions on cash withdrawals, which have been in place for years, and the worsening economic situation in the country. The protesters, who were frustrated with the rapidly deteriorating economic conditions, set fire to tires outside the banks and broke windows and doors.

The demonstrations came on the 10th day of a strike by Lebanon’s commercial banking institutions. At least six banks had been targeted, as the Lebanese pound hit a new record low. The protests were organized by United for Lebanon, a collective of lawyers seeking to fight corruption and protect depositors’ rights.

Lebanese banks began their open-ended strike last week in protest of recent judicial actions. A court recently ruled in favor of a couple who had been involved in a dispute with Lebanon’s Fransabank over their blocked deposits. The Court of Cassation had ordered that the couple be paid cash, rather than a check, which would have been at a much lower value. The Association of Banks in Lebanon disagreed with this decision and announced the strike soon after.

Why Lebanese protesters are taking to the streets

The pound has lost more than 95% of its value against the dollar since the start of the economic crisis in 2019. The severe depreciation of the local currency on the parallel market has indirectly led to Thursday’s developments. The depreciation has caused a surge in fuel prices in a country where 80% of the population now lives below the poverty line, according to the UN. Lebanese banks have imposed restrictions on withdrawals in US dollars and Lebanese pounds that were never formalized by law, leading depositors to seek access to their funds through lawsuits and often by force. The economic meltdown in Lebanon has led to a major shift towards a cash-based economy

Rami Ollaik, the founder of United for Lebanon, warned that unless recent judicial decisions were implemented, the group was ready to go back to article 184 of the penal code, which according to United for Lebanon allows the use of force and the committing of an offense in defense of oneself or one’s money. He said Thursday’s developments were a “demonstration of force and an act of defiance” and that there would be “no tolerance for ripping us off further without complying to court decisions.”

Image Credit: AP Photo, Hussein Malla

Lebanon Bank raid october Lebanese protesters

The Lower House of Jordan Parliament has passed the General Budget Law for the fiscal year 2023 on Wednesday. The bill was passed during an evening session chaired by House Speaker Ahmed Safadi, with the Prime Minister, Bisher Al-Khasawneh, and the ministerial body in attendance, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

How many members of Jordan Parliament were present

Out of the 107 Lower House members present, 86 voted in favor of the general budget bill, and the body also approved the recommendations of the Finance Committee related to the budget. The bill was discussed during six sessions held over three days, during which 90 out of 130 MPs spoke, including representatives from six parliamentary blocs.

MPs criticized the budget’s reliance on taxes, aid, and loans, calling for solutions to address the economic crisis facing the Kingdom and alleviate the difficult economic situation experienced by Jordanian citizens. The rising poverty and unemployment rates, which are constantly increasing among young people, represent a difficult economic situation for citizens, they said.

MPs also criticized the level of services provided to citizens, resulting from weak economic growth, high public debt interest rates, and the continued budget deficit. They called for the implementation of an executive plan to achieve progress in economic growth that reflects on the citizen and addresses the imbalance in the budget.

MPs called on the government to make further efforts to combat corruption and waste of public funds in all forms and to hold accountable anyone proven to be involved in corruption cases. They also urged the necessity to utilize and invest natural resources to face the Kingdom’s economic conditions, attract investments and expand incentives, and to review the operational costs of economic sectors to enhance productivity and enable them to compete.

On the other hand, the MPs praised the efforts made by His Majesty King Abdullah on internal and external levels, despite the political events, conflicts, and wars taking place in the region and the world. They expressed their pride in the Jordanian position towards the issues of the Kingdom, including the Palestinian cause, and their support for the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The budget expects the deficit to remain at 16 percent of spending but fall to 2.9 percent of gross domestic product, compared with 3.4 percent last year. Revenue is also expected to rise by 8 percent to 9.6 billion dinars, because of more money from taxes, stipulated by a fiscal program agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund.

Passing of the budget is mostly procedural in Jordan. Of the 103 parliamentarians present at the session on Wednesday, 86 voted in favor of passing the budget. The budget expects economic growth to remain at 2.7 percent and inflation at 4 percent, similar to last year. Most state expenditure went on salaries and pensions. The kingdom has one of the highest public debts relative to the size of its $45 billion economy. The latest World Bank data shows Jordan’s public debt stood at 114 percent of GDP at the end of 2021. The organization had forecast a similar figure in 2022, and 115.2 percent of GDP for 2023.

Image Credit: Jordan Parliament official

February 14, 2023 marks the 18th anniversary of the assassination of Rafic Hariri, former Prime Minister of Lebanon. Hariri was killed, along with 21 others, in a suicide bombing near the St. George Hotel in Beirut. Hariri’s son, Saad Hariri, visited his father’s tomb in downtown Beirut to recite prayers in front of his grave and pay his respects. Many supporters, waving the blue flags of the Future Movement founded by Rafic Hariri, were present.

Last year, a UN tribunal found two members of the Lebanese political party and armed group Hezbollah guilty in absentia of being accomplices to the attack. Another Hezbollah operative was convicted over his role in 2020, while Hezbollah denies any involvement.

Rafic Hariri, who served as Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his resignation in 2004, was largely considered the de facto leader of the majority of the Sunni community and the Future Movement party. Following the assassination of Hariri, the outraged Lebanese public took to the streets, leading to the Cedar Revolution and the withdrawal of Syrian troops and security forces from Lebanon.

The Taif Agreement, which Hariri played a huge role in constructing to divide the government, parliament, and presidential offices according to sect to put an end to the 15-year Lebanese Civil War, is now widely considered a failed agreement that divided Lebanon into a sectarian country and caused various political tensions among the different sects.

While Hariri was well-regarded in the international political community and backed by Saudi Arabia, his legacy is a topic of mixed opinions among the general Lebanese public. Some younger generations are skeptical of his role in corruption and politics at the time.

Saad Hariri, who succeeded his father as head of the Future Movement and later as Prime Minister, unexpectedly announced his withdrawal from political life last year and urged members of the Future Movement to follow suit. His withdrawal meant lower voter turnouts in Sunni areas and the departure of a key leader of the community from the political scene. The Hariri political legacy now continues with Bahaa Hariri, Rafic Hariri’s other son, who declared in January 2022 that he would follow in the footsteps of his father and brother to “take back the country.”

Image Credit: RAMZI HAIDAR (AFP/Archives)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, that China will back Iran’s efforts to find a “proper resolution” to its nuclear issue, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

During Raisi’s three-day state visit to China, Xi pledged his support to Iran in protecting its rights and to assist with resolving the issue as quickly as possible. The Iranian leader was given a red carpet reception and a 21-cannon salute.

The visit, the first by an Iranian president in more than 20 years, aims to boost trade and economic ties between the two countries. The Iranian delegation includes the central bank chief and ministers for oil and mining. Both countries face pressure from the West over their positions on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Iran is already under US sanctions over its nuclear programme.

Beijing currently recieves most of its energy supplies from the Middle Esat and has for years been trying to tread a narrow diplomatic path between Iran and its regional rival, Saudi Arabia. While China desperately requires good relations with the Gulf states to secure oil and gas supplies, as well as helping to establish China as a superpower amid declining American influence in the region. Yet Xi’s cosying up to Gulf states has offended their other strategic partner, Iran. During Xi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in December he signed up to a communique with the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), an organisation of regional governments which offended the Iranians. In response, China’s ambassador to Iran was summoned.

Last year media in China reported that Iran had brought $4 billion dollars worth of arms from China. China is crucial to Iran as it is the only big market for its oil due to sanctions by the West in retaliation for the Iranian nuclear programme which explains why Raisi has decided to visit China. Last month, the US announced that it would put pressure on China to block Iranian oil exports, which are said to have increased in recent months.

Image Credit: Iranian presidency/AFP

Turkey’s Urbanization & Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum has announced that reconstruction work in Turkey will begin in all 10 cities impacted by the recent earthquakes before the end of February. According to state-run TRT television, the government aims to quickly rebuild the collapsed apartment buildings. This determination to rebuild comes as parliamentary and presidential elections are expected to take place by June 18.

During a brief visit to the Kahramanmaras region, which is close to the epicenter of the deadly earthquake, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced frustrations and criticisms regarding his government’s response to the disaster. Although he acknowledged “shortcomings,” he defended the government’s reaction, stating that it’s not feasible to be fully prepared for such calamities. Erdogan also declared that the government’s goal is to rebuild the affected areas within one year, but experts believe that it could take significantly longer.

As part of their efforts to support the recovery process, Turkey is planning to offer tax waivers for share buybacks. Regulators are preparing for the resumption of equities trading after a halt last week due to the devastating earthquakes which claimed the lives of over 37,000 people in Turkey and Syria.

The earthquake that struck Turkey on Monday was of 7.8 magnitude, making it the worst to hit the country since 1939, when an earthquake in the east of the country killed approximately 33,000 people. The tremors were felt as far away as Egypt, Lebanon, and Israel, and a powerful aftershock of magnitude 7.5 followed at 1.24pm. The quakes affected a vast area, approximately 12 times the size of Belgium, causing shaking and destruction across the region.

The provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Gaziantep, and Adıyaman in Turkey are among the worst affected areas. The quakes also hit the provinces of Idlib and Aleppo in Syria, as well as the coastal regions of Latakia and Tartus.

In addition to the reconstruction work in Turkey, experts have called for a review of what went wrong, as the country has implemented strict construction regulations since 1999 to ensure modern buildings can withstand such quakes. However, many recently-constructed apartment buildings in the earthquake zone still collapsed.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Turkey reconstruction

The Egyptian Court of Cassation has rejected an appeal by TikTok influencer Mawada Eladhm against a six-year prison sentence and a fine of EGP 200,000 ($12,500 USD) on human trafficking-related convictions. Mawada Eladhm and six others were charged with “violating family values and principles and establishing and running online accounts to commit this crime.”

Eladhm, who had gained fame for posting lip syncing and dance videos, had 3.1 million followers on TikTok and 1.6 million followers on Instagram. She was arrested in March 2020 and charged with “human trafficking and commercially exploiting two children by posting video clips of them on social media” in June of the same year.

Another well-known TikTok influencer, Haneen Hossam, was also acquitted on charges of violating family values and principles by a Cairo appeals court in January. Hossam, a university student in archaeology, had 1.2 million followers on TikTok and was arrested a few days after posting a video encouraging women to publish live videos and talk with strangers via the short video sharing platform Likee.

Egyptian authorities have arrested numerous female TikTok users known for controversial content that they describe as violating family values and principles.

“The charges are very vaguely worded,” Eladhm’s lawyer Ahmed Bahkiry told the BBC after the initial verdict was announced last year. “Prison cannot be a solution, even if some of her videos go against our social norms and traditions.”

Eladhm and Hossam both denied the charges and claimed that their videos were taken out of context. Hossam’s lawyer, Mahmmed Sammer, stated that her mother fainted at news of the acquittal, while both Hossam and Eladhm shouted in joy. Eladhm’s father, Fathy Rashad, said that his daughter had been “devastated by oppression and sadness” and would need psychological treatment.

The other three defendants in the case were charged with helping one of the girls evade arrest, concealing evidence of the crime, and publishing materials to influence public opinion about the case. One was also charged with possessing illegal software to facilitate the social media activity.

This case serves as a reminder of the important role social media plays in our lives and the responsibility that comes with it. It also highlights the ongoing debate around freedom of expression and censorship in Egypt.

Image Credit: Instagram

Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that it will be sending the first Saudi female astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi and a Saudi male astronaut Ali Al-Qarni to the International Space Station (ISS) during the second quarter of 2023. This historic mission aims to empower national capabilities in human spaceflight and contribute to scientific research in various fields such as health, sustainability, and space technology.

The astronauts Barnawi and Al-Qarni will join the crew of the AX-2 space mission, which is scheduled to launch from the USA to the ISS. The Saudi Human Spaceflight Program also includes the training of two more astronauts Mariam Fardous and Ali Al-Ghamdi on all mission requirements.

The Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission, Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, emphasized the Kingdom’s leadership’s commitment to supporting the space program. This program seeks to activate scientific innovations in the field of space sciences, enhance the Kingdom’s ability to conduct its own research, increase the interest of STEM graduates, and develop human capital.

The CEO of the Saudi Space Commission, Mohammed Al-Tamimi, expressed gratitude to the leadership for the support and empowerment to the commission, which has enabled major leaps into the space sector. The fact that Saudi Arabia is sending the female astronaut into space demonstrates the country’s dedication to breaking down gender barriers.

Human spaceflight is a symbol of a country’s superiority and competitiveness in various fields such as technology, engineering, research, and innovation. This mission will make Saudi Arabia one of the few countries in the world to simultaneously have two astronauts of the same nationality aboard the ISS.

The Saudi Space Commission stated that this program is in cooperation with a group of entities, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Sport, the General Authority of Civil Aviation and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, as well as international partners such as Axiom Space, a company specializing in human spaceflights and space infrastructure development in the USA.

This flight is a milestone of the comprehensive Saudi Human Spaceflight Program, which aims to train and qualify experienced Saudis for future human spaceflight missions and contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Almost a year ago Sara Sabry made history in August 2022 as she became the first Egyptian and first Arab woman, as well as the first African woman, to fly into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. Despite being under 30 years old, Sabry’s ground-breaking flight marked a significant milestone in the field of space exploration, as will Saudi Arabia’s latest announcement.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Aya Batrawy, File

Tunisia, a North African country known for its interesting history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes, is a popular destination for tourists and travellers but its pronunciation isn’t the easiest. Nearly 874,000 tourists entered Tunisia from abroad in September 2022 showing just how popular of a destination Tunisia is. Yet, many people often struggle to get the pronunciation right of this fascinating country.

Correct pronunciation

The correct pronunciation of Tunisia begins with the first syllable, “Tun”. This syllable should be pronounced with a short “u” sound, similar to the “u” in “cut”. This is followed by the second syllable, “ni”, which should be pronounced with a short “i” sound, similar to the “i” in “bit”. Finally, the last syllable, “sia”, should be pronounced with a long “i” sound, similar to the “ee” in “see”. When these syllables are put together, the correct pronunciation of Tunisia is “TU-ni-SEE-ya”.

Incorrect pronunciation of Tunisia

It is important to note that the pronunciation of Tunisia is not like the English word “Tunisian”. Many English speakers are often inclined to pronounce it this way, but it is incorrect. It is essential to correctly pronounce the name of a country, especially when traveling to that country or speaking with its citizens. This shows respect and a genuine interest in the country’s culture and history.

Mastering the correct pronunciation of Tunisia is not difficult. By following the guidelines outlined above, you will be able to confidently and correctly pronounce the name of this fascinating country. Whether you are planning a trip to Tunisia or simply speaking with someone who is from there, it is always a good idea to take the time to learn how to properly say the name. By doing so, you will demonstrate your respect and appreciation for Tunisia’s rich culture and history.

Water rationing in Tunisia

On January 18, 2023, the first edition of the UAE Green Hydrogen Summit was held as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week themed: ‘The Road to Net Zero: The UAE’s Vision to Become a Global Hub for the Green Hydrogen Economy’.

“We are looking forward to developing a green hydrogen economy in the Middle East because this type of energy is the best solution to the climate crisis,” said Sherif Al-Olama, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy, explaining the UAE government’s plan to establish a major control center for the green hydrogen economy.

Details of the matter were presented to all participants during the inaugural Green Hydrogen Summit, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), to announce that the UAE aims to lead the future of green hydrogen in the world, through partnerships with major international institutions, and attracting various investments in this field.

“Sherif” believes that reaching this goal requires the participation of the private sector in facilitating all the possibilities needed by green hydrogen projects, including the provision of simple mechanisms for transportation and storage based on modern technology in infrastructure development, which will make the cost lower than before.



First Green Hydrogen Innovation Center

The summit witnessed the launch of the first-of-its-kind Green Hydrogen Innovation Center, in partnership between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which plays an important role in providing rapid innovative solutions in this sector in the Middle East and globally, and its mission includes combining the key technologies needed to produce, transport, store and use green hydrogen.

It was found that the center includes a number of specialists from different countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa), who are working to present the appropriate ways to finance green hydrogen projects and produce it in the best possible way, and to provide all possible consultations in this regard.

The aim of the center was to develop some key sectors such as energy consumption in buildings, overcoming the carbon emissions crisis from industrial production processes, as well as technologies for converting waste into hydrogen and then into ammonia.

“Alai Power”, one of the pioneers of the Green Hydrogen Center, is expected to provide hydrogen fuel cell technology platforms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia markets in early 2024.

Alfred Walt, CEO of “Alai Power”, pointed to the objectives of signing these partnerships between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in order to improve infrastructure by providing it with hydrogen fuel cell power, which in turn generates electricity from steam turbines that react a mixture of aluminum and sodium to release heat and hydrogen at the same time without producing carbon dioxide.

Dream of the future

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, was one of the speakers at the summit, who stressed that the UAE has the natural and technological resources that help it develop the process of producing green hydrogen, and exploit it well to obtain clean and renewable energy.

He also noted the development of the strategy adopted by the UAE in cooperation with international institutions, which aimed to acquire 25% of the global hydrogen market share by 2050, in order to produce clean hydrogen and reduce carbon emissions.

“It may seem difficult to some, but the UAE has valuable opportunities in developing the green hydrogen economy and the global energy market in general, “Al Mazrouei” concluded at the Green Hydrogen Summit.



Green Hydrogen Challenges

Jawad Kharaaz, Executive Director of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and one of the attendees of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week summit, explains in an exclusive interview with “The Middle East Beat” the challenges facing the green hydrogen economy, including the heavy reliance on renewable energies and water to accelerate the energy transition, and investing in huge production capacity from renewable energy, so that the electrical transformers responsible for producing green hydrogen are put into operation, which makes it very expensive.

“Al-Kharraz” also refers to the water challenge, as the Middle East suffers from water scarcity, and in order to produce one kilo of green hydrogen, we need about 10 liters of clean water, but from a technical point of view, desalination is enough to solve this problem, and this is indeed what Arab countries have tended to implement in the past years.

He also explains that the other challenge is that green hydrogen technology is not mature enough internationally, so we hope that the new center will be a source of use of technology in green hydrogen innovations, as the UAE is a leader in the Arab region on the transition to a green hydrogen economy, and less carbon hydrogen.

In conclusion, “Al-Kharraz” stressed that the UAE has huge resources that will help produce green hydrogen in the Middle East, in addition to the legislative facilities provided by the Abu Dhabi government, and the partnerships signed by the government with international institutions in order to reach innovative solutions that help provide green hydrogen at a lower cost and higher productivity.

Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

Fashion capitals Milan, London, New York and Paris have paved the way for the rest of the world to follow suit – pardon the pun – and today the Middle East is quickly becoming one of the most exciting fashion hubs in the world. From the bustling city of Dubai to the culturally rich streets of Beirut, the Middle East is emerging as a major player in the world of fashion.

Dubai’s trade city has international trade at its heart and is also a remarkable transportation centre due to the UAE’s direct links to both Europe and Asia. Everything about Dubai screams luxury and over the top and major fashion houses are investing heavily in Dubai. Stores such as Dior have unveiled concept stores in Dubai. Major fashion houses have held runway shows in cities like Dubai and Riyadh. Dubai is definitely one of the strongest fashion capitals in the Middle East due to its strategic location, thriving tourism industry and strong economy.

Last December, Dior showcase their men’s pre-fall ‘Celestial’ collection against the majestic backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt. Whilst Dior has previously shown collections in Spain, China, Greece, Italy, South Korea, the UK and the U.S., but Jones’ Pre-Fall show marked Dior’s first-ever presentation in Egypt.

Why the Middle East is becoming the next fashion capital

One of the key factors driving this growth is the region’s rapidly growing population and its increasing wealth. With more disposable income and a growing interest in fashion, the Middle East is becoming a major market for luxury brands and designer labels. But more than financial support, the Middle East is also home to a wealth of talented designers and fashion influencers who are pushing the boundaries of traditional Middle Eastern fashion. From incorporating modern elements into traditional attire to creating entirely new styles, these designers are helping to reshape the way the world views Middle Eastern fashion.

The growing number of international events and fashion weeks taking place in the Middle East is helping to put the region on the map as a fashion destination. From the Dubai Fashion Week to the Beirut Fashion Week, these events are showcasing the talent and creativity of local designers and helping to build a global community of fashion lovers.

The Middle East is certainly well on its way to becoming the next fashion capital of the world. With its growing population, increasing wealth, talented designers, and thriving fashion events, the Middle East is poised to take its place among the world’s fashion capitals.

Image Credit: Duminda Perera on Unsplash

In the aftermath of Turkey’s devastating earthquake which occurred almost a week ago today, the cries of people trapped beneath the rubble have been joined by barks, miaows, and even the cooing of birds. But for those who hear an animal in distress or are worried about their own beloved pet, the Haytap team is there to help.

Who are the Haytap team?

The Haytap team, specializing in helping animals in emergency situations, sprang into action following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake. Local specialists were the first on the scene, with international teams from countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, and the UK soon joining the effort. Aid tents were set up in Antakya, a city reduced to ruins by the quake, and Malatya, with volunteers, vets, and trained search and rescue staff coming from Istanbul to offer their assistance. Since the earthquake in Turkey almost a week ago today, the Haytap team have been on the ground searching for survivors.

Videos showing Haytap’s efforts have been circulating, showcasing their work in helping injured babies, pulling dogs from the wreckage, and even treating sheep at their makeshift tented surgery. A legal change in 2021 requiring all pets in Turkey to have a microchip has raised the hopes of owners being reunited with their animals.

However, the earthquake has claimed the lives of over 22,000 people in Turkey and Syria today, including thousands of pet owners, and even some survivors may not be able to care for their pets. Haytap is appealing for help in transporting the hundreds of animals in their care from the disaster area, as well as funds to assist in their work. The charity is also asking the world to keep the survivors in their thoughts.

Founded in 2008 and run by lawyer Ahmet Kemal Senpolat, Haytap is dedicated to helping animals and people in times of crisis. The team’s tireless efforts in the wake of the earthquake are a testament to their commitment to the well-being of all those affected.

Image Credit: AFP

earthquake today Turkey

Monday night saw a powerful earthquake strike Turkey, leading to concerns about the possibility of a tsunami affecting various regions in the Mediterranean, including the Balearics. However, the situation has since changed and all tsunami alerts have been lifted by Italy and other regions.

Manuel Regueiro, the President of the Illustrious Association of Geologists (ICOG), initially warned of the potential for a tsunami in the wake of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The quake released energy similar to the explosion of 1.2 million tonnes of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and took place on the southern edge of the Anatolian Plate, a tectonic subplate of the Eurasian Plate.

According to Regueiro, the Eurasian Plate has two major sets of transform faults, with the latest quake being aligned with Cyprus. However, after thorough assessments, it has been concluded that a tsunami in Turkey is unlikely. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of about 7 km by Turkish seismographic services and slightly deeper, about 10 km, by US teams, located about 600 km east of Ankara.

While the recent earthquake in Turkey was indeed powerful, there is no longer any cause for concern regarding a potential tsunami. This is due to the swift actions of various authorities and organizations, who were able to assess the situation and provide accurate updates to the public.

Aftershocks in Turkey

However, aftershocks will continue to shake the area as local faults adjust to such a huge tremor, and scientists say that aftershocks could continue for days, months and even years to come. There is even a possibility, albeit small that an aftershock could be bigger than the original quake itself. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur after a main shock and are a result of the Earth’s crust adjusting to the changes brought on by the main shock. Although the exact time frame and magnitude of aftershocks cannot be predicted, they are generally considered to be a normal part of the earthquake cycle. Scientists study aftershocks to better understand the behaviour of earthquakes and to help prepare for future earthquakes.

On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey and northern Syria, causing at least 2,300 fatalities and injuring thousands more. Authorities fear that the death toll from Monday’s earthquake and the aftershocks will keep climbing as rescuers continue to look for survivors. The affected areas in Hatay province of Turkey and in northwest Syria have been hit by some of the deadliest earthquakes in the world in the past. The Middle East has a history of being impacted by earthquakes, including Iran, Palestine, and Egypt, resulting in the destruction of historic buildings and the loss of tens of thousands of lives. Here are five of the most significant earthquakes in the region over the past 2,000 years.

1138: Aleppo, Syria

The 1138 earthquake in Aleppo, Syria was a devastating event that is believed to have killed around 230,000 people according to the 15th-century historian Ibn Taghribirdi. The disaster struck the city of Aleppo as well as several neighbouring areas and was the first of several earthquakes that devastated northern Syria and western Turkey between 1138 and 1139. The earthquake completely destroyed Aleppo’s citadel, and a Muslim fort at al-Atarib was also levelled, resulting in the deaths of 600 of the city’s guards. The quake occurred in an area between the Arabian and African tectonic plates and took place during a time of political upheaval, as the city was caught in battles between Muslim forces and Crusaders. The Crusader Citadel at nearby Harem was also destroyed by the earthquake.

856: Damghan, Iran earthquake

The 856 Damghan earthquake in northern Iran had an estimated death toll of 200,000 people. On December 22, 856, a major quake of magnitude 7.9 struck the Alborz mountain area of Iran, causing significant damage to the city of Damghan and surrounding areas. Iran lies between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, which frequently collide and result in devastating earthquakes. The earthquake is listed as the sixth deadliest in recorded history by the US Geological Survey. The city of Damghan was the capital of the medieval Persian province of Qumis until it was destroyed in 1723.

526: Antioch, Turkey

The 526 Antioch earthquake was a devastating event that struck the city of Antioch in modern-day Turkey in the year 526. Around 250,000 people are believed to have died, more than 400 years after an earthquake which was followed by a tsunami back in 115AD.

1033: Jordan Valley, Palestine

The exact location and magnitude of the 1033 earthquake are unknown, but it is believed to have caused widespread damage and loss of life in the region. According to historical records, the earthquake was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise and was felt as far away as Egypt and Constantinople. It is also reported that several towns and cities were completely destroyed, including several churches and monasteries. The 1033 earthquake remains one of the most devastating earthquakes in the history of the region, and its impact on the people and infrastructure of the time is still felt today.

1754: Cairo, Egypt

The 1754 earthquake that struck Cairo, Egypt was a significant seismic event in the history of the city. It is estimated to have had a magnitude of around 7 on the Richter scale, and caused widespread damage throughout the area. Many of the city’s buildings and structures, including the famous Citadel of Saladin, were severely damaged or destroyed in the quake. The earthquake also resulted in significant loss of life, with reports indicating that thousands of people perished in the immediate aftermath of the event. Despite the devastating impact of the earthquake, the city of Cairo was eventually able to recover and rebuild, and many of its iconic buildings and monuments were reconstructed in the centuries that followed. Today, the earthquake remains an important event in the history of the city and the region, serving as a reminder of the power of natural disasters and the resilience of the human spirit.

Egypt is known for its warm and sunny weather, but in 2013 snow fell in Egypt and the pyramids were covered in snow. Snowfall in Egypt is a rare occurrence and has not occurred since 2013. Climate change can result in unusual weather patterns and extreme weather events, including rare snowfall in regions that do not typically experience it. As the Earth’s average temperature continues to rise, we may see more instances of unusual weather patterns and extreme weather events, including unexpected snowfall. The snowfall in 2013 was so rare that the last recorded snowfall in Egypt before that was over 100 years ago.

Snow is rare in Egypt particularly near the pyramids because of its location in the Northern Hemisphere near the equator. The country has a hot desert climate with very little precipitation, and temperatures are generally warm to hot throughout the year. This means that the conditions required for snow, such as low temperatures and moist air, are not commonly present in Egypt. Additionally, the high-pressure system over the Sahara Desert inhibits the formation of clouds, reducing the likelihood of snow even further.

While snow can make for great photos such as of the pyramids in Egypt, it can also have dangerous impacts, especially in parts of the Middle East where snow is uncommon. The current situation faced by refugees, rural workers living in poverty, and urban dwellers highlights the severe consequences that short-term weather events can have on long-standing problems. The vulnerability of makeshift shelters during snowstorms would not be a concern if adequate housing had been provided to refugees over the past decade. Baghdad would not be so freezing if the government had taken action to repair the failing electricity network, and individuals would not be forced to burn household items in Lebanon if the country were not plagued by corruption and poor management.

Globally, the rise of extreme weather conditions such as storms, floods, snow, and drought, which the Middle East experienced in 2021, should serve as a wake-up call to address the ongoing climate crisis.

Although snow is a rare and exciting occurrence in the region, from Egypt to Iraq, it is important to remember that in areas surrounded by snowy mountains, people who were already struggling may now face even greater challenges. These individuals deserve all the support and assistance they can receive.

Residents in Israel this week felt the earthquake and its aftershocks that jolted earthquake hit Turkey and Syria. While the tremor only lasted for a few seconds in Israel, seismic activity is common in Israel and has raised concerns as to whether or not Israel is prepared for an earthquake now. After all, Israel sits on multiple fault lines, including the Sinai microplate. Several geologists have warned that Israel will likely face a major earthquake in the future, although when it may occur remains largely unknown. However, the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria has served as a wake-up call for people in Israel.

A devastating quake occurs in Israel once a century, according to Dr Ittai Kurzon, a seismologist at the Geological Survey of Israel – a public sector organisation responsible for advising the government on all geoscientific issues.

One major concern with an earthquake in Israel now is that much of the infrastructure in the country was built prior to the mid-1980s including schools and hospitals, which are unlikely to withhold an earthquake. Israel’s building code called Standard SI 413 is also designed to make structures more earthquake resistant but it was only introduced in the 1980s and the 100,000 buildings built before then are at risk. Israel also has a Tama 38 program, encouraging apartment blocks designed prior to the 1980s to be remodelled by enabling owners to add or expand apartments, but these programs have had limited impact. However, more modern buildings which have bomb shelters are more likely to sustain an earthquake as they are made of iron which should not break in the event of an earthquake.

However, Israel has taken several steps to prepare itself for an earthquake, which could occur at any time, even now by introducing a warning system. The earthquake warning system detects the initial seismic waves and sends notifications to relevant organizations before the more intense tremors arrive. The system operates automatically and will soon be connected to the distribution capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces’ Home Front Command, similar to the rocket alert system. When the alert is issued, the public is advised to evacuate, but the effectiveness of the evacuation will largely depend on the proximity to the earthquake’s epicentre. When an alert is received, for example, if an earthquake were to happen in Israel now citizens should try to exit buildings in a safe manner. If that is not possible, they should go to the closest bomb shelter, and if that is also not possible, they should take cover under furniture or something else solid. The project has incurred a cost of $13 million for Israel, and it will become operational on March 1st. However, according to experts, this is far from sufficient to protect the country.

Barn’s, the popular Saudi Arabian coffee chain, has announced its plans to expand globally and aims to have 1,000 stores worldwide by 2030. The company, which was founded in 1992 by the Al Amjaad Group, currently operates over 430 stores in Saudi Arabia and is the country’s second-largest chain behind US-based Dunkin’.

In its expansion efforts, Barn’s will focus on drive-thru stores and smaller format sites, with its initial international expansion expected to target fellow Middle Eastern and North African markets. CEO of the Al Amjaad Group, Mohamed Al-Zein, also revealed that Barn’s will launch an initial public offering (IPO) this year, allowing the public to become “investors in the company’s success.”

According to the World Coffee Portal research, the Middle Eastern branded coffee shop market comprises over 8,870 outlets and is expected to reach 11,840 stores by 2027. Meanwhile, Project Café Middle East 2023 identified Saudi Arabia as the largest branded coffee shop market in the region, with a growth of 18.5% in the 12 months ending November 2022, reaching 3,556 outlets. Currently accounting for 40% of all stores in the Middle East and North Africa, the Saudi Arabian branded coffee shop market is projected to surpass 5,350 outlets by 2027.

It is not surprising that Barn’s plans to expand globally considering that their coffee is loved by many in Saudi Arabia. A recent study found that Saudi Arabia is classified among the top 10 coffee-consuming countries in the world. The consumption of coffee by Saudis is estimated at about one billion riyals annually. Saudi coffee is known globally due to the high-quality beans grown in the region. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, producing some of the finest arabica beans. These beans are known for their rich, smooth flavor and full-bodied aroma, making them the perfect ingredient for delicious and aromatic coffee.

How Saudi coffee is made

Saudi Arabian coffee is made from coffee beans that can be roasted either lightly or heavily. The brewing methods may vary, but the typical way to make it is to boil the coffee and serve it without filtering, which makes it black. Sugar is not a common addition to coffee, but spices such as saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves may be added depending on the location in the country. The coffee is traditionally served using a pot called a dallah, which is used to pour small amounts of coffee at a time into a cup (known as a finjal). Unless instructed otherwise, your host or waiter will continue to pour small amounts of coffee into your cup. To balance the bitter taste of the coffee, it is often served with sweet treats such as dates, nuts, or candied fruit.

Residents in Lebanon this week felt the earthquake and its aftershocks that jolted earthquake hit Turkey and Syria. While the tremor only lasted for a few seconds in Lebanon, seismic activity is common in Lebanon and the Lebanese Civil Defense has issued a series of guidelines to help protect individuals in the event of an earthquake. This comes after a 4.9 magnitude earthquake was felt in Lebanon on Sunday night, followed by several aftershocks. The guidelines provide advice on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, as well as in various different situations such as indoors, outside, in a public place, in a vehicle, and in elevators.

Before an earthquake

The guidelines recommend that individuals secure their furniture and objects before an earthquake, repair cracks in walls, and identify safe places both inside and outside of their home. They also advise that families develop an emergency plan and set up a meeting place.

During an earthquake

During an earthquake, individuals are encouraged to stay indoors, take shelter under a sturdy table, stay away from windows and other objects that could fall, and turn off power sources. Those outside are advised to move away from buildings and trees, and avoid taking shelter under them. In a public place, individuals are advised to avoid going to the exit door and move away from any objects that could fall.

For individuals in a vehicle, the guidelines recommend staying calm, parking on the right side of the road, avoiding bridges and tunnels, and taking refuge away from buildings, walls, and electrical installations. Those in elevators are advised to stop at the nearest floor and take the emergency stairs.

After an earthquake

It is recommended to boil water after an earthquake if there is a concern that the water supply may have been contaminated. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill harmful bacteria and viruses that may be present. It is also important to use safe water sources and to avoid drinking water that may have been contaminated with chemicals or other harmful substances. Following an earthquake, it is also important to check for gas leaks as well as any electrical damage and if you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and leave the building immediately. Avoid using elevators and take the stairs if needed due to the potential for aftershocks.

The Lebanese Civil Defense hopes that these guidelines will help keep individuals safe in the event of an earthquake. They also urge the public to take them seriously and to prepare themselves in advance.

In reaction to the U.S. and Israel’s joint maneuvers, the Iranian military has exposed a large underground facility to demonstrate its air power.

Broadcasted by state television, a video was shown on Tuesday of a range of fighter jets and drones at a base referred to as “Eagle 44”. The precise whereabouts of this base are unrecognized.

The base was placed within the mountains to shield it from any ordnance that could be dropped by American strategic bombers, which can break through defensive measures.

At the event, high-ranking military individuals were present, and it was less than two weeks after a joint exercise between the United States and Israel that included thousands of soldiers, aircraft, naval ships, and artillery. This training was seen as a way of sending a message to Iran amid heightened tensions.

Iran recently held exercises to demonstrate their military capabilities, which was shortly followed by a combined drill.

The state television reporter remarked that perhaps Iran’s original message had not been correctly understood, adding that the country was now transmitting it again. “This is the sound of rumbling from within the mountains,” he said, as a fighter jet flew by in a tunnel behind him.

Broadcasts by state television featured jets departing for training maneuvers during daylight and after dark, emphasizing “the point of these operations is that our air power is now indisputable in the region”.

Iran’s armed forces recently presented their newest missile named the Asef. It has been described as a long-range, air-launched cruise missile that can be installed on Sukhoi Su-24 jets from Russia and can break through adversary defenses.

Recently, it has been reported that Iran’s partnership. Although Iranian military personnel has shown interest in the plane, no one has specified when the delivery is likely to happen.

At an underground base, General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the leader of the Iranian army, declared on state television that the bases would soon be home to new fighter jets, however, he did not go into more detail.

Mousavi commented that, should our foes, who tend to misjudge, discern any of these capacities, it can help bring about more tranquility in the world and the vicinity.

Mohammad Bagheri, the leader of the Iranian armed forces, declared that any country in the vicinity which is employed by Israel to initiate an attack on Iranian terrain will additionally suffer a massive attack, alongside Israel.

Iranian state television reported that the Iranian military has multiple other functional bases, amongst them Eagle 44, which can launch attacks, hold aircraft for an extended period, and utilize electronic warfare capabilities.

The Iranian military recently revealed a drone base above ground, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has made public a few of its underground missile and drone bases in an attempt to send a message to the US and Israel.

Dozens of countries around the world have sent aid to Turkey and Syria after a powerful earthquake killed over 5,000 people and left thousands more injured. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue among the rubble of cities, towns and provinces in both countries. In Turkey, over 7,800 people have been rescued across 10 provinces so far.

Multiple countries and international organizations are offering medical aid and other forms of aid and support to Turkey and Syria after the recent disaster.

The European Union has mobilized 27 search and rescue and

medical teams from 19 countries, with over 1,150 rescuers and 70 rescue dogs.

The United States is sending two search and rescue teams of 79 people each and coordinating with Turkish counterparts through the Pentagon and USAID.

China is sending rescue and medical teams along with $5.9 million in emergency aid. The UK is sending a team of 76 search and rescue specialists, equipment, and rescue dogs, as well as an emergency medical team.

Russia’s President Putin promised to send teams to both countries and the defence ministry said 300 military personnel are helping with the clean-up effort. The UN is on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance, while India is sending two National Disaster Response Force teams and doctors with medicines.

Germany will mobilize all the assistance it can, Ukraine is ready to provide necessary assistance, Greece’s Prime Minister pledged to make every force available to aid Turkey, Israel approved the sending of aid to Syria and Turkey, and Gulf states such as Qatar and the UAE are also providing aid. Iran is ready to provide immediate relief aid, Algeria sent a 89-member risk-management team with equipment to Turkey and another team to Syria, Tunisia ordered humanitarian aid for both countries and is appealing for volunteer medics, and Japan is dispatching its Disaster Relief Rescue Team.

But reports suggest that the delivery of aid including medical aid into northern Syria is being hampered by disputes over control of the aid, as well as the weather, destroyed roads, and closed crossing points. The Syrian government is only allowing aid to enter the region through one border crossing, leading to criticism from various international organizations and countries. Historically, the Assad government has opposed cross-border aid, although groups such as Amnesty International have said that help should be delivered regardless of the government’s views.

The UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) has said that many roads are blocked due to the disaster and snow, and that before the earthquake, as many as 4 million people were dependent on aid from across the border. The UK has said it will work with the White Helmets civilian defense force to send aid into northern Syria, but more crossing points from Turkey need to be opened.

Spain and Morocco are progressing with the construction of a 40-kilometer tunnel that will join the two nations beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, as per La Razon from Spain.

Raquel Sanchez, Spain’s Minister of Transport, was expressing that the two countries will energize the investigations of the project, which has been in progress since 1979.

Sanchez stressed that this project is of great importance to not only Spain and Morocco, but also for the whole of Europe and Africa.

At a high-level meeting between Sanchez and Moroccan counterpart Nizar Baraka, the project was discussed and brought back to life. The two conferred during the meeting and the progress of the project was once again set in motion.

The Spanish-Moroccan joint declaration of 1979 is the origin of the plan for the tunnel.

Even though the World Bank, European Investment Bank, and African Development Fund provided ample funding for the project, it continually got stalled because of the diplomatic issues between the two countries.

Now that diplomatic ties have been strengthened, the project appears to have been revitalized.

In March 2022, Spain voiced its backing of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in the Western Sahara situation, and the two countries have been trying to boost their collaboration since then.

Last week, the Prime Ministers of both countries convened in Rabat, where they agreed to 19 different bilateral cooperation accords.

If the tunnel project comes to fruition, it is anticipated that it will yield advantages to both sides, including more efficient utilization of storage and transport networks, in addition to decreasing the costs of transporting goods between the two nations and of traveling.

Aziz Akhannouch, Morocco’s Head of Government, stated that the project offers an opportunity to “construct the future”, a future he believes will be a “genuine revolution” in many ways between the two countries, according to La Razon.

Morocco has been functioning as a bridge between Europe and Africa, thereby enhancing their current relations. This has enabled European countries and investors to gain access to other African countries.

Though it is anticipated that the Strait of Gibraltar’s depth, wind, and wave patterns will prove to be challenging during the tunnel’s building phase, it remains to be seen how it will affect the cost and timeline of the project.

It was anticipated that the commencement of the project would take place in 2030 as of October 2022.

Despite this, investigations and experts agree that the tunnel is “possible”, and with ever-increasing relations between the two nations and the possibility of more trading, it could be one of the most expansive projects to come.

In addition, La Razon reported that the United Kingdom, which holds sovereignty over Gibraltar, has expressed a desire for a tunnel connecting the city to Morocco, due to the increased collaboration between the two nations.

The Moroccan government has aspirations to draw in more British sightseers and investors by way of this initiative, as well as uncover a fresh method for pushing its products, particularly agricultural goods, to the British market.

The city of Aleppo, already struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the Syrian civil war, has been hit by a powerful earthquake that has claimed over 1,400 lives. The quake caused widespread destruction, with many buildings collapsing and trapping people beneath the rubble.

In the region, the conditions were already challenging with frigid temperatures, dilapidated structures, and a cholera outbreak affecting the population. The area is divided between the government, Kurdish-led forces, and various insurgent factions, all of whom are still engaged in ongoing conflict.

Rebuilding efforts had been underway to restore the former commercial center of Syria, but the infrastructure remains in ruins, buildings are in shambles, and power shortages are frequent. The death toll from the earthquake, reported by both the Syrian government and the opposition-run White Helmets rescue group, has surpassed 1,400.

The earthquake hit at 4:17 am local time, registering a 7.8 magnitude with a depth of 11 miles. A second, nearly as powerful quake occurred 12 hours later, located 80 miles north of the first epicenter. The Syrian Civil Defence is calling for the global community to take action and help the affected area.

Residents of the region have expressed the dire circumstances, with one resident of Jandairis revealing that 12 members of his family perished in the quake and others still trapped beneath the debris. Emergency services are available in government-run areas, but rescue efforts are being hindered by the icy temperatures and heavy rainfall.

The International Rescue Committee, which has a significant presence in opposition-held areas of Syria, had already been responding to the area’s first cholera outbreak in over a decade and preparing for an upcoming snowstorm when the earthquake struck. The organization’s Middle East advocacy director described the situation as a “crisis within a crisis within a crisis,” and added that large parts of the region are out of reach due to damage to communication networks.

North-western Syria has become one of the hardest places to access, making it difficult for aid from outside nations to reach the affected population. The only way to get resources to opposition-controlled zones is through a small crossing on the Turkish border.

Image Credit: Youssef Karwashan

Oracle Corporation has announced its plans to invest $1.5 billion in Saudi Arabia over the next few years to expand its cloud presence in the region and open a third public cloud region in Riyadh. The technology giant aims to establish a stronger foothold in Neom City, the futuristic economic zone located on the Red Sea coast, by augmenting the size of its existing cloud region in Jeddah and setting up a new public cloud region in Riyadh.

According to Nick Redshaw, a senior vice president at Oracle, the company is in the process of finalizing plans with its suppliers before making an official announcement. The investment, which will be made over an extended period of time, will help Oracle stay ahead of its competitors, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, in the race for cloud computing dominance in Neom City and the wider region.

The government of Saudi Arabia has been encouraging foreign companies to invest in the country and transfer their main offices to Riyadh to take advantage of the available government contracts. Oracle is collaborating with the Saudi administration to fulfill the regional headquarters requirement and will make an official announcement once the preparations are completed.

Neom City is one of the largest users of cloud services in Saudi Arabia and has been designated as a key component of the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and attract foreign direct investment. Despite the slow progress, the Saudi government has been motivating foreign companies to establish offices in the country before 2023 or risk being excluded from obtaining government contracts.

Oracle’s $1.5 billion investment in Neom City and its cloud presence in Saudi Arabia is expected to fuel its growth and contribute to the kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. With its futuristic economic zone, abundant resources, and supportive government, Neom City is poised to become a hub for cloud computing and other innovative technologies.

A 7.8-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest in Turkey in over a century, hit the country and neighbouring Syria early Monday morning. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck 23 kilometres east of Nurdagi in Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometres.

The impact of the quake was felt in several countries across the region, including Syria and Lebanon. In Turkey, at least 284 people were killed and over 2,300 injured, while in Syria, at least 237 people died and over 630 were injured, according to official reports. Rescue workers are currently conducting search-and-rescue operations and trying to save those trapped under the rubble.

The earthquake is believed to be the strongest to hit Turkey since 1939 and is considered rare, with fewer than five of this magnitude occurring each year on average worldwide. Several aftershocks with magnitude over 5.0 were also felt in southern and central Turkey.

The disaster agency in Turkey, AFAD, has requested international help through the European Union’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). Nearly 1,000 search and rescue volunteers have been deployed from Istanbul, along with dogs, trucks, and aid. The interior minister of Turkey, Suleyman Soylu, has confirmed that search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the south of the country.

Turkey is no stranger to earthquakes, last November a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit Golkaya in the western Dulcze province, 160 kilometres east of Istanbul. Earthquakes are common in Turkey. An earthquake in Elazig in January 2020 killed over 40 people. In the same year, an earthquake in the Aegean Sea killed over 100 people and injured over 1,000 more, a tragedy that affected both Turkey and its neighbouring country, Greece. More than 17,000 people were killed in Izmit in 1999 after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake.

Image Credit: Mat Napo on Unsplash

On Wednesday, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, confirmed Algeria’s growing partnership with Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine’s first anniversary. According to Lavrov, Algeria stands out among the countries striving to join the BRICS group due to its numerous advantages. Over five countries, including Algeria, have submitted applications to become members of the organization, exceeding the current number of members. During recent meetings, the group determined a unified way to assess applications to join, and Algeria is “at the top” of the list of potential members, said Lavrov. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune indicated that Algeria could become a member of the BRICS group in 2022, given its ability to meet a significant portion of the organization’s requirements.

Russia and Algeria have a long-standing relationship that has continued despite Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. Despite Western sanctions on Russia, the Algerian government continues to procure weapons from Russia, attracting opposition from politicians. US senators have called for sanctions against Algeria’s government, and several members of the European Parliament have made similar appeals. Some European countries, such as Italy, have been looking to Algeria for energy sources due to the sanctions on Russian gas that have left Europe in an energy crisis.

Despite strained relations with Morocco, Algeria has been strengthening its ties with Russia. The two nations have been in a state of tension since the severance of diplomatic relations in 2021. A gathering of significant military figures from Algeria was recently convened to consider taking on Morocco in a direct confrontation, according to Algeria Part. The strained relations between the two nations have a long history, with Algeria’s support of the Polisario independence movement being the key issue. The Algerian government has long blamed Morocco for attempting to destabilize the nation, leading to the official cutting of ties after Algiers accused Morocco without proof of being responsible for the wildfires that occurred in northeast Algeria in August 2021.

In less than four days, over 114 Filipino maids had flown out of Kuwait in the aftermath of the savage murder of Jullebee Ranara last month, according to multiple regional media outlets.

In Kuwait, a 17-year-old male was taken into custody for allegedly raping and setting ablaze Ranara, a 35-year-old woman.

Last month, the domestic worker told her kin that she was scared of her boss’s son. Then, the next day, she was found dead in a desert, her skull shattered and her body burned.

The Philippine state announced last week that it will be taking measures to evaluate and stop any mistreatment and rape of Filipino employees in the Gulf region, including assault and maltreatment.

The Philippine government has taken steps to protect Filipino workers by prohibiting recruitment offices in Kuwait from sending them to work there. This policy has been implemented by the Ministry of Migrant Labor in the Philippines.

The Interior Ministry of Kuwait conducted an inquiry right away upon hearing about the corpse and got to the bottom of it in a day. A Kuwaiti adolescent was apprehended for allegedly violating and murdering the domestic worker.

The Filipino community has been deeply grieved by the most recent loss of an expat Filipino worker; the passing of Ranara.

Currently, a large number of Filipinos, totaling approximately 268,000, are employed in Kuwait, many of whom are housemaids. In recent weeks, over 400 individuals from the Philippines sought refuge at an emergency center operated by the

Around 50 percent of the Filipino workers at the Philippine Embassy have gone back to Manila according to the Migrant Workers Undersecretary of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Hans Cacdac, due to labor issues.

Roughly 1 in 10 of the Philippines’ 110 million people have moved to foreign countries due to major economic issues such as joblessness and impoverishment. They are scattered across more than 200 countries and their money transfers are necessary for the Philippines’ economic stability.

This past Friday, Interior Ministry Spokesman Saad Maan reported on Twitter the death of 22-year-old Tiba al-Ali, who was killed by her father on the 31st of January in the Diwaniya province of the south.

Maan reported that the police had tried to conciliate between al-Ali (who resided in Turkey and was currently in Iraq) and her kin to “come up with a long-term solution to the family conflict”.

Tapes that were not verified seemed to reveal that al-Ali’s father was not pleased with her choice to reside independently in Turkey.

Maan reported that the family’s interaction with law enforcement had been amicable, yet “they were stunned the following day when her father confessed to having taken her life”.

No additional information was provided about what the disagreement entailed.

Al-Ali had cultivated a fanbase on YouTube through her posts, which usually included video clips of her day-to-day activities and her fiancé.

An anonymous source from the police force disclosed to AFP that the “family dispute” was from as far back as 2015.

In 2017, Al-Ali visited Turkey with her family, yet upon their return, she chose not to accompany them, electing to remain in the country instead. According to the police source, she has been living there ever since.

No ‘honor’ can be found in so-called honor killings. Whoever attempts to legitimize the murderer of Tiba is as guilty as the killer, and whoever dishonors Tiba’s life lacks honor.

As of present, no legislation in Iraq has been passed to penalize domestic violence.

In 2014, a legislative proposal on domestic violence was first presented to parliament, though it has seen little advancement since then. Legislators who are against the bill have expressed that it could “deteriorate Iraq’s social makeup”.

The demise of Al-Ali has caused an uproar in Iraq on social networks, prompting mass demonstrations in Baghdad on Sunday to call for justice in the wake of her death.

According to Ala Talabani – a veteran politician – in our societies, women are subject to outdated customs because of the lack of legal consequences and governmental steps – which are not adequate for the magnitude of domestic violence incidents, as she pointed out in a tweet.

Hanaa Edwar, an advocate for human rights, informed AFP that, based on audio files believed to be from the young female, “she had departed her family … because she was sexually assaulted by her brother”.

Amnesty International spoke out against the “terrible” murder, affirming that “the Iraqi penal code continues to be too lenient towards ‘honor crimes’ like physical assault and murder”.

Aya Majzoub, Amnesty’s deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, commented that, as long as the Iraqi authorities do not pass strong legislation that safeguards women and girls, there will be an ongoing occurrence of ghastly killings.

Image Credit: HAIDAR HAMDANI

In a bold move aimed at boosting the UAE’s post-pandemic economy, the government announced a new four-and-a-half day workweek starting January 2022. Many organizations followed suit and switched their workweek in line with the public sector, with some opting for a four-day workweek.

This isn’t the first time the UAE has changed its weekend, having adopted Friday as a weekly holiday in 1971 and adding Thursday to make it a two-day weekend in 1999. In 2006, the weekend was changed to Friday and Saturday.

Employees in the UAE have reported improved work-life balance and higher productivity since the switch to the UAE 4 day week, with attendance also noted to have improved by employers. Studies have also shown benefits for certain sectors such as customer service, hospitality, retail, e-commerce, delivery services, and tourism.

A recent study by the SEC reviewed the impact of the new workweek and the results were overwhelmingly positive. The study showed an increase in productivity in 88% of government entities, a 81% increase in positive communication between employees, a 74% increase in attendance, and a 46% decrease in the rate of sick leave taken by employees.

From the employee perspective, the study found a 90% increase in job satisfaction, a 90% improvement in job performance, and a 91% increase in overall happiness after implementing the new system.

The move to a shorter workweek has been deemed a success and is further proof of the UAE‘s commitment to promoting a better work-life balance for its citizens and boosting its economy. Although these findings are only from one month of a shorter working week, these findings may inspire other countries in the Middle East to adopt the UAE 4 day week as it proves that employees can be more productive in a shorter work week, as there is more time to recharge and less burnout.

This week marks twelve years since the Egyptian Revolution of 2011 which marked a historic turning point in the nation’s history, as the people took to the streets to demand change and an end to political and economic corruption. Twelve years after the revolution, Egyptians are reflecting on the achievements and challenges of the past decade.

The events of January 25, 2011 began as a peaceful demonstration, with protesters calling for the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled Egypt for 30 years. As the protests grew in size and intensity, they quickly spread to other cities across the country, eventually leading to the downfall of the Mubarak regime on February 11.

The revolution was driven by a variety of factors, including widespread poverty, high unemployment, political repression, and a lack of freedom of speech and assembly. The youth, in particular, played a significant role in the revolution, using social media and other digital tools to organize and mobilize the masses.

Despite the initial euphoria that accompanied Mubarak’s resignation, the past decade has been characterized by political turbulence and economic struggles. The nation has gone through multiple elections and changes in leadership, with some Egyptians expressing disappointment at the lack of meaningful progress on the key issues that drove the revolution.

One of the most significant challenges facing Egypt in the post-revolution period has been the struggle to create a more inclusive and democratic political system. The country has experienced a series of setbacks in this area, including the 2013 military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government, the widespread use of repression against opposition voices, and the restrictions placed on freedom of speech and assembly. Egypt has also lost its share of the Nile basin, some natural gas as well as strategic assets which have crippled the country’s prosperity.

Egypt has struggled steps to address economic issues, such as inflation and unemployment, and has instead had to rely on contributions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Egypt has been hit particularly bad by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with Egypt being one of the largest wheat importers. As a result, a lot of Egypt’s identity has been lost as it seeks foreign assistance as it struggles to provide its citizens with basic services such as education and healthcare.

As Egyptians reflect on the twelfth anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, it is clear that the country still faces significant challenges in terms of political stability and economic development. However, many Egyptians remain optimistic about the future, and are committed to continuing the work of the revolution, to create a more just and equitable society for all.

The Egyptian Revolution of 2011 was a momentous event that continues to shape the country’s political and economic landscape. While there have been setbacks and challenges, the past decade has also seen positive developments, and many Egyptians remain hopeful that they can build a better future for their nation.

A new report from Transparency International has revealed the performance of countries in the Middle East and North Africa in combating corruption. Syria has been ranked as the country most affected by corruption in 2023. The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index analyzed the transparency and anti-corruption efforts of 180 countries.

The results show a disappointing trend for the majority of countries in the region, with the average score for the region hitting a new low of 38 out of 100. The scale used by Transparency International, with a score of zero indicating a highly corrupt state, highlights the persistent challenge faced by countries in the region in tackling corruption.

“States across the Middle East and North Africa are struggling to achieve tangible results against corruption. No country has registered a significant improvement on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) in the last decade,” Transparency International stated.

The biggest drop was seen in Oman, which lost 8 points from its previous score, now ranking 69 globally. On the other hand, Israel has seen an improvement, climbing 4 places to 31 on the corruption meter.

In terms of performance, the United Arab Emirates topped the list as the best performing country in the region, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Syria ranked as the worst in the region. Other countries with low scores include Yemen, Libya, Iraq, and Lebanon.

Since Syria has been in a state of conflict and political turmoil for many years, corruption has been able to flourish in the absence of effective governance and rule of law. The economic sanctions imposed by international actors have also contributed to the country’s economic difficulties, leading to widespread corruption as individuals and businesses seek to find ways to survive and thrive. Additionally, the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals, who are often connected to the government, has allowed corruption to spread throughout Syria with little to no accountability. The ongoing conflict has also created an environment where it is difficult to fight corruption, as institutions and systems that could otherwise play a role in addressing it have been weakened or dismantled. It is therefore not surprising that Syria has been ranked as the most corrupt country in the Middle East in 2023.

The ranking of Middle Eastern and North African countries from lowest to highest score are as follows: Syria, Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates.

Transparency International’s report serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to combat corruption and improve transparency in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The Middle East is a region with a rich cultural heritage and diverse religious beliefs, and this is reflected in the various holidays celebrated throughout the year. These holidays celebrated in the Middle East are an important aspect of the region’s cultural identity and bring families and communities together.

Eid Al Fitr

Eid Al Fitr is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is celebrated with great joy and is a time for feasting and giving gifts to friends and family. In the Middle East, the holiday is usually celebrated for three days and is marked by large gatherings for prayers, family gatherings, and feasts. In some countries, it is also customary to give out sweets and money to children.

Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second most important holiday in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God. The holiday is marked by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or a goat, and the meat is divided into three parts, with one part given to the poor and needy. The holiday is celebrated with family gatherings, prayers, and feasts, and is also a time for gift-giving and visits with friends and relatives.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken at night with a meal called iftar, which is often shared with friends and family. Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal and is considered to be a time of increased blessings and rewards from God.

Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi

Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is celebrated on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ Al-Awwal. It is celebrated with religious rituals, such as special prayers and recitation of the Quran, and is also marked by feasts, sweets, and gift-giving. In some countries, it is customary to decorate homes and public spaces with colourful and colourful decorations.

Hijri New Year

Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year. It is celebrated with religious rituals, such as special prayers and the recitation of the Quran, and is also marked by feasts and gift-giving. In some countries, it is customary to decorate homes and public spaces with lights and colourful decorations.

National Days

National Days in the Middle East are an opportunity for people to celebrate their country’s independence and cultural heritage. They are usually marked by large parades, military demonstrations, and cultural shows. People often decorate their homes and public spaces with the national flag and other symbols of the country. In some countries, it is customary to give gifts to friends and family and to enjoy a day off from work.

Holidays in the Middle East are an important aspect of the region’s cultural identity and bring families and communities together. They are celebrated with great joy and are an opportunity for people to come together, celebrate their heritage, and make new memories with friends and loved ones.

Below is a list of the upcoming UAE public holidays in 2023. This list will help ease the stress of travel plans and let you book your flights ahead of the busy flying period. The list of public holidays in 2023 has been approved by the UAE Cabinet.

Eid Al Fitr – April 20-23 (TBD)

Following Ramadan, Eid al Fitr marks the UAE’s first public holiday in 2023. . In 2023, Eid Al Fitr is from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3. On the Gregorian calendar, these dates correspond to Thursday, April 20 to Sunday, April 23, although this could change on the sighting of the moon. If the moon doesn’t change, it looks like the UAE will have a four-day weekend.

Arafat Day – June 27 (TBC)

Arafat Day, the second day of the week-long Hajj pilgrimage and one of the most important days in the Muslim calendar is set to take place on June 27, although it is often celebrated a few days after as well.

Eid Al Adha – June 28 to 30 (TBC)

The day following Arafat Day is the start of Eid Al Adha, the larger of the two Islamic holidays. Dhul Hijjah 10 to 12, which is estimated to correspond to June 28 to 30, 2023, is expected to be the date of this celebration. However, the actual date depends on the sighting of the moon. With both Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, a long six-day weekend could be enjoyed by those who typically have a two-day weekend.

Eid Al Adha is a celebration of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as instructed by God. The story goes that after being informed of the dream, Prophet Ibrahim told his son, who then told his father to follow the order. However, God intervened and sent a sheep to take the place of the son. This holiday holds great significance in Islam and is observed to honour this act of sacrifice and obedience to God.

Hijri New Year – July 21

Hijri New Year is a holiday that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year. It is also known as Islamic New Year. In 2023, it falls on Friday, July 21, meaning a three-day weekend for those in the UAE.

Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi – September 29

Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), in Islam. It is also known as the Prophet’s birthday and is observed annually by Muslims as a religious holiday. The fact that this holiday falls on a Friday means another long weekend at the end of September.

Commemoration Day and UAE National Day – December 1-3

Commemoration Day (also known as Martyrs’ Day), is marked annually on December 1.

UAE celebrates National Day which falls on December 2 and 3, which is a Saturday and Sunday, the last three-day weekend of 2023.

UAE National Day is a public holiday in the United Arab Emirates that marks the country’s independence and formation as a federation on December 2nd, 1971. It is celebrated with patriotic events, parades, concerts, and other festivities throughout the country, including flag-waving, fireworks displays, and traditional dance performances. The holiday is seen as a time to celebrate the unity and progress of the UAE, as well as its rich cultural heritage.

The economic meltdown in Lebanon has led to a major shift towards a cash-based economy. With zombie banks freezing depositors out of their accounts, businesses and individuals have been forced to rely on cash transactions. Most restaurants and shops have now stopped accepting credit cards and are instead accepting U.S. dollars, with mobile apps being used to check on the rapidly declining value of the local currency.

Lebanon is also set to adopt a new official exchange rate of 15,000 pounds per U.S. dollar on Feb. 1, central bank governor Riad Salameh said, marking a 90% devaluation from its current official rate that has remained unchanged for 25 years.

The use of cash has had a significant impact on the country’s economy, with a twelve-fold increase in the amount of local currency in circulation between 2019 and 2022. This has led to a rise in crime and an increase in the sale of safes, with business owners documenting large transactions by taking pictures of the dollar bills used.

Despite the challenges faced by the Lebanese economy, some businesses are still struggling to adapt. Importers like Omar Chehimi, for instance, are facing difficulties obtaining letters of credit for large shipments.

The government has considered requiring traders to pay newly-increased customs tariffs partly in cash, but any recovery is dependent on addressing the losses in the financial system and restoring the banking sector. With politicians and bankers resisting reforms sought by the International Monetary Fund, the future of the country’s economy remains uncertain.

Since 2019 as Lebanon plunged into a financial crisis following decades of expensive wars coupled up with bad spending decisions, cryptocurrencies have become increasingly attractive as they operate outside the reach of bankers and politicians. Lebanon’s currency which has lost over 95 per cent of its value since August 2019 has meant that pensions and wages are almost worthless.

Eight rockets were fired at a Turkish military base in northern Iraq on Wednesday, according to the Counter-Terrorism Group, a security operator in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region.

Two of the rockets landed inside the base and caused no damage, however, an Iraqi contractor was reportedly wounded. The attack was claimed by Iran-backed Shiite militia group, the Free People of Iraq Brigade.

Turkey has confirmed the attack on the Turkish military base in Iraq and promised retaliation.

The group is known for its attacks against Turkish troops in northern Iraq and has previously claimed responsibility for an attack in June 2022. The Free People of Iraq Brigade, also known as Liwa Ahrar Al Iraq, is an Iran-backed Shiite militia group active in Iraq. The group’s motivations and goals are not publicly disclosed, but it is believed to be affiliated with Iran and to receive support from the Iranian government. The Free People of Iraq Brigade is considered a security threat by Turkey, which has been conducting cross-border operations against Kurdish groups in northern Iraq and Syria to prevent attacks on Turkish territory.

Turkey has been conducting cross-border operations against Kurdish groups in northern Iraq and Syria to prevent attacks on Turkish territory.

The PKK has been fighting against the Turkish state since 1984 and has bases in northern Iraq from which it launches attacks on Turkey.

Image Credit: Bryan Jones/Flickr

Iran has accused a foreign security service of training and arming a Kurdish group in Iraq to carry out a drone attack on a weapons depot near the central city of Isfahan. State-run Nour News reported that three quadcopter drones loaded with bombs attacked a Defense Ministry complex in Isfahan on Saturday, with at least one hitting the roof. The equipment and explosives were reportedly brought into the country with the help of Kurdish anti-revolutionary groups in Iraqi Kurdistan under orders from a foreign security service.

Although the country blamed by authorities was not identified, Iran has previously accused Israel of using bases in the northern region of Iraq to its advantage. Iran downplayed the attack, stating that some drones were shot down while others caused only minor damage to the workshop roof. No further details on the attack were given.

Iran also accused the Kurdish group of receiving parts, microchips, and explosive materials that were smuggled into the country from one of the inaccessible routes in the north-west of Iran. The country has previously accused Kurdish groups in Iraq of instigating anti-government protests. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched several drone and missile attacks on what it calls separatist terrorists in northern Iraq.

Saturday’s drone attack on Isfahan bears similarities to another attack last February when six quadcopter drones carrying explosives hit a manufacturing and storage plant for military drones near the city of Kermanshah, for which Israel was accused. Last year, the IRGC fired rockets at a house in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish Region of Iraq, which they claimed was an Israeli intelligence base for mounting attacks in Iran.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

The Foreign Ministry of Oman expressed its condemnation on Saturday over an extremist’s act of burning a copy of the Holy Quran in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. The ministry stated that such behavior promotes extremism, hatred, and insults religions and beliefs, and requires a firm stance from the international community to criminalize and punish the perpetrators.

The statement emphasized the Sultanate’s firm stance on promoting values of coexistence, peace, respect for religions, diversity of cultures, and rejection of violence and discrimination. The ministry stressed the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals and communities, regardless of their religious beliefs, in order to maintain stability and peace in society.

The Foreign Ministry of Oman argued that the latest incident which saw Holy Quran burning has once again drawn attention to the need for increased efforts to counter extremism and promote respect for all religions. They also stated that the international community must come together to address these issues and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Rasmus Paludan, an anti-Islam activist on Friday burned two copies of the Quran in a solitary protest in Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen. He burned one in front of a mosque and another in front of the Turkish embassy, and vowed to do so every Friday until Sweden is admitted into NATO.

Paludan, a far-right activist who holds both Danish and Swedish citizenship, also staged a Quran-burning protest in Sweden on January 21. On Friday, protests were held in several predominantly Muslim countries to denounce Paludan’s protest in Sweden on January 21 and a similar incident in the Netherlands last week.

Other Arab states including Quwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also condemned the burning of the Holy Quran.

Tunisia recorded an 11.4% voter turnout in its recent parliamentary elections, according to Farouk Bouasker, president of the Independent High Authority for Elections. The preliminary results show that 154 members were elected in both the first and second rounds, with only 25 of them being women.

Critics have expressed concerns about the low turnout, claiming that it could undermine the legitimacy of Tunisias newly elected House of Representatives. However, the election has brought in both new and familiar faces, with re-elections for former members including Hishem Hosni, Fatma Mseddi, Imed Ouled Jibril, and Nacer Channoufi.

Tunisian President Kais Saied issued a decree in September to change the electoral law, allowing voters to cast ballots for individuals instead of party lists. This new system has also allowed current members of the nationalist-affiliated People’s Movement party, including Ridha Delai and Abdelrrazek Aouidet, to return to parliament.

Other notable members of the newly elected House of Representatives include Ibrahim Bouderbela, former dean of the lawyers bar, and Faouzi Daas, a member of President Saied’s electoral campaign and close circle.

The electoral process has been criticized by civil society observers for its lack of transparency which could explain why Tunisia experienced low turnout in these elections, but the elections body has denied these claims and called for evidence to be presented in court. The newly elected House of Representatives is expected to hold its first session in less than two months, following the completion of the appeals period at Tunisia’s Administrative Court.

Image Credit: Fethi Belaid/AFP

Iran’s economy has deteriorated significantly over the past three years due to sanctions, rising inflation rates, corruption, political turmoil, and the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic. Iran’s recently elected president, Ebrahim Raisi, has promised to reform and revitalize the country’s struggling economy. However, his proposals contain several gaps that need to be addressed in order to create economic growth.

Iran’s economic woes began when the Trump administration withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, claiming that the Persian nation was not holding up its end of the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Iran would tear down most of its nuclear program and allow international representatives to extensively inspect their facilities in exchange for significant amounts of sanctions relief. Indeed, Iran was conducting illicit nuclear activities out of sight of EU and U.S. inspectors. As a result of such unlawful conduct, Trump slapped sanctions on the Iranian government. Between 2012 and 2014, Iran suffered a loss of $100 billion in revenues due to sanctions.

Over the past two years, the European Union has also imposed sanctions on Iran over the country’s mismanagement of domestic political affairs and human rights violations. These punitive actions have resulted in a significant decrease in oil exports from the country, crippling the nation’s economy. In 2018, the country generated $62.7 billion in oil exports, but by 2020, this figure decreased drastically to $29 billion. As a result, the country’s GDP growth rate dropped in both 2018 and 2019, and inflation rose to 36.5% in 2019. To further add fuel to the fire, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated Iran’s financial woes. Iran has struggled to contain the spread of the deadly virus, killing more than 87,000 people, pushing the country’s healthcare sector and the economy to the verge of collapse. The country’s economy has further suffered thanks to ongoing corruption and mismanagement by Iran’s ruling elite.

After his election in June, Iran’s new president, and the former Judiciary Chief, Ebrahim Raisi, promised economic reform. During his campaign, he outlined seven pillars of proposed reform which focus on expansionary fiscal and monetary policies. These include providing the country’s poorest households with low-interest loans, increasing government subsidies for health care, building four million new houses, and creating four million new jobs.

While Raisi’s plans are ambitious, Iran-watchers have pointed out the flaws in his proposals. For example, experts from the Atlantic Council have noted that Iran would need to generate adequate funds from selling government bonds, oil revenues, and tax revenues for the government to achieve its goals. However, Raisi’s plan does not clarify where and how the government will generate this money. According to Iran’s March 2021 budget plan, selling government bonds comprises only 15% of government revenues. Therefore, it is unlikely to be a dependable income source for Iran’s economic recovery.

Further, the country has been struggling to wean off its dependence on oil revenues. Therefore, tying the country’s plan for economic growth to oil revenues is counterintuitive. Iran also does not have the stock market and tax system infrastructure needed to identify and produce tax revenue increases on speculative activities while simultaneously decreasing taxes on production and manufacturing entities.

Raisi’s plans are also likely to fail because his administration has not carefully considered the fact that Iran’s currency has significantly devalued over the past few years. This has resulted in capital outflows of $27.8 billion, which has dramatically impacted the nation’s economy. In addition, many experts have pointed out that Raisi’s expansionary monetary and fiscal policies would likely result in increased inflation. State-run media outlets and prominent economists have also warned that the country’s economy may be too far gone. Unless the government can address existing bureaucratic and corrupt structures, it will make little progress towards achieving its goals.

As Raisi strategizes the implementation of his proposed economic reforms, addressing the country’s deep-rooted corruption should be the first thing on his agenda. Iran ranked 149th out of 180 countries in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Over the past year, Iranian officials, including Parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and numerous judges, have been accused or convicted of corruption. Iran was also placed on a blacklist by the global anti-money laundering group Financial Action Task Force (FATF) early last year after legislation that would align Iran’s policies with FATF’s rules on banking transparency failed to pass. The country’s legacy of corrupt institutions and leaders has significantly undermined its economic growth and opportunities.

Raisi has promised to reform its economy and expand opportunities to all of its citizens, but it fails to acknowledge Iran’s current economic situation. If the newly-appointed President wishes to introduce change, he must address its longstanding history of corruption and political mismanagement; otherwise, he will sabotage any economic recovery efforts as previous leaders and decision-makers have done before.

Over the past year, Russia has sold numerous SU-57 fighter jets to the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries such as Algeria and Egypt. The sales come after the United States sold its F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to Arab countries such as Morocco. Experts have raised concerns that the influx of fighter jets into the already precarious region could spark an arms race and significantly impact stability in the MENA area.

In November of last year, Algeria and Russia signed a contract enabling the North African country to purchase 14 Russian SU-57 fighter jets for approximately $2 billion. The two nations formalized the deal last year after announcing it earlier in 2019. Algeria’s purchase comes after the United States approved the sale of 25 of its F-16 fighter jets to Morocco last March for $3.8 billion. Both Algeria and Morocco are now locked into an escalating arms race as the two neighboring nations struggle to ensure the strength of their military sector. The United States has also agreed to sell 50 F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The U.S.’ F-16 and F-35 jets are fifth-generation versions of its warplanes. Both planes are in high demand internationally, as they feature advanced technological features. SU-57 warplanes are Russia’s fifth-generation jets. Though there is little public information about the product specifications of the planes, reports indicate it is an appealing purchase for many foreign nations as it is cheaper than the F-35 planes.

In many ways, the sale of Russian and American fighter jets to countries in the MENA region reflects the ongoing global power struggle between Russia and the United States. Over the past decade, both superpowers have worked to undermine the other’s influence and expand their cultural, economic, and military prowess across the globe. Given the strategic geopolitical and security importance the MENA region holds, both powers have expanded their presence in the area. Military sales are a critical segment of these efforts. The U.S. is Morocco’s primary supplier of arms, while Algeria is one of Russia’s largest arms buyers. According to data from the Center for International Policy, Morocco buys 91% of its arms from the United States, more than any other country in the Middle East and North Africa region. Similarly, Algeria purchases 67% of its weapons from Russia.

Military sales are essential to Russia right now, as the country’s economy has been severely undermined by sanctions. As such, foreign funds are integral to achieving the country’s military modernization goals. Since Russia re-entered the MENA region by opening a base in Syria in 2016, the country has attempted to expand its military sales to other nations in the region. Further, experts note that the U.S.’ sale of fighter jets to Morocco could have helped further Washington’s geopolitical agenda in the region. In December 2020, Morocco normalized relations with Israel, an effort shepherded by the United States.

One example of the critical role military sales play in the U.S.-Russia power struggle is the recent dispute with Egypt. On February 25, Egypt purchased five SU-35 fighter jets from Russia, with 19 more expected. The Egyptian government had previously purchased arms from the U.S. but is now aiming to diversify its weapons sources. Shortly before the deal announcement, the U.S. government warned the Egyptian government that it would consider introducing sanctions on Egypt if it continued to purchase the Russian jets. Despite this, the Egyptian government went forth with the deal, wanting to avoid a weapons dependency on Washington.

The rapid influx of U.S. and Russian military artillery into the MENA region has raised significant concerns about the future stability of the area. In particular, there is a fear that advanced Russian and American weaponry could fall into the hands of terror groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, or the Houthis or could be routed to countries such as Iran. Imported arms play a central role in all of the active conflicts in the MENA region. Additional weaponry could further fuel these battles and threaten the U.S.’ strategic position and allies’ positions.

In addition, many U.S. lawmakers have warned that selling fighter jets and other advanced military equipment to Arab nations could undermine Israel’s strategic advantage in the region. Given that Israel and the United States are strong allies, this is a significant concern for U.S. strategists. Some U.S. policymakers have also noted that Israel would need to purchase more arms from Washington to maintain its military advantage, introducing more advanced weaponry into the already fragile region.

The sale of military equipment is becoming an increasingly important component of the battle for economic, military, and political influence between the U.S. and Russia. The Middle East is the new battleground for this struggle. The U.S. and Russia must be more conscious of the role their arms could play in sparking an insatiable arms race that could fuel further instability and terrorism in the region.

Iraq’s population is currently the fastest-growing in the world, and the nation’s Prime Minister has called for expanding economic opportunities in the oil-dependent country. Iraqi Prime Minister Financial Affairs Adviser, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, stated that there needs to be a renewed focus on investment in manufacturing, tourism, and service areas, among others.

At a population growth rate of 2.6 percent annually, which is the highest throughout the world, the current trend of oil-dependency through 2050 could not be diverse enough for this expanding populace.

Currently, oil accounts for 45 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or the amount that a country produces of all goods and services. A diverse economy is one that provides opportunities for growth and wealth development for its citizens, whereas an economy that is heavily dependent on one sector limits these opportunities for growth.

Saleh stated that “More than 8 million Iraqis receive salaries, a pension, a grant or a social benefit from the state,” which means that oil revenues account for a significant portion of the support people depend on. However, in times of crisis, like the coronavirus pandemic, these people suffer economically.

Iraq’s Economic Conditions

There are currently 40.1 million Iraqis, as tallied at the end of 2020. This is according to information provided by the Ministry of Planning. Current unemployment rates sit at about 23 percent.

When oil prices globally are high, oil-dependent nations prosper. However, when global oil prices drop, which they have done for the past year and a half, then those same economies suffer.

With the ongoing price slump, some Iraqi regions are turning back to farming, a sector that had been neglected for many years. This is especially true in the northern Kurdish regions of the country.

Vineyards in these northern regions are coming back to life for the first time in nearly two decades. Locals have realized it is better to return to these less lucrative means of survival rather than wait for things to turn around in the oil industry.

Iraq a Beacon of Hope?

Iraq has also been looking to foment stronger ties to some other Mid-East nations, most notably Egypt and Jordan. One commentator noted that this latter relationship -Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq- was like the ‘region’s odd fellows.’ But Iraq has long maintained economic ties to these neighbors, and part of that is built-in economic benefit for each.

During the Iran-Iraq War, Jordan was an economic lifeline for Iraq. Most of Jordan’s oil came from Iraq and Egypt witnessed about one million of its citizens emigrate to Iraq during that same time period of the 1980s.

Now, though, with these mediation steps and rebuilding of stronger relationships with its neighbors, Iraq is taking concrete steps into its future, recognizing the importance of diversifying its production and services.

Iraq is emerging from decades of tumult with a population boom. If the nation wishes to not only survive but thrive, it must be willing and able to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. By diversifying, Iraq could very well become a critical player in peace and prosperity throughout the Middle East.

Lebanon is currently facing a severe financial crisis, and its population is struggling to afford food and other necessities. The ongoing crisis has particularly taken a toll on already marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as farmers, women, and those within the low socioeconomic framework.

Lebanon’s current economic state can be attributed to a plethora of events. After the Lebanese Civil War, which took place between 1975 and 1990, the Lebanese government introduced macroeconomic policies that radically transformed the economy’s structure. As a result, Lebanon’s economy became highly dependent on imports, and local production was discouraged. This fostered a strong dependency on foreign currency flows, particularly dollar flows. The Lebanese government also accumulated significant debt to modernize and develop the country, which benefited the country’s elite. However, their untethered borrowing, coupled with corruption and mismanagement, fostered considerable income inequality and set the country’s economy up for disaster. In 2019, inflows of dollars declined significantly, sparking an economic crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated. According to the World Bank, the situation in Lebanon is considered one of the worst economic depressions in recent history.

The ongoing crisis has especially taken a toll on Lebanon’s farmers. Over the last two years, the Lebanese pound has lost approximately 90% of its value. These staggering inflation rates have made it prohibitively expensive for farmers to import materials such as fertilizer, seeds, and animal feed. Many farmers have been forced out of work, unable to feed their livestock and obtain necessary materials. As the country starves, demand for Lebanese farmers to produce more is rising. However, given the current economic situation, meeting this demand has proven difficult and could result in the adoption of subpar and even dangerous agricultural techniques.

Lebanon’s economic woes have also strongly impacted the country’s women. As inflation rises, so has the price of menstrual pads, most of which are imported. Recent estimates indicate that the cost of pads had risen approximately 500% since the beginning of the crisis. Given that over half of Lebanon’s population is now living in poverty, thousands of women are now forced to seek out alternatives.

The price of other everyday necessities, like bread, has also skyrocketed. During the earlier parts of the crisis, the Lebanese government provided subsidies for some essential goods, including medicine, fuel, and flour. However, as the crisis worsened, the government rolled back these subsidies. Earlier this month, the government raised the price for bread for the seventh time this year, as wheat imports have become more expensive. Similarly, as the price of imported fuel rose, fuel subsidies decreased. As a result, hospitals and the airport have resorted to rationing fuel and electricity use. Many pharmacies have also refused to operate, as they lack access to critical imported medicines. In an effort to combat Beirut’s growing inequality, basic necessities are now prohibitively expensive for most citizens. The government recently introduced ration cards for the country’s poorest, but the rising unemployment rates and ongoing government inefficiency have painted a bleak picture of the country’s economic future.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Arabia has launched several new megaprojects. One notable initiative is Jeddah Economic City, which will result in the construction of the world’s tallest tower — Jeddah Tower.

Jeddah Economic City is one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship megaprojects. Outlines for the city indicate that 210 towers that are over 30 floors high and numerous features will be built to foster an economically and environmentally friendly atmosphere. The city is being constructed in line with the recently announced Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to increase the amount of green space in the country, while also increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and planting more trees.

Jeddah City will be divided into three districts: A financial sector, a residential sector, and Al-Balad, which will recreate segments of old Jeddah. Throughout history, Jeddah has been a vital relief stop for Muslims going on pilgrimage to the holy city. As such, the Al-Balad district could reflect many of the architectural and cultural traits that Jeddah has adopted over the past centuries. In addition, the city will be home to Jeddah Tower, which is slated to be 1 kilometer tall. The tower is set to overtake Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building. According to recent reports, approximately 90% of road construction and landscaping work for the city has been completed.

Since 2016, Saudi Arabia has invested significant resources to achieve the modernization, and economic development goals in the Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to reshape Saudi Arabia’s economy to avoid a dependence on foreign labor and oil. However, in some ways, the construction of flashy and tech-savvy new cities and spaces fails to address some of the economic necessities of Saudi citizens. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown resulted in citizen unemployment rates rising to 15.4%, though this figure has decreased as the Kingdom opens up. In addition, Saudis have been struggling with widening inequality, especially after the government tripled the value-added tax on goods and services during the pandemic, and inflation soared.

As Saudi Arabia continues down the path of modernization, economic recovery is just around the corner. Projects like Jeddah Economic City and Jeddah Tower will be shining beacons of the Kingdom’s progress.

When Israel-Palestine tensions came to a head in May, observers worldwide took to the streets to protest the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Many of these protesters wielded the Palestinian flag. The Palestinian flag has unique origins and represents many important parts of the Islamic and Palestinian movements. Over the years, the flag has come to represent a global sense of struggle for liberation that other communities identify with and support.

Sharif Hussein initially designed the modern-day Palestinian flag as a symbol of the Arab Revolt in June 1916. During 1917, the Palestinian people adopted the flag to represent the Arab national movement, which aimed to establish a united Arab state encompassing Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine. In 1947, the pan-Arab Ba’ath Party, founded in Syria, used the flag to symbolize its desire to achieve Arab liberation and unity. In 1948, the Palestinian people readopted the flag during the Palestinian conference in Gaza. Shortly after, the Arab League recognized the flag as the official flag of Palestine. During the 1964 Palestinian conference in Jerusalem, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) also recognized the flag as the official Palestinian flag. During the latter portion of the 20th century, Palestine struggled to obtain recognition as a state in the international arena. However, in 2015, the United Nations General Assembly approved the inclusion of the Palestinian flag at the UN headquarters in New York City.

The Palestinian flag consists of a black, white, and green stripe and one red triangle. Each of the colors in the flag represents different Arab dynasties and pivotal moments in Islamic history. The black represents the Prophet Mohammad, the founder of Islam, who lived between 570 and 632 AD. It also represents the Abbasid Dynasty, which was based in Baghdad. It used the color black to commemorate a period of mourning for the Battle of Kabala and the assassination of the Prophet’s relatives. The white in the Palestinian flag represents the Umayyad Dynasty, which ruled for almost 90 years from Syria. The dynasty used white as their color of mourning and to commemorate the Prophet’s first battle at Badr. The green in the flag symbolizes the Fatimid Dynasty, which was founded in Morocco by Abdullah Al-Mahdi. The dynasty expanded its reach throughout North Africa, and they used green to represent their loyalty to the Prophet’s cousin, Ali. Finally, the red in the flag represents the Khawarij, who formed the first republican party in Islamic history and used red as their symbolic color. Red also represents descendants of the Prophet, such as the Ashrafs of the Hijaz and the Hashemites.

Over the past several years, the Palestinian flag has also become associated with the Black Lives Matter movement. As both the Black Lives Matter and Palestinian liberation movements have grown and captured media attention, the parallels in state violence, human rights abuses and protests between the African-American community and the Palestinian community have become more apparent. Indeed, many young Black activists have supported Palestinian liberation and vice versa. For example, in 2015, over 1,000 Black organizers signed a solidarity statement that condemned Israeli violence in Gaza and the West Bank. While the latest string of Black Lives Matter protests were occurring in the U.S. in 2020, Palestinians shared images of themselves hoisting flags that said “Palestinian Lives Matter.” A Palestinian artist also created a mural on the separation wall near Bethlehem of George Floyd, who was murdered in May 2020.

The uniquely designed Palestinian flag represents numerous aspects of Islamic history and reflects the Palestinian struggle. As other similar movements have emerged around the globe, including the Black Lives Matter movement, the Palestinian flag has also come to be seen as a symbol of protest and struggle for freedom.

In an era of heightened capitalism and nationalism, US tech giant Google finds itself in the middle of another political storm – this time in the Middle East. The search engine’s identification and association of Keffiyeh with terrorism has sent shock waves throughout the Arab world.

History of Symbolization

Keffiyeh, an easily identifiable cloth with its unique black and white cheque patterns is said to find its origins in Mesopotamia. The civilization of Sumerians and Babylonians in West Asia around 3100 BC crafted this cloth which was mainly a symbol of high rank and honor. It was restricted to the priestly class (or rather rulers) who also formed the most elite section of society. The symbolism associated with the cloth underwent a drastic change as it crept into the dressings or everyday men including peasants who worked on the field and travelers who had to face the harsh weather conditions.

The journey of Keffiyeh as a symbol of resistance and Palestinian movement started during the British mandate. In 1936, as the Arab revolt increased in its tenacity, the cloth was used to cover faces in order to avoid recognition and thereafter arrest. After the British banned the use of Keffiyeh altogether, masses responded with everyone wearing it which made it harder to identify rebels and thus the symbol came to be associated with rebellion. The late Palestinian leader and President Yassir Arafat had a huge influence in this regard. He along with the resistance movement solidified the cloth connection especially during the First Intifada and Second Intifada in 1987 and 2000, respectively.

Keffiyeh continues to be associated as the main symbol of Palestinian movement and demand for a just Palestine. Outside the Gaza and West Bank, the cloth is associated as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

The Fashion Link

Keffiyeh has made headlines for two simultaneous reasons. First the launch of Keffiyeh inspired scarf by Louis Vitton has set critiques, civil societies and pro-Palestinian groups to unleash a founded response. Social Media influencers, fashion critiques and people in general are calling out big brands such as LV for their irrational use and abuse of symbols. The timing of the unveiling of this new product coincided with the air and missile strikes going back and forth between Palestine and Israel.

The appropriation of Keffiyeh as a “desert scarf” has led to a public outcry which is pressuring LV and other celebrities to take note of the importance of the cloth. The criticism also follows the numbness and silence of the fashion industry on the ongoing human rights violations in war-stricken areas around the globe while using parts of their cultures to increase their sales and popularity. The continued cultural appropriation of the cloth indicates to a removal of the context in which a symbol came into existence. However, the more worrying sign of such acts is that it indicates the deafness of certain societies and groups and their ingrained entitlement.

What does Google have to do with this?

Amidst a fashion industry controversy, Google finds itself in an algorithmic mess. The search engine cropped up results of keffiyeh when searched for symbols associated with terrorism. Google and Amazon recently also signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with Israel to provide cloud services to both the civilians and Israeli military. The business deal along with this troubling algorithm has faced severe backlash as both together represent US foreign policy and attitude towards Palestinian cause. Google and Amazon employees wrote open letters against the signing of the deal owing to the war crimes and associated charges of human rights violations and illegal occupation against Israel. Till now Google has not responded to the allegations surrounding their algorithms and search engine.

Over the last several weeks, protesters in Iran took to the streets to express their discontent over continuous economic struggles and a looming water crisis. The Middle Eastern country’s economy is in shambles thanks to ongoing Western sanction regimes and the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest string of water shortages has underscored and exacerbated these financial issues. Iranians are growing more dissatisfied by the day, signaling that the government needs to implement meaningful changes soon.

Iran’s economy is currently at one of its lowest points. After the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, it reimposed stringent sanctions on Iran. This resulted in a sharp decrease in foreign investment and oil exports. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated Iran’s economic woes. Recent estimates indicate that Iran is one of the hardest-hit Middle Eastern countries, as more than 89,000 Iranians have died from the coronavirus. The deadly virus has spread throughout Iranian society, even infecting those at the highest level of government. Iranian hospitals are nearing the brink of collapse, and due to sanctions, the country has struggled to obtain access to the necessary medical supplies to combat the pandemic. Today, inflation in the country is over 50%, unemployment is staggeringly high, and many workers have reported not receiving wages for several weeks.

Simultaneously, Iran is suffering through its worst drought in 50 years. In May, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian warned the government that the country would face water shortages during the summer. Despite this, the regime has done little to prepare, sparking ire among Iranians. Iranian authorities have attributed the water crisis to low levels of rainfall. Experts have noted that recent rainfall levels were 40% lower than the rainfall levels from last year. As a result, many hydroelectric power plants have been unable to operate. Rising demand for electricity to fuel appliances such as air conditioners during the summer has resulted in numerous power blackouts. Iranians have also pointed to a legacy of government corruption and mismanagement that has shaped and fostered the water crisis. The ongoing crisis has significantly impacted agriculture and livestock farming, contributing to further economic stress.

In response to these economic and resource crises, Iranians across the country have begun protesting. On July 15, protests broke out in Iran’s oil-rich province of Khuzestan after many days of severe water shortages. As protests turned violent, one person was killed, sparking even more anger. The demonstrations in Khuzestan follow numerous similar uprisings across the country as Iranians demand changes to the country’s economic and political system. In addition, over the past several weeks, thousands of individuals working in Iran’s energy and oil sector have begun to protest, advocating for higher wages and better working conditions amid growing stress on the industry. Reports indicate that many protesters across the country have been chanting phrases such as “water is my right,” Death to the dictator,” and “Death to Khamenei.”

Iranians are growing increasingly discontent with the country’s economic and resource scarcity crises. Over the past several weeks. Iranians have taken to the streets to express their frustrations, calling on the government to do more to address the dual crises. The regime must implement meaningful structural changes or step aside and empower a government that will.

For almost a decade, Lebanon’s economy has been crumbling. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and national lockdowns have amplified the country’s financial woes. Such hardships have resulted in a sharp rise in domestic violence incidents, reflecting Beirut’s patriarchal society. The Lebanese government must intervene to protect women and safeguard their rights whilst also addressing the country’s socio-economic issues.

According to UN Women, there has been a 50 to 60% increase in gender-based violence in the Arab world recently. In Lebanon, this has been particularly apparent. According to the online feminist platform, Sharika Wa Laken, crimes against women increased by 107% between 2019 and 2020, due to numerous societal and economic problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened the issue of domestic violence. In January 2021 alone, Lebanese internal security forces (ISF) received 116 calls on their domestic violence hotline, reflecting a 45% increase in calls compared to January 2020. The ISF has also noted that the types of calls have changed dramatically. Initially, women would call the hotline requesting a consultation. However, during the pandemic, the ISF saw a rise in direct pleas for assistance and protection. The issue of domestic violence has since come under the spotlight after a series of high-profile murders, including that of model Zeina Kanjo, who was strangled by her husband.

The impact of Lebanon’s patriarchal culture has extended far beyond the country’s borders. In 2015, Amani Haydar, a Lebanese woman living in Australia, reported that her father had killed his wife of 28 years and Haydar’s mother after stabbing her over 30 times. The attack also injured the couple’s youngest daughter, Ola, who tried to intervene.

Despite the urgent nature of this problem, families often downplay the severity of these incidents and attempt to justify the acts. Ahead of International Women’s Day in March, a group of women’s rights activists launched an online campaign titled, It’s Called a Crime, aiming to combat the normalization of violence against women.

Some legal experts suggest that domestic violence and other crimes against women continue not because of a lack of protective measures but because of a lack of enforcement and accountability. The Lebanese government amended the law to protect women who face violence from their ex-husbands and criminalize sexual harassment, including in the workplace. The Lebanese government also raised the custody age of children to 12, a move that activists said would empower women to leave abusive partners and take their children with them. However, enforcement of these laws is still weak. Social stigma around domestic abuse often prevents women from going to the authorities in the first place, creating a significant accountability gap.

While the Lebanese government has introduced some measures to safeguard women’s rights, the country’s overall socio-economic climate has undermined these efforts. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s economy was already suffering, sparking rampant unemployment and discontent. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these financial troubles, as did the explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. As a result, Lebanon is now suffering from an economic depression and poverty is rising.As tensions continue to rise, many male citizens resort to taking their frustration out on the women in their families. Many Lebanese citizens have expressed anger towards the Lebanese government, one heavily influenced by Hezbollah, calling for a change in the country’s administration. However, despite multiple attempts, the country’s policymakers failed to establish a functioning government.

Today, women have few methods for recourse and protection. Lebanese authorities must do more to safeguard women’s rights, addressing the socio-economic issues that spark such violence.

Over the past few months, rising tensions between Israel and Palestine have captured global attention and sparked outcry on social media. This wave of coverage has forced some celebrities to chime in on the matter. However, not all of these celebrities and media organizations are well-informed, and many have been accused of spreading misinformation, sparking subsequent anti-Semitic sentiment.

One celebrity has attracted significant criticism for spreading misleading information about the ongoing conflict is American model, Bella Hadid, whose father is Palestinian. During the 11-day conflict, Hadid shared numerous misleading Instagram posts with her 43 million followers, criticizing Israel’s role in the conflict. For example, the model shared a photograph of the 1939 Palestinian soccer team to recognize the successes of the Palestinian community. But, as London-based photographer Blake Ezra noted, the pre-Palestinian state soccer team was composed entirely of Jewish athletes, reflecting Hadid’s lack of understanding of the region’s history. Some critics have also noted that Hadid’s misleading narrative could reinforce Palestinian oppression, as celebrities often fail to condemn Hamas. The Palestinian militant group leading Gaza is well-known for fostering violence and unrest. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.

Other celebrities, including The Weeknd, Roger Walters, Zayn Malik, Mark Ruffalo, and Dua Lipa, have been accused of spreading misleading information about the conflict. In May, the New York Times published a full-page ad run by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach of the World Values Network, which accused Bella Hadid, her sister Gigi Hadid, and singer Dua Lipa of spreading misinformation about the tense situation. Simultaneously, non-profit entertainment industry organization, Creative Community For Peace, released a statement that called on entertainers and executives to help combat misinformation and biased coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Over 130 entertainment industry leaders signed the statement, including Gene Simmons, Michael Bublé, and Meghan McCain.

As anti-Israel coverage of the conflict expanded, so has anti-Semitic sentiment around the world. However, given the rampant spread of misinformation about the situation, there has been little coverage of anti-Semitic events. In the United States, numerous recent attacks have occurred, including in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. In London, police arrested four individuals for shouting abusive slurs and threats while driving through Jewish areas of the city.

The ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine are rooted in decades of complex history and violence. While individuals around the world must remain informed and engaged with global events, celebrities must use their platforms responsibly and ensure that they are spreading accurate and unbiased information.

Some members of the British Parliament (MPs) are fighting proposed cuts to foreign aid, some of which would directly impact Yemen, a nation of about 16 million people. Due to what Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other Labour leaders say must occur to recuperate revenue loss from Covid-19.

Others disagree, most notably Conservative MPs, but the issue against these cuts crosses party lines. Currently, the British government spends 0.7% of its national income on humanitarian aid, a law passed in 2015. It is also recognized as a key target among many international organizations and communities.

PM Johnson and other Labour party advocates seek to cut that down to 0.5%, which would equate to approximately £4 billion. The key to this is that the cuts will cease when the national debt begins to decline and the government is no longer borrowing for regular operational spending.

Conservative MPs are seeking enough support to force the government to live up to its obligations and the law stipulated in 2015.

Charities Warn of Devastating Consequences

The current cuts to international aid programs will extend indefinitely, unless counter support can be rallied, and this could lead to serious long-term and devastating consequences, according to numerous charitable organizations around the world.

One such organization stated that when cutting aid during one of the worst crises in modern time is akin to “cutting the RAF during the Battle of Britain.” Former Prime Minister, Theresa May, was one of 24 Conservative MPs who stood against these aid cuts and said the government was essentially, “turning its back on some of the poorest people in the world.”

While some strong, determined MPs stood firm, when the resolution to force adherence to 2015’s law came up for a vote, a number of wavering proponents melted under the spotlight, and obtaining the fifty-needed supporters failed. Some of the supporters of the resolution to force the UK to live up to its obligations had been quite vocal leading up to the vote, but suddenly turned away at the last moment.

UK charitable organization Oxfam GB’s chief executive, Danny Sriskandarajah stated, “We are seeing a yawning gap between the rhetoric of ‘Global Britain’ and the reality of a government breaking its promised to the world’s poorest and further undermining the UK’s credibility on the international stage.”

Yemen in the Crosshairs of a Crisis

While Great Britain’s foreign aid cuts will impact a number of nations, Yemen stands to suffer the most, as about two-thirds of its citizens require some level of humanitarian aid. Funding for aid is running out quickly, though, according to the United Nations.

The UN is reaching out to the global community to help shore up needed $3.85 billion (US) in aid. When one looks at the amount Great Britain cut from its foreign aid spending, which totaled about £4 billion, it becomes clear that Great Britain’s decision is set to have negative ramifications on Yemen.

2020 saw a significant drop in foreign aid to Yemen, largely blamed on the impact the coronavirus has had on many countries. For Yemen’s aid, the UN only received about half of what they received the year before, which totalled about $1.9 billion (US).

This year, 16 million people are expected to need direct assistance from these funds, and unfortunately, the funding continues to be slashed.

Currently, Yemen represents the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world. Following years of conflict, famine, and a breakdown of the most basic infrastructure necessities, millions of Yemenis, especially children, stand to suffer in the wake of foreign aid cuts.

Currently, about two million school-aged children no longer have access to school. On top of that, aid supporters claim that if they don’t get the right level of care and support for schooling fast enough, they may never return to their education, even if it becomes available sometime in the future.

This current aid crisis isn’t merely about providing food and shelter, but also the future of Yemen. If Great Britain, which passed its own law in 2015 declaring 0.7% of GDP to be spent on foreign aid, can change its own laws on a whim, during the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II, what other countries will follow their lead? It’s a dangerous precedent to set and one that will likely have far-reaching consequences.

Late last year, the Turkish government issued a tax fine to a leading opposition newspaper, Sözcü, which amounted to TL 14.5 million ($1.8 million). According to representatives from the paper, the penalty was based on unsubstantiated claims made by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. Since Turkey’s failed coup in 2016, the Turkish government has been waging war against free speech. The country’s record on journalism and press freedom has declined significantly. Foreign media outlets have come under significant scrutiny, and the government has developed a reputation for jailing critics and anyone opposing the administration. The government’s efforts to quash dissent have impacted both online and offline speech. Activists and civil society organizations worldwide have called on the government to respect fundamental rights and guarantee the free and open flow of information.

Today, Turkey holds one of the world’s worst records on press freedom and journalist safety. According to the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, Turkey ranks 154th out of 180 countries. Since the attempted coup in 2016, almost 200 news outlets have closed, and the government has jailed approximately 138 Turkish journalists, many of whom are in pre-trial detention. Government-affiliated organizations now run nearly 95% of Turkish media.

The Turkish government introduced numerous legislative changes that significantly impact online and offline speech. In 2019, the government introduced a law requiring web streaming services and news broadcasters to obtain state-issued licenses. The law came after the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), a state-funded think tank, issued a report claiming foreign media outlets reflect significant bias in their Turkish-language coverage. Later that year, the government issued a court order that blocked 136 websites and social media accounts affiliated with individuals and organizations critical of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling party. The block impacted outlets such as the independent news website, Gazette Fersude.

Late last year, a Turkish court demanded leftist daily newspaper Evresnel to remove an article that claimed one of the president’s advisors forged their high school diploma. The court justified its decision using the “right to be forgotten,” a framework that asserts that any individual should be able to request the removal of content online that portrays them in a harmful or inaccurate manner. The right to be forgotten framework is widely implemented across the European Union. Some technology policy advocates view the framework as a mechanism for promoting user privacy. However, press freedom advocates such as the Committee to Protect Journalists have warned that governments could use the principle to suppress journalism, as in Turkey.

The right to be forgotten requirement is part of a broader law passed last June. The law requires social media companies with over 1 million Turkish users to open offices, hire locally-based representatives, and localize Turkish users’ data, or face significant fines, advertising bans, or website throttling. Additionally, under the law, social media companies must respond to court-ordered requests to remove or block content within 24 hours and user requests to remove or block content within 48 hours, or risk facing fines of between 5 and 10 million Turkish Lira. This raises significant freedom of expression concerns, especially as the government has begun expanding its use of this law to censor content online that is critical of the government. According to a Free Web Turkey report published earlier this year, 42% of news items blocked between November 2019 and October 2020 directly mentioned the Turkish president, his family, or officials of the AKP.

The silencing of critics and dissenters is everpresent in Turkey and independent unbiased media reporting is difficult to access. The Turkish government must heed the calls of activists and civil society organizations from around the world and respect free speech and press freedom.

Late last month, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met in Beirut to discuss the 11-day conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza Strip. While the conflict was the topic of conversation, the discussion also focused on counterbalancing Egypt’s growing role in the region, with the aim of boosting Iran’s regional influence. The North African country played an important mediating role during the recent conflict, helping to broker a ceasefire, and its regional power appears to be growing. Given this, Iran perceives Egypt as a major threat to its geopolitical agenda.

The recent 11-day conflict is the latest in the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine. At least 254 people were killed along with immense infrastructure damage in both Israel and the Gaza Strip. While Egypt played a critical role in negotiating the ceasefire, the country has been in this situation before. In 2014, it helped broker a truce after weeks of war between Israel and Hamas. Over the past year, numerous Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, have normalized diplomatic relations with Israel, sparking backlash from the Palestinian territories. This placed Egypt in a unique position to broker peace between the two warring parties.

During the recent talks between Nasrallah and Haniyeh, however, the two leaders sought to undermine Egypt’s role in the current ceasefire and counterbalance its broadening influence. This is because Egypt’s geopolitical agenda is not aligned with Tehran, as Iran is the primary backer of Hamas and Hezbollah, something Egypt is firmly against. Hamas is a militant group based in the Gaza Strip, receiving backings from Qatar and Iran. Tehran supplies Hamas with weapons and funding and intends to exert control over the conflict’s mediation efforts. Similarly, Iran also backs Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim political party and designated terrorist organization based in Lebanon. Hezbollah has established significant political and military power in the country, and it has promoted Iranian ideals in the region, including anti-Western sentiment. Both Hamas and Hezbollah act as proxies for Iran in the Middle East.

According to individuals familiar with the June dialogue, the two leaders discussed how they could align Iran and Hamas’ regional agendas and continue to promote Iranian influence in the Middle East in the wake of normalization efforts with Israel. Haniyeh particularly expressed an interest in obfuscating Egypt’s role in establishing a ceasefire between the Palestinian Islamist movement and Israel. In doing this, Iran would be able to demonstrate it retains control over Hamas, and it would be able to counterbalance Egypt and Israel’s expanding influence in the region.

The recent talks between Nasrallah and Haniyeh are a strong reflection of Iran’s desire to continue expanding its prowess in the Middle East and undermining the presence of Egypt.

On June 27, leaders from Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan met in Baghdad to discuss opportunities for strategic political, economic, security, and cultural partnerships between the three nations. The trilateral summit came as the three Middle Eastern nations are reconsidering their geopolitical roles in the region. The three countries are also strategizing around boosting economic growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This new alliance is particularly significant for Egypt and Iraq, as the two countries have shared a rocky history. Experts predict that both nations will reap substantial economic rewards from the newly established partnership.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi attended the recent summit. The summit marks the fourth time the three leaders have convened since March 2019 and the first visit by an Egyptian president to Iraq since Iraq’s former dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990. The countries are especially interested in fostering cooperation around economic, political, security, cultural, and educational issues through a partnership al-Kadhimi has dubbed the “New Levant” alliance. Additionally, Egypt and Iraq are both hoping to broaden their regional relationships.

The latest summit primarily focused on cooperation around economic, investment, energy, and security issues. In particular, Egypt and Iraq’s leaders discussed opportunities for boosting bilateral economic cooperation. Currently, Iraq is Egypt’s 25th largest investor, with 3,329 Iraqi companies working on investments valued at approximately $490 million. 25% of the investments made by Iraqi companies are in the industrial sector, 24% are in the agricultural sector, 20% in the service sector, and 20% in the tourism sector. Egypt hopes to expand the amount of Iraqi investment in the country. Iraq is also a lucrative export destination for Egypt. Currently, Egypt’s largest exports to the country include furniture, cotton, medicines, oils, tiles, crops, petroleum, and iron. Its largest imports from Iraq are chocolate and cocoa products.

In addition, the three countries discussed advancing projects in the energy and electrical interconnection sectors. For example, Iraq and Egypt have discussed connecting their electricity grids to decrease the nations’ dependence on electricity exports from Iran. Further, Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan are currently working on a project that would link an oil pipeline at Basra port in southern Iraq with the port of Aqaba in Jordan and with Egypt. This project will allow Jordan to purchase Iraqi oil for a lower price than the global average. It will also enable Egypt to reap the benefits of refining some Iraqi oil within its borders. This project is particularly significant for Egypt, as it aims to become a regional hub for energy in the Middle East. Additionally, the investments and projects discussed will confer critical benefits to all three nations as they struggle to promote economic growth in their countries following COVID-19 induced downturns.

This new era of Egypt-Iraq cooperation will also allow Iraqi leaders to rebuild their country and economy in the wake of almost four decades of sectarian and extremist violence. Iraq is especially hoping to lean on Egyptian and Jordanian companies to fuel reconstruction projects. Given that all three countries are currently cash-strapped, Egypt and Iraq have agreed to exchange Iraqi oil for Egypt’s assistance with reconstruction efforts.

The newly-established Levant Alliance is already opening up new economic and political cooperation opportunities for Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan. The new partnership is slated to produce numerous economic benefits for the three countries, which is especially important as the Middle Eastern nations seek to boost economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic and years of regional conflict.

Over the past several years, Russia has garnered an infamous reputation for its expansionist policies, which seek to promote and spread the Kremlin’s political, economic, and military ideologies worldwide. Recently, it has pivoted its focus on increasing its presence in the Aegean Sea. The deadlocked conflict between Turkey and Greece has created a vacuum that Russia has already exploit.

The Aegean Sea is part of the Mediterranean Sea, and it is connected to the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea. The water body is located between Europe and Asia, and, therefore, offers numerous strategic benefits. For centuries, Russia has demonstrated a keen interest in these four water bodies as they have played a critical role in historical conflicts between Russia, European powers, and Turkey.

Today, Russia seeks to establish a strong presence in the region for several reasons. First, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) largely dominates the Mediterranean region, serving as a significant counterbalance to Russia. By expanding its influence in the area, Russia aims to protect itself from any NATO threats and undermine the bloc’s efforts to get Ukraine and Georgia to join the group. Second, the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas regions are critical to Russia’s geoeconomic strategy. The water bodies enable Russia to protect and promote important trade routes with key European markets and expand southern Europe’s dependency on Russia’s oil and gas exports. Finally, Russia hopes to use the strategic aspects of this region to forge political, economic, and military relationships with regional players such as Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Libya, and Turkey, as it has successfully and controversially done in Syria.

Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus are particularly susceptible to Russian influence efforts. This is because they are geopolitically closer to Russia, share similar cultural and historical traits, have cooperated with Russia in the past, and their economies are dependent on Russian hydrocarbons. As Russia broadens its engagements with Middle Eastern nations, it can also use these water bodies to prevent Middle East turmoil from spreading to Russia.

Russia is especially interested in the Aegean Sea region to increase its military foothold in this sought-after part of the world. For more than a year, Greece and Turkey have been in a deadlocked dispute over which nation should control the Mediterranean Sea and the oil and gas reserves beneath them. NATO countries have refused to back down, creating fissures in the bloc’s consolidated power. These divisions have provided Russia with a ripe opportunity to intervene and expand its influence. This region is especially important for the country as Russia is Europe’s leading supplier of gas. Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned oil and gas company, the largest publicly-listed natural gas company, supplies Europe with 37% of its gas. This has fostered significant energy dependence that has enabled Russia to exert influence over Europe. By establishing its presence in the Aegean Sea, Russia can undermine any efforts to weaken its hold over Europe and its gas supplies.

However, expanding Russian influence in the region could result in numerous consequences. Suppose Russia were to successfully forge relations with smaller nations in the region, including some NATO powers. In that case, it could create further fissures in the bloc’s power structure, allowing Russia to deepen its influence in the region, undermining the influence of Western democratic countries. This is especially a concern if Russia can foster greater dependency on its exports of oil and gas. As Russia has demonstrated in Syria and Ukraine, it is willing to forego norms and rules around international human rights and sovereignty to further its own aims. This raises concerns that the country could operate similarly in the Mediterranean, which would result in destabilization and numerous social, political, and economic consequences.

Russia is implementing its policy of expansionism around the world, and its latest area of focus is the Aegean Sea region. The area holds numerous political, social, economic, and military advantages, which will help the country grow its economy and broaden its influence. Ongoing disputes between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean region have created a power vacuum, making the area ripe for Russian intervention and expansion.

Russia’s growing presence in the Agean Sea presents a threat to both Europe and the broader region, as the Kremlin often plays a destabilizing role in similar situations. NATO allies must solidify their efforts and undermine Russia’s expansionist ideology if it wants to maintain power over the Sea.

Iran’s economy has deteriorated significantly over the past three years due to sanctions, rising inflation rates, corruption, political turmoil, and the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic. Iran’s recently elected president, Ebrahim Raisi, has promised to reform and revitalize the country’s struggling economy. However, his proposals contain several gaps that need to be addressed in order to create economic growth.

Iran’s economic woes began when the Trump administration withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, claiming that the Persian nation was not holding up its end of the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Iran would tear down most of its nuclear program and allow international representatives to extensively inspect their facilities in exchange for significant amounts of sanctions relief. Indeed, Iran was conducting illicit nuclear activities out of sight of EU and U.S. inspectors. As a result of such unlawful conduct, Trump slapped sanctions on the Iranian government. Between 2012 and 2014, Iran suffered a loss of $100 billion in revenues due to sanctions.

Over the past two years, the European Union has also imposed sanctions on Iran over the country’s mismanagement of domestic political affairs and human rights violations. These punitive actions have resulted in a significant decrease in oil exports from the country, crippling the nation’s economy. In 2018, the country generated $62.7 billion in oil exports, but by 2020, this figure decreased drastically to $29 billion. As a result, the country’s GDP growth rate dropped in both 2018 and 2019, and inflation rose to 36.5% in 2019. To further add fuel to the fire, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated Iran’s financial woes. Iran has struggled to contain the spread of the deadly virus, killing more than 87,000 people, pushing the country’s healthcare sector and the economy to the verge of collapse. The country’s economy has further suffered thanks to ongoing corruption and mismanagement by Iran’s ruling elite.

After his election in June, Iran’s new president, and the former Judiciary Chief, Ebrahim Raisi, promised economic reform. During his campaign, he outlined seven pillars of proposed reform which focus on expansionary fiscal and monetary policies. These include providing the country’s poorest households with low-interest loans, increasing government subsidies for health care, building four million new houses, and creating four million new jobs.

While Raisi’s plans are ambitious, Iran-watchers have pointed out the flaws in his proposals. For example, experts from the Atlantic Council have noted that Iran would need to generate adequate funds from selling government bonds, oil revenues, and tax revenues for the government to achieve its goals. However, Raisi’s plan does not clarify where and how the government will generate this money. According to Iran’s March 2021 budget plan, selling government bonds comprises only 15% of government revenues. Therefore, it is unlikely to be a dependable income source for Iran’s economic recovery.

Further, the country has been struggling to wean off its dependence on oil revenues. Therefore, tying the country’s plan for economic growth to oil revenues is counterintuitive. Iran also does not have the stock market and tax system infrastructure needed to identify and produce tax revenue increases on speculative activities while simultaneously decreasing taxes on production and manufacturing entities.

Raisi’s plans are also likely to fail because his administration has not carefully considered the fact that Iran’s currency has significantly devalued over the past few years. This has resulted in capital outflows of $27.8 billion, which has dramatically impacted the nation’s economy. In addition, many experts have pointed out that Raisi’s expansionary monetary and fiscal policies would likely result in increased inflation. State-run media outlets and prominent economists have also warned that the country’s economy may be too far gone. Unless the government can address existing bureaucratic and corrupt structures, it will make little progress towards achieving its goals.

As Raisi strategizes the implementation of his proposed economic reforms, addressing the country’s deep-rooted corruption should be the first thing on his agenda. Iran ranked 149th out of 180 countries in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Over the past year, Iranian officials, including Parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and numerous judges, have been accused or convicted of corruption. Iran was also placed on a blacklist by the global anti-money laundering group Financial Action Task Force (FATF) early last year after legislation that would align Iran’s policies with FATF’s rules on banking transparency failed to pass. The country’s legacy of corrupt institutions and leaders has significantly undermined its economic growth and opportunities.

Raisi has promised to reform its economy and expand opportunities to all of its citizens, but it fails to acknowledge Iran’s current economic situation. If the newly-appointed President wishes to introduce change, he must address its longstanding history of corruption and political mismanagement; otherwise, he will sabotage any economic recovery efforts as previous leaders and decision-makers have done before.

Over the past year, Russia has sold numerous SU-57 fighter jets to the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries such as Algeria and Egypt. The sales come after the United States sold its F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to Arab countries such as Morocco. Experts have raised concerns that the influx of fighter jets into the already precarious region could spark an arms race and significantly impact stability in the MENA area.

In November of last year, Algeria and Russia signed a contract enabling the North African country to purchase 14 Russian SU-57 fighter jets for approximately $2 billion. The two nations formalized the deal last year after announcing it earlier in 2019. Algeria’s purchase comes after the United States approved the sale of 25 of its F-16 fighter jets to Morocco last March for $3.8 billion. Both Algeria and Morocco are now locked into an escalating arms race as the two neighboring nations struggle to ensure the strength of their military sector. The United States has also agreed to sell 50 F-35 jets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The U.S.’ F-16 and F-35 jets are fifth-generation versions of its warplanes. Both planes are in high demand internationally, as they feature advanced technological features. SU-57 warplanes are Russia’s fifth-generation jets. Though there is little public information about the product specifications of the planes, reports indicate it is an appealing purchase for many foreign nations as it is cheaper than the F-35 planes.

In many ways, the sale of Russian and American fighter jets to countries in the MENA region reflects the ongoing global power struggle between Russia and the United States. Over the past decade, both superpowers have worked to undermine the other’s influence and expand their cultural, economic, and military prowess across the globe. Given the strategic geopolitical and security importance the MENA region holds, both powers have expanded their presence in the area. Military sales are a critical segment of these efforts. The U.S. is Morocco’s primary supplier of arms, while Algeria is one of Russia’s largest arms buyers. According to data from the Center for International Policy, Morocco buys 91% of its arms from the United States, more than any other country in the Middle East and North Africa region. Similarly, Algeria purchases 67% of its weapons from Russia.

Military sales are essential to Russia right now, as the country’s economy has been severely undermined by sanctions. As such, foreign funds are integral to achieving the country’s military modernization goals. Since Russia re-entered the MENA region by opening a base in Syria in 2016, the country has attempted to expand its military sales to other nations in the region. Further, experts note that the U.S.’ sale of fighter jets to Morocco could have helped further Washington’s geopolitical agenda in the region. In December 2020, Morocco normalized relations with Israel, an effort shepherded by the United States.

One example of the critical role military sales play in the U.S.-Russia power struggle is the recent dispute with Egypt. On February 25, Egypt purchased five SU-35 fighter jets from Russia, with 19 more expected. The Egyptian government had previously purchased arms from the U.S. but is now aiming to diversify its weapons sources. Shortly before the deal announcement, the U.S. government warned the Egyptian government that it would consider introducing sanctions on Egypt if it continued to purchase the Russian jets. Despite this, the Egyptian government went forth with the deal, wanting to avoid a weapons dependency on Washington.

The rapid influx of U.S. and Russian military artillery into the MENA region has raised significant concerns about the future stability of the area. In particular, there is a fear that advanced Russian and American weaponry could fall into the hands of terror groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, or the Houthis or could be routed to countries such as Iran. Imported arms play a central role in all of the active conflicts in the MENA region. Additional weaponry could further fuel these battles and threaten the U.S.’ strategic position and allies’ positions.

In addition, many U.S. lawmakers have warned that selling fighter jets and other advanced military equipment to Arab nations could undermine Israel’s strategic advantage in the region. Given that Israel and the United States are strong allies, this is a significant concern for U.S. strategists. Some U.S. policymakers have also noted that Israel would need to purchase more arms from Washington to maintain its military advantage, introducing more advanced weaponry into the already fragile region.

The sale of military equipment is becoming an increasingly important component of the battle for economic, military, and political influence between the U.S. and Russia. The Middle East is the new battleground for this struggle. The U.S. and Russia must be more conscious of the role their arms could play in sparking an insatiable arms race that could fuel further instability and terrorism in the region.

Iraq’s population is currently the fastest-growing in the world, and the nation’s Prime Minister has called for expanding economic opportunities in the oil-dependent country. Iraqi Prime Minister Financial Affairs Adviser, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, stated that there needs to be a renewed focus on investment in manufacturing, tourism, and service areas, among others.

At a population growth rate of 2.6 percent annually, which is the highest throughout the world, the current trend of oil-dependency through 2050 could not be diverse enough for this expanding populace.

Currently, oil accounts for 45 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or the amount that a country produces of all goods and services. A diverse economy is one that provides opportunities for growth and wealth development for its citizens, whereas an economy that is heavily dependent on one sector limits these opportunities for growth.

Saleh stated that “More than 8 million Iraqis receive salaries, a pension, a grant or a social benefit from the state,” which means that oil revenues account for a significant portion of the support people depend on. However, in times of crisis, like the coronavirus pandemic, these people suffer economically.

Iraq’s Economic Conditions

There are currently 40.1 million Iraqis, as tallied at the end of 2020. This is according to information provided by the Ministry of Planning. Current unemployment rates sit at about 23 percent.

When oil prices globally are high, oil-dependent nations prosper. However, when global oil prices drop, which they have done for the past year and a half, then those same economies suffer.

With the ongoing price slump, some Iraqi regions are turning back to farming, a sector that had been neglected for many years. This is especially true in the northern Kurdish regions of the country.

Vineyards in these northern regions are coming back to life for the first time in nearly two decades. Locals have realized it is better to return to these less lucrative means of survival rather than wait for things to turn around in the oil industry.

Iraq a Beacon of Hope?

Iraq has also been looking to foment stronger ties to some other Mid-East nations, most notably Egypt and Jordan. One commentator noted that this latter relationship -Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq- was like the ‘region’s odd fellows.’ But Iraq has long maintained economic ties to these neighbors, and part of that is built-in economic benefit for each.

During the Iran-Iraq War, Jordan was an economic lifeline for Iraq. Most of Jordan’s oil came from Iraq and Egypt witnessed about one million of its citizens emigrate to Iraq during that same time period of the 1980s.

Now, though, with these mediation steps and rebuilding of stronger relationships with its neighbors, Iraq is taking concrete steps into its future, recognizing the importance of diversifying its production and services.

Iraq is emerging from decades of tumult with a population boom. If the nation wishes to not only survive but thrive, it must be willing and able to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. By diversifying, Iraq could very well become a critical player in peace and prosperity throughout the Middle East.

Lebanon is currently facing a severe financial crisis, and its population is struggling to afford food and other necessities. The ongoing crisis has particularly taken a toll on already marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as farmers, women, and those within the low socioeconomic framework.

Lebanon’s current economic state can be attributed to a plethora of events. After the Lebanese Civil War, which took place between 1975 and 1990, the Lebanese government introduced macroeconomic policies that radically transformed the economy’s structure. As a result, Lebanon’s economy became highly dependent on imports, and local production was discouraged. This fostered a strong dependency on foreign currency flows, particularly dollar flows. The Lebanese government also accumulated significant debt to modernize and develop the country, which benefited the country’s elite. However, their untethered borrowing, coupled with corruption and mismanagement, fostered considerable income inequality and set the country’s economy up for disaster. In 2019, inflows of dollars declined significantly, sparking an economic crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated. According to the World Bank, the situation in Lebanon is considered one of the worst economic depressions in recent history.

The ongoing crisis has especially taken a toll on Lebanon’s farmers. Over the last two years, the Lebanese pound has lost approximately 90% of its value. These staggering inflation rates have made it prohibitively expensive for farmers to import materials such as fertilizer, seeds, and animal feed. Many farmers have been forced out of work, unable to feed their livestock and obtain necessary materials. As the country starves, demand for Lebanese farmers to produce more is rising. However, given the current economic situation, meeting this demand has proven difficult and could result in the adoption of subpar and even dangerous agricultural techniques.

Lebanon’s economic woes have also strongly impacted the country’s women. As inflation rises, so has the price of menstrual pads, most of which are imported. Recent estimates indicate that the cost of pads had risen approximately 500% since the beginning of the crisis. Given that over half of Lebanon’s population is now living in poverty, thousands of women are now forced to seek out alternatives.

The price of other everyday necessities, like bread, has also skyrocketed. During the earlier parts of the crisis, the Lebanese government provided subsidies for some essential goods, including medicine, fuel, and flour. However, as the crisis worsened, the government rolled back these subsidies. Earlier this month, the government raised the price for bread for the seventh time this year, as wheat imports have become more expensive. Similarly, as the price of imported fuel rose, fuel subsidies decreased. As a result, hospitals and the airport have resorted to rationing fuel and electricity use. Many pharmacies have also refused to operate, as they lack access to critical imported medicines. In an effort to combat Beirut’s growing inequality, basic necessities are now prohibitively expensive for most citizens. The government recently introduced ration cards for the country’s poorest, but the rising unemployment rates and ongoing government inefficiency have painted a bleak picture of the country’s economic future.

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Arabia has launched several new megaprojects. One notable initiative is Jeddah Economic City, which will result in the construction of the world’s tallest tower — Jeddah Tower.

Jeddah Economic City is one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship megaprojects. Outlines for the city indicate that 210 towers that are over 30 floors high and numerous features will be built to foster an economically and environmentally friendly atmosphere. The city is being constructed in line with the recently announced Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to increase the amount of green space in the country, while also increasing the use of renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and planting more trees.

Jeddah City will be divided into three districts: A financial sector, a residential sector, and Al-Balad, which will recreate segments of old Jeddah. Throughout history, Jeddah has been a vital relief stop for Muslims going on pilgrimage to the holy city. As such, the Al-Balad district could reflect many of the architectural and cultural traits that Jeddah has adopted over the past centuries. In addition, the city will be home to Jeddah Tower, which is slated to be 1 kilometer tall. The tower is set to overtake Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building. According to recent reports, approximately 90% of road construction and landscaping work for the city has been completed.

Since 2016, Saudi Arabia has invested significant resources to achieve the modernization, and economic development goals in the Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to reshape Saudi Arabia’s economy to avoid a dependence on foreign labor and oil. However, in some ways, the construction of flashy and tech-savvy new cities and spaces fails to address some of the economic necessities of Saudi citizens. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdown resulted in citizen unemployment rates rising to 15.4%, though this figure has decreased as the Kingdom opens up. In addition, Saudis have been struggling with widening inequality, especially after the government tripled the value-added tax on goods and services during the pandemic, and inflation soared.

As Saudi Arabia continues down the path of modernization, economic recovery is just around the corner. Projects like Jeddah Economic City and Jeddah Tower will be shining beacons of the Kingdom’s progress.

When Israel-Palestine tensions came to a head in May, observers worldwide took to the streets to protest the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Many of these protesters wielded the Palestinian flag. The Palestinian flag has unique origins and represents many important parts of the Islamic and Palestinian movements. Over the years, the flag has come to represent a global sense of struggle for liberation that other communities identify with and support.

Sharif Hussein initially designed the modern-day Palestinian flag as a symbol of the Arab Revolt in June 1916. During 1917, the Palestinian people adopted the flag to represent the Arab national movement, which aimed to establish a united Arab state encompassing Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine. In 1947, the pan-Arab Ba’ath Party, founded in Syria, used the flag to symbolize its desire to achieve Arab liberation and unity. In 1948, the Palestinian people readopted the flag during the Palestinian conference in Gaza. Shortly after, the Arab League recognized the flag as the official flag of Palestine. During the 1964 Palestinian conference in Jerusalem, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) also recognized the flag as the official Palestinian flag. During the latter portion of the 20th century, Palestine struggled to obtain recognition as a state in the international arena. However, in 2015, the United Nations General Assembly approved the inclusion of the Palestinian flag at the UN headquarters in New York City.

The Palestinian flag consists of a black, white, and green stripe and one red triangle. Each of the colors in the flag represents different Arab dynasties and pivotal moments in Islamic history. The black represents the Prophet Mohammad, the founder of Islam, who lived between 570 and 632 AD. It also represents the Abbasid Dynasty, which was based in Baghdad. It used the color black to commemorate a period of mourning for the Battle of Kabala and the assassination of the Prophet’s relatives. The white in the Palestinian flag represents the Umayyad Dynasty, which ruled for almost 90 years from Syria. The dynasty used white as their color of mourning and to commemorate the Prophet’s first battle at Badr. The green in the flag symbolizes the Fatimid Dynasty, which was founded in Morocco by Abdullah Al-Mahdi. The dynasty expanded its reach throughout North Africa, and they used green to represent their loyalty to the Prophet’s cousin, Ali. Finally, the red in the flag represents the Khawarij, who formed the first republican party in Islamic history and used red as their symbolic color. Red also represents descendants of the Prophet, such as the Ashrafs of the Hijaz and the Hashemites.

Over the past several years, the Palestinian flag has also become associated with the Black Lives Matter movement. As both the Black Lives Matter and Palestinian liberation movements have grown and captured media attention, the parallels in state violence, human rights abuses and protests between the African-American community and the Palestinian community have become more apparent. Indeed, many young Black activists have supported Palestinian liberation and vice versa. For example, in 2015, over 1,000 Black organizers signed a solidarity statement that condemned Israeli violence in Gaza and the West Bank. While the latest string of Black Lives Matter protests were occurring in the U.S. in 2020, Palestinians shared images of themselves hoisting flags that said “Palestinian Lives Matter.” A Palestinian artist also created a mural on the separation wall near Bethlehem of George Floyd, who was murdered in May 2020.

The uniquely designed Palestinian flag represents numerous aspects of Islamic history and reflects the Palestinian struggle. As other similar movements have emerged around the globe, including the Black Lives Matter movement, the Palestinian flag has also come to be seen as a symbol of protest and struggle for freedom.

In an era of heightened capitalism and nationalism, US tech giant Google finds itself in the middle of another political storm – this time in the Middle East. The search engine’s identification and association of Keffiyeh with terrorism has sent shock waves throughout the Arab world.

History of Symbolization

Keffiyeh, an easily identifiable cloth with its unique black and white cheque patterns is said to find its origins in Mesopotamia. The civilization of Sumerians and Babylonians in West Asia around 3100 BC crafted this cloth which was mainly a symbol of high rank and honor. It was restricted to the priestly class (or rather rulers) who also formed the most elite section of society. The symbolism associated with the cloth underwent a drastic change as it crept into the dressings or everyday men including peasants who worked on the field and travelers who had to face the harsh weather conditions.

The journey of Keffiyeh as a symbol of resistance and Palestinian movement started during the British mandate. In 1936, as the Arab revolt increased in its tenacity, the cloth was used to cover faces in order to avoid recognition and thereafter arrest. After the British banned the use of Keffiyeh altogether, masses responded with everyone wearing it which made it harder to identify rebels and thus the symbol came to be associated with rebellion. The late Palestinian leader and President Yassir Arafat had a huge influence in this regard. He along with the resistance movement solidified the cloth connection especially during the First Intifada and Second Intifada in 1987 and 2000, respectively.

Keffiyeh continues to be associated as the main symbol of Palestinian movement and demand for a just Palestine. Outside the Gaza and West Bank, the cloth is associated as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

The Fashion Link

Keffiyeh has made headlines for two simultaneous reasons. First the launch of Keffiyeh inspired scarf by Louis Vitton has set critiques, civil societies and pro-Palestinian groups to unleash a founded response. Social Media influencers, fashion critiques and people in general are calling out big brands such as LV for their irrational use and abuse of symbols. The timing of the unveiling of this new product coincided with the air and missile strikes going back and forth between Palestine and Israel.

The appropriation of Keffiyeh as a “desert scarf” has led to a public outcry which is pressuring LV and other celebrities to take note of the importance of the cloth. The criticism also follows the numbness and silence of the fashion industry on the ongoing human rights violations in war-stricken areas around the globe while using parts of their cultures to increase their sales and popularity. The continued cultural appropriation of the cloth indicates to a removal of the context in which a symbol came into existence. However, the more worrying sign of such acts is that it indicates the deafness of certain societies and groups and their ingrained entitlement.

What does Google have to do with this?

Amidst a fashion industry controversy, Google finds itself in an algorithmic mess. The search engine cropped up results of keffiyeh when searched for symbols associated with terrorism. Google and Amazon recently also signed a multi-billion-dollar deal with Israel to provide cloud services to both the civilians and Israeli military. The business deal along with this troubling algorithm has faced severe backlash as both together represent US foreign policy and attitude towards Palestinian cause. Google and Amazon employees wrote open letters against the signing of the deal owing to the war crimes and associated charges of human rights violations and illegal occupation against Israel. Till now Google has not responded to the allegations surrounding their algorithms and search engine.

Over the last several weeks, protesters in Iran took to the streets to express their discontent over continuous economic struggles and a looming water crisis. The Middle Eastern country’s economy is in shambles thanks to ongoing Western sanction regimes and the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest string of water shortages has underscored and exacerbated these financial issues. Iranians are growing more dissatisfied by the day, signaling that the government needs to implement meaningful changes soon.

Iran’s economy is currently at one of its lowest points. After the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, it reimposed stringent sanctions on Iran. This resulted in a sharp decrease in foreign investment and oil exports. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated Iran’s economic woes. Recent estimates indicate that Iran is one of the hardest-hit Middle Eastern countries, as more than 89,000 Iranians have died from the coronavirus. The deadly virus has spread throughout Iranian society, even infecting those at the highest level of government. Iranian hospitals are nearing the brink of collapse, and due to sanctions, the country has struggled to obtain access to the necessary medical supplies to combat the pandemic. Today, inflation in the country is over 50%, unemployment is staggeringly high, and many workers have reported not receiving wages for several weeks.

Simultaneously, Iran is suffering through its worst drought in 50 years. In May, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian warned the government that the country would face water shortages during the summer. Despite this, the regime has done little to prepare, sparking ire among Iranians. Iranian authorities have attributed the water crisis to low levels of rainfall. Experts have noted that recent rainfall levels were 40% lower than the rainfall levels from last year. As a result, many hydroelectric power plants have been unable to operate. Rising demand for electricity to fuel appliances such as air conditioners during the summer has resulted in numerous power blackouts. Iranians have also pointed to a legacy of government corruption and mismanagement that has shaped and fostered the water crisis. The ongoing crisis has significantly impacted agriculture and livestock farming, contributing to further economic stress.

In response to these economic and resource crises, Iranians across the country have begun protesting. On July 15, protests broke out in Iran’s oil-rich province of Khuzestan after many days of severe water shortages. As protests turned violent, one person was killed, sparking even more anger. The demonstrations in Khuzestan follow numerous similar uprisings across the country as Iranians demand changes to the country’s economic and political system. In addition, over the past several weeks, thousands of individuals working in Iran’s energy and oil sector have begun to protest, advocating for higher wages and better working conditions amid growing stress on the industry. Reports indicate that many protesters across the country have been chanting phrases such as “water is my right,” Death to the dictator,” and “Death to Khamenei.”

Iranians are growing increasingly discontent with the country’s economic and resource scarcity crises. Over the past several weeks. Iranians have taken to the streets to express their frustrations, calling on the government to do more to address the dual crises. The regime must implement meaningful structural changes or step aside and empower a government that will.

For almost a decade, Lebanon’s economy has been crumbling. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic and national lockdowns have amplified the country’s financial woes. Such hardships have resulted in a sharp rise in domestic violence incidents, reflecting Beirut’s patriarchal society. The Lebanese government must intervene to protect women and safeguard their rights whilst also addressing the country’s socio-economic issues.

According to UN Women, there has been a 50 to 60% increase in gender-based violence in the Arab world recently. In Lebanon, this has been particularly apparent. According to the online feminist platform, Sharika Wa Laken, crimes against women increased by 107% between 2019 and 2020, due to numerous societal and economic problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened the issue of domestic violence. In January 2021 alone, Lebanese internal security forces (ISF) received 116 calls on their domestic violence hotline, reflecting a 45% increase in calls compared to January 2020. The ISF has also noted that the types of calls have changed dramatically. Initially, women would call the hotline requesting a consultation. However, during the pandemic, the ISF saw a rise in direct pleas for assistance and protection. The issue of domestic violence has since come under the spotlight after a series of high-profile murders, including that of model Zeina Kanjo, who was strangled by her husband.

The impact of Lebanon’s patriarchal culture has extended far beyond the country’s borders. In 2015, Amani Haydar, a Lebanese woman living in Australia, reported that her father had killed his wife of 28 years and Haydar’s mother after stabbing her over 30 times. The attack also injured the couple’s youngest daughter, Ola, who tried to intervene.

Despite the urgent nature of this problem, families often downplay the severity of these incidents and attempt to justify the acts. Ahead of International Women’s Day in March, a group of women’s rights activists launched an online campaign titled, It’s Called a Crime, aiming to combat the normalization of violence against women.

Some legal experts suggest that domestic violence and other crimes against women continue not because of a lack of protective measures but because of a lack of enforcement and accountability. The Lebanese government amended the law to protect women who face violence from their ex-husbands and criminalize sexual harassment, including in the workplace. The Lebanese government also raised the custody age of children to 12, a move that activists said would empower women to leave abusive partners and take their children with them. However, enforcement of these laws is still weak. Social stigma around domestic abuse often prevents women from going to the authorities in the first place, creating a significant accountability gap.

While the Lebanese government has introduced some measures to safeguard women’s rights, the country’s overall socio-economic climate has undermined these efforts. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s economy was already suffering, sparking rampant unemployment and discontent. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these financial troubles, as did the explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020. As a result, Lebanon is now suffering from an economic depression and poverty is rising.As tensions continue to rise, many male citizens resort to taking their frustration out on the women in their families. Many Lebanese citizens have expressed anger towards the Lebanese government, one heavily influenced by Hezbollah, calling for a change in the country’s administration. However, despite multiple attempts, the country’s policymakers failed to establish a functioning government.

Today, women have few methods for recourse and protection. Lebanese authorities must do more to safeguard women’s rights, addressing the socio-economic issues that spark such violence.

Over the past few months, rising tensions between Israel and Palestine have captured global attention and sparked outcry on social media. This wave of coverage has forced some celebrities to chime in on the matter. However, not all of these celebrities and media organizations are well-informed, and many have been accused of spreading misinformation, sparking subsequent anti-Semitic sentiment.

One celebrity has attracted significant criticism for spreading misleading information about the ongoing conflict is American model, Bella Hadid, whose father is Palestinian. During the 11-day conflict, Hadid shared numerous misleading Instagram posts with her 43 million followers, criticizing Israel’s role in the conflict. For example, the model shared a photograph of the 1939 Palestinian soccer team to recognize the successes of the Palestinian community. But, as London-based photographer Blake Ezra noted, the pre-Palestinian state soccer team was composed entirely of Jewish athletes, reflecting Hadid’s lack of understanding of the region’s history. Some critics have also noted that Hadid’s misleading narrative could reinforce Palestinian oppression, as celebrities often fail to condemn Hamas. The Palestinian militant group leading Gaza is well-known for fostering violence and unrest. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union.

Other celebrities, including The Weeknd, Roger Walters, Zayn Malik, Mark Ruffalo, and Dua Lipa, have been accused of spreading misleading information about the conflict. In May, the New York Times published a full-page ad run by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach of the World Values Network, which accused Bella Hadid, her sister Gigi Hadid, and singer Dua Lipa of spreading misinformation about the tense situation. Simultaneously, non-profit entertainment industry organization, Creative Community For Peace, released a statement that called on entertainers and executives to help combat misinformation and biased coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Over 130 entertainment industry leaders signed the statement, including Gene Simmons, Michael Bublé, and Meghan McCain.

As anti-Israel coverage of the conflict expanded, so has anti-Semitic sentiment around the world. However, given the rampant spread of misinformation about the situation, there has been little coverage of anti-Semitic events. In the United States, numerous recent attacks have occurred, including in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. In London, police arrested four individuals for shouting abusive slurs and threats while driving through Jewish areas of the city.

The ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine are rooted in decades of complex history and violence. While individuals around the world must remain informed and engaged with global events, celebrities must use their platforms responsibly and ensure that they are spreading accurate and unbiased information.

Some members of the British Parliament (MPs) are fighting proposed cuts to foreign aid, some of which would directly impact Yemen, a nation of about 16 million people. Due to what Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other Labour leaders say must occur to recuperate revenue loss from Covid-19.

Others disagree, most notably Conservative MPs, but the issue against these cuts crosses party lines. Currently, the British government spends 0.7% of its national income on humanitarian aid, a law passed in 2015. It is also recognized as a key target among many international organizations and communities.

PM Johnson and other Labour party advocates seek to cut that down to 0.5%, which would equate to approximately £4 billion. The key to this is that the cuts will cease when the national debt begins to decline and the government is no longer borrowing for regular operational spending.

Conservative MPs are seeking enough support to force the government to live up to its obligations and the law stipulated in 2015.

Charities Warn of Devastating Consequences

The current cuts to international aid programs will extend indefinitely, unless counter support can be rallied, and this could lead to serious long-term and devastating consequences, according to numerous charitable organizations around the world.

One such organization stated that when cutting aid during one of the worst crises in modern time is akin to “cutting the RAF during the Battle of Britain.” Former Prime Minister, Theresa May, was one of 24 Conservative MPs who stood against these aid cuts and said the government was essentially, “turning its back on some of the poorest people in the world.”

While some strong, determined MPs stood firm, when the resolution to force adherence to 2015’s law came up for a vote, a number of wavering proponents melted under the spotlight, and obtaining the fifty-needed supporters failed. Some of the supporters of the resolution to force the UK to live up to its obligations had been quite vocal leading up to the vote, but suddenly turned away at the last moment.

UK charitable organization Oxfam GB’s chief executive, Danny Sriskandarajah stated, “We are seeing a yawning gap between the rhetoric of ‘Global Britain’ and the reality of a government breaking its promised to the world’s poorest and further undermining the UK’s credibility on the international stage.”

Yemen in the Crosshairs of a Crisis

While Great Britain’s foreign aid cuts will impact a number of nations, Yemen stands to suffer the most, as about two-thirds of its citizens require some level of humanitarian aid. Funding for aid is running out quickly, though, according to the United Nations.

The UN is reaching out to the global community to help shore up needed $3.85 billion (US) in aid. When one looks at the amount Great Britain cut from its foreign aid spending, which totaled about £4 billion, it becomes clear that Great Britain’s decision is set to have negative ramifications on Yemen.

2020 saw a significant drop in foreign aid to Yemen, largely blamed on the impact the coronavirus has had on many countries. For Yemen’s aid, the UN only received about half of what they received the year before, which totalled about $1.9 billion (US).

This year, 16 million people are expected to need direct assistance from these funds, and unfortunately, the funding continues to be slashed.

Currently, Yemen represents the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world. Following years of conflict, famine, and a breakdown of the most basic infrastructure necessities, millions of Yemenis, especially children, stand to suffer in the wake of foreign aid cuts.

Currently, about two million school-aged children no longer have access to school. On top of that, aid supporters claim that if they don’t get the right level of care and support for schooling fast enough, they may never return to their education, even if it becomes available sometime in the future.

This current aid crisis isn’t merely about providing food and shelter, but also the future of Yemen. If Great Britain, which passed its own law in 2015 declaring 0.7% of GDP to be spent on foreign aid, can change its own laws on a whim, during the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II, what other countries will follow their lead? It’s a dangerous precedent to set and one that will likely have far-reaching consequences.

Late last year, the Turkish government issued a tax fine to a leading opposition newspaper, Sözcü, which amounted to TL 14.5 million ($1.8 million). According to representatives from the paper, the penalty was based on unsubstantiated claims made by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. Since Turkey’s failed coup in 2016, the Turkish government has been waging war against free speech. The country’s record on journalism and press freedom has declined significantly. Foreign media outlets have come under significant scrutiny, and the government has developed a reputation for jailing critics and anyone opposing the administration. The government’s efforts to quash dissent have impacted both online and offline speech. Activists and civil society organizations worldwide have called on the government to respect fundamental rights and guarantee the free and open flow of information.

Today, Turkey holds one of the world’s worst records on press freedom and journalist safety. According to the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, Turkey ranks 154th out of 180 countries. Since the attempted coup in 2016, almost 200 news outlets have closed, and the government has jailed approximately 138 Turkish journalists, many of whom are in pre-trial detention. Government-affiliated organizations now run nearly 95% of Turkish media.

The Turkish government introduced numerous legislative changes that significantly impact online and offline speech. In 2019, the government introduced a law requiring web streaming services and news broadcasters to obtain state-issued licenses. The law came after the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), a state-funded think tank, issued a report claiming foreign media outlets reflect significant bias in their Turkish-language coverage. Later that year, the government issued a court order that blocked 136 websites and social media accounts affiliated with individuals and organizations critical of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling party. The block impacted outlets such as the independent news website, Gazette Fersude.

Late last year, a Turkish court demanded leftist daily newspaper Evresnel to remove an article that claimed one of the president’s advisors forged their high school diploma. The court justified its decision using the “right to be forgotten,” a framework that asserts that any individual should be able to request the removal of content online that portrays them in a harmful or inaccurate manner. The right to be forgotten framework is widely implemented across the European Union. Some technology policy advocates view the framework as a mechanism for promoting user privacy. However, press freedom advocates such as the Committee to Protect Journalists have warned that governments could use the principle to suppress journalism, as in Turkey.

The right to be forgotten requirement is part of a broader law passed last June. The law requires social media companies with over 1 million Turkish users to open offices, hire locally-based representatives, and localize Turkish users’ data, or face significant fines, advertising bans, or website throttling. Additionally, under the law, social media companies must respond to court-ordered requests to remove or block content within 24 hours and user requests to remove or block content within 48 hours, or risk facing fines of between 5 and 10 million Turkish Lira. This raises significant freedom of expression concerns, especially as the government has begun expanding its use of this law to censor content online that is critical of the government. According to a Free Web Turkey report published earlier this year, 42% of news items blocked between November 2019 and October 2020 directly mentioned the Turkish president, his family, or officials of the AKP.

The silencing of critics and dissenters is everpresent in Turkey and independent unbiased media reporting is difficult to access. The Turkish government must heed the calls of activists and civil society organizations from around the world and respect free speech and press freedom.

Late last month, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh met in Beirut to discuss the 11-day conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza Strip. While the conflict was the topic of conversation, the discussion also focused on counterbalancing Egypt’s growing role in the region, with the aim of boosting Iran’s regional influence. The North African country played an important mediating role during the recent conflict, helping to broker a ceasefire, and its regional power appears to be growing. Given this, Iran perceives Egypt as a major threat to its geopolitical agenda.

The recent 11-day conflict is the latest in the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine. At least 254 people were killed along with immense infrastructure damage in both Israel and the Gaza Strip. While Egypt played a critical role in negotiating the ceasefire, the country has been in this situation before. In 2014, it helped broker a truce after weeks of war between Israel and Hamas. Over the past year, numerous Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, have normalized diplomatic relations with Israel, sparking backlash from the Palestinian territories. This placed Egypt in a unique position to broker peace between the two warring parties.

During the recent talks between Nasrallah and Haniyeh, however, the two leaders sought to undermine Egypt’s role in the current ceasefire and counterbalance its broadening influence. This is because Egypt’s geopolitical agenda is not aligned with Tehran, as Iran is the primary backer of Hamas and Hezbollah, something Egypt is firmly against. Hamas is a militant group based in the Gaza Strip, receiving backings from Qatar and Iran. Tehran supplies Hamas with weapons and funding and intends to exert control over the conflict’s mediation efforts. Similarly, Iran also backs Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim political party and designated terrorist organization based in Lebanon. Hezbollah has established significant political and military power in the country, and it has promoted Iranian ideals in the region, including anti-Western sentiment. Both Hamas and Hezbollah act as proxies for Iran in the Middle East.

According to individuals familiar with the June dialogue, the two leaders discussed how they could align Iran and Hamas’ regional agendas and continue to promote Iranian influence in the Middle East in the wake of normalization efforts with Israel. Haniyeh particularly expressed an interest in obfuscating Egypt’s role in establishing a ceasefire between the Palestinian Islamist movement and Israel. In doing this, Iran would be able to demonstrate it retains control over Hamas, and it would be able to counterbalance Egypt and Israel’s expanding influence in the region.

The recent talks between Nasrallah and Haniyeh are a strong reflection of Iran’s desire to continue expanding its prowess in the Middle East and undermining the presence of Egypt.

On June 27, leaders from Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan met in Baghdad to discuss opportunities for strategic political, economic, security, and cultural partnerships between the three nations. The trilateral summit came as the three Middle Eastern nations are reconsidering their geopolitical roles in the region. The three countries are also strategizing around boosting economic growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This new alliance is particularly significant for Egypt and Iraq, as the two countries have shared a rocky history. Experts predict that both nations will reap substantial economic rewards from the newly established partnership.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi attended the recent summit. The summit marks the fourth time the three leaders have convened since March 2019 and the first visit by an Egyptian president to Iraq since Iraq’s former dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990. The countries are especially interested in fostering cooperation around economic, political, security, cultural, and educational issues through a partnership al-Kadhimi has dubbed the “New Levant” alliance. Additionally, Egypt and Iraq are both hoping to broaden their regional relationships.

The latest summit primarily focused on cooperation around economic, investment, energy, and security issues. In particular, Egypt and Iraq’s leaders discussed opportunities for boosting bilateral economic cooperation. Currently, Iraq is Egypt’s 25th largest investor, with 3,329 Iraqi companies working on investments valued at approximately $490 million. 25% of the investments made by Iraqi companies are in the industrial sector, 24% are in the agricultural sector, 20% in the service sector, and 20% in the tourism sector. Egypt hopes to expand the amount of Iraqi investment in the country. Iraq is also a lucrative export destination for Egypt. Currently, Egypt’s largest exports to the country include furniture, cotton, medicines, oils, tiles, crops, petroleum, and iron. Its largest imports from Iraq are chocolate and cocoa products.

In addition, the three countries discussed advancing projects in the energy and electrical interconnection sectors. For example, Iraq and Egypt have discussed connecting their electricity grids to decrease the nations’ dependence on electricity exports from Iran. Further, Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan are currently working on a project that would link an oil pipeline at Basra port in southern Iraq with the port of Aqaba in Jordan and with Egypt. This project will allow Jordan to purchase Iraqi oil for a lower price than the global average. It will also enable Egypt to reap the benefits of refining some Iraqi oil within its borders. This project is particularly significant for Egypt, as it aims to become a regional hub for energy in the Middle East. Additionally, the investments and projects discussed will confer critical benefits to all three nations as they struggle to promote economic growth in their countries following COVID-19 induced downturns.

This new era of Egypt-Iraq cooperation will also allow Iraqi leaders to rebuild their country and economy in the wake of almost four decades of sectarian and extremist violence. Iraq is especially hoping to lean on Egyptian and Jordanian companies to fuel reconstruction projects. Given that all three countries are currently cash-strapped, Egypt and Iraq have agreed to exchange Iraqi oil for Egypt’s assistance with reconstruction efforts.

The newly-established Levant Alliance is already opening up new economic and political cooperation opportunities for Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan. The new partnership is slated to produce numerous economic benefits for the three countries, which is especially important as the Middle Eastern nations seek to boost economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic and years of regional conflict.

Over the past several years, Russia has garnered an infamous reputation for its expansionist policies, which seek to promote and spread the Kremlin’s political, economic, and military ideologies worldwide. Recently, it has pivoted its focus on increasing its presence in the Aegean Sea. The deadlocked conflict between Turkey and Greece has created a vacuum that Russia has already exploit.

The Aegean Sea is part of the Mediterranean Sea, and it is connected to the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea. The water body is located between Europe and Asia, and, therefore, offers numerous strategic benefits. For centuries, Russia has demonstrated a keen interest in these four water bodies as they have played a critical role in historical conflicts between Russia, European powers, and Turkey.

Today, Russia seeks to establish a strong presence in the region for several reasons. First, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) largely dominates the Mediterranean region, serving as a significant counterbalance to Russia. By expanding its influence in the area, Russia aims to protect itself from any NATO threats and undermine the bloc’s efforts to get Ukraine and Georgia to join the group. Second, the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas regions are critical to Russia’s geoeconomic strategy. The water bodies enable Russia to protect and promote important trade routes with key European markets and expand southern Europe’s dependency on Russia’s oil and gas exports. Finally, Russia hopes to use the strategic aspects of this region to forge political, economic, and military relationships with regional players such as Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Libya, and Turkey, as it has successfully and controversially done in Syria.

Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus are particularly susceptible to Russian influence efforts. This is because they are geopolitically closer to Russia, share similar cultural and historical traits, have cooperated with Russia in the past, and their economies are dependent on Russian hydrocarbons. As Russia broadens its engagements with Middle Eastern nations, it can also use these water bodies to prevent Middle East turmoil from spreading to Russia.

Russia is especially interested in the Aegean Sea region to increase its military foothold in this sought-after part of the world. For more than a year, Greece and Turkey have been in a deadlocked dispute over which nation should control the Mediterranean Sea and the oil and gas reserves beneath them. NATO countries have refused to back down, creating fissures in the bloc’s consolidated power. These divisions have provided Russia with a ripe opportunity to intervene and expand its influence. This region is especially important for the country as Russia is Europe’s leading supplier of gas. Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned oil and gas company, the largest publicly-listed natural gas company, supplies Europe with 37% of its gas. This has fostered significant energy dependence that has enabled Russia to exert influence over Europe. By establishing its presence in the Aegean Sea, Russia can undermine any efforts to weaken its hold over Europe and its gas supplies.

However, expanding Russian influence in the region could result in numerous consequences. Suppose Russia were to successfully forge relations with smaller nations in the region, including some NATO powers. In that case, it could create further fissures in the bloc’s power structure, allowing Russia to deepen its influence in the region, undermining the influence of Western democratic countries. This is especially a concern if Russia can foster greater dependency on its exports of oil and gas. As Russia has demonstrated in Syria and Ukraine, it is willing to forego norms and rules around international human rights and sovereignty to further its own aims. This raises concerns that the country could operate similarly in the Mediterranean, which would result in destabilization and numerous social, political, and economic consequences.

Russia is implementing its policy of expansionism around the world, and its latest area of focus is the Aegean Sea region. The area holds numerous political, social, economic, and military advantages, which will help the country grow its economy and broaden its influence. Ongoing disputes between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean region have created a power vacuum, making the area ripe for Russian intervention and expansion.

Russia’s growing presence in the Agean Sea presents a threat to both Europe and the broader region, as the Kremlin often plays a destabilizing role in similar situations. NATO allies must solidify their efforts and undermine Russia’s expansionist ideology if it wants to maintain power over the Sea.

France and Iraq have signed several agreements aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani traveled to Paris for his first official visit as leader and met with French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders signed a treaty to strengthen bilateral relations in areas such as anti-corruption, security, renewable energy, and culture.

According to the Elysee Palace, the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to completing large infrastructure projects based on French know-how and pledged to grant Iraq the expertise of French companies. In the field of alternative energies, the leaders expressed their commitment to the implementation of TotalEnergies’ multiple-energies project, which is based on solar energy and investments in gas.

Mr. Al Sudani stated that the agreements between the two countries have set up a “road map” for improved relations. “We will continue to work with friends on serious partnerships that will guarantee Iraq achieving economic reform and sustainable development, as we planned in the government programme,” he said.

French company TotalEnergies signed a $10 billion contract with Baghdad in 2021, but work on several projects has yet to begin. These include the construction of oil and gas processing facilities with the capacity for electricity production, as well as a one-gigawatt photovoltaic power plant.

President Macron has visited Iraq twice since taking office in 2017 and recently stated that Baghdad must follow a path that is not “dictated from outside”.

 

Why are France and Iraq improving ties now?

France likely wants to strengthen its relationship with Iraq for a variety of reasons. Economic ties between the two countries could be a factor, as the agreements signed during Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani’s visit to Paris reportedly include efforts to enhance bilateral relations in areas such as renewable energy, anti-corruption, security, and culture. Additionally, France may see potential opportunities for French companies to gain contracts and provide expertise in infrastructure projects in Iraq. There may also be political reasons for France to strengthen ties with Iraq, such as a desire to maintain influence in the region and support Iraq’s stability.

 

 

Image Credit: Bryan Jones/Flickr

Tunisia is set to hold its second round of elections for the Parliament’s House of Representatives on Sunday, following inconclusive results in the first round last month. Voters in 133 constituencies will be choosing representatives in the new two-chamber parliamentary system established under the country’s new constitution. However, a date for elections to the second chamber, the National Council of Regions and Districts, has not yet been announced.

Since the dissolution of the previous parliament, Tunisian President Kais Saied has been ruling the country through executive decrees as part of what he calls a state of exceptional measures. In a statement released on its Facebook page, the Tunisian Presidency emphasized the need for all parties to adhere to the principle of complete neutrality in order for voters to freely express their will.

Many established parties in Tunisia have called for a boycott of the election, claiming that the political system established under the new constitution, which was passed in a referendum with only a 30% voter turnout, is undemocratic. However, final-round candidate Malik Kammoun, a 26-year-old political science researcher, supports President Saied’s vision for a political system that focuses on people rather than parties. Kammoun believes that Tunisia’s previous “hybrid” political system is what led the country into a political crisis and that a system that enshrines local decision-making is necessary.

The electoral law in Tunisia was changed in September through a decree issued by President Saied, with one major change being that voters now cast ballots for individual candidates instead of party lists in the upcoming elections. This system has faced criticism in recent months, with several political parties accusing the legislature of excluding them. With an ongoing economic crisis affecting citizens’ daily lives, some critics doubt that the election of a new parliament will bring the solutions the country needs.

 

Image Credit: Fethi Belaid/AFP

In a joint statement released on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fatteh El Sisi announced their commitment to increasing investment from India in Egypt, which currently stands at over $3.5 billion. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of bilateral trade between their countries, which reached $7.26 billion in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, a 60% increase from the previous year.

Modi and Sisi expressed confidence in increasing the bilateral trade target to $12 billion within the next five years through diversifying trade and focusing on value addition. Egypt has also offered to allocate land in the Suez Canal Economic Zone for Indian industries to be developed under an Indian master plan. India is keen to explore business opportunities in the emerging international commercial hub, which is a rival to China’s investments in the region.

The two leaders also emphasized cooperation in the defence industry, with a focus on deepening cooperation and new initiatives to intensify military-to-military engagements. They also discussed cooperation in the trade of strategic commodities and food security to help both countries address the global food crisis. India provided 61,500 tonnes of wheat to Egypt last year after an abrupt halt in wheat shipments from Ukraine, making it India’s largest consignment despite a ban on wheat exports.

Modi also invited Sisi to participate in the G20 summit in India in September, and both leaders agreed to work together to ensure that the interests and priorities of the Global South are given due attention.

India-Egypt relations

India and Egypt have had a long-standing relationship dating back to ancient times, but the modern relationship between the two countries began after Egypt’s independence from British colonial rule in 1952. Since then, the two countries have had generally friendly relations, with India recognizing Egypt as a leader in the Arab and African regions.

However, the relationship has not always been smooth. India’s non-aligned stance during the Cold War resulted in a decline in relations with Egypt, which was closely aligned with the Soviet Union at the time. Relations improved during the 1990s and 2000s, with the two countries engaging in increased trade and cultural exchange.

In recent years, the relationship has strengthened, with both countries emphasizing their shared history and cultural ties, and cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and education.

An attack at a guard post outside the Azerbaijan embassy in Tehran, Iran has left one person dead and two wounded. The Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated that the attacker, who used a Kalashnikov assault rifle, broke through the guard post and killed the head of security. The motive for the attack is currently unknown.

Azerbaijan on Friday said it was evacuating staff from its embassy in Tehran, blaming Iran for an armed attack in which the head of security was killed and two guards wounded.

This incident at the Azerbaijan embassy in Iran occurred two weeks after Azerbaijan appointed its first ambassador to Israel, amid escalating tensions with Iran. President Ilham Aliyev appointed Mukhtar Mammadov, a veteran official who has held posts in the foreign and education ministries, as Baku’s first envoy to Israel. Israel has had an embassy in Baku since the early 1990s and has been a significant military backer of Azerbaijan in recent years, including diplomatic support for Baku in its stand-off with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan also supplies around 40% of Israel’s oil imports. Both President Aliyev and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have praised the strong relations between their countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian last year accused Israel of establishing a military presence and secret alliance with Azerbaijan. Baku rejected the claims, but Iran mounted large-scale military exercises along the border with Azerbaijan. President Aliyev responded by posing for photographs with Israeli kamikaze drones, which are manufactured in Azerbaijan.

 

Iran and Azerbaijan have a complex relationship prior to the attack on the embassy. Historically, the two countries have had cultural and linguistic ties, but they have also had disputes over border disputes, water resources and ethnic conflicts. Recently, the relationship has been strained by Azerbaijan’s close ties with Israel, which is viewed as an enemy by Iran. Also, the appointment of Azerbaijan’s first ambassador to Israel has added more tension to the relationship. Additionally, Iran has accused Israel of establishing a military presence and secret alliance with Azerbaijan, which has been rejected by Azerbaijan. The relationship has been further complicated by the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which pits Azerbaijan against Armenia, a country that has close ties with Iran. Overall, while there are areas of cooperation between the two countries, the relationship has been strained by a number of factors in recent years.

Iran has sentenced an ethnic Iranian-Kurdish pregnant woman, Shahla Abdi, to death, according to an report by IranWire. Abdi, who is said to be in her early 20s and from the north-western province of West Azerbaijan, was arrested in Urmia in mid-October during mass protests sparked by the death of a woman in morality police custody. She has been accused of setting fire to a portrait of former Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

According to reports, Abdi was held in Urmia Central Prison for nearly a month before being transferred to Tabriz Prison about three weeks ago. Some sources suggest she may have been taken to a detention center run by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. Other prisoners reported that she was kept in solitary confinement and was always accompanied by two officers to ensure she did not communicate with other inmates.

Iran has faced almost daily protests since September 16 when Mahsa Amini was killed by the country’s morality police, but in recent weeks the momentum of the protesters appears to be slowing down. Iran’s public hanging of protesters appears to have convinced some, but not all protesters to refrain from taking to the streets. While this is what the Iranian authorities want, however, it is unlikely that the momentum of the protesters will completely stop. Instead, citizens are likely to become more covert and push dissent underground and online. 

Although International laws prohibit the execution of pregnant women, this is not the first time that Iran has sentenced a pregnant woman to death. In Iran, the regime executed at least 50 pregnant women in the 1980s. The Iranian authorities also executed and hanged thousands of women in 1988, during the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in Iran.

In November 2021, UN human rights experts called on Iran to repeal a wide-ranging new law that severely restricts access to abortion, contraception, voluntary sterilization services and related information, in direct violation of women’s human rights under international law.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to visit Libya on January 28th, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. The delegation is expected to make several stops and hold institutional meetings with Libyan leaders during their day-long visit.

According to sources, the Prime Minister’s visit may also include the signing of new oil deals between Italian energy company Eni and the National Oil Corporation (NOC), a company controlled by the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GUN) based in the capital Tripoli.

On January 27th, the Foreign Affairs Minister of the GUN, Najla el Mangoush, met with the Italian ambassador in Tripoli, Joseph Buccino, to discuss preparations for the Italian government delegation’s visit. The trip, which aims to secure more oil and gas supplies from North Africa, has yet to be confirmed and may be delayed or cancelled due to security concerns.

This comes as Meloni said in late December that stability in Libya is an essential issue for Italy, noting that Italy contributes to the debate on the constitutional basis to renew the legitimacy of the Libyan authorities and address the flow of illegal immigration to Europe.

Meloni appears keen to play a leading role in the Mediterranean to ensure healthy relations with all sides, particularly Russia, Turkaey and China. This would also enable Italy to become Europe’s gateway to African energy.

 

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

In a move that has surprised many, Morocco has become the first African nation to send military support to war-torn Ukraine. On November 4, 2022, the Pentagon announced that Morocco had sent twenty modernized T-72B main battle tanks to Ukraine. The tanks were paid for by the United States and the Netherlands under an agreement totaling 2.2 billion rubles (slightly more than 90 million euros).

This move by Morocco, which does not appreciate Russia’s continued support for regional rival Algeria, is seen as a way to anger Moscow. The decision to deliver arms to Ukraine was taken during the Ramstein summit on April 26, 2022, where Tunisia and Morocco were the only two countries to represent North Africa.

The Center for European Policy Analysis said on December 21 that the delivery of Moroccan military aid to Ukraine marked “a significant setback for Russia’s attempts to foster African neutrality.” The first spotting of the Moroccan T-72B tanks being refurbished for the Ukrainian Army took place during a visit by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to the company’s Sternberk site.

The new Czech T-72 upgrade is fitted with an ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor) kit mounted at the front and on the sides of the hull as well as the front and the roof of the turret. Morocco currently operates around 40-60 T-72Bs, and T-72BKs acquired from Belarus in 1999 and 2000.

In addition to Morocco’s support, the United States, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic have also agreed to pay for the upgrade of 45 Soviet-era T-72 tanks for use in Ukraine. However, despite several countries sending armored vehicles to Kyiv, Germany is still withholding its Leopard 2 main battle tanks. Germany is reluctant to give consent to Poland and other countries to give their Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv until the U.S. sends its Abrams first.

 

Image Credit: Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

On January 18, 2023, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Turkey and leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), addressed a group at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara. At a gathering in the northwestern city of Bursa, Erdogan declared that he would utilize his power to move up Turkey’s election date to May 14.

In a video broadcast distributed by his office, Erdogan noted that the current election is not taking place sooner than planned, but merely brought forward. May 14 is a significant date in Turkish history as it marks the country’s first inaugural free election in 1950.

The Turkish head stated that they had reached a compromise regarding the timetable with their minor right-wing coalition ally in order to avoid interrupting the school examination periods.

The start of the electoral contest is scheduled for March 10, leaving the Turkish opposition with a limited period to get ready.

For months, they have been striving to come to a consensus on a single individual to compete against Erdogan in the election in Turkey.

Erdogan stands to benefit from the inflation and weak exchange rate in the upcoming elections in Turkey, as well as discord amongst the populace.

Utilizing the government’s power to influence the media, he has shaped the country’s political conversation.

This week, a representative of a rival political party informed AFP that they would be making their joint candidate announcement in the month of February.

Ekrem Imamoglu, the popular mayor of Istanbul who is from the opposition, is leading in opinion polls, indicating a possible victory over Erdogan in a direct election.

The 2019 local election in Turkey brought about the conclusion of Erdogan’s ruling party’s domination, with him being the one to bring it to a close.

Last month, a court in Istanbul prohibited a 52-year-old individual from political involvement, however, they have submitted an appeal and, technically, can vie for the presidency.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the head of the main opposition CHP, is the most probable contender to take on Erdogan in the electoral contest due to the legal resistance of Imamoglu.

Compared to the mayor, who is more charismatic and photogenic, the opposition leader, Kilicdaroglu, has had difficulty obtaining the backing of other opposition figures.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

On Tuesday, King Abdullah of Jordan met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Amman, according to a statement issued by the Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan. This meeting occurred during a time of escalating diplomatic discord concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem which is under Israeli occupation.

An Israeli delegation was present at Tuesday’s meeting, which had been called by Amman, and the Jordanian officials included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. This came after the Israeli police prevented Jordan’s envoy Ghassan Majali from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque on the 17th of January.

After the controversial entrance of Itamar Ben-Gvir, an extreme right-wing Israeli Minister for National Security, into the mosque compound – the third holiest site of Islam – the Jordanian ambassador paid a visit to the site. This drew widespread criticism from the Muslim world, with the Palestinians labelling it an “unprecedented provocation”.

The Jerusalem Waqf, managed by Jordan, has full control of all holy places in Jerusalem, such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

King Abdullah highlighted the significance of recognizing the traditional and lawful circumstances surrounding Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif.

Multiple attempts made by right-wing Jewish groups to gain access to the esplanade in Jerusalem’s Old City have posed a threat to the current state of affairs there. Several of these attempts have been successful.

Despite the restriction on Jews praying at the Al-Aqsa compound, some Israeli extremists have been advocating for an amendment to the existing religious practice to allow them to offer prayers there.

King Abdullah voiced his desire for a political horizon that can open the door for a peaceful resolution, further urging for avoiding any actions that could disrupt the peace process. He insisted that tranquillity should be maintained, and any violent acts must be stopped.

The monarch expressed his backing for the two-state solution, which would ensure the formation of a separate Palestinian nation within the borders as of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, residing amicably with Israel in peacefulness and safety.

In 1967 Six Day War, Israel gained control of East Jerusalem and subsequently annexed it, though the majority of the global community has not acknowledged this action.

The communique noted that conversations touched on the relations between the two countries and the importance of the Palestinian people gaining access to economic and regional schemes. This is the initial instance of Netanyahu visiting Jordan and his first encounter with King Abdullah II since June 2018.

Since he regained his position as prime minister in December, this is Netanyahu’s first overseas journey.

Netanyahu’s office declared that the two leaders discussed matters related to the region, especially the collaboration between Israel and Jordan in terms of security, economic, and strategic matters, which helps to maintain stability.

King Abdullah of Jordan has been vocal in its voicing its concerns of the new Israeli government.

 

 

Image Credit: AFP

On Monday evening, Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan and his fiancee, Rajwa Al Saif, paid a visit to a workshop for the blind in Amman, which served as their first joint royal engagement.

On Instagram, Prince Hussein posted a picture with the pair and their teacher, the Jordanian painter Suhail Bukaeen, along with several other artists.

The Crown Prince and Ms Al Saif expressed how fortunate they felt to have encountered such talented youth who have triumphed over their visual impairment. He expressed his delight with what he saw as their remarkable inventiveness up close.

The heir to the throne shared a series of videos from his visit to the art studio, which included footage of himself and his future spouse conversing with the people present.

This was the first public engagement that the couple attended together and they shared their dreams and objectives with the students in the classroom.

Ms Al Saif challenged the students in one of her posts, demanding that they each craft a drawing of what their future home would look like.

During the visit, Hussein, the Crown Prince of Jordan, jokingly remarked that his fiancée could join the students in their artistic endeavours as she has a fondness for drawing.

The engagement of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan and Rajwa took place on August 17 in Saudi Arabia, where the bride is from. Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif was born in Riyadh on 28 April 1994 to Khalid bin Musaed Al-Saif, a Saudi businessman, and Azza bint Naif Al-Sudairi. Azza bint Naif Al-Sudairi’s son will become Jordan’s Crown Prince upon his marriage.

The engagement of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah of Jordan came weeks after his younger sister Princess Iman’s engagement to Venezuelan-born Jameel Alexander Thermiotis. Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Ms Al Saif are due to marry on June 1.

 

Image Credit: alhusseinjo / Instagram

On Monday, January 23, Judge Tarek Bitar restarted the investigation into the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which had been on hold for almost 13 months. The judge initiated his work by freeing some detainees and intends to bring charges against eight people including two high-ranking generals, according to judicial officials. This follows the aftermath of the massive blast on August 5, 2020, as seen in the image of smoke rising from the seaport of Beirut, Lebanon.

On Monday, the investigation into the devastating 2020 Beirut blast resumed its operations after being suspended for just over a year. The judge overseeing the case ordered the release of some of the detainees and declared plans to prosecute others, including two leading generals, as per judicial sources.

Since December 2021, the Court of Cassation – the highest court in the nation – has been obliged to rule on the legal opposition of three ex-ministers of the Cabinet towards Judge Tarek Bitar, consequently halting any of his work.

Despite the court not having issued any ruling, Bitar commenced work on the case again on Monday based on the legal reasons he supplied, according to the judicial personnel, who spoke on the condition of anonymity since they were not allowed to talk to the media. They did not expound further.

On August 4th, 2020, a tragedy occurred in Beirut’s port when a stockpile of ammonium nitrate, traditionally used as fertilizer, detonated, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people, injuries to over 6,000, and destruction of much of the city. This was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in recorded history.

It was revealed afterwards that the ammonium nitrate had been shipped to Lebanon in 2013 and had been inappropriately stored in a port warehouse since then. High-ranking political and security officials knew of its existence, yet took no action. Many blame the tragedy on the Lebanese government’s longtime corruption, but the elite’s decades-old lock on power has ensured they are untouchable. The Aug. 4, 2020 explosions occurred when hundreds of tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, a material used in fertilizers, detonated at the port.

It later emerged that the ammonium nitrate had been shipped to Lebanon in 2013 and stored improperly at a port warehouse ever since. Senior political and security officials knew of its presence but did nothing.

The judicial figures reported that Bitar had chosen to free five people who had been imprisoned for over two years. This group included Shafeek Merhi, ex-chief of customs, Sami Hussein, the top administrator of port activities during the explosion, and an employee from Syria. Nevertheless, twelve individuals will remain detained, such as the leader of the port authority and the leader of Lebanese customs during the explosion.

Just days after relatives of the 17 individuals arrested shortly after the explosion marched through Beirut in protest, Bitar commanded that a certain number of those detained be released.

According to Celine Atallah, lawyer for the former customs chief Badri Daher, who was apprehended at the same time as the explosion, the actions of Bitar constitute a significant infringement of international regulations. If he believes he has the power to release some of the captives, then he must discharge all seventeen of them.

Atallah, a Lebanese-American, declared to The Associated Press that based on international agreements that Lebanon had accepted and human rights regulations, the detainment of the seventeen individuals is illicit. He held the individual responsible for keeping them as hostages.

It was stated by authorities that Bitar has plans to prosecute eight individuals, comprising of two high-ranking figures in intelligence, Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim and Maj. Gen. Tony Saliba. Bitar has already initiated legal proceedings against three previous ministers, who had persistently ignored requests to appear for interrogation and had even filled lawsuits to impede the investigation of the Beirut blast.

The judicial system has been challenged by certain political figures regarding Bitar, accusing him of disregarding the constitution or displaying favouritism. Furthermore, threats were made against him, to which the government promised to elevate his security in late 2021.

Some family members of the blast victims, such as Ibrahim Hoteit who experienced the loss of his brother, have challenged Bitar. Hoteit has stated that Bitar has become an impediment to uncovering the facts in the case.

Hassan Nasrallah, the influential leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, has been very critical of Bitar and has called the investigation of him a “big mistake” which he claims is unfair. Nasrallah has demanded that authorities take Bitar out of the picture.

The investigation into the Beirut blast could receive a fatal blow if the same fate befalls Bitar, the second judge assigned to the case, as happened to Fadi Sawwan, the initial judge. This followed two Cabinet ministers alleging Sawwan exhibited prejudice.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

On Friday, the Iraqi dinar hit a new disappointing plateau, equaling a rate of 1,670 to the US dollar

The Iraqi Prime Minister has taken action to put a new governor in charge of the country’s Central Bank after the currency suffered a dramatic drop in value over weeks, according to the state news agency.

On Monday, the Iraqi News Agency reported that, following Central Bank of Iraq Governor Mustafa Ghaleb Mukheef’s expression of wanting to step down, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani accepted the resignation.

Muhsen al-Allaq was appointed to replace Mukheef, who had been occupying the position since 2020, according to the agency.

In his speech, al-Sudani announced that both the Central Bank Governor’s request for discharge and the President of the Trade Bank of Iraq‘s request for retirement had been approved.

Al-Sudani indicated that the people appointed to the key roles had been chosen based on their qualifications, capabilities, and trustworthiness, without divulging any names.

The former head of the central bank, Al-Allaq, was appointed to be the “acting governor”, suggesting that the position may be temporary.

On Friday, the dinar dropped to an all-time low of 1,670 per U.S. dollar. Since mid-November, the currency has depreciated by almost seven percent. The official exchange rate for the dinar is 1,470 to the dollar.

The past two months have seen a dip in the markets of Iraq, causing a decrease in the buying power of its citizens.

On Saturday, the currency of Iran hit its lowest point against the United States dollar as a result of its expanding seclusion and the European Union’s potential sanctions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or some of its members.

In recent months, relations between the EU and Tehran have gone down the drain, with attempts to commence nuclear negotiations coming to a standstill. Iran has taken into custody some European citizens, and the EU has been vocal in condemning the cruel handling of demonstrators and the imposition of capital punishment.

On Saturday, the dollar was recorded trading at 447,000 rials on Iran’s black market, having increased from 430,500 the day prior, according to the website Bonbast.com.

Since the passing of 22-year-old Kurd Iranian female Mahsa Amini in police custody on September 16, the rate of the rial has dropped by nearly a third.

Since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the recent unrest has posed one of the most difficult tests to the country’s theocratic system.

The Ecoiran economic website attributed the ongoing depreciation of the rial to a purported “global understanding” that was against Iran.

Ecoiran noted that the intensifying political pressures, such as the addition of the IRGC to a list of terrorist organizations and the limitation of Iran-connected ships and oil tankers, are a demonstration of a global consensus against Iran, which may have a sway on the dollar’s rate in Tehran.

A Sunni leader has called for revising the Iranian constitution as demonstrators have taken to the streets in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament urged the EU to place the IRGC of Iran on their list of terrorist groups, charging them with repressing protesters and sending drones to Russia. Although the assembly cannot legally force the EU to do so, they wanted to make a strong political statement to Tehran.

The maritime authority of Panama revealed this week that in the past four years, its vessel registry, the largest in the world, has removed the flag from 136 ships connected to Iran‘s state oil company.

On Saturday, Mohammad Reza Farzin, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, attributed the decline of the rial to “psychological operations” that the Iranian government has claimed are being conducted by its adversaries to undermine the Islamic Republic.

According to IRIB, Farzin declared that currently, the central bank is unconstrained in terms of foreign currency and gold resources and reserves, and the primary cause of the movement of the free exchange rate is media fabrication and psychological tactics.

In Iran, where inflation is estimated to be around 50 percent, citizens have been looking to purchase US dollars, other strong currencies, or gold as a way to protect their funds.

The female soccer team representing the nation of Saudi Arabia has achieved a historic milestone by winning the championship of a tournament featuring itself, Pakistan, Mauritius, and Comoros, held in the Kingdom.

On Thursday night, Saudi Arabia ended the Women’s International Friendly Tournament with a 1-1 tie against Pakistan, earning them 7 points and the top spot on the standings.

Al Bandary Mubarak put Saudi Arabia ahead with a goal in the first period, which was preceded by Mariam Al Tamimi’s penalty shot leading to a 1-0 victory over Mauritius and Noura Ibrahim and Dalia Adel’s strikes for a 2-0 triumph against the Comoros. Pakistan ended up in second place with 4 points, the Comoros and Mauritius shared the third spot with 3 points each.

The Saudi Arabia women’s national football team secured its first-ever trophy after emerging victorious in a four-team tournament held in the Kingdom which included the hosts, Pakistan, Mauritius, and Comoros.

Sarah Khalid from Saudi Arabia earned the award for best goalkeeper, having only allowed one goal through the duration of the competition. Maria Jamila Khan from Pakistan was named the tournament’s best player, and Onalaya Ali from Comoros was the top scorer.

The tournament was also a point of pride for Anoud al-Asmari, who had the honor of officiating her first match as a FIFA referee. This was another first for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At the start of 2023, Al-Asmari was assigned to the FIFA roster and is the first Saudi female referee to be honored with a FIFA badge of distinction.

Thursday’s memorable occasion signifies another chapter in the progression of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia.

For the first time, the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in the Eastern Province was the venue for a women’s international 11-a-side tournament.

At the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, supervisor of the Women’s Football Department and board member Lamia Bahaian expressed her joy, remarking: “We are all ecstatic over this momentous day in Saudi Arabian football. Our congratulations go out to the talented players in the women’s national team, as well as all the management, coaching and staff members who made this accomplishment possible. We are all filled with pride.”

The triumph of this tourney will motivate a lot of young females throughout the Kingdom to partake in soccer and experience all the merriment that the beautiful game brings.

Iran has been endeavoring to strengthen its military relationship with Russia, hoping to acquire Sukhoi jets, despite the lack of hope for the reinstatement of the nuclear agreement and the imposition of new sanctions due to its repression of dissenters domestically.

According to reports, Russia is considering selling the Sukhoi jets to Iran.

The relations between Iran and the West have become increasingly strained, leading to the two countries deepening their ties. This includes two phone calls between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Vladimir Putin in less than 10 days, multiple high-level visits, and the possible purchase of Russian Sukhoi fighter jets by Iran as a means to evade EU and US sanctions.

The West has expressed discontentment towards Iran since the country supplied combat drones to Russia, which are being utilized in the latter’s conflict with Ukraine. Although Tehran has denied this, with more and more proof of their kamikaze drones crashing in Kyiv, they have been unable to make the Ukrainian authorities believe them.

The Islamic Republic of Tehran has maintained long-standing cooperation with Moscow in terms of military aid. With Western sanctions in place, the Iranian air force has deteriorated and requires a major overhaul. According to Press TV, Tehran is in the process of obtaining 24 advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. This follows comments in September by army officials who first made mention of the plans. There has been speculation whether these jets are payment for Iranian drones, with Iranian lawmaker Shahriar Heydari quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying that the order could be delivered as early as spring.

The Kremlin and the Iranian presidential office both reported that Putin and Raisi had phone conversations from the 9th to the 19th of January, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations.

Between the two phone conversations, Igor Levitin, a key advisor of Putin, traveled to Tehran and conferred with Ali Shamkhani, the national top security official and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

During the same visit, Shamkhani’s office-run Nour News states that discussions were had between the Russian official and the newly appointed Governor of Iran’s Central Bank, Mohammad Reza Farzin, to explore the possibility of increasing Iran-Russia banking cooperation. Reports suggest that both countries, which have been hit by sanctions, are attempting to devise a new trade system that could replace the US dollar in their transactions.

After a ten-year halt of commercial exchange, the Syrian government has supposedly consented to let Saudi Arabia import merchandise, as reports surface of improved relations between the two Middle Eastern countries.

A document published by the Syrian government revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has given permission for materials from Saudi Arabia to be brought in, with a focus on sugar and petrochemicals. The report stated that the agreement permits 10,000 tons of sugar to be imported from the kingdom.

In recent years, there have been many rumors that Riyadh is pondering the possibility of renewing full diplomatic relations with Damascus. This would be a dramatic shift, given the Assad government’s harsh reaction to peaceful protests, the descent into civil war, and the ostracism of the regime by the international community and many Arab nations.

Al-Jaafari, an economic specialist, denied the idea that the allowance of Saudi imports is a political decision. According to him, it is solely an economic one. He explained that the purpose of this move is to pressure Riyadh to lessen the limitations on trucks carrying Syrian goods, which travel to Gulf nations.

Al-Jaafari noted that the move was intended to reduce the severity of Saudi Arabia’s restrictions on imports from Syria, which had been mainly due to the huge amounts of illicit narcotics, such as captagon, from Syria being covertly transported by concealing the drugs in cargo, in an effort to deceive customs officers.

Saudi Arabia has exhibited signs of potentially restoring relations with the Syrian government.

Presently, Riyadh is still unchanged in its stance against completely reestablishing relations, and would not consent to Damascus’s admittance back into the Arab League in the past year.

This year, the Sultanate’s National Aerospace Services Company (Nascom) is supervising the construction project of the region’s first Oman space rocket launch center in the port town of Duqm.

The launch pad for the space rocket will be employed to foster scientific exploration and encourage global cooperation in the realm of space exploration.

Nascom declared that their primary ambitions with the Duqm takeoff region are to assemble a takeoff area for commercial, professional, and educational rocketeers to assemble, test, and begin from.

Rocket companies from all around the world will be able to access the launch center, while local educational research programs will also be able to utilize it.

The report reveals that Duqm’s location on the equator is advantageous for rocket launches, as the Earth’s rotation can be utilized for greater speed.

Studies verified around the world have determined that Wilayat Al-Duqm’s equatorial location is one of the five most advantageous areas globally to launch rockets, the Company noted.

The data and our analysis have demonstrated that the location holds great worth to Oman and should be cultivated. Such a national asset will become even more valuable in the upcoming twenty years as the world seeks solutions in the realm of space.

The proposal to create a space research center in the nation was declared in September of last year, mirroring the UAE’s similar objective to develop a Mars simulation city in 2017, though the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre was unable to obtain the necessary land.

Earlier this month, the Sultanate of Muscat’s plans to follow in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates and take to space hit a snag. The Aman satellite, the first ever of its kind from Oman, was launched from Spaceport Cornwall in Britain, yet it experienced an “anomaly” that caused the mission to end prematurely. This was according to Virgin Orbit, whose “LauncherOne” rocket was used for the launch.

It is possible to eliminate plagiarism by altering the structure of a text without compromising the context or semantic meaning. This can be done by maintaining the same content but changing how it is expressed.

South Korea UAE relations are getting better, The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed the President of South Korea to Qasr Al Watan during their meeting. on Sunday, Yoon Suk Yeol, the President of South Korea, was greeted by an honor guard upon his arrival in the United Arab Emirates. The visit is aimed at furthering the nation’s military sales in the region.

Yoon’s trip is taking place while South Korea is carrying out lucrative business deals and has dispatched elite military forces to protect the UAE, a plan that caused disapproval during the tenure of his liberal predecessor. But it appears the conservative leader is looking to strengthen these armed forces ties even as there is already friction with Iran, which resulted in the capturing of a South Korean oil tanker this year.

June Park, from the International Strategy Forum at Schmidt Futures, commented that the geopolitical environment in the Middle East is shifting quickly. She also stated that Korea is taking measures to ensure the continued strength of its strategic relationships with the United Arab Emirates.

Yoon visited Qasr Al Watan palace in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and was welcomed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was appointed President of the UAE in May and had been the de facto leader of the country for several years prior.

A ceremonial guard of Emiratis wearing traditional attire welcomed Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. The guard showcased model Lee-Enfield rifles as troops on camelback and horseback paraded around. Inside, a military band performed the South Korean and Emirati national anthems.

At the end of the event, Yonhap news agency reported that Sheikh Mohammed declared the UAE’s intention to invest $30 billion in South Korea. He noted that they had faith in the country to honor its commitments “under all circumstances”.

where’s Beyonce many fans have wondered? Residents living in Palm Jumeirah stated that they heard sound checks on Wednesday night that were attributed to the renowned singer, Beyonce.

Residents of Palm Jumeirah have the special privilege of being able to have a sneak peek into Beyonce’s exclusive Dubai performance this weekend while fans still ask themselves where’s beyonce.

On Wednesday night, the celebrated artist could be heard rehearsing for their performance at Atlantis The Royal, in anticipation of the glamorous opening celebration taking place this Saturday night.

The artist will be showcased in a performance that will be attended by chosen guests, VIPs, and media representatives, for fans wondering where’s Beyonce, it will be the first time the artist has taken the stage in four years.

Social media posts featuring the singer have been circulating, in which she is rehearsing some of her most popular songs, such as Drunk in Love and Crazy in Love.

Near midnight, neighbors reported hearing renditions of Halo, Naughty Girl, and Freedom being tested during the sound check.

It is rumored that Beyonce’s other half, rapper Jay-Z, has accompanied her to Dubai, leading fans to speculate that he might make a guest appearance during one of their well-known joint performances.

Her upcoming world tour, named Renaissance, has fans anticipating the opportunity to witness the show and hear her performing her new songs live.

 

For the inaugural weekend of Atlantis The Royal, the Swedish House Mafia will be providing a DJ set.

The resort, with its 795 rooms and suites, 90 swimming pools, and various hospitality venues, occupies an area of 63 hectares and has been the talk of the town for years, finally opening its doors.

The resort will feature 17 eateries, including the initial Middle Eastern Dinner by the renowned British cook Heston Blumenthal; the Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan; as well as Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, developed by the Iranian-American celebrity chef and cookbook author Ariana Bundy.

 

photo credit: anvita-gupta

The interim government of Lebanon has approved a $116 million advance from the treasury to help sustain the country’s struggling energy infrastructure which will mean that Lebanon wont be without electricity for such long periods anymore. The funding, which is intended to provide a provisional solution to the nation’s electricity crisis, will be used to purchase 66,000 tonnes of diesel fuel and to maintain power plants.

However, an additional $184 million will only be provided if a ministerial committee is established and regular reports are made to it. The Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayad, did not participate in the session due to “constitutional reasons” and referred to the approval of the advance as “a half victory.”

He went on to say that this was only a temporary fix and that a more comprehensive approach was needed. The electricity sector in Lebanon is in disarray due to financial woes and political impasse, causing the previous plan proposed by Dr. Fayad to be ineffective.

Lebanon’s two most used power plants have occasionally broken down and require heavy maintenance.

On Monday, Lebanese Energy Minister, Walid Fayad, announced an initiative to solve the country’s chronic power outages at a cost of $600 million over a period of five months to ramp up electricity supplies to 10 hours per day.

Since 2019, Lebanon has been plagued by a crippling economic crisis that, according to the World Bank, is one of the worst the world has seen in modern times.

Why is Lebanon without electricity

Lebanon has been experiencing regular blackouts due to a combination of factors, including a lack of investment in the country’s energy infrastructure, mismanagement of resources, and political instability.

One of the main reasons for the blackouts is the country’s chronic power generation deficit, which has been exacerbated by a lack of investment in new power plants and maintenance of existing ones. The country’s energy sector is also heavily reliant on expensive fuel imports, which have become increasingly difficult to afford due to the country’s ongoing financial crisis.

Additionally, the country’s political instability and corruption have also played a role in the blackouts. The country has been without a permanent government for long periods of time and the lack of political will to address the energy crisis has led to a lack of reform and investment in the sector.

The electricity sector in Lebanon is run by the state, which has been facing financial woes and political impasse, causing the previous electricity plan proposed by Dr. Fayad to be rendered ineffective. The World Bank refers to this financial disaster as a “deliberate depression” and it is typically attributed to the corrupt and careless behavior of the political figures in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia will host its first-ever international women’s football league tournament this week as Saudi attempts to change its reputation as an authoritarian state where women have few rights.

The nine-day tournament will bring the national women’s league teams of Pakistan, Comoros and Mauritius to Saudi Arabia. The matches will also be officiated by Anoud al-Asmari, who became the first Saudi woman to be accredited as an international referee by FIFA only last week.

Saudi women’s football league or Sports washing?

Saudi Arabia is trying to become a global hub for hosting sporting events, having already hosted Formula One. The country’s leaders have also expressed their desire to host the Olympics and World Cup in the hopes of restoring the kingdom’s reputation.

However, despite these attempts human rights groups and critics have accused the nation of “sports washing” its human rights record. By hosting these events, Saudi Arabia is able to showcase its modernity and progress to the world, while also promoting the country as a destination for tourism and investment.

Critics argue that this “sport-washing” is an attempt to distract from the country’s human rights abuses and lack of political freedoms, as well as to present a more positive image to the international community. Additionally, it’s also been argued that the rights of the workers involved in the construction of the venues for these events have been violated.

Saudi Arabia’s shocking defeat of Argentina during the World Cup group stage by the country’s men’s team sent people across the Arab world into a state of euphoria. Saudi’s success was quickly replicated after it was announced that Cristiano Ronaldo would be moving to Al Nassr until June 2025. Saudi women’s football league tournament will gain international media attention during the tournament.

 

Image Credit: Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

At least one person has been killed and dozens injured in a stampede at a stadium in Basra, southern Iraq, ahead of the Arabian Gulf Cup final.

Thousands of fans without tickets had gathered outside the stadium in Iraq’s main southern city of Basra since dawn, overwhelming security forces.

Iraq is set to face Oman in the final of the eight-nation Arabian Gulf Cup at 7pm (16:00 GMT) on Thursday.

Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani is reportedly holding an urgent meeting with security officials after the stadium stampede. Basra’s governor has said that the Arabian Gulf Cup final match may be held outside Iraq if the stampede continues due to security forces’ inability to control large crowds.

Iraq which is hosting the Gulf Cup for the first time since it hosted and won the Arabian Gulf Cup, a football tournament among Gulf Arab countries back in 1979. After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Iraq was prohibited from participating in the tournament from 1990-2004 making this year’s tournament a significant return for the country. Iraqis hosting the event are hoping to reshape Iraq’s image as an unsafe and unstable place to a country capable of hosting large-scale events.

Although ahead of the Gulf Cup stampede in Iraq, there have been allegations of mishandling ticket sales, unpopular attempts by authorities to cordon off informal settlements and calls by Islamists to ban singing and dancing.

Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Saudi Arabia will no longer provide unconditional foreign aid and grants.

He stated that the country is shifting its approach to assisting other nations and will now work with multilateral institutions to ensure that reforms are implemented in exchange for aid. Al-Jadaan emphasized that as the kingdom is taxing its own citizens, it expects other countries to do the same.

He also spoke about “Vision 2030” as a turning point in how Saudi Arabia approaches its economy, social fabric, and fiscal discipline, and highlighted the importance of long-term planning and investments.

He also noted that the kingdom’s early investments in technology helped it adapt to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and that it was able to successfully manage inflation. He reassured that Saudi Arabia remains committed to enhancing international cooperation and bridging divides.

Saudi Arabia foreign aid history

Saudi Arabia has a history of providing foreign aid to countries in need, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. The country has provided aid to countries affected by war and natural disasters, as well as to countries in economic need. Saudi Arabia’s recently offered financial aid to Pakistan of up to $11bn as they are on the brink of defaulting foreign debt after devastating floods.

However, in recent years, Saudi Arabia has been criticized for being selective in the countries it provides aid to and for attaching political conditions to its aid. It has been seen as using aid as a tool of foreign policy to gain influence in other countries. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has been criticized for not providing enough aid to address the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, despite playing a key role in the conflict.

Saudi Arabia is also been facing economic challenges due to low oil prices as a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has led to a reduction in its foreign aid budget. The finance minister of Saudi Arabia has announced that the kingdom will not give away anymore unconditional foreign grants, and the country is changing the way of providing assistance and developing assistance to foreign countries. This comes as consumer prices in Saudi Arabia came close to almost 3.3 per cent year-on-year in December, with higher housing costs being the major factor in driving up inflation in Saudi Arabia.

 

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

 

 

US President Joe Biden and the UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly issued messages of solidarity to the UAE on the anniversary of the terrorist strike on Abu Dhabi by Houthi fighters that killed three people.

Biden said that the US “stand[s] resolute to ensure it cannot happen again.”

James Cleverly said that “The UK’s commitment to standing with our Emirati friends in the face of threats to their security is as strong today as it was then.”

Last year three people were killed and six were injured after an oil distribution plant in Mussaffah was attacked by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi fighters.

The surprise attack resulted in a major fire at the oil distribution plant as well as significant damage to the oil storage tanks. The Mussaffah plant is a key facility in the UAE’s oil infrastructure, and the attack caused a disruption in the country’s oil supply. The facility is responsible for the distribution of oil to both domestic and international markets.

The attack was claimed by the Houthis, who stated that it was in retaliation for the continued bombing of Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition, which includes the UAE. The coalition has been fighting against the Houthis since 2015 in support of the internationally recognized government of Yemen.

Iran backed-Houthi’s

Iran is believed to provide funding and support to the Houthi fighters in Yemen as part of its broader regional strategy. By supporting the Houthis, Iran is able to exert influence and gain a foothold in the strategically important country of Yemen, which is located on the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a vital waterway for international shipping and oil transport.

Iran has been accused of providing the Houthis with weapons, military training, and financial support. However, Iran has repeatedly denied providing any military support to the group, and said it only provide political and humanitarian aid. In November, Yemen’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak said the Houthis must be designated as a terrorist group.

In response to the attack, the UAE has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its oil infrastructure and ensure the security and stability of the country’s energy supply. The international community has also condemned the attack and called for an immediate end to the violence in Yemen.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File

For two and a half months, Michel Aoun has not been in the presidential palace in Baabda, and Lebanon is yet again without a leader which has raised questions for those in Lebanon if Lebanon can truly be saved. This has been seen with the eighth attempt to elect a president failing.

Since General Aoun’s exit, the ten sittings of the parliament which contains 128 seats have been fruitless in their effort to pick a new leader since there is no majority political party.

The path to casting a ballot has been anything but uncomplicated.

At every round of the election process, Michel Moawad has been the only candidate to garner a considerable amount of backing. However, he has yet to acquire the two-thirds majority of votes in the first round or the 65 votes needed for a simple majority in the second round.

No quorum was met, so the second round of each session had to be terminated as MPs left the chambers.

Given the current circumstances, a lack of a president in Lebanon, a situation which is fairly usual in the nation’s divided political landscape based on religion, has taken on a more serious tone.

The nation is currently facing a catastrophic economic emergency, with numerous citizens being thrown into poverty. Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government is temporarily in charge, but with its power greatly reduced.

Despite the backing of a sizeable and anti-Hezbollah faction, like the Lebanese Forces, the largest parliamentary party, Mr Moawad is deemed too controversial to reach the necessary vote margin. This is evidenced by the fact that he continually trails behind blank or invalid ballots.

The powerful political faction that had been dominant in parliament up until the last elections — comprised of Hezbollah, its Shiite partner Amal, and the Christian Free Patriotic Movement led by Mr Aoun — have all presented their own preferred candidates.

Thus far, Mr Moawad has enjoyed support from the Kataeb Party, the Druze Progressive Socialist Party, and a few independent MPs, some of whom were connected to the 2019 demonstrations against the country’s ruling classes which caused the government to fall.

 

Lebanon’s failure to elect a new president

Lebanon is currently struggling to elect a president due to deep political divisions and ongoing economic and political crises which is raising questions amongst experts as to whether or not Lebanon can be saved. The country has been without a president since October 2019, due to a lack of agreement among political parties on a candidate. Additionally, the country is dealing with a struggling economy, high unemployment, and a large national debt, which has led to widespread protests and social unrest.

These factors have made it difficult for political leaders to reach a consensus on a presidential candidate, and the country remains in a state of political deadlock. If this situation continues, the level of confusion and instability in the country will also worsen.

Further protests and social unrest are likely to emerge as citizens take to the streets to express their displeasure and the inability of their leaders to address the country’s problems.

 

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS

According to Reuters, prosecutors from Europe have travelled to Lebanon this week to investigate potential financial misconduct by Riad Salameh, the governor of Lebanon’s central bank, and his brother Raja.

The cross-border money laundering investigation is being conducted jointly by prosecutors from Germany, France, and Luxembourg, and centres around suspicions that the Salameh brothers moved over $300 million from the central bank illegally between 2002 and 2015.

The investigation is in line with a separate inquiry being conducted in Switzerland. Riad Salameh and his brother have denied the allegations, with Riad claiming to be a scapegoat for Lebanon’s severe financial crisis in 2019. In March, a Lebanese judge accused Riad Salameh of illegal gain in a separate but relevant investigation.

While no indictments have been brought forth yet, authorities suspect that the brothers used some of the funds to purchase properties in France and other European countries. Lawyers for the Salameh brothers are currently contesting the confiscation of their assets in France. In Europe, an amount of $130 million in property and accounts have been blocked due to its association with the legal case, as reported by both European representatives and French court records.

European prosecutors who visited the site were shown bank records of money transfers that Raja Salameh had conducted through Lebanese banks, according to those with knowledge of the situation.

Officials from Europe stated that it was the first time they had gotten sight of the transaction records, which could help follow the course of the money. Until now, the Lebanese investigators who were performing an accompanying investigation had not given up on these discoveries, they also noted.

Ghassan Oueidat, Lebanon’s leading prosecutor, did not answer a query concerning which documents had been examined by the European prosecutors.

Riad Salameh

Riad Salameh is the Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon and has held this position since 1993. Salameh is a well-known figure in Lebanon and has been involved in the country’s financial and economic policy for several decades. He is also considered a close ally of the Lebanese political elite.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

At a conference in Cairo, the three leaders – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt, King Abdullah of Jordan, and Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine – urged Israel to keep the existing conditions at Jerusalem’s most sacred location. 

They also warned that “illegal and unilateral” measures by Israel’s far-right government must stop as they are undermining the chances of a Palestinian-Israeli settlement. 

The leaders also discussed the importance of Amman in its capacity as the custodian of protecting Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque.

The leaders also called on the international community to ensure that Palestinians were protected and two Palestinian factions were urged to come together under the new government. 

The trio of leaders convene regularly to discuss strategies for Israel and come up with solutions to revive the long-stalled Palestinian-Israeli peace process. This Tuesday’s meeting was of particular importance after the re-election of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has formed the most religious and hardliner government in Israel’s history.

The joint statement noted the growth in Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which included the seizure of Palestinian land, destruction of Palestinian dwellings, and Israeli military incursions into Palestinian towns.

In the days after the inauguration of Netanyahu, King Abdullah II of Jordan issued a warning to Israel’s new right-wing government not to increase pressure on Palestinians in Jerusalem or undermine the kingdom’s influence in the city.

 

Israel’s relationship with Egypt and Jordan

In 1979 and 1994 respectively, Israel entered into peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan. Both of these countries are neighbours of Israel.

Yet tensions arise between Israel and Palestinians, particularly during periods of violence or when Israel is accused of using an excessive amount of force against demonstrators.

Egypt has played a role in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for several decades. Since the 1970s, Egypt has been involved in negotiations and peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict. In 1978, Egypt was a key player in the Camp David Accords, which resulted in the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.

Egypt also played a role in the Oslo Accords in the 1990s and has continued to be involved in efforts to broker a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Egypt’s role as a mediator has been particularly important in the Gaza Strip, where Egypt has worked to maintain a ceasefire and prevent the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian militant groups.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of the right-wing party in the Netanyahu government, was met with global criticism after he visited the Al Aqsa compound in East Jerusalem this month. The US, Israel’s most significant ally, also expressed their disapproval.

For many years, non-Muslims were only allowed to visit the Al Aqsa compound on certain occasions and not pray there. However, recently, an increasing amount of Jewish people, mainly Israeli nationalists, have been engaging in secret prayer at the site, which Palestinians have condemned.

Jordan and Egypt both issued strong statements of disapproval concerning the visit, cautioning Israel against making any alterations to the standing of East Jerusalem and alerting the new government against any provocative actions.

The Al Aqsa Mosque, deemed the third holiest Islamic site, is the focus of Palestinian aspirations for a future independent state, with East Jerusalem acting as its capital.

 

Image Credit: Hannibal Hanschke/Pool via AP, File

The UK’s Duke of Sussex has been placed at the centre of a diplomatic row after the Iran’s foreign ministry accused the UK of “preaching” about human rights while turning a “blind eye” to Prince Harry’s killing of 25 Taliban members.

Tensions between the UK and Iran have escalated over the execution last week of Ali Reza Akbari, a British-Iranian citizen who was found guilty in Iran of spying for the United Kingdom. While the UK criticised and condemned Akbari’s execution and recalled the UK ambassador from Tehran, many, including the Labour Party in Britain, have criticised their response by demanding that the UK label the IRGC as a terrorist organisation.

Iran’s foreign ministry tweeted yesterday that the UK was in no place to lecture others about human rights records when a “royal family member, sees the killing of 25 innocent people as removal of chess pieces and has no regrets over the issue, and those who turn a blind eye to this war crime”.

The comments made by the foreign ministry in Iran are in reference to a section in Prince Harry’s new book Spare, in which he described his experience during his two tours in Afghanistan.

“While in the heat and fog of combat, I didn’t think of those 25 as people,” he wrote. “You can’t kill people if you think of them as people. You can’t really harm people if you think of them as people.”

Harry’s remarks have not only elicited criticism from Taliban officials but also several British military figures although Harry has denied boasting about his kill count.

IRGC

The UK has stopped short of designating Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, even though MP’s last week voted in favour of the designation. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission announced on Tuesday that she backed moves to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation as a way of responding to the “trampling” of human rights in Iran.

The US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on April 8, 2019. The decision was made by the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and was based on the IRGC’s role in supporting various terrorist groups and militants in the Middle East, as well as its involvement in human rights abuses in Iran. The designation was also intended to increase pressure on the Iranian government and its support for terrorism. Other countries that have designated the IRGC, or its Quds Force branch, include: US, Canada, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Although other countries have taken measures to counter IRGC’s activities such as imposing sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the organisation.

 

Image Credit: Harry: The Interview on ITV1 and ITVX PA via AP

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015 and has been marked by a complex and fluid situation with multiple factions and parties involved. There have been multiple ceasefires, peace talks in Yemen, and other diplomatic efforts to try and end the conflict, but none have been successful in bringing lasting peace to the country.

The United Nations has stated their hope that negotiations for peace talks in Yemen will be successful, although they have warned that a more comprehensive approach is necessary after a series of failed ceasefires in 2020.

In April, there was a brief period of peace in Yemen’s eight-year conflict as the internationally acknowledged government and Iran-backed Houthi militias under the leadership of Hussein Badreddin al-Houthi consented to a ceasefire, although there were reported violations by the militias that the government contended.

After significant clashes for control of the oil-rich governorate of Marib, located in the center of Yemen, and the ongoing onslaught on Taiz in the highlands to the northwest of Aden, a ceasefire has been declared.

At a UN Security Council briefing, Hans Grundberg noted that after a ceasefire agreement had lapsed for more than three months, there was a chance for a significant shift in the conflict’s course; however, he added that the state of affairs remained “complex and volatile”.

The UN has strongly advocated for a comprehensive contract that would include a system to fund public sector salaries, a suggestion that the Houthis had expressed disagreement with because it excluded military personnel.

Grundberg expressed his gratitude towards Saudi Arabia and Oman for their diplomatic efforts and pointed out that talks in the past month have created “viable solutions to unresolved matters” from the Houthi-held capital Sanaa.

Grundberg suggested that a comprehensive approach should be taken to resolve the multi-sided conflict, instead of focusing exclusively on individual requirements. He emphasized that discussing more immediate measures should be incorporated within a more lasting solution.

Back In 2015, when the Houthis succeeded in driving out the internationally recognized government in Sanaa, Saudi Arabia decided to intervene in Yemen by leading a military coalition. Nonetheless, the Kingdom has been attempting to exit the costly war, having been the target of Houthi missile and drone assaults.

This Monday Mahdi Al Mashat, the leader of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, conveyed a positive outlook on the talks with an Omani team in his remarks on Houthi-run media. He also diverged from his previous rhetoric and emphasized the movement’s eagerness for regional stability.

The envoy of the UN stated that while the major parts of the preliminary accord are still in effect, further restricted armed forces activities on warfronts and “escalating political and economic actions” could cause further conflict. The agreement enabled the transport of some fuel supplies to the “Hodeidah” port under the control of the Houthis and the running of commercial flights from Sanaa.

 

 

Image credit: SALEH AL-OBEIDI

 

Iran’s violent state security forces, which have played an actively violent role in suppressing nationwide protests in Iran have been allocated $3 billion in the latest budget news. This hefty budget allocation coincides with Iran’s collapsing economy.

Iran’s budget for the state militia was announced several weeks late by the government due to nationwide protests. The budget reveals that the state militia, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been raised by 28 per cent. Some experts estimate that the actual income of the IRGC could be as high as $17 billion.

The IRGC, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by the US due to its role in supporting terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas is known for being a clandestine organisation which is said to receive income from illicit oil sales. In recent days, pressure has been put on the UK government to list the IRGC as a terrorist group. The UK’s foreign secretary, James Cleverly announced last month that sanctions had been imposed on the IRGC after it emerged that the IRGC was planning attacks on Iranian dissidents in the UK.

In other economy-related news in Iran, the budget of Iran’s regular army has also increased by 36 per cent to over $1.22 billion and the police budget is set to rise 44 per cent to reach $1.55 billion. Iran’s intelligence ministry has also received a 52 per cent boost, equivalent to almost $400 million.

These huge budget increases come as Iran’s national currency, the rial, recorded its lowest-ever rate against the US dollar in late December. Market analysts say Iran’s currency has lost about 20% of its value since mid-September when countrywide protests erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody which has sparked further sanctions. As Iran’s currency continues to plummet, most people are unable to afford basic items due to the steep increase in prices. While the news of Iran’s deteriorating economy may be surprising considering that Iran has the world’s second-largest gas reserves after Qatar, it also lacks the technology to do so.

 

 

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

Consumer prices in Saudi Arabia came close to almost 3.3 per cent year-on-year in December, with higher housing costs being the major factor in driving up inflation in Saudi Arabia.

Inflation has been escalating globally, as it escalated prior to 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic which severely impacted major strong economies due to harsh lockdowns.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is a big contributor to this trend of rising inflation which is being seen worldwide. The struggle in Ukraine has caused economic instability and unpredictability, resulting in prices going up in a number of countries. The Middle East, and Saudi Arabia specifically, has particularly been impacted by this trend, with inflation rising to almost 3.3 per cent. This is a considerable jump and is set to cause alarm among government officials and economists.

There are a few aspects that are adding to the surge in inflation in Saudi Arabia. One of the primary drivers is the ongoing battle in Ukraine, which has triggered a tremendous drop in the worth of the Russian ruble. This has had a ripple effect on the global economy, resulting in increased prices for a lot of commodities and services in the world but also in Saudi Arabia.

Another factor that is adding to the rise in inflation in Saudi Arabia is the reduction in oil costs. As one of the leading oil-producing countries and a member of OPEC, Saudi Arabia is heavily dependent on oil exports to fuel its economy.

When crude oil prices decrease, it can put pressure on the economy and lead to inflation. Even with these difficulties, the Saudi government is taking action to deal with inflation. The Saudi government has implemented several measures to help balance the economy and control inflation, such as reducing spending and raising taxes. On top of that, Vision 2030 is planning to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports.

Nevertheless, the Saudi government is taking measures to tackle the issue and stabilize the economy in the long run. Prices have been on the rise all over the world and the Russia-Ukrainian war is a primary factor in this.

This has caused economic instability and uncertainty, which has caused prices to go up in many countries around the world and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia was no exception.

 

Over 80,000 attended protests in Israel’s three major cities on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform plans.

Protesters described Netanyahu’s proposed changes to overhaul the judiciary which would make it easier for parliament to overturn Supreme Court rulings as an attack on democratic rule.

It follows Israel’s November legislative elections that allowed Netanyahu to form the most religious and hardliner government in Israeli history. Netanyahu, currently in his sixth term is seeking to rein in the Supreme Court in what he has described as a restoration of the balance of three branches of government.

Yet critics have said that these proposed reforms will cripple the judiciary’s independence, foster corruption and set back minority rights. Among those opposed are the Supreme court chief justice and the country’s attorney-general.

Protests were held in several cities in Israel. In Tel Aviv, a group of protesters is said to have clashed with police while attempting to block a major highway. In Israel’s northern city of Haifa, protests were held as well as outside the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem. Israeli media put the number of protest attendees in Israel at 80,000. Social media footage showed a small number of Palestinian flags on display, in defiance of Netanyahu’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir who is seeking to get such flags removed from public spaces on the basis that that “the flag is a form of supporting terror”.

Netanyahu is currently being tried on charges of bribery, fraud and breaches of trust – something that he strongly denies. Yet these reforms would enable Israel’s Knesset (parliament) to effectively annual Supreme Court rulings, effectively enabling the government to pass legislation without fear of it being denied by the judiciary. People have taken to the streets to protest in Israel since the November election to try and safeguard citizens’ liberties and guard against tyranny and uphold the separation of powers in Israel.

“Tens of thousands of people were at tonight’s demonstrations. In the election held here two and a half months ago, millions turned out,” tweeted Miki Zohar a senior lawmaker in Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Oded Balilty

 

On Saturday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani requested an extension of measures introduced enabling citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to enter Iraq in an easier manner during the Arabian Gulf Cup.

GCC states include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Qatar.

Ahead of the Gulf Cup which began on January 6, Iraq waived visa fees as well as tariffs on cars for Gulf fans until the end of the Gulf Cup. It is expected that thousands of football fans from GCC countries have travelled to Iraq this month as a result of the waived visa fees and tariffs.

The Iraqi Border Crossing Commission announced on Saturday that the total number of Gulf citizens that have entered Iraq since December 28 was 55,402. While this number includes fans, it also includes teams, official delegations and foreign journalists.

This is the first time Iraq has hosted an international football team since it hosted and won the Arabian Gulf Cup, a football tournament among Gulf Arab countries back in 1979. After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Iraq was prohibited from participating in the tournament from 1990-2004 making this year’s tournament a significant return for the country. Iraqis hosting the event are hoping to reshape Iraq’s image as an unsafe and unstable place to a country capable of hosting large-scale events.

Al Sudani’s decision to request an extension of measures that will make it easier for GCC countries to enter Iraq also marks a sign of Iraq’s improved relations with other Gulf states that were previously distant. A major factor that has affected Iraq’s relationship with GCC states is that in February 2022 Iraq made its final reparations payment to Kuwait for its invasion of 1990. Iraq paid over $52.4 billion over 30 years and the ending of the reparations scheme has likely had positive effects on Iraq-Gulf relations, considering that Iraq is expected to save between 3-5 per cent of its oil revenue.

The Gulf Cup is also likely to help boost Gulf tourism to Basra and Iraq’s surrounding cities. During the tournament, Gulf media outlets have been providing Iraq with large amounts of coverage and support, particularly following Iraq’s impressive opening ceremony which was attended by football officials and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

 

Image Credit: Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

 

 

Iran’s execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari is the latest in a series of displays of the Iran regime’s rogue behaviour and proves why Britain needs to proscribe the IRGC. Akbari admitted spying on Iran’s nuclear programme for the UK’s intelligence service, MI6, in a video-tape which appears to be heavily edited. An audio message by BBC Persian hears Akbari mentioning that he has been tortured and forced into confessing.

Iran’s regime has increased its public executions since public anger erupted over the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country’s morality police back in September. As of today, four protesters have been executed so far and thousands have been imprisoned.

The UK government and other Western countries responded in their typical manner, with harsh words, condemnations and recalling of the Iranian ambassador. This is simply not enough anymore. It is about time that the West drop all pretence of thinking that the Iranian regime is a responsible and civilised country. Iran’s leaders have proved the extent that they are willing to go to end the almost daily protests since September. The country does not deserve any relief from sanctions, Obama’s carrot-and-stick policy with Iran’s leaders did not achieve anything, and Iran is enriching more uranium than ever before despite paying lip service that they did not intend to enrich uranium nor build any nuclear weapons. Iran’s regime should not be appeased.

Britain needs to start by proscribing the IRGC as a terrorist organisation would be a start. The US has only recently done this in 2019 and whilst there are reports circulating that Tom Tugendhat, the UK Security Minister, and Suella Braverman, the UK’s Home Secretary, are in favour of officially classifying Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization it needs to be done rather than sooner. The UK can no longer dither, the IRGC has plotted mass casualty terrorist groups all around the world and is a threat to peace and democracy worldwide. Iran’s regime is inhumane and we should not be polite or quiet about promoting change. The Iranian embassy in London remains open and the regime’s followers continue to operate in the UK. This is not ok.

If the British government is serious about supporting Iran’s uprising it should begin by cracking down on the Iranian regime’s activities in the UK and send all Iranian diplomats back home as well as proscribing the IRGC once and for all. Iranians fleeing for their lives need to be supported until they are able to return home and rebuild their lives. Pressure needs to be maintained on this theocratic dystopian nightmare of a state.

 

Image Credit: Reuters | Wana News Agency

Lebanon’s State Security on Saturday afternoon released on house arrest bond William Noun, the spokesman for the families of the Beirut port blast victims. This comes after Zaher Hamadeh, the public prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Beirut requested his release according to the state-run National News Agency.

Upon his release, he said that his arrested “was at the signal of the judiciary and my handling [by State Security] was respectful.”

William Noun still needs to return on Monday. His lawyer said, “what happened revived this case.”

William Noun’s mother thanked the people who stood by her son “from deputies, lawyers, clerics, and citizens since yesterday under the rain.” She stressed that “we will continue until we get our Children’s rights.

It comes as William Noun’s family house was raided by authorities on Friday prompting his arrest, according to media reports Noun is accused of threatening to “blow up the Justice Palace with dynamite” during a protest.

Following his arrest, relatives of the port blast victims staged a sit-in outside the State Security department located in Beirut where Noun was said to be held. Protests also turned violent with fighting emerging with security forces as protesters blocked a road as well as several highways in Beirut. MPs Melhem Khalaf, Razi al-Hajj and Jihad Pakradouni also joined the sit-in protests along with a number of lawyers before entering the dept. to follow up on the case.

William Noun’s brother Joe Noun was a firefighter who was killed while extinguishing the massive fire that led to the Beirut port blast in August 2020 when over 2,500 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded. Noun also lost his cousin and uncle who were in another fire truck that had been dispatched to the port blast. Noun subsequently became the spokesperson for the families of the Beirut port blast victims and has been vocal in condemning Lebanon’s judges for being too weak. Noun has also demanded that the investigation into the port blast be internationalised as the only way for the victims to get justice.

Lebanon’s investigation into the port explosion case has been blocked for several months by Lebanon’s political groups. The case, which seeks to uncover responsibility for the blast that killed 244 people has been a point of contention in Lebanon with many blaming government corruption. As a result, protests have been escalating on a daily basis in Lebanon as families and victims seek justice and are not willing to accept any further delays in the investigation.

 

Image Credit: AP News

 

Protests in Tunisia emerged on Saturday as hundreds took to the streets to protest against Tunisia’s President Kais Saied who protesters accused of seeking to install a new dictatorship amid Tunisia’s deteriorating economic crisis.

Various opposition groups in Tunis held multiple rallies, which were met with a heavy police presence to prevent the protests from turning violent.

Saturday’s protests coincided with the 12th anniversary of the fall of Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali who was known for his authoritarian rule and widespread human rights abuses during his 23 years in power. Zine El Abidine ben Ali’s rule has been compared to President Saied as both presidents are perceived as implementing policies that benefit themselves and their inner circle at the expense of the Tunisian people. Ben Ali’s rule which ended in 2011 marked the beginning of a popular uprising against his government, commonly known as the Tunisian Revolution.

The same anger and frustration among Tunisians over economic inequality, corruption and a lack of political and civil rights seen in 2011 were seen in Saturday’s protests in Tunisia. Anger at President Saied has grown since he dismissed the government and suspended parliament in July 2021, citing a threat to the country. President Saied also dissolved parliament in March last year and drafted a new constitution which effectively granted him new powers after a referendum was held in June although only 30 per cent of eligible voters participated. Another major grievance for Tunisians is that President Saied has repeatedly extended the country’s state of emergency. Earlier this month, it was extended for another month. Under Tunisia’s emergency law, which grants the authorities exceptional powers, the judiciary is not required to sign off on these powers. These exceptional powers include carrying out home arrests, banning official meetings, imposing curfews, monitoring media and press, prohibiting assemblies, and media censorship without permission from the judiciary.

Tunisians today are protesting as they are facing a severe economic crisis. Due to years of drought, Tunisia is having difficulty providing enough water and the IMF is pressuring the government to discontinue subsidies for energy, food, and water to ensure that the country’s finances are saved. Tunisia has also been facing weeks of shortages of many food commodities including medication, sugar, cooking oil, milk, and butter have all been reported with matters appearing particularly bad in the suburb regions distant from the capital. Tunisia protests have been increasing in recent months amidst worsening economic and social conditions.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hassene Dridi

The arrest of a well-known activist in the Beirut port explosion case, William Noun has been met with widespread protests across Lebanon and political condemnation.

According to media reports, Noun is accused of threatening to “blow up the Justice Palace with dynamite” during a protest. Following his arrest, relatives of the port blast victims staged a sit-in outside the State Security department located in Beirut where Noun is said to be held.

MPs Melhem Khalaf, Razi al-Hajj and Jihad Pakradouni also joined the sit-in along with a number of lawyers before entering the dept. to follow up on the case.

Fighting is said to have broken out between protesters and security forces as demonstrators blocked a road as well as several highways in Beirut. According to media reports, more protests are said to be scheduled for today.

William Noun’s brother Joe Noun was a firefighter who was killed while extinguishing the massive fire that led to the Beirut port blast in August 2020 when over 2,500 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded. Noun also lost his cousin and uncle who were in another fire truck that had been dispatched to the port blast. Noun subsequently became the spokesperson for the families of the Beirut port blast victims and has been vocal in condemning Lebanon’s judges for being too weak. Noun has also demanded that the investigation into the port blast be internationalised as the only way for the victims to get justice.

Lebanon’s investigation into the port explosion case has been blocked for several months by Lebanon’s political groups. The case, which seeks to uncover responsibility for the blast that killed 244 people has been a point of contention in Lebanon with many blaming government corruption. As a result, protests have been escalating on a daily basis in Lebanon as families and victims seek justice and are not willing to accept any further delays in the investigation.

Ali Reza Akbari, who abandoned Iran in 2001 and was once the country’s defence minister, was executed in Iran on Saturday after being found guilty of spying for the United Kingdom, the Iranian judiciary reported.

KhabarOnline News Agency via APIran declared that they had executed Ali Reza Akbari, a dual citizen of Britain and Iran who was accused of espionage on behalf of the UK’s MI6 and was implicated in the murder of Iran’s leading nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Mizan Online, the Iranian judiciary’s news agency, stated that Mr Akbari was hung after the Supreme Court had confirmed the judgement and all the legal steps were completed.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the execution as the act of a “barbaric regime”.

“I am appalled by the execution of British-Iranian citizen Ali Reza Akbari in Iran,” Mr Sunak said on Twitter.

“This was a callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people.”

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who called on Friday for Iran to not carry out the death sentence, said Mr Akbari’s execution “will not stand unchallenged”.

Last week James Cleverley urged the Iranian government not to proceed with their plans to execute Akbari, a British-Iranian dual national. His appeal was rejected over three months ago. The UK Foreign Office had said it was supporting Akbari’s family during the appeal and had been in touch with the Iranian authorities regarding his case only days ago after all legal avenues in Iran were exhausted. The UK Foreign Office had requested urgent consular access, but Iran’s government does not recognise dual nationality for Iranian citizens.

Both the family and the British Foreign Office chose not to publicise Akbari’s case after he was arrested over three years ago, in the hopes that he would be released as part of an internal appeal process.

Akbari was arrested in Iran over three years ago and spent his sentence in Evin prison in Tehran where he likely met with other British Iranian dual nationals. Alireza Akbari was the deputy defence minister under reformist President Mohammad Khatami who served as Iranian President from 1997-2005.

Ties between the UK and Iran have deteriorated since the outbreak of protests in Iran in September. The UK has imposed sanctions on Iran’s morality police as well as other top Iranian security figures, in response to the authority’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests. In recent weeks, reports have suggested that Tom Tugendhat, the UK Security Minister, and Suella Braverman, the UK’s Home Secretary, are in favour of officially classifying Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a move that could further weaken ties. While Iran has arrested many Iranians with dual nationality or foreign residency, many have been released such as British-Iranian citizens Nazanim Zaghari-Ratclifffe and Anoosheh Ashoori after the UK settled a longstanding debt owed to Iran.

At least two other British-Iranian nationals are said to remain in Iranian detention, including Morad Tahbaz who also holds US citizenship.

 

 

Entering Al-Hol camp located in Syria, also known as “the hellhole” by some activists, after being forced to stop at multiple entry and exit checkpoints, which can take a total of more than two or three hours is quite the experience.  Whilst driving there alongside a fence, your car may be hit by stones, often thrown by children inside the camp who use them to fill the deadly void, as they often do not attend school.

Few attend schools run by non-governmental organizations, as parents view them with suspicion and as an alternative to teaching methods similar to catechism, where they learn the language, math, and the Quran. “Al- Hol camp” is one of the world’s most famous camps and is run by dozens of international and local non-governmental organizations and is guarded by the Syrian Democratic Forces, which are heavily present in the area, in coordination with international coalition forces fighting against ISIS.

It is located next to the town of Hol, from which it takes its name, and is only 10 kilometres from the Iraqi border. It was first created in the 1990s during the Gulf War to accommodate refugees and was reactivated and prepared to receive Iraqi and Syrian refugees after the wars in Iraq and Syria. The camp, which is home to more than 60,000 people, is characterized by overcrowding and poor living conditions, as it suffers from a lack of basic services such as electricity, water, and sanitation, and a lack of educational and recreational facilities.

The most dangerous thing is the feeling of revenge on the background of religious ideology, and these people are scattered throughout the camp in its eight sectors, but they are mostly in the ninth sector, called Annex, which houses 10,000 women and children, and this section includes children and women from ISIS fighter families.

 

Black Memory

The Al-Hol camp located in Syria mostly houses women and children, and in, itself this represents a step in the development and development of these children. The cold winter nights where everyone is in their tents for long periods of up to 14 hours, provide women with the opportunity to feed the imagination of children about the reasons for their presence in the camp, which are typically about the killing of their fathers or relatives by the same forces that guard the camp.

Considering that thousands of victims in the camp are from vulnerable groups of women and children, the effectiveness of dormant cells of the organization, which awaken at any time and carry out assassinations, is often from the camp’s residents. These women resort to teaching their children extremist beliefs against anyone who opposes them, in addition to feeding the feelings of hatred and revenge in their hearts against those they believe are responsible for their presence in the camp. The fear and anxiety that these children experience as a result of their mother’s stories, in addition to their living conditions, contribute to the emergence of severe psychological problems that may require treatment in the future.

 

Image Credit: UNICEF/Al Hol Camp in Syria/2019/Hawas

Lebanese security forces are still looking to locate six people connected to an incident in December that caused the death of an Irish peacekeeper in Lebanon.  

These six individuals, alongside one more person, have been charged by a military court for peacekeeper’s Pvt. Sean Rooney’s death in Lebanon. The vehicle he was driving was shot at, making it the first lethal attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon since 2015. 

The individual accused of murder has been arrested, while the remaining six face charges such as attempted murder and damaging a vehicle. The inquiry is being managed by military investigative judge Fadi Sawan, who is well-known for prosecuting terrorism cases. 

The Lebanese military is leading the pursuit of the six individuals, and the attack took place in the village of Al Aqbiya, where Hezbollah has significant influence. The only one of the seven arrested so far is said to be a supporter of Hezbollah but not an official member. In a statement issued following the incident, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and a prominent political party that has a major presence in Al Aqbieh and across the country denied involvement in the soldier’s murder. While Hezbollah denied involvement in the soldier’s murder they also mentioned that the killing was “unintended,” implying that Hezbollah likely had some kind of involvement. The incident involving the UN peacekeepers occurred in the village of Al Aqbieh, located in southern Lebanon, which is controlled by Hezbollah. While the UN vehicle is said to have strayed unintentionally into the village, why the soldiers came under attack remains unclear.

The UNIFIL convoy had been on its way to Beirut before the incident, and there are more than 11,000 UN peacekeeper currently stationed in Lebanon. More than 300 Unifil soldiers have been killed since 1978 when Unifil was created to maintain peace after Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon. Six international peacekeepers were wounded in a bomb blast in southern Lebanon in 2007.

 

Image Credit: AFP

The White House issued a statement earlier this week expressing their condemnation of the recent use of the death penalty and execution of protesters ordered by Iran and stated that the US supports other countries in demanding an immediate end to death sentences. Mohammad Mahdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini were executed by the Iranian authorities over the weekend, prompting widespread international condemnation. 

Videos posted online showed that a lot of Iranian protesters had gathered near a prison close to Tehran as two young protesters were about to face the death penalty. 

Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, tweeted  “We condemn the executions of Mohammad Mehdi Karami & Mohammad Hosseini and the additional executions announced today. We join with partners around the world calling for an immediate cessation of these abuses. Iran will be held accountable.” 

He further stated that the US joins forces with other nations in calling for the end of these abuses. Mohammad Ghobadlou, 22, and Mohammad Boroughani, 19, are on death row in the Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj, not far from the Iranian capital. 

The Dutch government summoned the Iranian ambassador to the Netherlands for the second time in a month to voice its deep concerns over the execution of demonstrators. The European Union summoned Iran’s ambassador to the bloc on Monday as did the UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.  

Fourteen other protesters are at risk of execution having received the death sentence for participating in protests in Iran, as per Hadi Ghaemi of the Centre for Human Rights in Iran. Iranian footballer, Amir Nasr-Azadani who took part in protests against his nation’s oppressive regime has been jailed for 16 years after being spared the death penalty despite being sentenced to death in Iran in December.

Canada declared further sanctions against the regime for its “brutal suppression of courageous Iranian voices”, according to Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. 

Pope Francis censured Iran for using the death penalty against anti-regime protesters, saying it just “fuels the thirst for vengeance”. Britain’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly called in Iran’s chief diplomat to rebuke his nation’s “abhorrent executions”. Amnesty International declared that Iran is only second to China in its use of the death penalty, with at least 314 people executed in 2021. 

Iran has faced almost daily protests since September 16 when Mahsa Amini was killed by the country’s morality police, but in recent days the momentum of the protesters appears to be slowing down. Iran’s public hanging of protesters appears to have convinced some, but not all protesters to refrain from taking to the streets. While this is what the Iranian authorities want, however, it is unlikely that the momentum of the protesters will completely stop. Instead, citizens are likely to become more covert and push dissent underground and online. 

 

Image Credit: Reuters | Wana News Agency

The Al Habtoor Group, who are based in the United Arab Emirates, have reopened one of the major hotel in Beirut following the 2020 Beirut blast.

After the massive explosion in Beirut’s port that caused over 215 casualties on August 4, 2020, the area was unable to remain open due to the extensive damage it sustained.

Khalaf Al Habtoor, the leader of the group, who is a well-known UAE entrepreneur, expressed his anticipation that Le Mall Sin El Fil, which is located nearby, will soon be able to restart operations after it shut down in March 2020 due to Lebanon’s economic crisis.

On December 30, the luxurious Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace in the suburb of Sin El Fil opened its doors to guests again.

The Al Habtoor Group holds the ownership of the neighbouring Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand, which experienced only a momentary shutdown after the catastrophic blast of 2020.

After the economic downturn in Lebanon was made evident, Le Mall Sin El Fil, which is a part of a bigger chain, had to shut down.

Al Habtoor was the proprietor of the structure, but Acres Development, a branch of the Azadea retail corporation, had the occupier’s rights and ran it. Acres

Development is still running two branches of Le Mall in Dbayeh, close to Beirut, and in the southern locale of Saida.

Acres declared the closings in 2020 when they acknowledged the economic conditions in Lebanon have been declining, and this has had a damaging effect on people’s spending in several fields. On top of that, they noted the financial crisis has made it hard to bring goods in from other countries, and banks are not providing the necessary services.

Al Habtoor Group expressed its acceptance of Azadea’s decision, clarifying that the move was solely up to the parent firm’s discretion and had nothing to do with the rent of the premises.

In recent times, Lebanon has been drastically affected by the blast, economic downturn and the outbreak of Covid-19, and the hospitality industry has been significantly impacted by these events.

Last September, the Phoenicia Hotel, which is widely regarded as Beirut’s most renowned, resumed operations after having to shut down due to the pandemic.
In 2019, a financial emergency in Lebanon, caused numerous people to fall into poverty and weakened the average individual’s purchasing power. Prices have increased significantly, but salaries have not kept up with the changes, leading to the local currency dropping by 95 per cent compared to the US dollar in the parallel market of Lebanon, a country that relies heavily on imports.

 

Image Credit: Marten Bjork on Unsplash

Saudi Arabians will now be able to offer short-term rentals of their property after the government announced the launch of a new platform that is similar to the global Airbnb website.

On Wednesday, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism, gave his approval to the tourism law.

People who reside in Saudi Arabia will be required to get authorization to rent out their dwellings and present a copy of the ownership document or a valid rental agreement that demonstrates ownership.

The government has the goal of expanding the private sector’s contribution to the GDP to 65 per cent by 2030, which is a 25 per cent increase since the launch of the Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016. It is looking to reduce its reliance on oil to fuel its economic development.

By the year 2030, Saudi Arabia is aiming to provide employment opportunities to one million of its youth in the tourism industry, contributing up to 10% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

The legislation will facilitate the expansion of available lodging in the nation, providing tourists with competitive rates and a greater selection of possibilities.

The Ministry of Investment reported that the kingdom experienced a sharp surge of 575 per cent in the number of tourists during 2019 compared to the year prior, with 3.6 million travellers arriving during the second quarter. Additionally, there was a notable 42.3 per cent rise in local tourism.

The goal of the National Tourism Strategy of Saudi Arabia is to draw in one hundred million visitors by the year 2030.

 

Image Credit: Jeremiah Del Mar on Unsplash

While addressing the press at his first Al-Nassr media event, Cristiano Ronaldo mistakenly applauded his transfer to “South Africa” instead of Saudi Arabia.

After inking a two-and-a-half-year agreement with the Al Nassr club situated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that is said to be worth around £177 million a year, 37-year-old Ronaldo was formally presented. Prior to being exposed to the supporters in an open practice session, he interacted with the media.

However, he accidentally said something incorrect by remarking: “For me it’s not the end of my career to come into South Africa, this is what I want to change – and to be honest I don’t really worry about what the people say.”

On Tuesday, Ronaldo finished his physical exam to finalise his shift after his disagreeable departure from Manchester United in the current year.

Ronaldo who has claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or award a total of five times stated that he had received numerous offers from all around the world, including a number of offers from Europe – however, he was unsuccessful in locating a Champions League team that wanted to acquire him.

He expressed his delight at having taken the major decision to end his career in Europe. He mentioned that he had represented some of the most significant teams.

“I had many opportunities in Europe. Many clubs in Brazil, Australia, in the US and even Portugal. For me this is a good chance with my knowledge and experience to grow very important clubs.”

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jon Super

On Wednesday, Iran summoned France’s ambassador to Tehran to express their disapproval of the “insulting” cartoon featured in the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that depicted the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, reported by Iranian state media. Iran also decided it will shut down the French embassy’s Institut Français de Recherche en Iran which studies ancient Persian antiquities on Thursday.

The French newspaper had printed numerous caricatures of Khamenei as part of a cartoon competition that was launched recently to assist the anti-authority demonstrations which started in Iran after Mahsa Amini was killed in September while being supervised by the morality police.

Nasser Kanaani, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, told the French envoy on Wednesday that “The Islamic Republic of Iran does not accept insulting its Islamic, religious, and national sanctities and values in any way,” according to state TV.

The French foreign ministry did not offer any comments.

Iran’s religious figures, confronting their most serious lack of authority since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, have blamed its outside enemies for planning the demonstrations against the administration to make the nation unsteady.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian earlier on Wednesday warned that the “offensive and indecent” move would receive a firm response from Tehran.

“We won’t allow the French government to go too far. They’ve definitely chosen the wrong path,” Amirabdollahian tweeted.

Charlie Hebzo magazine stated that in observance of the anniversary of the fatal assault on its Paris office on January 7, 2015, which was caused by radical activists, they printed the cartoon images in a special edition after the magazine had printed illustrations that made fun of the Prophet Muhammad.

The competition was declared to aid the Iranians who are striving to achieve their liberty.

 

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File

On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed the bond between their respective countries, as per the reports of the state press agency WAM, during the king’s visit to Sheikh Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi.

During the gathering, the UAE President warmly welcomed the Jordanian King and both exchanged New Year wishes and supplicated to God for increased advancement and success for the two nations, the region, and the globe, as reported by WAM on Wednesday.

In attendance were Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; and Humaid Obaid Abu Shabas, President of the Supreme Audit Institution.

On Wednesday, the ruler of Jordan arrived in the UAE for a friendly visit and was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Mohamed and multiple other members of the royal family.

Relations between the United Arab Emirates and Jordan have been strong for a long time, with King Abdullah of Jordan regularly making trips to the UAE.
In June, Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah had a meeting in Abu Dhabi to discuss potential ways of fortifying the relationships regarding politics, commerce, and investment.

Both nations expressed their disapproval of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s excursion to the Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem earlier this week. In an interview with CNN, King Abdullah warned Israel’s new government not to increase pressure on Palestinians in Jerusalem or undermine the kingdom’s influence in the city.

 

Image Credit: Hannibal Hanschke/Pool via AP, File

Between the 6th and 19th of January, Basra, located in the south of the country, will host the 25th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup (AGC), a football tournament among Gulf Arab countries that first happened in Bahrain in 1970. This will be the first time Iraq will be the host of a major international football event since it was the venue and winner of the AGC in 1979.

Eight squads from different parts of the region, namely Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, will take part in the competition. The games will be held at Basra International Stadium and Al-Minaa Olympic Stadium, which can accommodate 65,000 and 30,000 spectators respectively.

After Iraq was prohibited from participating in the tournament from 1990 to 2004 due to its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, this year’s edition marks a significant return for the country. In November 2019, the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation declared Basra, Iraq as the host city, demonstrating Iraq’s reemergence as a relevant player in the region.

The organization of this tournament is a sign of Iraq’s improved relations with other Arab countries and Gulf states that were previously far apart. It is Baghdad’s way of showing that Iraq is now secure, steady and welcoming to visitors.

Organizers have taken extra steps to make sure that it is easier for supporters to attend matches. This year’s AGC is said to be the most attended in the event’s history. They established an online ticket service and sold tickets directly at retail stores, with prices between 10 and 30 USD for two matches, which caused a huge surge in ticket requests.

Although ahead of the tournament, there have been allegations of mishandling ticket sales, unpopular attempts by authorities to cordon off informal settlements and calls by Islamists to ban singing and dancing.

Additionally, after Iraq launched online ticket sales in four categories, with prices ranging from $10 to $30 last month, many fans say tickets are still out of reach at the official price, with thousands having been channelled to the black market. Some say prices hit as much as $300 to $400 for VIP seats for the opening ceremony.

 

Image Credit: AIPS Media

On Wednesday, Iraq’s anti-corruption agency declared that a court judge, who is a supporter of a prominent militia leader, has requested that Justice Minister K

haled Shawani appear before them in response to allegations that he blocked a corruption probe.

Judge Haider Hanoun, the head of the agency, alleged in 2016 that Mr Shawani was utilizing his authority to impede the work of the inspectors.

Mr Hanoun revealed that the paperwork he requested from the minister provided evidence of guilt against the accused. The investigation was launched after prison meals were found to be of “poor quality”, with the amount of food provided much less than would be expected for the payments made.

The agency reported that a court summons had been issued to Mr Shawani and a high-ranking official in the ministry as they refused to submit the requested documents.

Mr Shawani has asserted that the companies responsible for supplying food to jails have not fulfilled all of their orders even after receiving payment. He proposed the formation of a committee to keep an eye on the delivery of food to prison facilities. The goal of this initiative is to prevent the sale of goods that should be distributed free of cost to prisoners to avert them from being subjected to extortion.

Until 2016, Mr Hanoun was serving as a judge, however, the Supreme Judicial Council removed him from his post citing accusations of corruption. Over the past two years, he endeavoured and failed to be a part of the Fatah parliamentary bloc that was led by the militia commander Hadi Al Amiri.

Mr Al Amiri is the head of the armed group Badr, which is supported by Iran. In the year 2021, the Judicial High Council named Mr Hanoun to be the head judge at the Maysan Appeals Court.

In November, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani assumed his position and without delay dismissed Ala Al Saadi from the post of the head of the Integrity Commission and designated Mr Hanoun instead, as reported by Utica Risk Services, a business that specializes in political risk analysis in the Middle East.
His selection caused a great disturbance, raising questions about why Mr Al Sudani made his choice.

The invitation of the Justice Minister is a result of the ongoing inquiry regarding the theft of $2.5 billion from a public fund that started in October. Since being elected in October, Mr Al Sudani has consistently expressed his strong commitment to tackling corruption.

Most of Iraq’s prime ministers have promised to combat corruption in Iraq when they begin their tenure in Baghdad, however, since the US-led invasion in 2003, not much has been accomplished in this regard.

According to Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index, Iraq is one of the least transparent countries in the world, ranking 157th out of 180 nations.

 

Image Credit: Bryan Jones/Flickr 

After being set free from Evin prison in Tehran, well-known Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti was seen speaking on a mobile phone.

Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti, who had been jailed for 18 days for backing the anti-government protests in her country, was granted bail from Tehran’s Evin prison, according to local media accounts.

Alidoosti has been identified as one of the most renowned figures to be apprehended in the protests that started on September 16 after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian female, died at the hands of the country’s morality police for not following the nation’s dress code.

On December 17, the 38-year-old Alidoosti was apprehended due to the numerous posts she made on social media, for instance, when she removed her hijab and denounced the execution of protesters.

She uploaded an image of herself along with the motto “woman, life, liberty”, which was a well-recognized slogan during the demonstrations.

Since the commencement of the protest movement, Iran has implemented death sentences on at least two demonstrators and has condemned several others to death for offences including “hostility against God”, a crime punishable by death.

The Iranian judiciary’s official news agency, Mizan Online, reported that the woman had been arrested for publishing remarks without any backing, as well as for posting content that was encouraging the street demonstrations.

 

Image Credit: Gisoo Faghfouri, Sharghdaily, via AP

On Tuesday evening, Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Hezbollah, appeared in public view after days of doubt regarding the health of the influential Lebanon-based political party and militant group which has close ties with Iran.

Mr Nasrallah’s scheduled speech set for the previous Friday was called off at the last minute due to the announcement that he was suffering from the flu by Hezbollah.

News broke out, mainly from Israel, that the sixty-two-year-old had experienced a stroke, was being aided by a respirator, or was in a critical care unit.
Israel and Hezbollah have a long history of hostility and have clashed with each other several times, including a full-fledged war that lasted for a month in 2006.

On Tuesday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah gave a live address to commemorate the third anniversary of the death of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.

Mr Nasrallah experienced bouts of coughing and his voice had become rougher than usual, yet he still managed to talk without too much hassle. He stated that he had been dealing with a tender throat for the last three decades.

“We wanted to be very transparent and honest with you… I apologise if I led you to concern. I thank you for your love… and all those who prayed for me,” he said in the televised speech.

“But I would like to make you rest assured because I saw that some of the media, some of the Israeli media, Gulf media… some said that I had a stroke, some said I was on certain breathing machines, I’ve been hospitalised, I’m in a coma,” he said, blaming a flu flare up the cancellation of the speech last Friday.

On Sunday, Jawad, Hassan Nasrallah’s son, denied allegations that his father was in a grave state of health. He reported that he had just conversed with his dad a half-hour prior, in opposition to a story released by an Israeli news source that Hassan Nasrallah was severely ill with either the flu or Covid-19 and had been placed on a ventilator and rendered unconscious.

 

Image Credit Anwar AMRO / AFP

The civil defence team in the sacred city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, recently discovered the corpse of a foreigner who had been taken away by heavy rain causing floods resulting from the heavy rainfall this week, according to a local news website.

A resident of Myanmar was carried away by the intense flooding that afflicted a region in Mecca on Monday, according to Sabq.

According to the report, his corpse was located approximately 13 kilometres from his spot situated south of the Islamic holy city of Mecca.

The deceased was transferred to a medical facility’s morgue as the case was passed on to the relevant authorities, the statement stated.

This week, Mecca and multiple other locations in Saudi Arabia have experienced extreme downpours of rain. Heavy rains in Saudi Arabia last month killed two people after Jeddah reportedly received 965mm of rain in just six hours, at least 15 times the city’s average annual rainfall, as per media reports.

The education department in Mecca commanded schools in the area to stay shut for a third consecutive day as a result of the rainy conditions.

It was reported by local media that classes are currently being carried out online using the government-run Madrasty platform.

Other regions in the kingdom, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif and Medina, also declared that in-person classes would be suspended.

Jeddah, a city of roughly four million people located near the Red Sea, is often referred to as the “gateway to Mecca”, where millions perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages each year.

Winter rainstorms and flooding occur almost every year in the city, where residents have long complained about poor infrastructure. The floods typically hit low-income Saudis and migrant workers the hardest. In 2009, floods killed 123 people in one of the worst flood-related incidents in the country.

The United Arab Emirates and Jordan respectively, have asserted their governments’ strong disapproval of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s excursion to the Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

The two foreign ministers asserted via a telephone conversation that the action taken by the Israeli official was “a violation of the international law and a grave escalation”, according to Wam news agency.

Emphasis was placed on the necessity of preventing any violations at Al Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing that Israel must comply with the existing laws and regulations concerning the site, and not hinder the authority of the Jerusalem Endowment Administration.

They strongly emphasised the importance of furthering initiatives that strive for a fair, comprehensive, and long-term resolution founded on the two-state solution and the founding of a separate Palestinian nation in the 1967 boundaries, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

They also emphasized the importance of prohibiting any unlawful Israeli actions that weaken the concept of a two-state solution. Sheikh Abdullah advocated that Jordan should be allowed to continue to protect and maintain religious sites and charitable funds in line with international law and the current historical circumstances.

Mr Al Safadi declared that Jordan will persist in utilizing all of its resources to safeguard the sacred sites and guarantee that the existing legal and historical standing is respected. He cautioned about the gravity of the Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque.

Earlier in the morning, Mr Ben-Gvir proceeded to the Al Aqsa compound, with a large security presence present due to Palestinian alerts against his visit to the area.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry strongly denounced the incident as being highly offensive.

A number of countries from the Gulf region reacted to the trip. The UAE was one of them. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation demanded that Israel take action to decrease the rising tensions and unrest in the region.

The ministry reaffirmed its unyielding stance on ensuring the Al Aqsa Mosque is safeguarded and that major and provocative transgressions happening there are stopped.

During their discussion on Tuesday, Sheikh Abdullah and Mr Al Safadi examined how to move forward the mutual relations between the two countries in different areas.

At the meeting, they addressed both local and international matters of shared interest, reaffirming their countries’ continued endeavours to find solutions to regional difficulties and to bring about safety and equilibrium in the area.

Hamas warned Israel via the Egyptian government that it could respond with rockets from Gaza. One rocket launched by a Palestinian group misfired and fell into the Gaza Strip last night.

 

Image Credit: AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP

Three years ago, the world woke up to the good news that Qasim Soleimani, the leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, had been killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq. Soleimani was a controversial figure, with a reputation for being a ruthless and skilled military strategist. While many in the Middle East saw him as a hero and a defender of the Iranian revolution, the majority viewed him as a destabilizing force who used terrorism and violence to further his agendas.

Regardless of one’s view of Soleimani, it is clear that the Middle East is a better place without extremist groups like those he led. These groups have caused untold suffering and destruction throughout the region, and their continued existence only serves to perpetuate the cycle of violence and conflict.

One of the main reasons why the Middle East would be better off without extremist groups is because of the human cost of their actions. Over the years, these groups have carried out countless bombings, assassinations, and other violent attacks that have killed and injured countless innocent civilians. They have also targeted religious minorities, women, and children, showing a complete lack of respect for human life.

Another reason why the Middle East would be better off without extremist groups is that they often seek to undermine the stability of the region. These groups often seek to exploit local conflicts and grievances to gain power and influence, and they are often willing to use violence and terror to achieve their goals. This creates a culture of fear and mistrust that makes it difficult for the people of the region to live their lives in peace and security.

Finally, the continued existence of extremist groups in the Middle East also serves to perpetuate the cycle of violence and conflict in the region. These groups often engage in a tit-for-tat cycle of retaliation, with each side responding to the other’s attacks with more violence and destruction. This cycle of violence can be difficult to break, and it can lead to long-term conflict and instability in the region.

In conclusion, the Middle East would be a better place without extremist groups like those led by Qasim Soleimani. These groups have caused untold suffering and destruction, and their continued existence only serves to perpetuate the cycle of violence and conflict in the region. The international community must work together to combat these groups and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo has found a new home at the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr until June 2025. The Portuguese striker will continue his career in Riyadh which will report back the former Real Madrid player as the highest-paid football of all time.

“I’m eager to experience a new football league in a different country. The vision that Al Nassr has is very inspiring and I am excited to join my team-mates,” Ronaldo said in his first statement as an Al Nassr player.

The striker left Manchester United on November 2022 and his deal with Al Nassr is set to bring his wages to a level similar to Lionel Messi’s total earnings of $120 million a year. But the reality is that Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr is in fact a “retirement league” for football players to earn one last big payday. The move is not new. Look at David Beckham who became the highest-paid player in the US Major League Soccer Players’ Union after being paid $6.5 million for Los Angeles Galaxy. Al Nassr, who finished third last season already has some older players like 35-year old Luiz Gustavo in its contingent of foreign players.

Although Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr will attract a huge amount of international exposure to Saudi Arabia who is trying to host top sports events in order to become a global sports hub. Fans will travel to Riyadh from all over the world to watch the superstar on the pitch, having a similar impact to David Beckham on MLS. Saudi has also reportedly expressed its desire to host the World Cup, if this were to happen then Ronaldo would likely be the face of it.

Yet Ronaldo’s decision to play for Al-Nassr will also provoke criticism. At 36 years old, Ronaldo is no longer seen as being in the prime of his career and some have questioned whether he is really worth such a large payout. More than that, Saudi Arabia has long been criticized for its treatment of women, minorities, and foreign workers, as well as its lack of freedom of expression and political freedoms. Many have called into question the appropriateness of Ronaldo, a global sports icon, aligning himself with a regime that has been accused of such human rights abuses. Many will see Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr as an attempt to whitewash Saudi Arabia’s reputation and distract from its human rights record.

Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr has been met with a great deal of controversy and criticism due to the human rights record of Saudi Arabia, the financial aspect of the deal, and questions about Ronaldo’s age and performance. While some may see it as a smart business move, others believe it is unsuitable for a global sports icon to align himself with a country that has been accused of such serious human rights abuses. But if the World Cup showed us anything, one crazy final game and we instantly forget the people who have died in its creation of it.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jon Super

On Monday, transport workers in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, went on strike to demonstrate their discontent with overdue wages and the absence of a year-end bonus, resulting in congested traffic throughout the city.

This most recent labour stoppage is just one of numerous similar protests that have taken place as Tunisia is dealing with a financial emergency that has resulted in a scarcity of fundamental commodities from fuel to edible oil.

The country located in Northern Africa is facing economic issues due to its possessing debts which exceed the total of its gross domestic product; they are in the midst of talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout of nearly two billion dollars.

Employees of the government-controlled public transit business Transtu took part in a strike, and a large crowd assembled outside the PM’s workplace in response to the appeal made by the transportation division of the influential UGTT labour union.

Transtu reported that the majority of transportation services in the Tunisian city with a population of nearly three million were suspended due to the strike.

The Ministry of Transportation announced that the unannounced strike brought transportation in the Greater Tunis area to a standstill, preventing public services from functioning effectively and affecting the citizens’ interests.

The transport ministry said the “wildcat strike paralysed transport across Greater Tunis… disrupting the functioning of public services and the interests of the citizen”.

It said Transtu salaries had been paid starting from December 29 and that the “real reason for the strikes is a different set of financial demands, in the form of an annual bonus” to more than 7,000 staff, worth more than $5 million.

The announcement indicated that the bonus was in the process of being distributed and that it was working with “all concerned parties to avoid further disruptions”.

During the school vacations in November, which is a busy period for families utilizing public transport, Transtu, which operates approximately 250 bus routes and 15 tram lines, was also shut down due to a strike.

The International Monetary Fund has suggested that a series of politically-challenging steps be taken, such as phasing out subsidies on essential items and reforming public enterprises. These enterprises include Transtu, as well as monopolies in the sectors of water, energy, and cereals.
Tunisia, where the Arab Spring began, has been experiencing a political split since President Kais Saied made a bold move to take control in July 2021.

 

Image Credit: FETHI BELAID/AFP

According to reports, Tom Tugendhat, the UK Security Minister, and Suella Braverman, the UK’s Home Secretary, are in favour of officially classifying Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

It is believed that the declaration will be officially announced in the upcoming weeks according to The Daily Telegraph. This is due to British government representatives forming a case against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and intelligence sectors exchanging information.

If the IRGC is officially deemed to be a terrorist group, it will be unlawful to take part in its meetings, show its logo in public or promote its operations.

The British government views the Corps as a severe danger to the UK, as the classification would equate them with Al Qaeda and ISIS.

This decision would follow similar steps by the US and Canada, which are both members of the Five Eyes alliance that also incorporates Australia and New Zealand. In May 2022, US President Joe Biden finalized his decision to keep Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on a terrorist blacklist. In November 2022 a judge in Canada ruled that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is a “terrorist entity” under Canadian law.

Taking action against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could make it difficult to reach an agreement on a new nuclear agreement with Iran to restrain its nuclear weapon development, and reflects a more stringent policy from the UK towards Iran.

The mass protests in Iran have been ongoing for three months since Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, 22, died in police custody in September. The police for morality arrested her for breaking the country’s dress code.

 

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

On Tuesday, Itamar Ben-Gvir, the National Security Minister of Israel, was seen at the Al Aqsa compound, causing a stir among Palestinians just after the ultra-right-wing government was officially formed.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry denounced the visit as “an unprecedented provocation”.

Despite Palestinian predictions that Mr Ben-Gvir’s presence at the contentious compound would lead to “an explosion”, he was still seen there with a heavy security detail, according to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan.

The minister, having taken his oath of office last Thursday, had made numerous trips to the compound while they were a member of Knesset (MK) and has continually advocated for Jews to be able to practice their religion at the location, which is currently forbidden by the status-quo arrangement with Jordan.

This location is the third most venerated in Islam and holds the highest status in Judaism as it was once the site of two holy temples.

King Abdullah II of Jordan has made it clear that his nation is ready to fight if Israel attempts to alter the status of the holy sites located in East Jerusalem, which is considered a “red line” by the kingdom.

Yair Lapid, the opposition leader and past head of government, cautioned that visits to the compound by Ben-Gvir could produce violence and possibly result in fatalities.

On Monday, Mr Lapid stated on Twitter that Mr Ben-Gvir should not visit the location.

He cautioned that the action taken could incite aggression and result in loss of life, imploring PM Netanyahu to take a stand against Mr Ben-Gvir.
According to the Kan news agency, citing the Likud party, Prime Minister Netanyahu did not give any caution to Mr Ben-Gvir concerning the tour.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File

President Kais Saied of Tunisia decided on Friday to extend the country’s current state of emergency for one more month.

According to the official gazette Journal of the Republic of Tunisia (JORT), “Saied decided to extend the state of emergency in the entire territory of the republic for one month, starting from January 1, 2023, until January 30, 2023,”.

The state of emergency in Tunisia was declared on November 24, 2015, following a bloody bomb attack on a bus of the presidential guards, which killed 12 agents.

Under Tunisia’s emergency law, which grants the authorities exceptional powers, the judiciary is not required to sign off on these powers. These exceptional powers include carrying out home arrests, banning official meetings, imposing curfews, monitoring media and press, prohibiting assemblies, and media censorship without permission from the judiciary.

President Saied decided on February 18 to extend the nationwide state of emergency until 2022. He also dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council, the top judicial body, and formed a new body which he has wider power over.

According to Amnesty International, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Tunisia is a party, prohibits states from suspending certain human rights, even during a state of emergency, including fundamental requirements of fair trials.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Slim Abid, file

On Saturday, Iranian authorities briefly detained several top-tier soccer players in Iran after a raid on a New Year’s Eve party where women were present and alcohol was served in violation of the country’s strict religious rules, state media reported on Sunday.

Damavand, a city near Tehran, was where several current and former Iranian soccer players of one of the city’s most prominent soccer clubs were arrested at a mixed party, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

“Some of these players were in an abnormal state due to alcohol consumption” according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency said.

Only non-Muslims are permitted to consume alcohol in Iran for religious purposes. Dancing with the opposite gender is forbidden.

A birthday party, according to the YJC news agency, was what the gathering was. All those detained were released, except for one person, who was not a soccer player.

The prosecutor was quoted by the semi-official Fars news agency as saying a complaint had been filed against the detainees and more information would be released later.

Iran’s football federation did not immediately comment on the situation.

According to hardline clerical rulers, social restrictions are among the driving issues behind months of protests in Iran against them since the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian Kurdish woman who was arrested in Tehran for allegedly violating the country’s strict clothing policy for women.

Human rights groups say that more than 500 protestors have been killed as part of the government’s crackdown on the demonstrations. Authorities have also arrested prominent individuals who voiced support for the protests, including several current and former soccer players as well as other athletes in Iran.

Last month, Iran executed two men, both 23, who had been convicted of attacks against security forces in connection with the protests.
The judiciary has said nine others have been sentenced to death. Campaigners said last week that dozens of protesters also face charges that carry a potential death sentence.

Four soldiers were killed in an Israeli missile strike on Damascus International Airport early Monday, the Syrian military said. Services were suspended as a result.

The Syrian Army reported that missiles hit the airport, southeast of Damascus, at 2 a.m.

Earlier, two regional intelligence sources told Reuters the strikes had hit an outpost near the airport of Iran’s Quds Force and the militias it backs.

Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force is responsible for intelligence and military operations outside Iran. Its presence has grown in Syria since the country’s civil war began in 2011.

No immediate comment was provided by the Israeli military on Wednesday’s strike, though it has acknowledged targeting hundreds of Iran-linked assets in the country.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi admitted last month that Israel had targeted an Iranian weapons convoy travelling from Iraq to Syria in November. The convoy crossed through a border post controlled by Iran-backed militias operating in both countries.

There are several air defence facilities and Iran-linked facilities in Damascus airport and nearby areas.
Western intelligence says Iran-linked groups are particularly strong around Damascus and its suburbs, where they have underground bases.

To disrupt Iran’s increasing use of aerial supply lines to deliver arms to Syria and Lebanon, Israel has repeatedly hit Damascus airport and other Syrian targets.

In June, Syrian airports were damaged by Israeli strikes, resulting in flights being cancelled for nearly two weeks. In September, Aleppo airport was also attacked, forcing it to close for several days.

Iran’s involvement in Syria’s civil war has been hidden by the Syrian government, which has claimed that Iran only has military advisers in the country.

 

Image Credit: Jack Guez/AFP

2022 saw monumental street protests break out in Iran. The unrest followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, who was killed after being detained by the country’s morality police over the way in which she wore her hijab.

After days, weeks and months went by it became clear that these protesters show no sign of stopping. They are fed up with the Iranian regime, from its religious laws to its economic policies. Yet, instead of addressing the issues, the Iranian regime took its typical stance with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei accusing “foreign elements” of being behind the protests.

Yet as the regime’s hold of the country is slipping, its sheer barbarism has increased. Human rights groups say that at least 470 people have been killed since September 16 as a result of the regime’s crackdown on the protests which have spread to all of Iran’s 31 provinces. Following the horrific hanging of Majidreza Rahnavard earlier this month, scores more protesters are facing imminent execution.

The protesters growing anger at the regime is hardly surprising when you look at Iran’s economic troubles. In the last six months, the local currency the rial has continued to fall and break negative records on an almost weekly basis. But the Iranian people have been suffering under the Iranian regime for much longer than just a year, economic sanctions have predominantly hit the people in Iran rather than its leaders. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the regime’s disregard for its people, with no organised strategy in place and a ban on UK and US Covid-19 vaccines at a time when the country needed them most which are said to have killed over 7 million people in Iran.

While the Iranian protests initially provoked a hard reaction including further sanctions on the regime and known members of the IRGC, worldwide support for the protests has since declined. Take Europe, where the only country to have taken a serious hard-line approach has been Ukraine which has expelled the Iranian ambassador. The European response to the protests has been limited and only last week did Mohammad Moradi take his own life in France in a bid to gain further international attention to the protests. If Europe is serious about supporting Iran’s uprising, more needs to be done. Governments need to begin cracking down on the regime and its activities in Iran and abroad.

But as 2023 begins, the tide is slowly turning, and Iran is finding itself increasingly less stable. The regime is becoming increasingly scared of the protesters as they realise that this wave of protests is different. These protesters are adamant to change the system and have found ways to harness social media and other tools to connect with the outside world. The Iranian protesters refuse to stay silent and keep going, the least we can do is share their message.

 

Image Credit: Reuters | Wana News Agency

The Ismailia police checkpoint was attacked by ISIS in Egypt on Friday, resulting in three fatalities.

An ISIS cell attacked an Egyptian police checkpoint in the Suez Canal city with a machine gun, Amaq News Agency said. Amaq News Agency is a news outlet linked to the Islamic State (ISIS).

An Ismailia security directorate, 100km east of Cairo, reported that two gunmen on motorcycles perpetrated the assault. One of the attackers was shot dead as he exchanged gunfire with security forces, while the other escaped. A manhunt was underway to capture him.

Militants affiliated with ISIS have battled security forces in northern Sinai, which borders Israel and the Gaza Strip for years.

Since the deadly insurgency in Sinai attacks has largely spared the mainland. But Friday’s attack by ISIS in Egypt was the first in nearly three years as large-scale army-led operations finished off the insurgency in 2018, resulting in a sharp drop in militant attacks.

Small-scale militant attacks against isolated army or police posts, as well as the assassinations of minority Christians, suspected government collaborators, and tribal leaders who support the government, have been commonplace since then.

Last May, 11 soldiers were killed in an assault on a regional office in western Sinai. Five soldiers and seven militants were slain in a subsequent attack in Sinai last week.

Because of its geographic location halfway along the Suez Canal, Ismailia is midway between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Around 10 per cent of the world’s maritime traffic passes through the Suez Canal, which is headquartered in Ismailia.

 

Image Credit: Reuters

The Royal Hashemite Court in Jordan has divulged when Crown Prince Hussein will marry Rajwa Khalid Alseif.

They will get married in a Muslim ceremony on June 1, 2023.

The precise location where Jordan’s next royal wedding will take place was not mentioned.

The Royal Hashemite Court expressed its heartfelt felicitations to King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah on this occasion and wished His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Miss Rajwa Khalid Alseif every joy.

Further details are set to be released at the appropriate time.

The engagement of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa took place on August 17 in Saudi Arabia, where the bride is from. Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif was born in Riyadh on 28 April 1994 to Khalid bin Musaed Al-Saif, a Saudi businessman, and Azza bint Naif Al-Sudairi. Azza bint Naif Al-Sudairi’s son will become Jordan’s Crown Prince upon his marriage.

The engagement of Crown Prince Hussein came weeks after his younger sister Princess Iman’s engagement to Venezuelan-born Jameel Alexander Thermiotis. No date has been set for their wedding. Princess Ali’s youngest son of Jordan’s royal family, Abdul Hamid El-Saleh, got engaged to his fiancée Shouq earlier on in 2022. Queen Rania of Jordan was pictured last month alongside Queen Consort Camilla and Crown Princess Mary for a reception at Clarence House. People gathered at the event to raise awareness about the issue of violence against women and girls, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium was present as well.

 

Image Credit: The Royal Hashemite Court / @QueenRania

The American military’s annual report has warned that Islamic State (ISIS) has an “army in waiting” in prisons and displacement camps throughout Iraq and Syria.

The US central command report also stated that there are 20,000 Is fighters and leaders in detention centres in Iraq and a further 10,000 in Syria. The report also warned of another 25,000 children in camps like the al-Hawl facility in northeast Syria who are the “potential next generation of Isis”.

“These children in the camp are prime targets for Isis radicalisation” it said.

The report said that US troops had taken part in 313 anti-Isis operations in Syria and Iraq, in which 686 Isis fighters were killed and 374 detained. Among the dead fighters was Abu Ibrahim al-Hasimi al-Qurayshi, the group’s leader who detonated a suicide vest rather than be captured as US special forces stormed his hideout in northwest Syria in February.

The causal reason for the continuing threat of Isis, particularly in Syria is the chaotic governance of much of the country, which is divided between four ruling authorities: the regime of President Assad, the western-backed SDF, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Idlib and Turkish backed former rebels in the North.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

Japan has signed a $301 million agreement to finance the construction of Cairo Metro’s fourth line. The new line, which is set to be completed in 2025, will run from Cairo International Airport to the suburbs of New Cairo and will be a major transportation improvement for the city.

The Cairo Metro system is a vital part of the city’s transportation infrastructure, serving millions of passengers each day. The addition of a fourth line will not only improve transportation options for residents, but also boost economic growth and development in the city.

The financing agreement between Japan and Egypt was signed by Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Egypt’s Ministry of Transportation. JICA will provide $301 million in official development assistance (ODA) loans to fund the construction of the new line.

The Cairo Metro’s fourth line will be a significant addition to the city’s transportation system, as it will connect Cairo International Airport with the suburbs of New Cairo. This will make it easier for travelers to get to and from the airport, as well as providing a convenient transportation option for residents living in the suburbs.

In addition to the funding from JICA, the Cairo Metro’s fourth line will also receive support from the African Development Bank and the European Investment Bank. The construction of the new line is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.

Overall, the signing of the $301 million agreement between Japan and Egypt to finance the construction of Cairo Metro’s fourth line is a major milestone for the city’s transportation infrastructure. It will improve transportation options for residents and tourists, and boost economic development in the region.

 

 

 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan removed a retirement age requirement on Wednesday, allowing more than two million workers to retire immediately, just six months before an election in Turkey.

A news conference on Thursday will announce the much-anticipated presidential policy move. Last week, Erdogan’s AK Party delivered a substantial increase in the minimum wage as part of a bid to regain support lost because of inflation, the lira’s depreciation, and a sharp decline in living standards.

People who began working before September 1999, when the law governing retirement requirements changed, and who have completed 20-25 years of social security registered working life, will benefit from the new arrangement.

The prior retirement age of 60 years for men and 58 years for women has been eliminated. It isn’t yet known how much the new system will cost, but Erdogan states that 2.25 million people are eligible to retire immediately. There are currently 13.9 million pensioners in Turkey.

For several years, labour groups have been protesting against the minimum age requirement, asking that workers be required to complete the required number of workdays to retire rather than retire at a young age. The change is seen as a boost for Erdogan before an important election due in June.

Erdogan has gone through a period of 20 years of suppressing dissent, which has pushed the Turkish lira down to one-tenth of its value against the dollar ten years ago.

A regulation released on December 28 does not cover all workers, according to a story corrected on January 3.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

The past two years have seen significant positive changes in Saudi Arabia, with Muhammad Bin Salman’s leadership playing a pivotal role in driving these improvements.

 

One key area of progress has been education. In 2019, Bin Salman launched a reform program called “Vision 2030” which aims to improve the country’s education system and increase access to higher education. As part of this program, the government has invested in new schools and universities and has introduced initiatives to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. These efforts have already begun to pay off, with the number of Saudis studying abroad and the number of patents filed in the country both increased in recent years.

 

The economy has also seen significant improvements under Bin Salman’s leadership. In addition to the “Vision 2030” reform program, the government has implemented economic reforms such as cuts to subsidies, the introduction of a value-added tax, and the privatization of state-owned enterprises. These measures have helped to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment, with GDP growth reaching around 2% in 2020.

 

Another area of progress has been the development of the high-tech sector. Bin Salman has prioritized modernizing and diversifying the economy and encouraged the growth of industries such as renewable energy and digital technology. This has included initiatives such as the development of a high-tech city called “NEOM,” which is set to be a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

Despite being known as a major oil-producing country, Saudi Arabia has also made strides in the renewable energy sector under Bin Salman’s leadership. The government has set a target of generating 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and has already made progress toward this goal by constructing solar and wind farms.

 

In recent years, human rights and women’s rights have also seen significant improvements in Saudi Arabia. Bin Salman has introduced a series of reforms aimed at promoting greater equality and freedom, such as lifting the ban on women driving and allowing women to attend sporting events. While there is still a long way to go in terms of fully realizing these rights, these changes represent an important step forward.

 

Overall, the leadership of Muhammad Bin Salman has brought about significant positive change in Saudi Arabia in the past two years. From education and the economy to high-tech and renewable energy, the country is making progress on a wide range of fronts. While there are still challenges to be addressed, such as human rights and women’s rights, the leadership of Bin Salman is positioning Saudi Arabia for a bright future among the great nations of the developed world.

 

Image credit: https://www.pewresearch.org

Rached Ghannouchi, head of Tunisia’s moderate Islamist party, has been accused of calling police forces tyrants and is set to be questioned by the anti-terrorism unit again.

Rachid Ghannouchi, head of the Islamist Ennahda party, is to be questioned over comments about the country’s security forces, which he allegedly described as “tyrants”. An official complaint was filed following this.

In September, Tunisia’s judicial centre, which fights organised crime and terrorism, was referred to by the prosecution after Mr Ghannouchi was first interrogated by the Tunisia’s National Guard’s anti-terrorism unit in L’Aouina.

The lawyer for Mr Ghannouchi, whose questioning was scheduled for Thursday, asked that it be postponed to February 21, 2023, because of time constraints.
Ennahda party leader was eulogised by Mr Ghannouchi in February in Tunis. He used the word “tyrant” then.

The police union was offended by Mr Ghannouchi’s comment that he was not afraid of the Tunisian tyrant during his lifetime, believing that it referred to them.
Individuals affiliated with violent organisations that have killed Tunisian security personnel, including the military and national guard, have encouraged their supporters to attack security by using the term “tyrant.”

Investigative judges have summoned Mr Ghannouchi on various charges, including money laundering.
He was questioned on November 28 in connection with a case in which he has been charged with sending Tunisians to foreign hot spots for terrorism.

 

Image Credit: Reuters

King Abdullah II of Jordan has issued a warning to Israel’s new right-wing government not to increase pressure on Palestinians in Jerusalem or undermine the kingdom’s influence in the city.

However, he left open the possibility for Jordan to cooperate with the new government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu who was inaugurated on Thursday if it pursues peace and regional economic development.

King Abdullah of Jordan said his country would react if Israel changed the status of Jerusalem, which Jordan controls.
Jordan says it has custodianship for Al Aqsa Mosque and other significant sites in Jerusalem. Jordan’s position has existed since the 1920s. Many of Jordan’s million inhabitants are Palestinian.

In 1994, Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty that explicitly recognised Jordan’s ‘special role’ in Muslim sites in Jerusalem, but did not explicitly endorse the kingdom’s custodianship claims.

The inclusion of far-right politicians in Mr Netanyahu’s coalition cabinet has stoked fears of a repeat of the violence in occupied Palestinian territories and Israel last year. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a hard-line member of the Israeli parliament, was just appointed public security minister.

Israeli incursions into the Al Aqsa Mosque complex and the East Jerusalem district of Sheikh Jarrah sparked a war between militant groups in Gaza and the Israeli military, which resulted in unrest. Besides 2015, this year has been the most violent so far.

Likud declared on Wednesday that the current situation in Jerusalem and other sacred sites would be maintained, but it promised to build more settlements in the occupied West Bank. Itamar Ben-Gvir‘s appointment as public security minister raised King Abdullah’s concerns about the Israeli cabinet. He has frequently used incendiary language to describe the Palestinians.

King Abdullah told CNN that he hoped there were many Israelis who cared as much as he did. Netanyahu said that without a solution for the Palestinians, Israel’s integration into the region would be difficult. The long-standing impasse in the region can be solved by promoting mutual economic interests, the king said.

‘When I am invested in your success because your success is my success, at the end of the day that means we can move forward’.

 

Image Credit: AFP

Iranian chess player Sarasadat Kademalsharieh has competed at international competitions without a hijab, Reuters reported.

The head of Iran’s chess federation says Iranian chess player Sarasadat Khademalsharieh wasn’t representing the country when she competed at international competitions in Kazakhstan without a hijab.

Fars said that Hassan Tamini, the deputy sports minister, denied that Mortazavi had participated through the federation and at her own expense.

Khademalsharieh competed in the International Chess Federation World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty.

According to the International Chess Federation website, she is ranked 804th in the world. The federation’s website features a picture of the woman grandmaster with her hair exposed, despite her wearing a dark blue headscarf.

The mass protests in Iran have been ongoing for three months since Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, 22, died in police custody. The police for morality arrested her for breaking the country’s dress code.

During international competitions, women playing for Iran must wear a headscarf and conform to the dress code. Iran blasted speed skater Niloufar Mardani after she competed in Turkey without a headscarf last month.

Elnaz Rekabi, an Iranian climber, was criticised in Iran. The Sports Ministry said that Mardani had taken part without permission, as reported by the Fars news agency. Elnaz Rekabi competed in October at the Asian Championships in Seoul wearing only a headband. Inexplicably, her headscarf fell off, she said, and she apologised for the incident. Iranian authorities demolished Rekabi’s family home two months later.

Many prominent female athletes and male footballers have expressed their support for the protests in a sensitive arena. A female chess official from Iran said she was frightened to return home after working without a headscarf at a women’s tournament in 2020.

Shohreh Bayat, 34, says has previously said that she will not return to Iran unless the country’s chess federation provides her with written security assurances.

 

Image Credit: Reuters

The Moroccan auto industry is set to receive a major boost with the announcement of €50 million in funding for the development of the country’s first locally-branded car. This marks a significant milestone for Morocco, as the country looks to establish itself as a major player in the global auto market.

The funding will be used to develop the new car brand, which is being designed specifically for the local Moroccan market. This marks a departure from the traditional approach of many automakers, which have focused on exporting their products to other countries.

The new Moroccan car brand is expected to be a major player in the local market, offering high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. It will also help to boost the country’s economy by creating new jobs and supporting local suppliers.

The Moroccan auto industry has been steadily growing in recent years, and the introduction of a locally-branded car is sure to give it a further boost. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the new brand is expected to make a big impact in the market.

As the Moroccan auto industry continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that the country is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global automotive market. With the introduction of its first locally-branded car, Morocco is setting the stage for a bright future in the auto industry.

The war in Syria, which began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprising, has been marked by a complex and evolving conflict that has resulted in a stalemate. Over the past decade, the war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people.

One of the key developments in the war has been the rise of the Islamic State (IS) group, which took control of large areas of Syria, as the Syrian status quo continues and Iraq in 2014. While IS has since been largely defeated, the group’s presence has added another layer of complexity to the conflict.

The current Syrian status quo is characterized by a stalemate, with the government of President Bashar al-Assad maintaining control over much of the country, but facing opposition from various groups. In the northwest of the country, the opposition is centered in the province of Idlib, which is home to a mixture of rebels, jihadists, and Turkish-backed forces. The Turkish government has also maintained a presence in the region, with troops stationed in the area as part of a series of de-escalation agreements.

To the east of Idlib, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led alliance, control a large area along the border with Iraq and Turkey. While the SDF has been a key partner in the fight against IS, it has also faced criticism for its human rights record and its relations with the Assad government.

Throughout the war, Syria has been divided into a patchwork of territories controlled by various groups, with shifting lines of control. This has made it difficult to achieve a lasting peace settlement, and the conflict has remained in a stalemate for many years.

The situation of Syrian refugees has also been a major concern throughout the war. Millions of Syrians have fled the country, seeking safety in neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey and further afield in Europe and other parts of the world. While some refugees have been able to return to Syria, many continue to live in difficult conditions, facing challenges such as limited access to education and employment.

In conclusion, the Syrian war is far from over, with the country remaining divided and the conflict in a stalemate. While some progress has been made in terms of defeating IS and achieving local ceasefires, the situation remains complex and uncertain. With all the existing problems, the Syrian issue will likely continue to be a major concern for the international community for years to come.

 

Photo credit: southfront.org

The defence ministers of Syria, Turkey and Russia met in Moscow after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had proposed the meeting to Vladimir Putin.

Erdogan proposed earlier this month that ministerial-level meetings among the three nations be held, in order to eventually lead to a trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

Since the beginning of the Syrian war, Turkey and Syria have not had official diplomatic ties. The three-way summit between Sergei Shoigu, Turkey’s Hulusi Akar, and Syria’s Ali Mahmoud Abbas was described as “constructive” by the Turkish state news agency Anadolu.

In their meeting, the three officials discussed “ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria,” according to the Russian and Turkish defence ministries.
Russia’s defence ministry said that they noted the constructive nature of the dialogue held in this format and the need to continue it in the interests of further stabilising the situation in Syria and the region.

Because of the war and the Assad regime, millions of Syrians fled for refuge in Turkey. The opposition has been dismayed by Turkey’s calls for normalisation of relations with the Assad regime since Turkey has also been hinting at warmer connections with Syria.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu’s remarks in August on repairing ties with Syria caused protests.

“There will be no permanent peace otherwise,” he warned at the time.

Russia has been mediating between Turkey and Syria, as well as other parties involved in the conflict, in support of the Assad regime. Last month’s terrorist attack in Istanbul resulted in six deaths, prompting Turkey to launch a military operation against Kurdish targets near Syria’s northern border.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces denied any responsibility for the attack and called for an international investigation into the incident, which Ankara blamed on Kurdish militants.

 

Image Credit: Sergey Guneev / Associated Press

Lebanon has faced a series of crises in the past two years, including an economic collapse, political unrest, and infrastructure issues.

 

The economic crisis in Lebanon began in the early 2010s but reached a breaking point in 2020 when the government imposed strict capital controls on banks. This led to widespread protests and calls for reform, as people were unable to access their own money and the value of the Lebanese currency, the lira, plummeted. The crisis was exacerbated by high levels of government debt, mismanagement, and widespread corruption.

 

The economic crisis sparked a wave of protests, which quickly grew to encompass a range of issues including corruption, lack of government services, and the lack of political representation. The protests were largely peaceful, but there were instances of violence and clashes with security forces. The protests also highlighted the deep sectarian divisions within the country and the need for political reform.

 

The political situation in Lebanon has been further complicated by the lack of a functioning government. The country has been without a president since October 2019 and attempts to form a new government have been stymied by political infighting and corruption. This has left the country without strong leadership to address its economic and other challenges.

 

In addition to the economic and political challenges, Lebanon has also struggled with infrastructure issues such as shortages of electricity and water. The country has a dilapidated and poorly maintained infrastructure, and these shortages have severely impacted daily life. The country has also struggled with a fuel crisis, with long lines at gas stations and gasoline and diesel shortages.

 

Despite these difficulties, there have been some positive developments in Lebanon over the past two years. In the field of sports, the Lebanese basketball team had a successful run in the 2022 Asian Games, winning a bronze medal. This was a source of pride for the country and a rare moment of joy in an otherwise difficult time. There have also been efforts by civil society groups and individuals to address some of the country’s challenges, including initiatives to provide assistance to those in need and to promote political reform.

 

Despite the many challenges facing Lebanon, there is a reason for hope for the future of Lebanon. The people of Lebanon have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and there is a belief that they will be able to rise and work toward improving the country’s situation. It will not be an easy road, but with determination and the willingness to work together, there is reason to believe that Lebanon can overcome its current challenges and ensure that the future of Lebanon is brighter.

 

The challenges facing Lebanon are complex and will require the efforts of all sectors of society to address. This includes the government, civil society, the private sector, and the international community. It will also require a willingness to confront the deep-seated issues of corruption and political reform that have contributed to the country’s current crisis.

 

Image credit: https://www.fairobserver.com/

A yellow and orange weather alert has been issued by UAE authorities, warning that Wednesday is expected to be the last day of showers before the new year affecting large parts of the Emirates including Dubai.

Wet weather is expected in large parts of the Emirates, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.

Rain is expected to fall mainly in the northern Emirates, but some rain is also expected in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Police have implored locals to be cautious whilst driving.

On Wednesday, Abu Dhabi will reach a high of 25°C, while Dubai reaches a high of 24°C.

Temperatures of 24°C and 23°C are anticipated in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, on Thursday, while no more rainfall is anticipated for the rest of the week.
People should take care during outdoor activities when a yellow alert is in force.

A warning of hazardous conditions is given by an orange alert.

 

Image Credit: @brianna_santellan/Unsplash

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Tuesday that the firm is close to having 100 active Starlinks, the firm’s satellite internet service, in Iran, three months after he tweeted that he would activate the service there in response to protests across the country.

As of Monday, Musk said that ‘100 starlinks are active in Iran,’ in a tweet.

In September, the billionaire said that he would activate Starlink in Iran as part of a U.S.-backed effort “to advance internet freedom and the free flow of information” to Iranians.

Iranians seeking to bypass the government’s restrictions on internet access and certain social media platforms might be able to do so thanks to a satellite-based broadband service. The Iranian authorities have already restricted access to Instagram and WhatsApp — until this autumn the last remaining unfiltered social media services — and then clamped down on apps like the Google Play Store as well as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that seek to circumvent local access restrictions.

The morality police arrested 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September for wearing ‘unsuitable attire,’ and she subsequently died in police custody. This incident incited a wave of protests across the Islamic Republic.

Starlink has over  2,000 tiny satellites orbiting just a few hundred kilometres above Earth, providing internet access to users below. The land-based terminals are then wired up to basic routers that create small wifi spots.

Earlier this year, controversial billionaire Musk sent thousands of Starlink terminals to the Ukraine just days after Russia’s invasion. Ukraine now has 20,000 of the small white receivers throughout the country.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Joe Skipper/File Photo

An Iranian man that drowned in the city of Lyon, France is being investigated after he said on social media that he planned to kill himself in order to draw attention to the Iranian protest crackdown.

Police told AP News that Mohammad Moradi, 38, was discovered in the Rhone river that runs through the heart of Lyon late Monday.

The official said that a resuscitation attempt was unsuccessful when emergency personnel reached him on the riverbank.

Iran Human Rights, an Oslo-based group, said on Tuesday that at least 100 Iranians arrested over the course of nationwide protests have been charged with offences that could result in the death penalty.

In a speech on Sunday, Iran’s chief justice, Sadeq Larijani, said the administration was determined to confront an “unacceptable” opposition to the country. More than 100 days of protests have gripped Iran since the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died in police custody after being arrested and charged with breaking the country’s conservative dress code.

A post on Mr Moradi’s Instagram account said that he would commit suicide to draw attention to the harsh treatment of demonstrators.

“When you see this, I will be dead” he said in the film.

“I [have] decided to commit suicide in the Rhone river. It is a challenge to show that we, Iranian people, we are very tired of this situation.

“My suicide is not for personal reasons. The police are attacking people; we have lost a lot of sons and daughters. We have to do something.”

A small rally took place on the banks of the Rhone in France to remember Iranian citizen, Mr Moradi on Tuesday, in response to the incident. Candle and wreath placements on the riverbank railings marked the spot where the victim drowned.

Timothee Amini, a member of the local Iranian community, said, “Mohammad Moradi killed himself to make the voice of revolution heard in Iran. Our voice is not carried by western media,” said Timothee Amini of the local Iranian community.”

An Iranian community member told AFP that Mr Moradi was a history graduate and worked in a restaurant in France. He lived in Lyon with his wife for three years.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides in the field of clean and reusable energy in recent years, positioning itself as a leader in this area. Through a combination of technological advances and ambitious government initiatives, the UAE has established itself as a global leader in the development of clean energy solutions.

 

One key area of focus for the UAE has been the development of solar energy. In recent years, the country has invested heavily in the construction of solar power plants, to generate 7% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The UAE has also made progress in the development of advanced solar technologies, such as concentrated solar power and photovoltaic cells.

 

In addition to solar energy, the UAE has also made significant progress in the field of nuclear energy. The country is home to the first operating nuclear power plant in the Arab world, which began operating in 2018. The plant is designed to generate clean, reliable electricity for the UAE, and is expected to help reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

 

The UAE’s commitment to clean and reusable energy extends beyond its borders, with the country playing a key role in the development of clean energy solutions for other countries around the world. For example, the UAE has helped to finance clean energy projects in countries such as Pakistan and Egypt and has also provided technical assistance and expertise to countries in Africa and Asia.

 

Overall, the UAE’s efforts in the field of clean and reusable energy have been highly successful, and the country is well on its way to achieving its goals of reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and becoming a global leader in the clean energy field. As the demand for clean energy continues to grow, the UAE will likely continue to play a pivotal role in the future of energy for the whole world.

On Sunday, Iran’s national currency, the rial, recorded the lowest-ever rate against the US dollar as the country’s open market recorded its lowest-ever rate against the US dollar in months-long protests.

On Sunday, the weak rial traded above 411,000 to the greenback on the bonbast foreign exchange website as the US dollar and other foreign currencies fiercely rallied against it.

The rial breaching the 400,000 threshold for the first time in the country’s history has caused concerns in the foreign exchange market and financial circles.

Market analysts say Iran’s currency has lost about 20% of its value since mid-September when countrywide protests erupted after an the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody which has sparked further sanctions.

Ali Salehabadi, the Central Bank Governor, cited the ongoing protests as one of several destabilizing factors contributing to the forex market turmoil last week.
However, the summons of Salehabadi and Iran’s finance minister and government spokesman Ehsan Khandozi by the country’s parliament on Sunday did not work.

Admitting that the forex market has suffered from instability, Khandozi told parliamentarians that the central bank was considering steps to correct the situation, blaming ‘enemies’ for concentrating on banks and the forex market after ‘failing to close them down,’ in reference to recent nationwide strikes.

Despite Parliament Speaker Baqer Ghalibaf’s sharp rebuke of the central bank, saying the forex situation was “unacceptable to people,” the central bank said it was investigating the issue.

Germany announced Friday that it was downgrading relations with Iran and halting trade promotion programs, because of the “very serious situation” there.

The Iranian currency’s depreciation has occurred at a time when talks in Vienna about saving the 2015 nuclear deal are taking place and reports are emerging about Iran supplying drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict.

 

Image Credit: Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash

Tunisian authorities have recovered the bodies of four people believed to be African migrants, including a pregnant woman, off the coast of Kerkennah Island in the Mediterranean.

Sfax regional prosecutor Faouzi Masmoudi told AP on Monday that the bodies were handed over to a local hospital.

The bodies were discovered early Sunday and appeared to have drowned several days before, Mr Masmoudi said. He said that only adult bodies had been found when asked about reports that a newborn baby had been among the dead.

The authorities are investigating what occurred and seeking any information about other passengers, believing that the people departed from Tunisia or neighbouring Libya on a boat.

Many migrants are said to have crossed from Tunisia to Europe this year, with many fleeing conflict or poverty in other parts of Africa.

Around 2,000 people have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean this year, according to the Missing Migrants Project of the International Organisation for Migration, which tracks migration across the world. The majority lost their lives or went missing on the central Mediterranean route, which includes Tunisia.

A coastguard unit based in Mahdia’s localities last month recovered 15 dead migrants washed on shore. At least eight migrants died and 15 others were missing after a boat sank off Tunisia in September, as they attempted to cross the Mediterranean to Italy. In April, four boats carrying 120 migrants capsized off Sfax, killing at least 20 people.

 

Image Credit: AFP

Four members of the Internal Security Forces and two SDF fighters were killed in an ISIS attack on an ISF centre in Syria early Monday, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said.

An SDF spokesman, Farhad Shami, said one ISIS fighter was killed and another was arrested while fleeing, and that one was wearing a suicide belt.
“Others managed to escape to the neighbouring areas,” he said.
“Following the attack, our forces imposed a complete curfew, launched a large-scale sweep operation in the city to foil the dangerous and continuous terrorist attack.”

On Monday, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that ISIS had launched at least 16 assaults against the SDF in Al Raqqa, since the beginning of the month.

The toll from the strikes was 11 people, including nine SDF fighters, dead and nine civilians and combatants wounded, the observatory said. The total count for Monday’s ISIS assault was not immediately clear.

The US provides intelligence and training to the SDF in their battle against ISIS. SDF operations against ISIS were halted last month in anticipation of a ground offensive by Turkey, whose president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he would target Kurdish militants.

In light of an assault on a popular tourist location in Istanbul last November, in which six people were killed, President Erdogan chose to abolish the Kurdish language programme in schools. The SDF denied responsibility for the attack and requested that an international inquiry be held into it.

 

Image Credit: Baderkhan Ahmad/AP

The Middle East is a region rich in cultural diversity, and its music is no exception. From the Arabic melodies of Morocco to the Persian rhythms of Iran, Middle Eastern music is essentially a melting pot of both influences and traditions.

One of the most distinctive features of Middle Eastern music is its use of microtones, or intervals smaller than a Western semitone. This allows for a wider range of pitch, giving Middle Eastern music its distinct sound. Additionally, the use of quartertones, or intervals between the Western semitones, is common in Middle Eastern music, adding even more complexity to the melodies.

Middle Eastern music is also characterized by its rhythmic complexity and the use of percussion instruments such as the darbuka (goblet drum) and the riq (tambourine). These instruments often play intricate rhythms that serve as the foundation for the music and are accompanied by a variety of string and wind instruments, including the oud (lute), ney (flute), and kanun (zither).

One of the most well-known styles of Middle Eastern music is Arabic music, which includes a variety of genres such as pop, folk, and classical. Arabic music is characterized by its use of modes, or scales, known as maqams. These scales are used to create melodies that evoke different emotions, such as happiness, sadness, or longing. Arabic music is also known for its use of improvisation, with musicians often improvising over a set of pre-determined melodies and rhythms.

In addition to Arabic music, the Middle East is home to a variety of other musical traditions. Persian music, for example, is characterized by its use of modal scales known as dastgahs and features a variety of instruments such as the tar (lute) and the santur (hammer dulcimer). Turkish music, on the other hand, is known for its use of makams, or modes, and features instruments such as the saz (long-necked lute) and the ney (flute).

One of the unique features of Middle Eastern music is its ability to bridge cultural divides. Music has the power to bring people together, and this is especially true in the Middle East, where music serves as a common language that transcends national and cultural boundaries. This is exemplified by the popularity of crossover artists who blend elements of different Middle Eastern musical traditions, creating a sound that is uniquely their own.

The music of the Middle East is a diverse and rich tradition that reflects the cultural influences and history of the region. From the microtones and quartertones of Arabic music to the modal scales and improvisation of Persian music, the music of the Middle East is a testament to the diversity and unity of the region.

 

Image Credit: Saubhagya gandharv on Unsplash

Officials said at least 27 people were injured when sections of the stands collapsed during a basketball game in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday night.

A stampede during the third quarter of the Super Cup match between Cairo’s Al Ahly and Alexandria’s Al Ittihad might have caused the October 6 basketball accident in Egypt, the officials said.

No one suffered life-threatening injuries, according to officials, with most having broken bones.

The A Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall stand section appeared to crumble in video footage posted online.

Egypt hosted the 2021 World Men’s Handball Championship three years ago before the multi-purpose arena opened. Since 2015, when 22 football fans died after police used tear gas excessively at a Cairo stadium, sports have been incident-free in Egypt. More than 70 people were killed in one of the world’s worst football-related incidents in Port Said in 2012 when a riot broke out.

 

Image Credit: @matnapo/Unsplash

Iran’s authorities detained seven people with links to the UK on Sunday, among them several dual nationals, as the country experienced widespread anti-government demonstrations.

According to state media, seven key figures behind the recent protests against Iran’s government were arrested by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards intelligence services, including dual nationals attempting to leave the country. The people arrested, some of whom are said to be UK-Iran dual nationals, were detained while trying to leave Iran, according to Reuters, citing a statement published by state media. No further information, including what kind of links those arrested have to the UK, has been released.

The British Foreign Office said it was seeking more information from Tehran about reports that UK nationals had been detained in Iran.

About 50 people demonstrated in Brussels demanding the immediate release of a Belgian aid worker detained in Iran. Pictures of Olivier Vandecasteele were held up during the protest in downtown Brussels to highlight the issue.

Iran’s harsh verdict last week on Mr Hekmati has amplified concerns about the stalled prisoner swap treaty. Belgium’s government subsequently advised all Belgians in Iran, including those with dual citizenship, to leave the country over concerns that they could be randomly arrested and imprisoned. Belgium says Mr Vandecasteele is innocent and has been detained as a hostage as Tehran attempts to force Brussels to release an Iranian agent convicted of terrorism. Earlier this year, Belgium and Iran signed a treaty that would have allowed Mr Vandecasteele to be exchanged for Assadollah Assadi.

In 2018, Iranian diplomat Assadi, who was stationed in Austria, was arrested after German, French, and Belgian law enforcement officials prevented an Iranian exile opposition group from detonating a bomb at a rally in Paris. He was convicted of terrorism after spending three years in detention. Belgium’s constitutional court suspended the prisoner exchange agreement in early December, pending a final decision on its legality within the next three months.

On September 16, mass demonstrations erupted across Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman who had been arrested for not complying with the country’s dress code. The large-scale protests against Iran’s theocratic ruling structure, in which people from all walks of life have participated, have become one of the most significant challenges to Iran since the 1979 revolution. The government has claimed that the protests were caused by people who desired to destroy public property and that they were trained and armed by countries such as the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

 

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File

The Gulf Cup, one of the most highly anticipated football tournaments in the Middle East, is set to take place in the city of Basra, Iraq in the coming months.

The Gulf Cup, which was first held in 1970, brings together teams from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This year, the tournament will be hosted by Iraq, with matches taking place at the Basra Sports City Stadium.

The Gulf Cup is a fiercely competitive tournament, with each team determined to emerge as the champion. In the past, the tournament has seen some of the best footballers in the region go head to head, with fans from around the Gulf coming out in droves to support their teams.

This year’s tournament is shaping up to be just as exciting, with teams from all over the GCC eager to showcase their skills on the pitch. The tournament is set to kick off in the coming weeks, with the final match scheduled for later in the month.

As the host nation, Iraq will be looking to make a strong showing in this year’s tournament, and the team has been working hard in the lead-up to the event. With a dedicated and passionate fan base, the Iraqi team will surely have the support of the home crowd as they take on the other GCC teams.

Fans from around the region are already making plans to travel to Basra for the tournament, with hotels and accommodations expected to fill up quickly. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking to experience the excitement of a major sporting event, the Gulf Cup is not to be missed.

Ski season is finally here in Lebanon! As the cold weather settles in, many are excited to hit the slopes and enjoy all that winter sports have to offer.

Lebanon is home to several ski resorts, each offering a unique experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Mzaar Kfardebian, located just an hour outside of Beirut, is the largest and most popular resort in the country. With over 25 slopes ranging from beginner to expert, it has something for everyone. The resort also has several restaurants and cafes, as well as equipment rental and ski lessons for those who are new to the sport.

For those looking for a more intimate ski experience, there are also smaller resorts such as Faraya Mzaar, Cedars Ski Resort, and Laqlouq Ski Resort. These resorts offer a more personal touch and are perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, many resorts also offer other winter activities such as ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing. These activities are great for families or those looking for something a little different.

As with any outdoor activity, it’s important to take safety precautions while on the slopes. Make sure to wear proper protective gear, such as helmets and goggles, and ski or snowboard within your ability level. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the resort’s safety rules and guidelines before hitting the slopes.

Overall, the ski season in Lebanon is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and have fun with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time skier, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your gear and hit the slopes!

Iran’s Supreme Court has accepted Saman Seydi Yasin’s appeal against his death penalty sentence, the judiciary said on Saturday, even as it confirmed the same sentence for another protester.

A Kurd who raps about inequality, oppression, and unemployment, Yasin was charged with attempting to kill security forces, setting a rubbish bin on fire, and shooting three times into the air during anti-government protests, which he denied.

The Mizan news agency, which is part of Iran’s judiciary, said that only Yasin’s appeal against the death penalty had been accepted, contradicting a statement by the court saying it had accepted the appeals of both men.

According to Iran’s Supreme Court public relations department, Mohammad Qobadloo’s appeal was rejected, and Saman Seydi’s appeal was accepted.
The court said that it was referring the case back to court for re-examination because of flaws in the investigation and to explain the decision.

During the protests, Qobadloo had been charged with killing a police agent and injuring five others with his car.

In early September, Iranian protests against the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women erupted after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman.

On Saturday evening, video clips posted on social media showed protests taking place in Tehran and several other cities, including Mashhad in northeastern Iran, Karaj west of Tehran, and Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan Province in the northwest.

 

Image Credit: social media

Tunisia is planning to cut its fiscal deficit to 5.5 per cent in 2023, down from 7.7 per cent this year, as the country continues its efforts to boost economic growth through austerity programmes.

The report by the Ministry of Economy and Planning, says that spending on subsidies and financial transactions will decrease by 26.4 per cent and 56.5 per cent, respectively, while tax revenue will increase by 12.5 per cent next year, according to Tunis Afrique Presse.

In addition to covering the budget deficit through 14.2 billion dinars in “budget support credits”, Tunisia plans to raise 24.1 billion dinars ($7.7 billion) through external borrowing, 66.2 per cent of which will be financed by external borrowing, according to the news agency.

The IMF agreed to help Tunisia after it fell on hard times because of the conflict in Ukraine, which widened Tunisia’s current account deficit, and because of the coronavirus-induced economic slowdown, high debt, and poor financial condition.

Tunisia is also hoping to receive $4 billion in funding from the IMF, which would provide the country with the financial and economic support it needs to overcome its worst economic and financial crisis, which has been exacerbated by rising energy and commodity prices globally.

Tunisia signed a staff-level agreement with the IMF in October for a new 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) worth about $1.9 billion to support the government’s economic reforms. The Washington-based lender said that a final agreement on the deal would be reached this month.

According to the IMF, Tunisia’s economy is projected to grow by 2.2% this year. The Tunisian authorities recently raised the cost of water by as much as 23 per cent to help cut subsidies to receive IMF aid.

 

Image Credit: Nasonurb/Flickr

A court in Turkey has ordered the release of a reporter who has been in prison since December on accusations of disseminating disinformation, his lawyer said.

Turkey’s government says the disinformation law, approved two months ago by parliament, that is said to protect the public, but which critics say could be used to suppress dissent, has been used to imprison the first person pending trial.

A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped last week in Bitlis province, where Kurdish is the majority language. Police and military personnel are alleged to have participated in the rape, according to Aygul, a journalist there.

Upon realising his error, he deleted the posts and apologised for not having verified the information with authorities.

A lawyer filed an objection to the detention order late Friday, releasing Aygul, according to a video posted to Twitter.
Anyone who distributes false or misleading information can be fined up to $500,000 and imprisoned for up to three years, depending on the nature of the offence.

This incident has raised concerns of a further crackdown on media after a Reuters investigation revealed how authorities and self-censorship turned Turkish mainstream media into a mouthpiece for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration. Erdogan’s AK party and its nationalist MHP allies say it aims to combat disinformation.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Francisco Seco

Arab Christians are an integral part of the fabric of the Middle East and have a rich history dating back to the earliest days of Christianity. According to estimates, there are between 12 and 15 million Arab Christians in the Middle East, with significant populations in countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Iraq.

Arab Christians belong to a variety of denominations, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Maronite, and various Protestant churches. In many cases, these denominations have deep roots in the region and have played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of the Arab world.

One of the most important ways in which Arab Christians celebrate Christmas is through liturgical services and Masses. These may be held in churches, homes, or other locations, and typically involve the recitation of prayers and hymns, the singing of carols, and the sharing of food and fellowship. In many cases, these celebrations also include the lighting of candles and the display of Nativity scenes, which depict the birth of Jesus Christ.

In addition to these religious observances, Arab Christians also celebrate Christmas in several other ways. For example, many families exchange gifts and spend time together, while others may participate in community events or charitable activities. In some cases, Christmas may be celebrated with the exchange of traditional sweets and pastries, such as baklava or kahk, or with the sharing of special meals or feasts.

Overall, the celebration of Christmas in the Middle East is an important part of the cultural and spiritual life of Arab Christians and is a time for coming together with family and friends to remember and honor the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite the challenges and difficulties that many Arab Christians face in the region, the holiday season is a time of hope, joy, and renewal, and is a source of inspiration and strength for many.

 

 

Image is taken from: https://en.qantara.de/

According to reports, Morocco has agreed to send T-72 tank parts to Ukraine at the request of the United States. The reports say that the Czech company Excalibur, which extensively modernizes Moroccan T-72s, is sending 90 ‘African’ tanks to Ukraine. The firm has agreed to send 90 ‘African’ tanks to Ukraine as part of a CZK 2.2 billion ($97 million) contract funded by the United States and the Netherlands. According to social media images, the refurbished vehicles are Moroccan. Each tank has improved thermal imaging, night vision, and armor as a result of the refurbishment process.

The United States is the primary supplier of weapons to Morocco, with at least 60 T-72s being in storage. There has been no confirmation from the country, which purchases nearly all of its arms from the United States. American main battle tanks are the most popular. Since Morocco and Algeria have a longstanding conflict, Russia’s close relationship with Algeria may make the kingdom less receptive to its messaging.

Russia has invested heavily in efforts to keep the continent neutral, including the opening of five so-called Russia houses in Africa this fall, which aim to raise the country’s presence, and a constant stream of regime propaganda emphasizing the Soviet Union’s 20th-century assistance for anti-colonial movements.

It is evident why the Kremlin wants to keep this support. Africa has provided fertile ground for Russian arguments in general. At the first UN vote after the invasion, 28 African countries (out of 54) either abstained or did not vote to condemn Russia’s invasion, including Morocco. Only 10 out of 54 African countries backed a resolution to expel Russia from the Human Rights Council in April, nine abstained or were absent, and 35 abstained or were absent. In November, five states voted against a UN resolution that required Russia to pay damages to Ukraine, 27 abstained.

Despite this, Africa has not been indifferent to the battle. Since Ukraine provides the world with a large quantity of basic foodstuff, the battle, and Russian blockades associated with it, were important. Skyrocketing food costs, after all, are a prime factor in revolutions.

According to the United Nations, the world is facing the biggest food crisis in decades. The African Development Bank reported that the price of wheat had risen by 45% in Africa.

The Kremlin began to worry as the repercussions of its actions began to damage its allies. As the New York Times noted, fourteen African nations depend on Russia and Ukraine for more than half of their wheat imports, and Russia and Ukraine were hard hit by sanctions. When the African Union’s president visited Moscow in June, he referred to Putin as ‘dear Vladimir’ and lambasted Western sanctions. A month later, Ukraine was permitted to export grain again.

In addition to maintaining a constant frenzy on the continent, Russia has sent Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to emphasize that the war and its repercussions—such as rising food costs—were caused by the West. That concept was endorsed by the son of Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who appears to be prepared to succeed his father. On social media, he praised the Russian invasion, stating:

“Putin is right to support Russia’s position on Ukraine since the majority of people (who are not white) agree with him.”

As of 2019, Vladimir Putin has been hosting Russia-Africa summits that welcome over 40 African leaders. In the subsequent year, Russia has become Africa’s biggest arms supplier, and the Kremlin has allowed the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries to the Central African Republic, Libya, and Mali, where they have been implicated in widespread killings, human rights violations including torture, and questionable resource transactions including gold and oil.

RT, a state-run Russian television network that was formerly known as Russia Today, has been removed from Europe and North America. In June, RT announced that it would open a new office in Johannesburg, South Africa after it was removed from a continent-wide broadcasting platform. Uganda’s television rebroadcasts RT bulletins twice daily, as of July.

According to a study from Brookings, Russian disinformation achieved some success with African audiences on Twitter. They discovered that 78% of tweets about Russia’s war “endorse the notion that Ukrainians are Nazis and/or that Russia is battling Nazism in Ukraine.”

Ukraine has also struggled dhave some Western states having made little headway in countering Russian disinformation. Senior African leaders favored by the Kremlin appear to be unwilling to listen to them. Zelenskyy requested a hearing from the African Union two months in advance and was only able to get four heads of state to attend it.

Because Ukraine was invaded and oppressed by its longtime master, and because Russia triggered an African food crisis, Zelenskyy’s message might have been especially appealing to Africa. “Russia is seeking to annex our country, making Ukraine a Russian colony,” he said to them. His words, nevertheless, were largely neglected.

Continuing diplomatic efforts from the United States are crucial in reversing Russian influence in both Ukraine and the West. As Africa’s importance and economic strength continue to increase, this task will be challenging.

It is important, but much more needs to be done if Morocco’s military assistance is confirmed.

 

 

Image credit : Gavriil Grigorov

Water pollution is a significant problem in Syria, with both surface water and groundwater sources being contaminated by a variety of sources.

One major contributor to water pollution in Syria is the lack of proper sewage treatment facilities. Many areas in the country do not have proper sewage systems, leading to raw sewage being dumped into rivers and streams, contaminating the water and making it unsafe for human consumption.

Industrial pollution is also a significant source of water contamination in Syria. Many industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture, release toxic chemicals and waste into the water, contaminating it and posing a risk to both human health and the environment.

Agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides and fertilizers, can also contribute to water pollution in Syria. These chemicals can runoff into rivers and streams, contaminating the water and affecting the local ecosystem.

Water scarcity is also a significant issue in Syria, with many areas experiencing prolonged droughts. This can lead to overuse of groundwater sources, leading to depletion and contamination of these sources.

Overall, water pollution is a major problem in Syria, with both human activity and environmental factors contributing to the contamination of water sources. It is important for the government and citizens to take steps to address this issue and protect the country’s water supply.

 

Image credit : Sally Ho

  1. Al Ula is a city located in northwest Saudi Arabia, in the region known as Madinah Province.
  2. It is home to the Hegra ancient city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  3. Al Ula is known for its ancient rock art, with many petroglyphs and carvings found throughout the area.
  4. The city is also home to the Al Ula National Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region.
  5. Al Ula is located near the famous Wadi Rum desert, which is popular for its sand dunes and rock formations.
  6. The city is also home to a number of ancient forts and castles, including the Mudawwara Castle and the Al Wajh Fort.
  7. Al Ula is home to a variety of traditional markets, where visitors can purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.
  8. The city is also known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
  9. Al Ula is home to a number of annual festivals and events, including the Al Ula Camel Festival and the Al Ula Food Festival.
  10. The city is accessible by road, with regular bus and taxi services available from nearby cities such as Madinah and Riyadh.

 

photo credit: Expedia 

The Middle East has traditionally been a region heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas, for its energy needs. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to transition to clean, renewable energy sources to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the development of clean energy projects in the region.

One of the most prominent clean energy projects for the Middle East clean energy initiative is the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. This ambitious plan aims to have 75% of Dubai’s total power output come from clean energy sources by 2050. To achieve this goal, the city has invested heavily in solar energy, with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park set to be the largest single-site solar park in the world upon completion. In addition to solar, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy also includes plans for the development of wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric power.

Saudi Arabia, another major player in the region, has also made significant progress in the development of clean energy. The kingdom has set a goal of generating 9.5 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 and has made significant investments in solar and wind power. In 2018, Saudi Arabia launched the first phase of its 300 MW Sakaka solar project, and it has also announced plans for several other large-scale solar and wind projects.

Other countries in the region, such as Jordan and Morocco, have also made significant strides in the development of clean energy. Jordan has set a goal of generating 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 and has already achieved success with the construction of several large-scale solar and wind projects. Morocco, meanwhile, has set a goal of generating 52% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and has made significant investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

While the development of clean energy in the Middle East clean energy initiative is still in its early stages, there is no doubt that the region is making significant progress. With ambitious goals and major investments in clean energy projects, it is clear that the Middle East is committed to transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.

 

Image from: https://alj.com/

Global warming is a major environmental issue that is affecting the entire planet, and Africa is no exception. The effects of global warming on Africa are particularly severe and are likely to become even more so in the coming years.

One of the most significant effects of global warming on Africa is an increase in temperature. Average temperatures in Africa have already risen by about 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past century, and are expected to continue rising at an alarming rate. This temperature increase leads to several negative impacts, including more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and wildfires.

The consequences of these weather events can be devastating for African communities. Drought, for example, can lead to food shortages and malnutrition, as crops fail and livestock dies. This can have serious health impacts, particularly for children and the elderly. In addition, droughts can lead to conflicts over scarce resources, such as water and land.

Another major effect of global warming on Africa is an increase in sea levels. Rising sea levels are already causing flooding and erosion in coastal areas, and this is likely to become more widespread in the future. In addition, higher sea levels can lead to the contamination of freshwater supplies and the destruction of ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs.

One of the most vulnerable regions in Africa to the effects of global warming is the Sahel, a semi-arid region that stretches across the continent just below the Sahara Desert. The Sahel is already prone to drought and food shortages, and global warming is likely to exacerbate these problems. In addition, the Sahel is home to millions of people who rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, and the impacts of global warming on these sectors could be devastating.

In addition to the direct effects of global warming, Africa is also at risk from several indirect impacts. For example, global warming is likely to lead to more frequent and severe storms and hurricanes, which can cause significant damage to infrastructure and communities. In addition, global warming is likely to lead to the spread of diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, as the warmer temperatures provide a more favorable environment for the transmission of these diseases.

Several steps can be taken to mitigate the effects of global warming on Africa. One of the most important is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main cause of global warming. This can be done through a variety of measures, such as increasing the use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting more sustainable land use practices.

Another important step is to adapt to the impacts of global warming that are already occurring or are expected to occur. This can involve building more resilient infrastructure to extreme weather events, such as sea walls to protect against flooding and drought-resistant crops to help mitigate the impacts of drought. It can also involve developing early warning systems and emergency response plans to help communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

In conclusion, the effects of global warming on Africa are already severe and are likely to become even more so in the coming years. From rising temperatures and sea levels to more frequent and severe weather events, the impacts of global warming are wide-ranging and far-reaching. It is therefore essential that action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to help African communities adapt to the impacts of global warming.

 

Image from: https://ideas4development.org

Russia has prepared the groundwork for another dispute over whether the United Nations Security Council should extend the authorization for humanitarian aid deliveries from Turkey to about 4 million people in northwestern Syria, which is due to expire on January 10.

Since 2014, the 15-member council has authorised the operation, which delivers food, medicine, and shelter to an opposition-controlled area of Syria, since Syrian authorities did not agree to the operation.

In a report to the Security Council this month, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described Turkey’s aid access as “a lifeline for millions of people”and emphasised its importance, describing it as a ‘moral and humanitarian imperative.’

The Kremlin believes that the U.N. operation in Syria violates the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which has supported President Bashar al-Assad since the civil war began in 2011. In addition, the Russians fear that food and other aid would be controlled by the government if they were delivered from within the country, which is why they oppose the idea.

In his report to the council, Guterres said that aid deliveries from within Syria “remain unable to replace the size or scope of the massive United Nations cross-border operation.”

Hunger will rise without United Nations cross-border access to the north-west of the country, Guterres said. Millions will lose shelter assistance, and water access will decrease if that happens, he said.

In 2014, the Security Council authorized aid deliveries into opposition-held areas of Syria from Iraq, Jordan, and two Turkish border crossings. However, Russia and China, which have veto powers, have limited that to just one Turkish border crossing.

 

Image Credit: Sergey Guneev / Associated Press

Christmas is celebrated throughout the Middle East, although it is not a public holiday in all countries in the region. The celebration of Christmas in the Middle East has a long and complex history, influenced by the diverse cultures and religions found in the region.

In the Middle East, Christmas is primarily celebrated by Christians, particularly those belonging to the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant traditions. The largest concentration of Christians in the Middle East can be found in Lebanon, which has a significant Maronite Catholic population, as well as a small number of Protestants and Eastern Orthodox Christians.

In Lebanon, Christmas is a public holiday and is celebrated with much fanfare. The country has a strong tradition of Christmas lights and decorations, with many people putting up elaborate displays in their homes and businesses. Christmas Eve is typically marked with a Midnight Mass, which is attended by large crowds of people. The Mass is often followed by a traditional feast, known as the “Agape Meal,” which is a time for Christians to come together and share a meal in celebration of the birth of Jesus.

In other countries in the Middle East, such as Egypt and Jordan Christmas is also celebrated by Christians, although it is not a public holiday. In these countries, Christmas is typically marked with religious services and family gatherings. In Egypt, Christmas is often celebrated with traditional food and music, as well as decorations and gift-giving.

In Iraq, Christmas is celebrated by the country’s small Christian community, who make up less than 5% of the population. In recent years, the celebration of Christmas in Iraq has been marked by security concerns and attacks on Christian communities, which have made it difficult for many people to openly celebrate the holiday. Despite these challenges, many Christians in Iraq continue to mark the occasion with religious services and family gatherings.

In other countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Christmas is not a public holiday and is not widely celebrated. However, there are small expatriate communities in these countries that do celebrate Christmas, often in private gatherings or at churches and other religious institutions.

In the Middle East, the celebration of Christmas is often influenced by the cultural and religious traditions of the region. For example, in Lebanon, Christmas is often marked with traditional Lebanese food and music, while in Egypt, Christmas is celebrated with traditional Egyptian food and music. In addition, the celebration of Christmas in the Middle East is often influenced by the region’s diverse religious traditions. For example, in Lebanon, the celebration of Christmas often incorporates elements of both Maronite Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, while in Egypt, it is influenced by the country’s Coptic Orthodox Christian tradition.

Despite the challenges and differences that exist in the Middle East, Christmas remains an important and meaningful holiday for many people in the region. It is a time for Christians to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus, and a time for families and communities to come together in celebration and fellowship. Christmas is celebrated throughout the Middle East with much joy and enthusiasm, despite the diversity of cultures and religions found in the region.

 

Image Credit: Anson Antony on Unsplash

Yemen is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as a result of ongoing conflict and economic collapse has left many kitchens without enough food. The crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further disrupted essential services and exacerbated already dire living conditions for many Yemenis. An estimated 77 per cent of the 4.3 million people displaced in Yemen are women and children, while approximately 26 per cent of displaced households are now led by women (compared to 9 per cent before the escalation of the conflict in 2015).

The conflict in Yemen began in 2015 when Houthi rebels, who are primarily from the Zaidi Shia minority group, took control of the capital city of Sana’a and forced the internationally recognized government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi to flee. The conflict has since escalated into a full-scale civil war, with the Houthis fighting against the Hadi government and a coalition of Arab states led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The conflict has had devastating consequences for the civilian population, with widespread reports of human rights abuses and violations of international law. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced from their homes. Many of those who have been displaced are living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, making them more vulnerable to disease outbreaks.

The conflict has also had a severe impact on the economy, with the destruction of infrastructure, the collapse of the currency, and the disruption of trade and agriculture. This has led to widespread food insecurity in Yemen’s kitchen’s across the country and malnutrition, with millions of people dependent on humanitarian aid to survive.

One of the most pressing issues facing Yemen is the humanitarian situation in the northwest of the country, where the Houthis hold a significant presence. This area has been the site of some of the most intense fighting and has been heavily targeted by the Saudi-led coalition. As a result, civilians have been displaced, and infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Many people have been forced to flee their homes and kitchens in Yemen, and those who remain are often unable to access basic services such as clean water, healthcare, and education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The country has a weak healthcare system, which has been further weakened by the conflict and economic collapse. This has made it difficult for the government to respond effectively to the pandemic, and cases of COVID-19 have been on the rise. The pandemic has also had a severe impact on the economy, with many people losing their jobs and businesses struggling to survive.
In addition to the conflict and the pandemic, Yemen is also facing several other challenges, including a cholera outbreak and a famine that has been described as the worst in 100 years. The famine is a result of the conflict and economic collapse, as well as restrictions on imports and access to food. Many people are unable to afford to buy food, and those who can find food often have to pay exorbitant prices.

The international community has responded to the crisis in Yemen by providing humanitarian aid. In the first ten months of 2022, 200 humanitarian organizations continued to deliver aid to an average of 10.7 million people per month. However, the situation remains dire.

A peacekeeping Irish soldier who died in Lebanon will be laid to rest with full military honours later.

Last week, Private Sean Rooney, of the Irish Defence Forces, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, was killed when his convoy was attacked.

The victim’s family received the man’s body after it was returned to Lebanon on Monday. A ceremony will be held at Holy Family Church in Dundalk at 9 am to remember Pte Rooney.

Later in the afternoon, he will be taken to All Saints Catholic Church in Colehill, Co Donegal for a burial service with full military honours. Pte Rooney received several posthumous recognitions before his body departed Beirut for home, including a UN peacekeeping medal and a Lebanese armed forces appreciation medal. A number of colleagues from the 121 Infantry Battalion reportedly never left his side during the flight home.

A second soldier injured in the same incident was flown back to Ireland on Wednesday to receive further medical treatment. Private Shane Kearney, 22, from Killeagh, Co Cork, suffered a serious head injury. Three other peacekeepers were treated for minor injuries.

Irish soldiers formed part of the 121st Infantry Battalion, which was deployed to southern Lebanon in November as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil).

Last Friday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said during a visit to Unifil headquarters that Lebanon is determined to discover the factors that resulted in the death of an Irish peacekeeper. In a statement issued Thursday, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and a prominent political party that has a major presence in Al Aqbieh and across the country, denied involvement in the soldier’s murder.

More than 300 Unifil soldiers have been killed since 1978, when Unifil was created to maintain peace after Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari

On Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu declared that he had assembled Israel’s most right-wing government ever.

In November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won re-election, gaining a mandate to form a coalition government with the help of two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and an extreme-right group.

An ideologically diverse coalition removed him as prime minister in 2021, leaving him poised to end Israel’s record of five elections in less than four years, resulting in political gridlock. His victory on Tuesday enabled him to reunite the divided party.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently battling corruption charges in court, has already served as premier for more than anyone else in Israel’s history, including a 12-year term from 2009 to 2021. His deadline to conclude coalition talks had expired at midnight. According to the Prime Minister’s office, he phoned President Isaac Herzog minutes before the deadline to inform him that he had established a government.

The Likud party, working in tandem with Israel’s ultra-Orthodox parties and hard-line religious nationalists, won a plurality of seats in the election.
Political analysts had predicted ahead of the November elections that Prime Minister Netanyahu would be able to form a new government quickly, because of the shared ideological ground between his Likud party and its allies.

Netanyahu, however, was forced to balance demands for senior cabinet posts, some of which he was required to grant. Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the Jewish Power party, which has spoken out frequently against Arabs, was invited to become the head of an expanded national security ministry. Part of the delay in signing the coalition agreement was down to Ben-Gvir’s demands for increased control over policing than previous ministers had.

When the new government will be sworn in is not immediately clear. Mr Netanyahu told Mr Herzog that he wants to do so as soon as possible.
The crucial parliamentary business remaining unfinished could cause delays because of the continuing Jewish Hannukah holiday.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Oren Ziv, File

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of eastern and western Saudi Arabia until at least December 23. Because of the possibility of heavy rain, schools and universities in Makkah province will be closed on Thursday.

Pupils and students in Jeddah, Rabigh, and Khulais have had their classes suspended. All Jeddah and Rabigh campuses of King Abdulaziz University cancelled classes. The University of Jeddah also cancelled in-person attendance at all of its locations. All schoolchildren will take part in classes through the Madrasati remote learning platform.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Makkah and Madinah, as well as Jeddah and Rabigh, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. The municipality of Makkah said on Wednesday that the city was prepared to handle the downpour.

Schools have been forced to close and flights delayed after heavy rain hit western Saudi Arabia, including the coastal city of Jeddah.

Thunderstorms may occur in parts of the kingdom from Wednesday to Friday, the civil defence department warned. Officials said that field teams were ready to protect residents and their possessions in all residential areas, if necessary. The teams will help to manage water flows and prevent pooling as part of the municipality’s response to the NCM’s warnings.

Advice to stay away from areas where water pools rapidly, dammed streams, valleys, and fast-moving water streams, was emphasised by the department.
The warning urged people to follow instructions broadcast via radio, television, and social media.

Heavy rains in Saudi Arabia last month killed two people after Jeddah reportedly received 965mm of rain in just six hours, at least 15 times the city’s average annual rainfall, as per media reports.

 

 

Image Credit: @brianna_santellan/Unsplash

Iraq has long been known to have vast reserves of natural gas, but for years the country has struggled to tap into these resources and utilize them for economic gain. However, it looks like things may finally be turning around for Iraq as the government begins to take steps toward utilizing its gas reserves which could also lead to positive change for the Iraq dinar.

The potential benefits of utilizing Iraq’s natural gas reserves are numerous, and they could greatly improve the country’s economy and the value of the Iraq dinar. For starters, the increased production and export of natural gas could lead to a significant boost in revenue for the country. This could be used to fund various development projects, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which would ultimately lead to a better standard of living for the people of Iraq.

In addition to the economic benefits and Iraq dinar benefits,  using natural gas as an energy source would also have environmental advantages. Natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel compared to other fossil fuels, and increasing its use in Iraq could help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This could be especially beneficial for the health of the Iraqi people, as air pollution has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease.

Another potential benefit of utilizing Iraq’s natural gas reserves is the potential for job creation. The development of natural gas projects would require a significant workforce, which could provide employment opportunities for many Iraqis. This could help to reduce unemployment rates and improve the overall economy.

Finally, the increased use of natural gas in Iraq could also help to reduce the country’s dependence on other energy sources. Currently, Iraq relies heavily on oil exports as a source of revenue, but the use of natural gas could diversify the country’s energy portfolio and provide a more stable source of income.

Overall, it seems that the potential benefits of utilizing Iraq’s natural gas reserves are numerous and could greatly improve the country’s economy and the value of the Iraq dinar. The increased revenue, environmental benefits, job creation, and energy diversification could all contribute to a brighter future for Iraq. The time has come for Iraq to finally utilize its natural gas reserves and reap the rewards.

Photo credit: bayan center

98 deaths from cholera have been recorded across Syria after the first case was detected in August and an outbreak was detected one month after.

As of December 11, the Support Coordination Unit (ACU) said 30 people had died in areas outside Assad’s control in northeastern Syria and 17 in the north and west of the country due to cholera. As of December 11, the regime’s Ministry of Health reported that 1,609 cases had been confirmed, with 49 deaths.

Between 25 August and 03 December, 56,879 suspected cases have been reported, including 98 attributed deaths to date at a case fatality rate of 0.2%.

By November, the disease already spread to 14 of Syria’s provinces and neighbouring Lebanon. On October 25, UN Operations and Advocacy Division Director Reena Ghelani said there were 24,000 suspected cases of cholera in Syria and at least 80 cholera-related deaths.

Syrian regime received 2 million cholera vaccines from the UN in late November and began vaccinating people in its held areas, but those outside the regime’s control have not yet received UN vaccines. Britain also committed £2 million ($2.3m) to address the spread of cholera in Syria.

Syrian media reported in October that the source of cholera was believed to be linked to unsafe drinking water and sewage systems, and the use of unclean water for crop irrigation. Cholera can infect people of any age, but it is most deadly to those with weak immune systems. Because many cholera bacteria are asymptomatic, it spreads without detection.

The bacteria causes profuse diarrhoea and vomiting, which can lead to death from intense dehydration, sometimes within hours. Cholera outbreaks often occur where there is overcrowding and limited access to clean water and sanitation. Cholera can be fatal if not treated quickly which makes rapid response to curb the spread essential.

As of Tuesday, the UK’s travel advice to Lebanon has been updated. The whole of Lebanon is now green, marking a positive development. In November 2021, the Foreign Office recommended against all travel to areas of Lebanon except for those areas to which all travel is forbidden.

The World Bank has described Lebanon’s economic crisis as one of the worst in modern history, without a president or fully empowered government.

Since the financial collapse became apparent in 2019, vast numbers of people have been driven into poverty, and there have been severe shortages of necessities such as clean water, electricity, and medicines. The destruction of Beirut port in 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic have worsened the situation.

The UK government still advises against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps within 5 km of the Syrian border in north-east Lebanon and the Hermel region. The warning also urges visitors to avoid all but essential travel to Beirut’s southern suburbs— where Hezbollah, an Iran-backed armed group and the political party controls parts of the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon’s second city of Tripoli, the deep south near Israel, and a few other locations— as well as parts of the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon’s second city of Tripoli, and the deep south near Israel.

Violent clashes between authorities and dissidents, between supporters of political factions over limited or subsidized resources, are very likely to occur without warning particularly at key locations, the report warns. These clashes have previously resulted in large numbers of casualties, it says.

According to the document, weapons are prevalent in Lebanon, and Hezbollah and other groups maintain weapons outside of state control, which could imply that the British embassy in Beirut would be unable to provide as much support if the security situation worsened.

Tunisia’s drinking water price is set to increase by as much as 23 per cent, after an announcement by the Tunisian government in an attempt to scale back subsidies and qualify for International Monetary Fund assistance.

Because of years of drought, Tunisia is having difficulty providing enough water; the IMF is pressuring the government to discontinue subsidies for energy, food, and water to ensure that the country’s finances are saved.

Small consumers will not experience a rise in water prices, and tourist facilities will see the biggest spike: a 23% increase in per-cube pricing to 1.990 dinars ($0.63). Those who exceed 40 cubic metres of water consumption will be charged 15 per cent more, immediately, at 1.830 dinars. Consumers who consume between 70 and 100 cubic metres will be charged 17 per cent more immediately at 0.930 dinars.

In order to make up for Tunisia’s lack of dams and the impact of climate change on water availability, the country has opened desalination plants.
The Tunisian Ministry of Economy said on Sunday that the European Investment Bank, the EU’s lending arm, had approved a $233 million loan ($220 million). Of that amount, $150 million was designated for food security emergency assistance.

Tunisia has previously launched water desalination plants to try to make up for the country’s lack of dams as well as the impact of climate change.

Due to recent weeks’ shortages of many food commodities,  including medication, Tunisia is in deep financial trouble.

Widespread shortages of sugar, cooking oil, milk and butter, coffee, tobacco, and bottled water have been reported, with matters appearing particularly bad in the suburb regions distant from the capital.

 

Image Credit: Jonathan Chng on Unsplash

Jordan’s royal family is set to expand in 2023 after the announcement of a fourth engagement this year.

King Abdullah II’s nephew, Talal El-Saleh, and his fiancée, Danah, recently held an engagement ceremony. During the ceremony attended by many members of Jordan’s royal family, the groom-to-be put a ring on his future wife’s finger in front of their family and friends. Danah shared a picture of herself wearing a cream one-shoulder dress with a feathered hem on social media for the event.

Standing next to her future mother-in-law, Princess Alia, 66, who wore a lilac suit with a floral shirt, and her husband-to-be Talal, she was photographed. Danah’s mother posed for a photo in a living area with gold and cream furnishings wearing a black midi-dress.

Princess Alia Bint Hussein and Sayyid Mohammed Al-Saleh’s son, Talal Al-Saleh, is the Jordan royal family’s second husband. King Talal died in 1999, and the groom is named after him.
Queen Rania of Jordan’s two children got engaged in quick succession after the announcement. In August, the crown prince married Rajwa al-Saif, 28, who is the daughter of a wealthy businessman.

Prince Hussein’s younger sister, Princess Iman, said in August that she was planning to marry Venezuelan boyfriend Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
Jordanian Royal Palace released a picture showing Princess Iman, daughter of King Abdullah II, with her fiancé Jameel Alexander Thermiotis during their engagement ceremony in Amman on July 5.

Princess Ali’s youngest son of Jordan’s royal family, Abdul Hamid El-Saleh, got engaged to his fiancée Shouq earlier this year. The couple was present at the ceremony.
Queen Rania of Jordan was pictured last month alongside Queen Consort Camilla and Crown Princess Mary for a reception at Clarence House.
People gathered at the event to raise awareness about the issue of violence against women and girls, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium was present as well.

 

Image Credit: Twitter/@QueenRania

Arabic coffee, often referred to as Turkish coffee or Arab coffee is a notorious cultural symbol across the Middle East and North Africa. Numerous people assume that what makes Arabic coffee different from the coffee consumed away in the world is the type of bean used, but this isn’t the case. Arabic coffee uses the same Arabica bean found in our espressos and caramel lattes, but the distinct styles of medication and added flavours are what make it unique.

Arab coffee is made by first roasting coffee beans to varying degrees & then adding cardamom. This spice is added because it adds flavour complexity, the coffee becomes more fragrant and it also removes some of the intrinsic bitterness from the roasted beans. Cardamom originated in India but is available worldwide today and used in both sweet and savoury recipes. It is also said that cardamom cancels out the effect of caffeine and can help in reducing the acid in coffee. Some studies have also shown that cardamom may be helpful for people with high blood pressure as cardamom is rich in compounds that may fight inflammation.

While there are no substantial research papers proving this concept, many caffeine-sensitive individuals would certainly tell you that this is a fact. Another reason why cardamom is used is that it pairs well with coffee, a symbiosis of flavors (similar to how certain foods can enhance the coffee-drinking experience). In some regions, other spices, such as saffron, cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg are added. The blend is boiled for a short period and served extremely hot in small drinking cups that rapidly cool the Arab coffee.

For many Arabs, preparing, serving & drinking coffee is not just a morning ritual, but it is also a way to conjure distant memories and traditions through taste and smell.

Arab League countries have urged nations worldwide to recognize the worth of refugees, but also to address issues that result in the exploitation of people in distress.

The league said in a statement that many migrants contribute positively to the economies of the countries where they live to mark International Migrants Day, which is held on Dec. 18 every year.

World leaders have increasingly focused on issues related to migration and refugees over the past decade, according to the league. The May 2022 International Migration Review Forum addressed these issues in light of the resolutions passed in 2018 to endorse the “Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.”

The league listed in its statement the three major challenges that migrants had faced over the previous three years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and an increase in racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. Human traffickers trap migrants at borders or at sea, in addition to putting them at risk.

Arab League countries also emphasized the significance of the Algiers Declaration, which was signed by the 31st Ordinary Arab Summit in November 2022 and committed member states to battle Islamophobia and advance tolerance and respect.

The Arab League said cases of migrants becoming stranded on rescue ships in the Mediterranean must be addressed based on several criteria, including whether they are unaccompanied children or women.

Nations must honour the UN’s human rights treaties, which require rescuing the stranded and providing them with adequate food and shelter, the league said.
Arab League assistant secretary-general Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, head of the body’s social affairs sector, urgently called for joint and coordinated action to save lives and counter all types of discrimination.

Migration and displacement are among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society, according to the UN. Despite their status as a source of prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development in their home and host countries, these populations are among the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.

More than 35,000 migrants have died or vanished since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration. The information available suggests that most disappearances occur during detention or deportation or as a result of smuggling, although there are no exact figures on enforced disappearances.

The International Organization for Migration documented at least 5,684 deaths along migration routes to and within Europe from the beginning of 2021, and it urged countries in Europe and elsewhere to take immediate and concrete measures to save lives and reduce mortality rates during migration journeys. According to information published on the UN website on October 25, 2022, the deaths of at least 5,684 people were documented.

 

Image Credit: Alyssa Bernstein/Flickr

Jordan on Friday announced that it was imposing a “temporary ban” on the social media platform TikTok, a day after a police officer was killed during clashes with protesters that broke out over Jordan’s fuel pricing committee’s decision to raise prices.

Since then, three Jordanian police officers have been killed and five wounded in a raid aimed at the suspected killer of a senior policeman shot during protests last week.

King Abdullah II warned on Friday that “anyone who raises a weapon against the state will be dealt with firmly”.

A spate of deadly shootings followed the death of a southern police deputy director, victim of protests over low wages and fuel price hikes. Videos from the strike and protests soon emerged on TikTok and Jordan’s Public Security Directorate said Friday it was suspending the popular short-form video application “after its misuse and failing to deal with publications inciting violence and disorder.”

Maan’s police force deputy director Col Abdul Razzaq Al Dalabeh was shot in the head on Friday, the Public Security Directorate said.

Police say they will crack down on “vandals and outlaws” behind the protests, and additional security forces have been deployed in Maan province.

Taxi and truck drivers were the first to protest, and unrest spread to cities and towns across the nation, including the capital Amman.

The cost of fuel in Jordan has risen dramatically in the past year. The government says it will look into lorry drivers’ demands, but maintains that it has already paid over 500 million Jordanian dinars to cap fuel prices this year.

According to witnesses, security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds in Zarqa on Friday, while sit-ins calling for further protests were staged in mosques in Maan and Amman.

Forty-four people were arrested for taking part in “violent protests” on Saturday, the Public Security Department said.

The Baghdad Conference for Co-operation and Partnership conference, scheduled for Tuesday at the Dead Sea, will bring together key European and Middle Eastern leaders, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, to discuss security in Jordan and the Middle East.

Enhanced regional security is the goal of the conference, which seeks to affirm Iraq’s independence, protection, and prosperity.

The first sessions of the event were held in Baghdad last August. Representatives from a number of countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Iran, will participate in the conference.

Macron said on Thursday that he would attend the conference, in response to a question from a reporter on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels.
Arab and EU ambassadors will be among the participants in the inaugural session, along with the kingdom’s 20G and Security Council permanent members.
Turkey and Iran have both been issued an invitation by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

Iran’s foreign minister said on Monday that the summit would provide a good opportunity for negotiations to restore the country’s nuclear agreement. Iran and the six world powers—Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia—started an Iran nuclear deal restoration effort in April, as well as the US.

However, the indirect talks between Washington and Tehran, mediated by the EU, have stalled for several months, and Iran is currently facing protests over the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian of Kurdish descent.

Iran’s top diplomat, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said in Tehran that Jordan is the right setting to finish these talks.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, and Mr Amir-Abdollahian are expected to attend.

The talks come amid heightened security tensions in Jordan following recent fuel protests after a policeman was shot dead over the weekend.

 

Image Credit: AFP

Iraq has undergone significant political, economic, and social changes over the past few decades. From the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein to the U.S. invasion and the rise of ISIS, Iraq has faced numerous challenges. In recent years, there has been some progress in rebuilding the country and establishing a more stable government, but there are still many challenges ahead.

One major concern is the ongoing conflict with ISIS. just this week ISIS claimed a bomb attack on Iraqi police near Kirkuk  While the group has lost much of its territory and influence, it continues to carry out attacks in Iraq, particularly in the northern and western regions. This violence has displaced thousands of people and has hindered the country’s efforts to rebuild and stabilize.

In addition to the ISIS threat, Iraq faces several other challenges. The country has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement, which has led to poor economic conditions and limited infrastructure development. The government has struggled to provide basic services such as electricity, clean water, and healthcare, which has hurt the overall quality of life for many Iraqis.

There have also been issues with the political system in Iraq. The country has been divided along sectarian lines, with various factions competing for power and influence. This has led to a lack of unity and has made it difficult to implement effective policies and make progress on key issues.

Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments in Iraq. The government has made efforts to improve security and rebuild infrastructure, and there have been efforts to promote economic development and diversify the economy. The country has also made progress in establishing a more democratic system, with free and fair elections being held in recent years.

One area that has seen significant progress is the oil industry. Iraq has some of the world’s largest oil reserves, and the sector is a major contributor to the country’s economy. The government has made efforts to modernize the industry and improve production, and this has led to increased exports and revenue. However, the reliance on oil has also made Iraq vulnerable to fluctuations in the global market, and there has been a push to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil.

Another area of concern is the issue of regional tensions. Iraq is located in a volatile region, and it has faced tensions with its neighbors, particularly Iran and Turkey. These tensions have hurt Iraq’s security and stability, and there have been efforts to improve relations and promote regional cooperation.

Looking forward, it is uncertain where Iraq is heading. The country faces several challenges, but there have also been some positive developments. The government needs to address these issues and work towards building a more stable and prosperous country. This will require a strong and united government, as well as cooperation with international partners. With the right policies and leadership, Iraq has the potential to overcome its challenges and build a brighter future.

 

 

Image credit:  AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito

In recent years, Iran has seen a wave of protests in Iran and demonstrations, particularly among women, who have been at the forefront of the movement for change in the country. One of the most notable and tragic examples of this was the killing of Masih Alinejad, a young woman who was shot and killed during a protest in Tehran in November 2019.

 

Masih was just 22 years old when she was killed, but she had already made a name for herself as a brave and passionate advocate for women’s rights in Iran. She was a vocal critic of the government’s strict dress code for women, which requires them to wear a hijab in public, and she often participated in protests and demonstrations calling for greater freedom and equality for women in the country.

 

On the day of her death, Masih was participating in a demonstration on Tehran’s Revolution Street, along with thousands of other Iranians who were protesting against the government’s handling of the country’s economy. As the protest turned violent, Masih was shot by security forces and later died of her injuries.

 

Her death sparked outrage and grief among women’s rights activists and ordinary Iranians alike, and it became a rallying cry for the ongoing movement for change in the country. Many saw Masih as a symbol of the bravery and determination of Iran’s women, and her death only served to strengthen their resolve to continue fighting for their rights.

 

Since Masih’s death, the protests in Iran have continued, with women playing a prominent role in the movement. They have been at the forefront of the demonstrations, often leading the charge and speaking out against the government’s policies and actions.

 

Despite the risks, these women have remained committed to the cause of change in Iran, and their bravery and determination have inspired many others to join the movement. While the road ahead may be difficult, it is clear that the women of Iran will not be silenced, and their voices will continue to be heard until real progress is made toward greater freedom and equality for all in the country.

 

 

A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in Istanbul on September 20, 2022. (AFP)

Who was the Shah of Iran? What was his role? And how did he influence the future of Iran? Here are 10 facts about the Shah of Iran that empathize his role and significance:

 

  1. The Shah of Iran, also known as Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was the last monarch of Iran. He ruled from 1941 until his exile in 1979.

 

  1. The Shah was born in Tehran, Iran on October 26, 1919. His father, Reza Shah Pahlavi, was the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty and the first Shah of Iran.

 

  1. The Shah received his education in Switzerland and later attended the Military Academy in Tehran. He spoke several languages fluently, including Persian, French, English, and German.

 

  1. The Shah came to power in 1941 after his father was forced to abdicate by the Allied powers. He ruled with the support of the United States and implemented several western-style reforms, including land reform and the promotion of women’s rights.

 

  1. The Shah was a strong supporter of modernization and sought to modernize the country’s economy and infrastructure. He implemented several development programs, including the construction of new roads, bridges, and power plants.

 

  1. The Shah was a controversial figure, with some praising his efforts to modernize Iran and others condemning his suppression of political opposition and human rights abuses.

 

  1. In 1953, the Shah was briefly overthrown in a coup led by Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. However, the coup was supported by the CIA and the Shah was restored to power in 1954.

 

  1. The Shah’s rule became increasingly authoritarian over time, and he was widely criticized for suppressing political opposition and human rights abuses. In 1978, protests against the Shah’s regime erupted in Tehran and quickly spread throughout the country.

 

  1. In 1979, the Shah fled the country amid growing protests and was granted asylum in the United States. He died of cancer in Egypt in 1980.

 

  1. The Shah’s legacy remains a source of controversy in Iran to this day. While some view him as a modernizing ruler who helped to transform Iran into a more developed country, others see him as a symbol of western influence and a dictator who suppressed the rights of the Iranian people. Overall, the Shah’s rule was marked by both significant achievements and widespread human rights abuses.

Qatar has once again said that it is not involved in a corruption case being investigated by Belgian authorities, in which people linked to the European Parliament are implicated.

Four people connected to the European Parliament have been charged by Belgian authorities after Qatar allegedly lavished them with cash and gifts in an attempt to influence decision-making. Qatar has previously denied any wrongdoing. One of the four people arrested was the European Parliament’s Vice President, Eva Kaili, a Greek MEP.

The president of Fight Impunity, former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, also was charged in the case, according to Le Soir. An unnamed lobbyist also was charged, it said. The four will remain in custody.

Kaili’s father, who was also detained in the probe, was released, as was trade union leader Luca Visentini, according to the reports.

Kaili was suspended from her role as vice president of the European Parliament after she was arrested in the probe, a spokesperson for Parliament President Roberta Metsola said on Saturday.

Following her arrest on Friday, Kaili was suspended from the S&D group in the Parliament. She also was expelled from the center-left Pasok party in Greece.

Preconceived notions of Qatar’s corruption led the European Parliament to vote last Thursday to halt all work on legislation relating to Qatar, according to a Qatar mission to the EU diplomat.

The suspension might affect several legislative files related to visa liberalisation, an EU-Qatar air traffic agreement, and future visits until the allegations are proved or dismissed.

 

Image Credit: Twitter

Trying to keep up with the protests in Iran and the latest on what is happening in Iran today? Well, over the weekend, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Zahedan, Iran’s southeastern province to mourn the death of Mahsa Amini three months ago while in police custody, which prompted nationwide anti-government protests.

The Islamic republic has seen waves of protests since the September 16 death in custody of Amini, a young Iranian Kurd who had been arrested for allegedly violating the country’s dress code for women.

Iranian authorities have claimed that the demonstrations are being orchestrated by agents of the United States and other Western countries.

In response to a U.S.-sponsored resolution, the United Nations removed Iran from a women’s rights commission on Wednesday. Iran’s foreign ministry called the move “invalid and illegitimate.”

Another issue happening in Iran today is that Taraneh Alidoosti, one of Iran’s most famous actors, has also been detained by security forces in Tehran days after she criticised the state’s use of the death penalty against protesters.

She had previously posted a picture of herself on her Instagram page in which she was not wearing the hijab and holding a piece of paper reading “women, life, freedom” – the slogan that has come to encapsulate the fight against the current Iranian regime.

Alidoosti is regarded as one of the most influential Iranian actors of her generation, and her arrest is a sign that the state wants to crack down on celebrities, artists and sports personalities who have used their platform to challenge the regime.

According to the latest report of the Iranian Human Rights Organization, which was published on Saturday, at least 469 people, including 63 children and 32 women, have been killed by the security and law enforcement forces of the Islamic Republic since the beginning of nationwide protests in Iran today.

The Saudi government has decided that it is time that students taking exams must not be wearing an abaya.

The Saudi Education and Training Evaluation Commission— along with the Ministry of Education—has proclaimed that the education and training systems will not be accredited if female students wear abayas during examinations.

All clothing should adhere to public decency regulations, the ETEC said that students should wear school uniforms during exams.

It was reported in 2018 at the time in Saudi Arabia that the abaya would no longer be legally required, although many women in the country continue to do so.

Women across the Gulf wear colourful abayas, in light blues and pinks, traditionally black. The abaya is a long-sleeved, black in style, floor-long garment. When a lady goes out of her home, the abaya is worn over street garments and is designed to be free and flowing, hiding the body’s “curves. The abaya may slip over the chest, but will usually open at the front, close with snaps, zipper, or layers that overlap. The sleeves are made of the same fabric; they are not stitched on individually. The abaya can be worn with other clothes, like a scarf covering the hair.

 

Image Credit: MChe Lee on Unsplash

The Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is set to visit Moscow on Monday for a two-day visit. This visit marks the first time Tebboune has visited Russia since becoming President in December 2019.

During his visit, Tebboune is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a range of issues, including trade, energy, and security. The two leaders are also expected to discuss ways to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Algeria and Russia.

Russia has been a key partner for Algeria in recent years, particularly in the energy sector. Russia’s state-owned oil and gas company, Rosneft, has a significant presence in Algeria, and the two countries have a strong history of cooperation in the energy sector.

In addition to energy, the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to increase trade between their countries. Russia is currently one of Algeria’s top trading partners, with the two countries exchanging goods worth over $3 billion in 2019.

Tebboune’s visit to Moscow also comes at a time when Algeria is facing significant economic challenges. The country’s economy has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and falling oil prices, and the government is looking for ways to stimulate growth and create jobs.

Overall, Tebboune’s visit to Moscow is an important step in strengthening the already strong relationship between Algeria and Russia. The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues, including trade, energy, and security, and work towards finding solutions to the economic challenges facing both countries.

 

Photo Credit: Rig zone

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently approved a $3bn support package for Egypt, aimed at helping the country’s struggling economy. This comes as a relief to the Egyptian government, which has been struggling to address a number of economic challenges in recent years.

One of the main issues facing Egypt is a high level of public debt, which currently stands at around 100% of GDP. The IMF support package is expected to help reduce this debt by providing financial assistance to the government, which will be used to pay off existing debts and provide much-needed breathing space for the country’s finances.

In addition to the financial support, the IMF has also called for a number of structural reforms in the country, including measures to improve the business environment and reduce corruption. The organization has urged the government to implement these reforms in order to create a more favorable environment for growth and development.

While the IMF support package has been welcomed by the Egyptian government and many other stakeholders, there are also concerns that it could come with strings attached. Some critics have argued that the IMF’s demands for structural reforms could lead to further austerity measures, which could have a negative impact on the lives of ordinary Egyptians.

Despite these concerns, there is no denying that the IMF support package will be a welcome boost for Egypt’s struggling economy. The country has been hit hard by a number of economic challenges in recent years, including a decline in tourism, high levels of inflation, and a weak currency. The financial support provided by the IMF will help the government to address these challenges and put the country back on a path to growth and stability.

Overall, the IMF’s approval of the $3bn support package for Egypt is a positive development for the country, but it is important that the government carefully considers the potential consequences of the reforms required by the organization. If implemented correctly, these reforms could help to improve the business environment and boost growth, but if not, they could have negative consequences for the people of Egypt

An explosion near Kirkuk in Iraq is said to have killed at least eight police officers on Sunday.

An explosion hit a police convoy near the village of Safra, 30 kilometres southwest of Kirkuk, wounding two policemen seriously, police sources said.

Police told AFP that the bombing was an ISIS attack, putting the initial toll at seven dead.

Police and other security forces are routinely targeted by ISIS in Iraq.

Terrorists have been able to exploit a security vacuum in the northern parts of Iraq that are not controlled by either Kurdish or federal security forces, which are both absent.

There have been several attacks in Kirkuk province, which is part of the disputed territories.

Five men, all believed to be Iraqi soldiers, were shot dead after attackers raided a desert checkpoint in Kirkuk last month.

 

Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Service has announced plans to retire employees who have exceeded 32 years of service in an effort to reduce the size of the public sector and streamline government operations. The ministry stated that the decision was made in accordance with the Public Service Law, which allows for the retirement of employees who have reached the age of 60 and have completed at least 32 years of service.

This move is part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to reform its public sector and reduce its reliance on oil revenue. The country’s economy has been hit hard by the decline in oil prices in recent years, and the government has been working to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its expenditure. The ministry’s decision to retire long-serving employees is expected to help achieve these goals by freeing up resources and allowing for the hiring of younger, more productive workers.

The retirement of these employees will not be without consequences, however. Many of the employees who will be affected by this decision have spent their entire careers working for the government and will now face the prospect of losing their jobs and livelihoods. In addition, the retirement of these employees will also result in a loss of institutional knowledge and experience, which could potentially impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the public sector.

To mitigate the impact of these retirements, the ministry has announced that it will offer severance packages and other benefits to the affected employees. It has also stated that it will work to find employment opportunities for those who are interested in continuing to work.

Overall, the decision to retire long-serving employees is a significant move that will have far-reaching consequences for both the government and the affected employees. While it may help to improve the efficiency and financial stability of the public sector, it will also have a significant impact on the lives of those who have dedicated their careers to serving the government.

Violent protests over rising fuel prices in Jordan were quelled on Saturday by the Public Security Directorate, which said it had arrested dozens of people. A senior police officer was shot dead during the protests.

Col Abdul Razzaq Al Dalabeh, the Maan province deputy police chief, was shot in the head during early Friday protests in Al Husseiniya, resulting in his death.

The security directorate said 44 people were arrested and will be brought before courts in a number of regions where riots occurred.

The statement said that “vandals and outlaws” were behind the violence in Maan, the country’s southern province, and that reinforcements had been sent there.

The interior minister, Mazen Al Faraya, said on Friday that the security services are working to arrest the perpetrator and bring him to justice as soon as possible.

On Friday, Jordan’s King Abdullah II visited the slain colonel’s family to express his condolences and said that “anyone who raises a weapon against the state will be dealt with firmly.”

On Friday, the colonel was buried in his hometown of Jeraash, about 60km north of Amman.

Ammon News reported that King Abdullah visited the hospital where two policemen who were wounded in the Al Husseiniya protests were being treated on Saturday.

On Saturday, Jordan’s cybercrime unit announced that the video-sharing platform TikTok was being temporarily suspended in the kingdom because user posts “laud and publish violent acts” and called for “chaos.”

“The unit monitors all that is posted on social media platforms, particularly posts related to hate speech, incitation to sabotage, attacks on law enforcement bodies and properties and cutting off roads,” it said.

Taxi and truck drivers in southern Jordan have been on strike for over a week because of higher fuel prices.

The Land Transport Regulatory Commission said on Tuesday that the Bus Owners’ Association and the Transport Services and Taxi Owners’ Union had agreed to raise cash subsidies for the passenger transport sector in return for not raising fares.

Protest occurred when protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and confronted security forces in some areas.

Prices of fuel have increased by almost 100% in Jordan in the past year, making lorries and buses dependent on diesel and kerosene far more expensive to run.

 

Image Credit: AFP

According to Tunisia’s Independent High Authority for Elections, which was appointed by President Kais Saied in May, 803,638 of the 9,136,502 registered voters had cast their ballots by 6pm on Saturday, after the closure of ballot stations in a majority of constituencies.

The electoral commission’s 8.8 per cent turnout rate across Tunisia was announced making it official.

According to Farouk Bouasker, president of ISIE, the electoral law does not stipulate a minimum threshold for the validation of these results, so we will proceed as usual.

According to Mr. Bouasker, the low turnout rate was due to the absence of “corrupt political money”, which he described as “pure and legitimate” today’s vote.

It was reported that Tunisia’s High Electoral Authority member Mohamed Tlili Mnasser said earlier that constituencies with only one candidate would have winners announced automatically. This means that even the 400 votes rule that was needed to accept candidacies would not be applied this time.

If two or more candidates receive the same number of votes in a particular district, a second round of parliamentary elections will be required.

Certain individuals were attempting to pay people to vote, or to break the country’s electoral silence rule, according to civil organisations monitoring the elections, such as Mourakiboun and Shahed Observatory.

Prior to the creation of Tunisia’s new electoral law, which was written exclusively by President Kais Saied and then ratified through a poorly understood referendum, voters cast ballots for individual candidates rather than party lists.

An official state delegation from Russia and the African delegation Nouvelle Perspective were among the observers monitoring Tunisia’s parliamentary elections.

Everything appears to be going well, we are accustomed to observing elections in Tunisia here,” said Louis Du Caca, a member of the Nouvelle Perspective African delegation, in reference to the low voter turnout at the Rue de Marseille School ballot station.

 

Image Credit: Fethi Belaid/AFP

Prime Minister Najib Mikati said during a visit to Unifil headquarters on Friday that Lebanon is determined to discover the factors that resulted in the death of an Irish peacekeeper.

Five Irish peacekeepers were wounded, one fatally, when their vehicle was ambushed outside the southern village of Al Aqbieh on Wednesday on the way to Beirut.

An Unifil representative said that three other wounded soldiers are being treated at the hospital, but are in stable condition.

Unifil headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, Senior Lieutenant General Jean Georges Mikati said that the necessary investigations are being carried out to discover how the incident occurred so as to avoid a repeat of the event in the future.

Unifil said on Thursday that the details of what occurred were “sparse and conflicting” and that it was co-ordinating an investigation with the Lebanese Armed Forces to determine what happened.

A Unifil spokesman, Andrea Tenenti, said peacekeepers apparently took a wrong turn and became separated from the rest of the peacekeeping convoy. Because the investigation is still ongoing, we cannot provide any more details about the incident.

The Lebanese authorities are co-ordinating with Unifil and taking the issue ‘very seriously,’ he said.

Answering questions on the long-delayed inquiry report on the Kashmir issue, the envoy said, “We are calling for a swift investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, we don’t have a time frame to finish the report: collecting information is our first priority.”

In a statement issued Thursday, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and a prominent political party that has a major presence in Al Aqbieh and across the country, denied involvement in the soldier’s murder.

More than 300 Unifil soldiers have been killed since 1978, when Unifil was created to maintain peace after Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon.

Six international peacekeepers were wounded in a bomb blast in southern Lebanon in 2007.

 

Image Credit: AFP

The Central Bank of Oman has announced that it will be raising its repo rate by 50 basis points. This move comes as a response to the increasing inflation and economic growth in the country. The higher repo rate will make borrowing more expensive for banks and other financial institutions, which may in turn lead to higher interest rates on loans and other financial products.

This decision is expected to help curb the rise in inflation and support the country’s monetary policy. It is also likely to have a positive impact on the Omani rial, as higher interest rates typically attract foreign investment.

The Central Bank of Oman has been closely monitoring the country’s economic conditions and has taken this action in order to maintain a stable and healthy financial system. The higher repo rate is expected to have a positive impact on the overall economy and help support its continued growth.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2024 season opener for the Formula One (F1) racing championship, marking the first time the country has hosted the prestigious event. The announcement was made by F1’s CEO, Stefano Domenicali, during a press conference in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

The event is set to take place at the Jeddah Street Circuit, a new track that will be built specifically for the occasion. The circuit will be located along the city’s waterfront, offering stunning views of the Red Sea.

The decision to hold the season opener in Saudi Arabia has been met with some criticism, as the country has faced allegations of human rights abuses in the past. However, the Saudi Arabian authorities have stated that they will work to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators at the event.

F1 has faced criticism in the past for holding races in countries with questionable human rights records, such as Azerbaijan and Bahrain. However, the organization has stated that it is committed to working with host countries to promote positive change and to use the global platform of F1 to bring attention to important issues.

The Jeddah Street Circuit is expected to be a challenging track for drivers, with a mix of high-speed straights and tight corners. It will feature a mix of temporary and permanent facilities, including a paddock area for teams and a grandstand for spectators.

The race is set to take place in November 2024, with the exact date to be announced at a later time. It will be the first of a multi-year deal between F1 and Saudi Arabia, with the country set to host other races in the coming years.

Since the uprisings 12 years ago, Tunisia has been trying to find the proper balance between democratic ideals and Islamic values. The Tunisian protests have gone through several phases in their struggle to find that perfect balance.

Muhammad Bou-aziz, a merchant, set himself on fire in front of a government building on December 17th, 2010.While selling in the local market, police approached Bo-aziz, claiming he had no licence to place a booth. The police thereafter demolished his booth and even used force against him. In complete frustration, he set himself on fire. This act sparked protests throughout Tunisia, resulting in the ouster of President Ben Ali.

The success of the Tunisian protest led Egyptians, Syrians, and others to stand against their own autocratic regimes. Uprisings sparked across the Middle East, leading to what is now known as “the Arab Spring.” Despite the hopes that the Arab Spring brought, almost all the uprisings have failed. In Egypt, the latest elections resulted in the victory of A-Sisi, who represents the old regime of Mubarak, while Assad is still in power after a decade-long civil war in Syria. Libya has become a failed state, and Iraq

The only beacon of hope for the Middle East and the Arab world to have a functioning democracy is Tunisia. Despite many setbacks along the way, Tunisia seems to be on the right track. Tunisia is attempting to create a new balance of power. Tunisia understood that it could not eradicate the Islamic values that had been encoded for generations.

Tunisia’s strategy has been to find mutual ground between the different fractions. Unlike other places, where the right wing finds mutual camp with the far right while the left wing finds mutual camp with the far right, Here, the conservatives and liberals, separated from the extreme conservatives and liberals, negotiate terms that are acceptable to both sides, casting aside the extremists and finding common ground on which the majority of the population can agree; values such as democracy, equality, and freedom, while retaining traditional Arabic and Islamic values.

Bahrain’s national day is a time for celebration and reflection for the people of Bahrain. It is a day that marks the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain, which occurred on December 16, 1971.

On this day, Bahrainis and other residents (Bahrain’s population is 1.748 million) come together to celebrate their national heritage and reaffirm their commitment to building a strong, prosperous, and united country. Throughout the day, there are various events and activities held to mark the occasion, including parades, speeches, and cultural performances.

One of the most prominent events on Bahrain’s national day is the annual parade, which is held in the capital city of Manama. The parade features a procession of soldiers, police officers, and other members of the security forces, as well as floats representing various government agencies and cultural groups. The parade is a colorful and lively spectacle and is attended by thousands of people from all over the country.

Another important event on Bahrain’s national day is the delivery of the annual national day address by the king of Bahrain. In this speech, the king addresses the people of Bahrain and outlines the government’s plans and priorities for the coming year. The speech is broadcast live on television and radio and is followed by a round of applause from the gathered crowd.

Aside from the official events, Bahrain’s national day is also a time for people to come together and celebrate their national identity. Many families and friends gather to share meals, exchange gifts and participate in traditional activities. In many homes and public spaces, the Bahraini flag is proudly displayed, and traditional songs and dances are performed to celebrate the occasion.

Overall, Bahrain’s national day is a time for the people of Bahrain to come together and celebrate their national identity, reaffirm their commitment to building a strong and united country, and look forward to a bright and prosperous future.

 

Photo Credit: freepik

The world’s first commercial shipment of certified clean blue ammonia has arrived in South Korea from Saudi Arabia, this marks a large step in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy efforts

A vessel carrying the 25,000 metric tons of cargo docked in Ulsan, having left the Kingdom’s King Fahad Industrial Port at Jubail last month.

The shipment was sent by SABIC Agri-Nutrients and Saudi Aramco, and representatives of the companies joined with executives from South Korea’s Lotte Fine Chemicals to witness the historic arrival.

This comes as earlier this year, SABIC AN and Aramco obtained the world’s first independent certification of clean blue ammonia and clean blue hydrogen production from TÜV Rheinland, a leading independent testing, inspection and certification agency based in Germany.

The shipment of clean ammonia to South Korea is the first to have this certification and a major milestone in efforts to develop clean energy solutions, advancing Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in exporting hydrogen and ammonia.

Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy goals are not new, Saudi has previously said that it is committed to becoming carbon neutral and that it seeks to derive 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.

The 50% renewables goal will require a serious amount of investment. According to the International Energy Agency, less than 0.05% of its electricity supply came from renewable energy in 2018 — its latest available figures.

About 42% of the kingdom’s power was produced from oil that year, making it the world’s largest consumer of oil for electricity production, with the remaining 57.8% of electricity derived from natural gas.

 

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

 

According to government data, Dubai experienced a 134% increase in overnight international visitors between January and October of this year, compared to the same time period in 2021.

Dubai’s economy and tourism department says that the emirate’s 10-month performance is 15 percent lower than the 13.5 million international visitors it hosted in the same period of 2019 prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, according to data.

Dubai aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP to Dh450 billion ($122.5 billion) by 2031 by catering to 40 million hotel guests, up from 14.5 million in 2014.

Dubai recorded 1.4 million visits from India in the first 10 months of 2022, up 116 percent from the same time period last year.

Oman had 1.1 million visitors, Saudi Arabia had 993,000, and the UK had 832,000 visitors.

The increase in visitors from Russia was the highest at 76 percent, boosting overnight international visitors to 548,000.

Between January and October, visits from Israel rose 239 percent, putting it 14th on Dubai’s list of top 20 source countries, thanks to the Abraham Accords.

The GCC accounted for 22 percent of Dubai tourists, closely followed by Western Europe at 20 percent, South Asia at 17 percent, and the Middle East at 12 percent, based on regions.

Dubai’s hotels were kept busy during the year through October as tourist arrivals increased, with occupancy rising to 71.5 percent from 63.7 percent in the same period of 2021, but staying below the 73.8 percent occupancy levels over the first 10 months of 2019.

Despite the 18 percent increase in room inventory, occupancy in year-to-date October 2022 was only 2.4 percentage points less than pre-pandemic levels, the DET said.

Hotel performance metric, revenue per available room, reached Dh362 in the first 10 months of 2022, above the Dh245 in the same period last year and the Dh295 in January-October of 2019.

 

Image Credit: Duminda Perera on Unsplash

Iran on Thursday accused the United States of orchestrating its removal from a UN women’s rights body over its response to protests triggered by death of Mahsa Amini. This represents heightened tensions between the USA vs Iran.

The Islamic republic has seen waves of protests since the September 16 death in custody of Amini, a young Iranian Kurd who had been arrested for allegedly violating the country’s dress code for women.

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands arrested in the street violence, leading to international condemnation and Iran’s removal Wednesday from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW).

Iran pointed the finger of blame at the USA,  saying the move was a result of its arch-foe’s concerted efforts and that it lacked “legal justification.”

“This one-sided action of the US… is an attempt to impose unilateral political demands and ignore electoral procedures in international institutions,” foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said.

“Removing a legal member of the commission is a political heresy which discredits this international organization and also creates a unilateral procedure for future abuses of international institutions,” he added.
Iran, which was elected to the body in April for a four-year term, was stripped of its membership with immediate effect.

A simple majority was needed to adopt the move, which was approved after 29 members of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) voted in favor, eight countries including Russia and China voted against and 16 abstained.

The text of the UN resolution said the Iranian authorities “continuously undermine and increasingly suppress the human rights of women and girls, including the right to freedom of expression and opinion, often with the use of excessive force.”

Last month, Iran filed a complaint with the world football body Fifa after the United States football organisation altered the design of its flag in some posts on social media following the Iran vs USA football match.

Image Credit: United Nations Photo

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has requested the US to help convince Ethiopia to sign an agreement governing the operation of a hydroelectric dam on the Nile.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is regarded as a menace to Cairo’s portion of the Nile’s water.

On Wednesday, El Sisi requested that Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, agree to return to Egypt when they met on the sidelines of a US-Africa summit in Washington.

El Sisi emphasised how crucial and consequential this subject is to Egypt, thanking Blinken for his support and attention. Earlier in the week, Blinken met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

According to President El Sisi, reaching a legally binding agreement can achieve something good in accordance with international standards and norms. We are not asking for anything other than that, he said.

“We need your support on this matter.”

In northern Ethiopia, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is located at Guba.

The Nile supplies virtually all of Egypt’s fresh water. The country warns that a reduction in its portion of the river’s water could wipe out hundreds of thousands of jobs in the agricultural sector and jeopardize food deliveries to its 104 million people.

Egypt and Sudan, downstream countries, insist that Ethiopia should sign a treaty governing the Gerd’s function and procedures for dealing with chronic drought.

The $4.2bn dam is nearly built. It is located on the Blue Nile, the main tributary of the river, which supplies over 85% of the water reaching Egypt.

The Gerd is said to be a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s development, and the country hopes to lift millions of its people out of poverty.

Rather than a legally binding agreement on dam operation guidelines, Addis Ababa prefers an agreement on guidelines on the operation of the dam.

Furthermore, the dam would not negatively impact Egypt or Sudan, and it might provide electricity for their neighbours.

Price said that Mr Blinken “ emphasised the importance of a diplomatic resolution” on the dam “that would safeguard the interests of all parties” in his meeting with Mr Ahmed.

Cairo is dependent on the Nile for most of its water, which flows through the city.

Abiy has repeatedly expressed his desire to see talks on the Gerd resumed with Egypt and Sudan. However, his administration has completed filling the dam three times since 2020, without informing the two downstream nations beforehand.

Last April, the three nations met to discuss the dam in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the African Union hosted the meeting. Ethiopia rejected proposals by Sudan and Egypt that the US, EU, and World Bank be involved as mediators.

In 2020, the former US administration under Donald Trump sought to mediate on the issue and cut off aid to Ethiopia after it refused to sign an agreement reached after months of negotiations in Washington.

The administration of President Joe Biden has taken a less publicized approach, avoiding any linkage between Ethiopian aid and the issues.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the US-Africa summit in Washington.

In November 2020, the United States condemned Ethiopia’s offensive against rebels in the northern Tigray region, citing concerns about human rights violations.

President Sisi has mentioned the Gerd dispute with virtually every western leader he has met over the last two or three years, hoping to build a worldwide consensus in favour of Cairo’s position.

Sisi has also expressed his appreciation for Ethiopia’s development needs, offering Egyptian technical assistance to Addis Abba and stressing that diplomacy is the only way to resolve the conflict.

 

Image Credit: Mandel Ngan/Pool via AP

An Irish soldier with the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon was killed and another seriously wounded when their convoy came under fire late on Wednesday.

Two other Irish soldiers were injured in the incident at the village of Al Aqbieh, southern Lebanon, when the peacekeepers’ two vehicles were attacked while travelling to Beirut.

The Irish Defence Ministry didn’t mention the soldier serving with the 121st Infantry Battalion on United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon deployment.

An Irish military spokesman said that a convoy of two armoured utility vehicles carrying eight personnel was fired on as it travelled to Beirut.

Five people were taken to Raee Hospital, near Sidon, as a result of the incident, the statement said. One soldier died upon arrival at the hospital, and another underwent surgery and is in serious condition, it said.

An infantry medical officer is caring for two wounded soldiers amid the recent news from Lebanon.

President Michael Higgins expressed his “deepest sorrow” over the death.

“We take great pride in our unbroken record of peacekeeping with the United Nations as a people,” he said.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari

The United Nations Economic and Social Council voted Wednesday to immediately remove Iran from the U.N.’s most important global body working to advance gender equality given the country’s systematic abuse of women and children’s rights, an action the United States described as “historic” and Iran claimed was based on “imaginary allegations.”

Iran’s brutal suppression of peaceful protestors in September, in response to the death of a 22-year-old woman who was detained by the morality police, prompted the U.S. to sponsor a resolution condemning the country’s rights violations. Human Rights Activists in Iran estimate that at least 488 people have been killed since the protests began, as 18,200 more people have been detained.

Iran was expelled from the Commission on the Status of Women during its 2022-2026 term, as decided by a vote of 29-8 with 16 abstentions in the 54-member UN Economic and Social Council.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield described the vote as “historic” and “the right thing to do,” since it was the first time a commission member had ever been expelled.

After the vote, she told reporters that she thought the message to the Iranian government and to Iranian women was strong.

An ally of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro is seeking diplomatic recognition in a New York court.

Thomas-Greenfield cited Mahsa Amini‘s death, who was accused of wearing her headscarf incorrectly by the morality police; the solitary confinement of two journalist women who reported her story; and the young women and girls who have been killed or disappeared for expressing themselves, in addition to thousands of protesters reportedly detained and tortured for telling her tale before the vote.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the vote reflects the United States and its allies and partners around the world coming to an agreement that Iran must be held accountable for “atrocities” such as the recent “horrifying executions” of protesters in Tehran.

The Commission on the Status of Women has been a leading force in advocating for women’s rights, documenting the situations of women worldwide, and establishing global standards to assist women and achieve gender equality since its founding in 1946.

The Economic and Social Council elects its 45 members, representing all regions of the world, for four-year terms. Iran received 43 votes from the Asian region to become a member.

Iran’s Zahra Ershadi rejected the resolution and what she described as “the baseless and fabricated allegations” against her country after the vote. She asserted that the Iranian government defends women’s rights, “denies all false and malicious statements about women’s rights in particular by the U.S. and certain EU members of parliament.”

Before the vote, Gennady Kuzmin, Russia’s deputy ambassador, accused the U.S. and its allies of attempting to discredit their political opponents by pressuring the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women to purge an ‘influential and sovereign player’.

The council should request a U.N. legal opinion before taking action on the resolution, whether the vote conformed with UN and ECOSOC procedures, he said.

An ECOSOC resolution requires that such requests be submitted in writing at least 24 hours in advance, and the decision to waive that requirement was put to a vote. Twelve nations voted against waiving the requirement, while 26 nations voted in favour and 11 nations abstained.

ECOSOC subsequently approved the U.S. resolution after several more speeches.

Since September, the Commission on the Status of Women has been expressing “serious concern” over Iran’s actions as they flagrantly contravene the human rights of women and girls, including by using excessive force to suppress the freedom of speech and opinion and kill peaceful protesters, including women and girls.

 

Image Credit: United Nations Photo

On Wednesday, an Istanbul court sentenced Ekrem Imamoglu, the city’s mayor, to prison and barred him from politics in a case widely seen as a politically motivated effort by President Tayyip Erdogan to stifle his biggest rival ahead of elections next year.

An appeals court must confirm the two-year-seven-month jail sentence and ban on public office for insulting officials after he won Istanbul’s municipal election in 2019, prosecutors said.

Even though riot police were stationed outside the courthouse on the Asian side of the city of 17 million people, Imamoglu continued to work as usual and dismissed the court proceedings.

Erdogan said that the verdict at his municipal headquarters across the Bosphorus in Istanbul proved that ‘there is no justice in today’s Turkey.’

He said people would react in next June’s presidential and parliamentary elections if voters were required to cast ballots in person.

An overwhelming ‘no’ vote in Istanbul and other cities could be the most serious threat yet to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ambitions to extend his reign into a third decade, as a collapsing currency and rampant inflation drive up living costs for the Turkish people.

The alliance of six parties still has to select a presidential candidate, and Imamoglu is thought to be a strong competitor against Erdogan.

In response to what he called a “grave violation of the law and justice,” Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the CHP, said he was cutting short a visit to Germany and returning to Turkey.

The State Department’s principal deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, expressed his dismay and deep concern over the verdict. He also expressed his disagreement, saying, “This unjust verdict is at odds with respect for human rights, freedom, and the rule of law.”

Nacho Sanchez Amor, the European Parliament’s rapporteur on Turkey, was stunned by the ‘unbelievable’ verdict.

“It is a very sad day for Turkey’s justice system, which has been horribly abused for political ends.

In the wake of the Istanbul local elections, in which he lost to an AK Party candidate by a razor-thin margin, Imamoglu was convicted of making an inflammatory speech. According to Imamoglu, his own ‘fools’ comment was a response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu’s identical insult towards him.

His victory in the re-run election ended 25 years of rule by the AKP and its Islamist predecessors in Istanbul, the country’s largest city.

The CHP and other opposition parties must coalesce around a single candidate in order to challenge Erdogan and the AKP, which has governed Turkey since 2002, in the next year’s elections.

In 1999, Erdogan was briefly imprisoned for reciting a poem that a court determined was a call for religious strife, before rising to dominate Turkish national politics again.

In a tweet from jail, where he is serving time for links to Kurdish militants, Selahattin Demirtas, the former leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), called for the imprisonment of Ahmet Imamoglu, the opposition candidate who won the mayoral election.

An appeal court could prolong the case beyond the election date if she is sentenced or banned from politics.

Whether Turkish courts are bending to Erdogan’s will is a question for debate. The government insists that the judiciary is independent.

Timucin Koprulu, a criminal law professor at Atilim University in Ankara, told Reuters that the ruling would only be final after the higher court determined whether to uphold it or not. It would be inaccurate to state that the political ban was in place, he said.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

Libyan oil production stands at about 1.2 million barrels per day, according to Mohamed Oun, Libya’s oil minister.

Within two or three years, we hope to reach the 2010 level of 1.6 million BPD, he said.

Libya’s decision to lift force majeure on oil and gas exploration, which was announced last week, to encourage foreign oil companies to return to the country, he said.

Image Credit: Maria Lupan/Unpslash

The 2022 World Cup has been one of a kind. Not only is it the first tournament to be hosted in the Arab world, the first tournament held outside of the traditional European summer and, on the pitch, will be the first World Cup to see an African team in the semi-finals.

After the likes of Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana had come close in the past only to agonisingly miss out, Morocco made World Cup history following their monumental 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal.
The Atlas Lions will go head-to-head with defending champions France for a chance to possibly make history again by reaching the final, but even if their journey is to end in the semis, they will still be forever remembered for their efforts.

After his decisive spot kick in the penalty shootout win against Spain in the last 16, Achraf Hakimi drew the attention of the cameras when he went over to celebrate with his mum in the crowd and was photographed receiving a proud kiss on the cheek. He acted similarly after Morocco’s quarter-final victory against Portugal, clambering into the stands to embrace her. After the Spain game, he posted a picture of them together captioned: “I love you mum”.

Al Jazeera has reported that Regragui and Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, have ensured that family members chosen by the players have received all-inclusive trips to Qatar. Parents are ever-present at the Wyndham Doha West Bay hotel, Morocco’s World Cup base, with Abdelhamid Sabiri’s mum and dad also familiar faces around the team camp.

Morocco’s greatest achievements have been the the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations, the two African Nations Championships, the famous 1986 side who reached the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Image Credit: Glyn KIRK / AFP

The Lebanese financial system collapsed in 2019, making the country neither rich nor poor. The Lebanese pound lost much of its value after the Beirut blast. According to the United Nations, this event has caused four out of five Lebanese people to become poor.

The Lebanese Civil War lasted from 1975 to 1990, and tens of thousands of Lebanese fled the country seeking work elsewhere. Now that financial assistance to reduce costs has been eliminated, institutional breakdowns have occurred, and thousands of Lebanese seeking work abroad have emigrated.

Numerous Lebanese political leaders acknowledged that the crisis was the result of years of wasted spending and corruption. In addition, the World Bank described the crisis as a “deliberate depression” created by those in political and economic power.

Economists say that if politicians delay passing reforms agreed with the International Monetary Fund (or IMF) in April, the economic downturn will deepen. billions of dollars in aid will be unlocked if these reforms are passed. However, public pressure for change has diminished. The most intense pressure was during the 2019 protests and the August 2020 Beirut blast. The parties that have dominated Lebanese politics for much of the recent past still won the largest number of seats in May’s parliamentary elections.

The massive increase in the number of people living on aid is one of the issues he wants to tackle. The flow of money earned by relatives working abroad and sent home has also increased, he said, citing a figure of 200,000 immigrants since 2019.

State institutions are increasingly relying on international assistance to maintain minimal standards of living. The World Food Program, in addition to feeding 6 million people, supports healthcare, education, and even police services with monetary and food aid.

Those with money are known as the “fresh dollar class.” They either dine at the finest restaurants or send their children to the best schools, while those who earn local Lebanese pounds can barely pay for their basic needs. 63 per cent of Lebanese said in a study released last December by Gallup that they would leave the country if they could.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo, Hussein Malla

On December 17, Tunisia will hold legislative elections. This is where members of the electoral commission prepare and check ballots and ballot boxes. With only one day to go before Tunisians abroad head to the polls to cast their ballots for their future parliamentary representatives.

More than 1,000 candidates are running for office, even though most political parties have urged a boycott of the elections. Since President Kais Saied’s forceful coup last July, they believe that their role has been greatly diminished. The new parliament will have 161 members, but its powers will be very limited.

In addition to the political uncertainty, Tunisia is suffering from a severe financial crisis, leading to severe shortages of basic items (sugar, milk, rice, etc.) over the last few months and an inflation rate of 9.8%, the latest official data.

Officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities handed over a cache of 176 coins to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, and China. Five Middle Eastern countries received 183 ancient coins seized by Egyptian authorities after they were smuggled out of the country and sold abroad.

All four counties’ ambassadors and embassy personnel attended a ceremony at Cairo’s Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square to receive the coins, which were originally minted in their respective nations.

According to Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, authorities seized 176 coins at various exit points including Cairo Airport and several post offices over the past year.

Officials stopped coins from being smuggled out of Egypt and sold, he said. Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister Ahmed Eissa said during a speech last night, “With tonight’s event, we would like to send an important message, which is that Egypt is not only committed to preserving its own heritage but also that of other countries.”

The representatives praised Egypt’s efforts to recover the treasure. The collection included 133 Saudi coins, 33 Chinese coins, six Iraqi coins, and four Jordanian ones.
Egypt signed the 1970 Unesco Convention to prevent the worldwide trafficking of antiquities in 1972. The handover on Monday was conducted in accordance with the convention, the minister said. These countries are also signatories.

A large number of artefacts imported from foreign countries have been seized by Egyptian border officials, he said. An illustration photo of New Zealand and Australia’s one-dollar coins is seen on July 12, 2016.
According to Hamdi Hammam, the head of Egyptian ports, Saudi Arabian coins from the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud is still in circulation. They consist of a quarter, a half, a one, and a two riyal piece, as well as a half piastre and a one piastre coin.

Coins from the reign of King Faisal I of Iraq and currency from the reign of King Hussein bin Ali, who ruled Jordan from 1952 to 1999, and denominated in five and 10 piastres, were found. One of King Hussein bin Talal’s Jordanian coins was also discovered. The Ming dynasty produced all of the Chinese coins. The statement from the antiquities ministry said the coin collection would be kept at the Egyptian Museum until the countries received them back.
Representatives from Saudi Arabia, China, and India received a collection of gold and silver coins from Egypt in 2020. Coins were also returned to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in 2017.

 

Image Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

The US department said in a statement that the remains and belongings of sports journalist Grant Wahl were returned to the United States on Monday after his death while covering the World Cup in Qatar.

Wahl’s remains and belongings arrived at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport around 8:30 a.m. ET, the department said. A consular official from the U.S. Embassy in Doha had had custody of Wahl’s remains since shortly after he died during Argentina’s match against the Netherlands on Friday.

A spokesman for the U.S. State Department Ned Price said that Qatar authorities cooperating with the embassy to return Wahl’s body was the result of no foul play being detected.

“We have seen no indication of foul play or anything nefarious at this point,” Price said in Washington.

John Wahl helped grow the popularity of soccer in the United States and reported on some of the sport’s biggest stories, died at 49, according to friends and colleagues.

Since Wahl’s demise, tributes have poured in, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken added his voice to the chorus of appreciation on Monday.
A little over an hour after the repatriation was complete, Blinken wrote on Twitter that he appreciated Grant Wahl’s writing, which captured not only the beauty of the game but also the world around it.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hassan Ammar

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday that flooding in Turkey’s agricultural province of Antalya has damaged 100 homes, 920 workplaces, almost 500 cars, and 49 square kilometres of greenhouses.The downpour on Sunday prompted officials to advise residents against venturing outdoors, as cars were swept away by rushing water on flooded streets.

“Mr Soylu said there are 50,000 to 55,000 acres of greenhouses in Kumluca where 12,500 acres of damage has already occurred. ‘The job continues to discover damages,’ he said.”

On Saturday, December 12, 2022, Kumluca was inundated with rainwater, flooding many houses and businesses. This incident occurred as a result of heavy rain in Antalya.

The Antalya region’s agriculture sector accounts for 20 per cent of the country’s exports, Anadolu state news agency said. Many homes experienced power outages, the agency said.

Because of the flooding, classes were cancelled in Kumluca and Finike districts. No injuries have been reported yet.

Officials said 12 cities in Turkey would experience more turbulent weather on Tuesday.
There were hundreds of volunteers helping with the clean-up efforts, Mr Soylu said. He said water had risen to the ceiling of a parking lot, preventing people from leaving.

 

Image Credit: brianna_santellan/Unsplash

On Monday, TotalEnergies confirmed that drilling operations have been mobilized for its new offshore gas project in Lebanon.

The firm has also requested bids for a new drilling rig in preparation for the project. The environmental impact studies will be finished by the end of the second quarter of next year.

Last month, TotalEnergies announced it would start exploration activities in Block 9, which is located in Lebanon’s territorial waters after a maritime border agreement between Lebanon and Israel was signed. Eni owns 40% of Block 9, while TotalEnergies owns the other 60%.

TotalEnergies’ Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné reportedly met with Lebanon’s Minister of Energy Walid Fayed to discuss the initiative.

The CEO confirmed that “drilling teams on Block 9” have already been mobilized. LPA, a neutral organization that controls Lebanon’s upstream petroleum sector, is cooperating with the teams to prepare the well.

More than 10 people have been involved in preparing the well so far, in addition to the operation manager,” the statement said.

“The tender process for the rig has been launched, and the rig is expected to be selected in the first quarter of 2023. Pre-orders have also been placed with suppliers for the equipment needed for the well.”

 

90,000 people are being trained as part of the campaign, with 54 vaccination teams being represented, in addition to daily follow-ups by central supervision teams in the Ministry of Health and supervisory teams in health directorates and departments.

The national polio vaccination campaign was launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population on Sunday.

All governorates in Egypt and non-Egyptian children from one day to five years old will be vaccinated free of charge to increase community immunity, boost population immunity, and eradicate the disease.

The government has prepared a strategy to distribute vaccines through health facilities, health departments, and mobile medical teams that visit major squares, train stations, subways, mosques, churches, clubs, markets, parking lots, and public parks.

The statement said that the campaign will roam the streets and knock on doors to ensure that children across the country are vaccinated.

The statement said that 90,000 people taking part in the program, which consists of 54 vaccination teams.

American forces killed two senior members of the Islamic State group near the Iraqi border on Saturday night, the US military said on Sunday.

Two senior members of the Islamic State group were killed in an overnight raid by U.S. forces in eastern Syria, the U.S. military said Sunday.

The forces “conducted a successful helicopter raid in eastern Syria at 2:57 am (2357 GMT)… killing two Daesh officials,” CENTCOM said in a statement without providing a more specific location.

It identified one of those killed as “Anas,” a Daesh “Syria province official” who was involved in “plotting and facilitation operations in eastern Syria,” according to the statement.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said it was the “most prominent” anti-Daesh operation for at least three weeks.

Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said the anti-terrorism unit of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) also took part in Sunday’s operation, identifying the village of Al-Zor in eastern Deir Ezzor province as the target area.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File

An Emirates Lunar Rover lifted off yesterday from the United Arab Emirates’ first mission to the Moon, which blasted off early Wednesday using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. If the mission is successful, the UAE will become the fourth country to have a spacecraft on the Moon, following China, Russia, and the United States.

The Hakuto-R spacecraft, built by ispace, will be delivered to the Moon by the UAE-Japan mission. The rover, named Rashid (“rightly guided”), will be released from the craft after it lands in the Atlas crater on the Moon’s nearside after taking almost four months to arrive. It will then explore the lunar surface.

The rover, constructed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, will study the lunar regolith’s composition using a high-resolution camera and a thermal-imaging camera. It will also photograph dust hovering over the surface, perform simple tests on lunar rocks, and study surface plasma conditions.

The rover will investigate a range of materials that might be utilized to construct lunar vehicles. The strips are attached to Rashid’s wheels to establish which materials are the greatest at resisting lunar dust and other harsh conditions. The University of Cambridge and the Université Libre de Bruxelles, for example, created a graphene-based composite material.

There are a lot of missions to the Moon currently underway or in the works. The UAE-Japan mission is one of them. In August, South Korea launched Danuri (meaning ‘enjoy the moon’), an orbiter. NASA’s Artemis rocket launched in November, carrying the Orion spacecraft that will take astronauts back to the Moon. India, Russia, and Japan will launch uncrewed landers in the first quarter of 2023, in addition to India, Russia, and Japan.

Planetary exploration promoters envision the Moon as the ideal departure point for crewed missions to Mars and other destinations. Scientists hope to determine whether lunar societies can sustain themselves and whether lunar resources can provide energy for future missions. Another possibility may have significant appeal on Earth. Planetary geologists believe that lunar dirt contains large quantities of helium-3, an isotope that could be used in nuclear fusion.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux

 

Anger over Iran’s nationwide protests continues to rage, and a second person has been executed as a result.
The Mizan news agency, which is associated with Iran’s judiciary, said Majidreza Rahnavard was hanged in Mashhad on Monday for “moharebeh,” or enmity against God.
An Attempt to flee the country was also included in the charges against him.
The Iranian judiciary publishes detailed accounts and pictures of the alleged crimes and trials of individuals arrested for protesting, but its legal process, in which dubious charges are pressed with little evidence and without representation for the accused, has been widely condemned.
The Ministry of Justice has pledged to process protest-related cases as quickly as possible.
Individuals with knowledge of the hearings said that detainees were tortured into giving forced confessions before closed-door hearings.
Human rights organisations put the number of people detained since September when anti-government protests began at over 18,000. Activists say 12 more people are at imminent risk of execution.
An individual named Mohsen Shekari was the first to be executed, accused of injuring a member of the Basij militia, which has led the government’s brutal counter-demonstrations.
Heavy security presence accompanied his burial Friday in the capital, where he was hanged the previous day.
Last week, five people were sentenced to death over the killing of a Basiji member in Karaj, western Iran. Tehran, one of the world’s largest executioners, has defended capital punishment as ‘just’.
Tehran says that 500 people have been killed during three months of nationwide protests, which it characterizes as “uprisings”, since Mahsa Amini died days after she was detained by Tehran’s morality police.
International condemnation of Iran’s ongoing suppression of protests, which has weakened its currency to a new low against the US dollar, is continuing.
On Sunday, the rial was trading at 370,000 to the dollar, down from 368,000 last Thursday as the nuclear deal’s revival efforts stalled.
Iran’s nuclear programme was controlled under the deal by restricting its currency exchange ratio to 32,000 rials per dollar. The accord began to break down in 2018 when Donald Trump, president of the United States at the time, withdrew the United States from the agreement and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.
A Turkish businessman was recently sanctioned by the US for arranging oil sales and money laundering for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran.

According to Cavusoglu, Turkish businesspeople have played a crucial role in bolstering economic relations with Algeria.

Mevlut Cavusoglu met with Turkish businesspeople in Algeria during his two-day visit to the country.

Corporate executives play a critical role in the development of our economic relations with Algeria, according to Cavusoglu. Because of the entrepreneurship of our businessmen and the expertise of our workers, we are a world-renowned brand, he said on Twitter.

The joint planning group co-chaired by Cavusoglu will meet for the first time on Saturday in Algeria.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra that over 1,400 Turkish firms invested more than $5 billion in the North African nation.

‘We want to increase trade and investment with you to $10 billion,’ he said.

Oman’s prominent location across the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Sea of Oman is contributing to the growing number of cruise ships arriving there annually.

A huge number of tourists from different nations arrived in Oman aboard the Italian cruise ship “Costa Toscana” when it docked at Salalah Port on Sunday, the Oman Ports Authority (OPA) said.

In addition to visiting beaches and traditional markets in Salalah, the “Costa Toscana” tourist program included tours to major archeological, tourism, and historic sites in the Governorate of Dhofar.

Furthermore, the number of cruise ships arriving in Oman is rising annually due to the country’s prominent location overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Sea of Oman.

 

 

Image source: Travel Trade Mena

About 34 percent of the population are children under 15 years old, composing 3.8 million people. In addition to being a driving force behind population growth, 40 percent of the population is composed of children under 18 years old, Masarweh said.

According to Issa Masarweh, secretary general of the Higher Population Council (HPC), the country’s population reached 5 million in 2004 and 9.5 million in 2015, marking the country’s centennial. In 1963, the country’s population stood at just 225,000 people.

The current demographic breakdown in Jordan, including the population size, composition, structure, and distribution, was cited by Masarweh during an interview with the Jordan News Agency.

The foreign population has grown as a result of the influx of refugees, exacerbating demographic, environmental, social, economic, and security issues, Jordan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi told the UN Security Council. He said that over three million non-Jordanians are now living in Jordan, accounting for over one-third of the country’s population.

The most common population-related challenge, according to Masarweh, is uneven distribution, with 8 percent of the people living in the Kingdom’s southern half, while 92 percent are concentrated in the northern half.

Rainfall that does not infiltrate the soil or is intercepted by impervious surfaces accumulates on surface and subsurface impermeable surfaces, resulting in urban flooding that adversely affects agricultural and natural areas as well as environmental and conservation areas, Al Jubeir said. He also said that this uneven distribution has resulted in food security concerns and added burdens on infrastructure and public services.

75 percent of Jordan’s population lives in Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa, he said. Mafraq was fourth in terms of population in 2021, he added.

According to Masarweh, the proportion of children aged under 15 is 34% or 3.8 million people. The number of children aged under 18 is 4.5 million, accounting for 40% of the population, which is seen as an important factor driving population growth.

 

 

 

Image source : Middle East monitor

Several measures and reforms have been made to improve the investment climate, according to Madbouly, to address investors’ concerns.

Egypt’s CAPMAS reported that urban consumer inflation rose from 16.2 percent to 18.7 percent in November, citing a CBN report.

The increase in inflation in November was the highest since December 2017, when it reached 21.9 percent.

In November 2022, the annual headline inflation rate in Egypt rose to 19.2 percent, up from 16.3 percent the previous month.

The agency said that the overall consumer price index for the entire country increased by 2.5 percent in November compared with October.

CAPMAS said that for the entire country, the inflation rate rose because of price increases in several sectors, including food and beverages, health care, transportation and communications, culture and entertainment, and restaurants and hotels.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said in a press conference after the Cabinet’s weekly meeting in the New Administrative Capital that there is a plan to provide hard currency and that it will last until June 30, 2023.

The chief minister chose not to divulge any of the state’s upcoming maneuvers because some of them must be kept confidential.

The minister acknowledged that the administration is aware of the increase in costs and that it attempts to lighten the burden on the public.

The cabinet has established a strategy for handling the rising costs, Madbouly said, adding that most of the rumors circulating on social media “seek to damage the Egyptian economy.”

Egypt attracted about $9 billion in direct investments last year, the premier said on Wednesday – the highest in 15 years.

Justice Samir Moudbeli said that the government will be committed to implementing the state ownership policy document over the next three or five years, noting that the document was finally approved.

The investor, who wants to obtain the golden license, wants the Cabinet to shorten the distance and procedures, he said.

Several measures and reforms have been made to enhance the investment climate to address investors’ difficulties, Madbouly said.

A US official told NBC that ‘as goes Saudi, so goes the Gulf’ and ‘we need the security partnership.’

The White House denied that Saudi Arabia and the UAE played a mediating role in helping Brittney Griner, a WBNA star, get released.

Even though the US has denied that Riyadh played any mediation role in freeing American basketball star Brittney Griner, Saudi Arabia said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made ‘personal mediation efforts to do so.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud commented on Thursday in Riyadh on his knowledge of the king’s efforts on behalf of the detained American basketball player.

“I don’t care what people say.”

The United States has rebuffed any claims that Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates mediated the talks, saying the two countries led the mediation efforts.

Griner was freed as part of a prisoner exchange for Viktor Bout, an infamous arms dealer, who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States. Bout, 55, was one of the world’s most wanted men, who sold weapons to rebel groups and warlords worldwide before his arrest in 2012.

A swap involving Griner and Russian citizen Bout took place at an airport in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

In thanking the UAE for helping facilitate Brittney’s return, Biden said she landed there on her way back to the US.

The Saudi Arabia-led Opec+’s October decision to cut oil production by two million barrels a day has been one of the most contentious issues in US-Saudi relations under the Biden administration. The US condemned the decision and said that it would review its ties with Riyadh.

Despite saying that the US support for Opec+ in response to Saudi Arabia’s actions was consistent with Russian interests, the Biden administration has shown no signs of altering its stance towards the kingdom.

NBC News reported that the White House’s initial anger about the decision to freeze gas prices had dissipated since the prices hadn’t skyrocketed as they had feared.

A US official told NBC that as long as Saudi Arabia maintains its importance to the Gulf, we’ll need to maintain a security partnership with them.

The Emiratisation of the workforce has gone awry after Public Prosecution launched a probe into a ‘contentious’ job ad.

A UAE business posting a job ad seeking “sandwich makers” bit off more than it could chew when Emiratis took them up on the offer.

Emiratis have reacted with unbridled fury to the suggestion that they could fill such a role, now that the UAE has opened an investigation into the ‘contentious’ advert.

The UAE Public Prosecution said on Saturday that it intended to question the ‘CEO of the company’ without mentioning which firm posted the ad.

According to a statement from the Kamal Jamjoom Group conglomerate, the role was advertised to support the UAE’s effort to localize jobs by hiring Emiratis, thanks to Subway’s fast food chain.

According to the Public Prosecution, the ad violated Emiratisation regulations and media content standards because it included “contentious” material. The Public Prosecution did not specify what specifically made the ad “contentious”.

An ad from the Kamal Jamjoom Group came before the UAE’s deadline for private employers with over 50 employees to meet a two percent Emirati workforce quota or face fines.

An organization that fails to employ UAE nationals in proportion to their population in the emirate concerned could be fined up to A thousand dollars ($316).

More than 90 percent of the UAE’s private sector labor force is composed of expatriates, according to the International Labour Organisation. Most Emiratis are employed in the country’s public sector.

Many Emiratis reacted negatively to the notion of being a “sandwich maker” on social media, viewing it as a “mockery” and an “insult” to Emiratis.

According to Sultan Almoathen, a former Emirati government official, the advert was an ‘attack on locals’.

Some expats’ contempt and envy toward us is revealed by the availability of such jobs, Almoathen said in a tweet.

Unfortunately, we witness an attack on our nation and leaders in our country… these jobs are seen as an attack on local people.

Emirati social commentator and photographer Al Suwaidi said that before offering Emiratis ‘demeaning jobs’ like a sandwich makers, Emiratis should be given priority for senior positions.

Despite the poor economic conditions over the last decade in Tunisia, which overthrew former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, some Tunisians support Saied because they see him as a bulwark against political elites.

Before parliamentary elections occur under a new constitution, President Kais Saied is being protested against by hundreds of Tunisians.

On Saturday, protesters marched through the heart of Tunisia’s capital, demanding the president’s departure.

Senior politicians from opposition parties said the December 17 vote was illegitimate and urged a boycott, claiming that Saied had carried out an undemocratic coup.

“All the opposition parties are concurring on one position, which is to reject the coup and to request the return to democracy,” Samira Chaouachi, a deputy speaker in the dissolved Saied parliament, said.

In March 2021, the previous parliament was shut down and the constitution was rewritten to give the president more power.

Only a quarter of registered voters turned out to vote “yes” in July on a referendum on the new constitution, which gives the president control over the government and judiciary.

The ICJ’s regional director, Said Benarbia, cautioned that the new constitution “defeats the very idea of separation of powers and checks and balances”.

The “proposed constitution offers an unrestricted presidential regime, a weak parliament, and an impotent judiciary”, he said.

Said claims that his actions are legal and necessary to save Tunisia from years of crisis, and that he will not become a dictator.

The National Salvation Front, which includes Ennahdha, the country’s leading opposition party, has been urging people to stay away from the polls.

According to Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, the alliance’s head, an entity that is not impartial and adheres to the dominant regime will supervise the elections.

The economy is growing rapidly in Tunisia, but many citizens are more concerned about the economic crisis and public-finances dangers that have caused salary delays and the risk of key subsidized-good shortages.

Despite the poor economic conditions in the country over the past decade, Tunisians still support Saied because they perceive him as a barrier against political elites, who they blame for the poor economic conditions.

“This is a significant triumph for Morocco, and it isn’t a coincidence. We had faith in ourselves, we had confidence in our group … The fantasy is still alive, the journey is still in progress, and we are now two victories away from winning the World Cup.”

The Giants’ upset victory over Portugal has inspired parties from Casablanca to Baghdad.

The Morocco World Cup dream continues to enthrall football lovers after the Atlas Lions beat Portugal 1-0 to secure a place in the tournament’s quarterfinals.

Saturday’s victory in the Arab world was especially sweet, as Morocco’s advancement to the quarterfinals was the first time in World Cup history that an Arab or African country has advanced.

People poured out into the streets of Casablanca, a port city in western Morocco, to celebrate their country’s improbable yet victorious result.

“People have been dancing and celebrating here all day, and the fun is set to continue well into the night,” said Nick Haque of Al Jazeera, reporting from Casablanca.

In addition to the large number of Moroccans traveling to Qatar to support their national team, other supporters have traveled in the opposite direction, eager to experience the exciting atmosphere that has gripped Morocco, he said.

“Haque said two families fled Saudi Arabia and Qatar to be in Morocco and among Moroccans to experience the moment.”

More people want to witness history being made now.”

There are not enough words to express the significance of Morocco’s victory over Portugal in the World Cup, according to Adnane Bennis, the founder and managing director of Morocco World News, an English-language news website.

Seeing us qualify for the semifinals was huge for us,” Bennis told Al Jazeera from Rabat, Morocco’s capital.

“We will remain awake all night,” he said, noting that Moroccans—both those residing in the country and abroad—would celebrate their victory until sunrise.

“This is a monumental triumph for Morocco, and it did not come out of thin air. We had faith in ourselves and our team … The dream is still alive, the journey continues, and we are two victories away from winning the World Cup.”

There were comparable displays of elation across the region.

More than 3,000 people filled Gaza’s largest sports hall to cheer on Morocco during the World Cup.

According to Al Jazeera’s Youmna ElSayed, those gathered at the venue viewed the historic result as a victory for “all Arab nations.”

They burst into wild celebrations and showed their support for Morocco after the match’s final whistle” said Ms. Linton.

“ElSayed added that many of the game’s fans told us how significant the match was to them.”

Fans of Morocco, who is hosting the first World Cup ever to be played in the Middle East, said their grandest hopes and dreams had been surpassed by the Atlas Lions’ mesmerizing journey to the last four, where they will meet either England or France on December 14.

“This was a terrific contest, Regragui’s group was very tactical, and the entire team showed their caliber,” said fan Abdul Aziz to Al Jazeera from Souq Waqif in Doha, where people who were unable to get a ticket for the event at Al Thumama Stadium watched the game on television.

“They played two different styles in the two halves, and they were excellent in both phases,” he said. “They won the match, and they deserved to win.”

Qatar has now played more than seven hours of football without conceding to a Moroccan player, thanks to their resolute defense.

The result made me so proud, said Hussein, a Bahraini.

Qatar resident Ahmed Obeidansaid he was thrilled that the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be held in the Middle Eastern nation for the first time in history, and that the national team made it to the semifinals for the first time (Al Jazeera, 2018).

Baghdadis also congratulated Morocco on winning the match, thanks to Youssef En Nesyri’s decisive 42nd-minute header.

People are still partying tonight in Baghdad,” Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud Abdelwahid said, reporting from the capital.

In addition to Morocco, the entire African continent, the entire Arab world, and the entire Middle East region benefited from this victory, he said.

“People are very excited about Iraq winning the match today. They say the euphoria is comparable to when Iraq clinched the 2006 World Cup.”

The role of the morality police in Iran, which has come under increased scrutiny amid contradictory reports that the unit may be disbanded after months of protests sparked by the death of a young woman in their custody, is unclear.

According to Iran’s attorney general, the operations of the morality police, known as the Gasht-e-Ershad, have been suspended, and dress code enforcement, which is a large part of its duties, will be reviewed.

In 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad established the Gasht-e-Ershad, a police unit dubbed the “guidance patrol,” to monitor citizens and enforce Iran’s strict Islamic code.

Iran’s Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution passed a resolution on ‘strategies to develop a culture of chastity’ after reformist president Mohammad Khatami, who succeeded him, paved the way for the creation of the morality police.

A morality police squad, which is often composed of and supported by the Basij, a paramilitary group that fought in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, monitors people’s attire and conduct at Iranian universities, where men and women are educated together for the first time in a mixed educational environment.

Male and female officers make up a morality police unit, either patrolling in a vehicle or positioning themselves in prominent public areas. They seek out individuals who violate the Iranian clergy’s strict interpretation of Islamic law regarding behaviour and clothing.

Police officers from Iran’s morality squad stop a car to check if the driver and passengers are properly clothed.

Women must abide by the standards of appropriate dress, which includes covering their heads. Those who violate the policy are either admonished or taken to a correction facility or police station and counselled on how to behave morally before being freed to their families.

Mahsa Amini, an Iranian-Kurdish woman aged 22, died in the custody of the morality police in Tehran in mid-September, drawing increased attention to their role.

The nationwide protests have grown into calls for Iran’s clerical rulers to be overthrown after Amini’s death, who was allegedly held for violating the dress code.

Reports of decreased morality police presence across Iranian cities and an increase in women walking without headscarves since September have contradicted Iranian law.

Iran’s government is paying attention to the people’s real demands, state media reported Sunday, a day after a high judiciary official said the morality police had been disbanded.

The morality police have been closed, according to Iran’s Attorney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri. State media has not reported on the purported decision, which was announced Saturday by ISNA, a semi-official news outlet.

According to a released statement, Dr. Shurooq Amin believes that football lovers who admire the game’s aesthetic qualities are similar to art aficionados in their passion for it. Furthermore, the connection of 32 artists from both the traditional and digital worlds, according to Ithra, connects Web2 to Web3, football to art, and humans to machines.

On the occasion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dubai is presenting a football-themed exhibition.

The exhibition “From Strike to Stroke” at Msheireb Galleria, Doha, features 32 artists from the competing nations and 64 NFTs. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will fuse the pieces from the contending countries in each match into a unique piece based on the results of the game. A collaboration between man and machine will result in a unique collection of 64 NFTs.

The exhibition is scheduled to end on Dec. 23.

Authorities demolished Elnaz Rekabi’s home, a female rock climber who became a symbol of nationwide anti-government protests after competing abroad with her hair uncovered, official media reported Saturday.

A video that was posted on social media this week appeared to show the demolition of Rekabi’s family home in Zanjan province. Mizan, the judiciary’s news agency, reported on it.

In October, Rekabi became a symbol of the anti-government movement after she competed in a rock climbing competition in South Korea without wearing a headscarf, which is required in Iran for women to wear. She said her non-compliance was unintentional in an Instagram post the next day.

Iranian officials appear to have accepted her explanation, with the head of the country’s Olympic committee saying she would not be punished.

In September, Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained by Tehran’s morality police for violating the dress code, died in police custody. Protesting against the government’s accusation that foreign countries have incited the demonstrations in which thousands of women have participated by filming themselves burning their headscarves and cutting off their hair, Iran has been shaken for months.

Iran executed four people on Sunday charged with spying for Israel.

According to Mizan Online, the sentences were carried out four days after Iran’s supreme court upheld the death penalty for “their intelligence co-operation with the Zionist regime [Israel] and abduction.”

According to Iranian exile groups tracking the uprising, at least 450 civilians have been killed during the government’s violent suppression of the demonstrations. Iranian officials have given lower death tolls, which include security personnel.

Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, said that the law requiring women to cover their hair is under review.

Parliament and the judiciary are both working on the issue, according to Isna news agency.

He did not say what alterations the two bodies, which are dominated by conservatives, might make.

The cultural commission of parliament met on Wednesday and “we will see the results in a week or two,” he said.

Iran’s republican and Islamic foundations are constitutionally entrenched, President Ebrahim Raisi said Saturday.

In response to questions about whether the constitution should be implemented strictly or loosely, he replied in a televised interview, “There are ways to implement the constitution that are flexible.”

In April 1983, four years after the Iranian Revolution deposed the US-supported monarchy, all Iranian women were required to wear the hijab.

Iran says that the US and its allies, including Britain, Israel, and Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based outside the country, are fomenting the street protests, which the government calls “riots”.

More than 300 people died in Iran’s recent unrest, a general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this week.

On Saturday, Iran’s top security body, the Supreme National Security Council, said that the number of people killed during the protests “exceeded 200.”

According to state news agency Irna, the figure included security officers, civilians, and “separatists” as well as “rioters.”

A non-profit organisation based in Oslo said Tuesday that at least 448 Iranians had been “killed by security forces during the ongoing nationwide protests.”

Last week, UN rights chief Volker Turk said that 14,000 people, including children, had been detained in the crackdown on the protest.

The Live Nation pre-sale begins at noon on Thursday, and general sales begin at noon on Friday. You can sign up for the pre-sale at livenation.me.

Comedian Kevin Hart will be in Abu Dhabi in February.

Kenny DeSoto will bring his Reality Check Tour to Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on February 22.

The Jumanji: The Next Level star was the Yas Island Chief Island Officer in a tourism campaign earlier this year. In 2016, he last performed in Abu Dhabi. As Chief Island Officer, he promised ‘big things are coming,’ and he seems to have delivered with a tour date on the island.

The Live Nation pre-sale begins at noon on Thursday, and general sales begin at noon on Friday. You can enroll for the pre-sale at livenation.me.

In May, Hart’s role as Yas Island’s Chief Island Officer was announced.

A YouTube video shows Die Hart boasting about his new gig: “Hartifying” the “world’s most entertaining island”.

In the video, the star is driving around Yas Island in a white Ferrari and making fun of the fact that the Yas Island Chief Island Officer is driving around in a white Ferrari.

“Everything on this world’s most entertaining island has been Hart-ified by me, Kevin Hart. We are going big on K-everything because that is my middle name. I’m sorry, what was your question again?”

In addition to showing Hart enjoying several of the destination’s attractions, the video shows him enjoying Warner Bros World, Yas Waterpark, Ferrari World, Clymb Abu Dhabi, and Yas Links golf club.

The Etihad Arena, Yas Island, will play host to Kevin Hart’s Reality Check Tour on February 22. Find out more at livenation.me.

In March, Mo Amer will perform his largest show yet in Abu Dhabi.

 

image by: https://whatson.ae

Saudi oil giant Aramco’s (2222.SE) Luberef base oil subsidiary said on Sunday it anticipates raising up to 4.95 billion riyals ($1.32 billion) from its initial public offering, if it prices at the summit of a range.

The statement said Luberef planned to sell 50.045 million shares, constituting nearly 30% of the firm’s issued share capital, at between 91 and 99 riyals each.

Despite a global dealmaking drought in the United States and Europe, where global banks have been scaling back headcount, state-led IPO programmes in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai have helped equity capital markets in the oil-rich Gulf.

IPO proceeds from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa this year have totalled about $16 billion, according to Refinitiv data. Of that sum, half has been raised by Gulf issuers.

An institutional investors will be provided a minimum of 75% of Luberef shares, bookbuildings will start on Sunday and finish on Friday.

The final share price will be announced next Sunday, with individual investors able to subscribe from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18. Shares are not scheduled to begin trading on Riyadh’s Tadawul exchange just yet.

The Luberef consortium owns 70% of Luberef, and Saudi investment bank Jadwa Investment owns the remaining 30%.

The world’s largest IPO in late 2019, boosted to $29.4 billion in proceeds, was Saudi Aramco’s record listing.

Besides raising billions from pipeline-related deals, Aramco is also planning an IPO for its energy-trading firm.

The Vision 2030 economic agenda, which includes the kingdom’s privatisation programme, is a cornerstone of its economic agenda to wean the economy off oil, build new industries, and create jobs.

(3.7585 riyals = $1)

Whether Iran’s morality police had been shut down in response to months of protests over its recent behaviour remained unclear on Monday.
The head of Iran’s judiciary, Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, said the morality police, known as the Gasht-e-Ershad, had been suspended. He also said there would be a review of dress code enforcement, which is one of the unit’s major functions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian failed to give a clear response when questioned Sunday about whether the morality police had been disbanded.
An Iranian-Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, 22, was arrested for violating Iran’s strict dress code for women in September, resulting in her death while in police custody. This triggered the present demonstrations.
People stroll past a mural in Tehran, Iran.
The morality police, which is part of Iran’s Interior Ministry, has not yet announced whether it will halt operations as of Monday morning.
The state media reported that neither the attorney general nor the judiciary branch of the government, which he works for, was responsible for monitoring the force.
Iran experts and activists were quick to express doubt about reports that Tehran had done away with the police force, with some asserting that it was a ruse by the regime to gain sympathy before Wednesday’s Student Day protests.
A referendum can be held on any issue except the country’s ‘non-revisable principles,’ which include the state’s official religion.

 

Image Credit: Iranian President

Turkey demands that Sweden and Finland lift all (arms) embargoes on Turkey, change their anti-terror laws to accommodate Turkey’s demands, and extradite all terrorists Turkey wants, according to Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag.
Sweden’s extradition of a Kurdish man with alleged terrorism links last week is a ‘good start,’ Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said Monday, but Ankara will not approve Stockholm’s NATO membership until more is done.
Sweden on Friday expelled Turkish citizen Mahmut Tat, who had sought asylum there in 2015 after being convicted in Turkey of having links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is outlawed.
Turkey welcomed Sweden’s extradition move as a good sign of the Scandinavian country’s seriousness and goodwill, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday.
Turkey, however, made clear that before Sweden’s NATO application could be ratified, further steps would be required.
According to Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, all arms embargoes on Turkey should be lifted in line with the trilateral memorandum with Sweden and Finland, and the countries should amend their anti-terrorism laws to extradite all wanted terrorists.
Turkey objected in May to Sweden and Finland’s application to join NATO, because it believed that the two countries were sheltering PKK and other militant groups.
Stockholm and Helsinki have promised to cooperate with Ankara to address its security concerns fully and to lift arms embargoes while denying that they shelter militants.
All 30 nations must approve NATO decisions, meaning that Norway and Sweden must also seek approval. Turkey is the only country still opposing its membership.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

Health professionals say that crucial medicines will be in short supply as a result of the Tunisian wholesale medicine distributors’ suspension of distribution activities.
Pharmacies rely on wholesalers for a large portion of their medical supplies.
Suppliers are required by the government to offer discounts this year, and the strike was in protest of the Ministry of Finance’s decision not to exempt them.
Since 2006, Tunisia’s government has allowed medicine suppliers an exemption, because the net profit margin is less than the discount rate they would be forced to provide. Recently, however, the exemption was removed.
70 pharmacies, according to National Chamber for Wholesale Supplying Pharmacists president Ahmed Karray, are on the verge of bankruptcy because of money problems, and government intervention is required.
Karray said that negotiations with the government have been ongoing since April, but we have not received a response from them. He said that medicine is a critical issue, and both the government and the ruling party should address the issue.
Private pharmacy owners said that current supplies would last for only three days in cities and one day in rural areas.
According to Tunisia’s state press agency, TAP, Thouraya Naifer, secretary general of the Tunisian Syndicate for Private Pharmacy Owners, warned that the suspension of wholesale distribution of medicines would negatively impact citizens’ health security, particularly those with chronic illnesses.
Such circumstances will result in a flourishing black market in medicine, Ms Naifer warned.
A health ministry representative has reportedly revealed to local news outlets that another negotiation round is currently taking place with wholesalers.

 

Image Credit: Christine Sandu on Unsplash

Two people were killed when a Turkish military vehicle ran over them on Monday in a northern Syrian town, sparking protests by local people.
An opposition activist said two armoured vehicles were destroyed in the town of Atareb, west of Aleppo and near the Turkish border.
Residents became enraged after Turkish troops drove through the town later, and pelted the vehicles with stones.
Northern Syria residents are angered by the intrusive presence of Turkish military convoys in their areas.
A Syrian opposition war monitor, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said that members of a rebel group in Atareb protected the Turkish soldiers from the protesters and took them to a nearby police station.
Officials in Turkey didn’t immediately comment on the matter.
A Turkish convoy killed a girl near Ras Al Ayn in early November, the observatory said, adding that they drove away without helping the child.
Turkey has deployed troops in northern Syria since 2016, after carrying out three major incursions into the war-ravaged nation. Turkey has military outposts in different areas of northern Syria, bordering Turkey.

 

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

In May, Sheikh Mohamed flew to Abu Dhabi for Sheikh Khalifa’s funeral, his half-brother and predecessor as president.

 

Officials said that Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport, as the two leaders met in Qatar ahead of the ongoing football World Cup there.

 

Qatar’s ruler on Monday began his first meeting with the United Arab Emirates president since a nearly four-year-old regional blockade that damaged relations.

 

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani greeted Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport, officials said, in a trip that coincides with the ongoing football World Cup in Qatar.

 

Qatar has been cut off from its neighboring states since June 2017, when a Saudi-led boycott of the gas-rich peninsula finally ended.

 

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim invited the visit, deepening the ties between the two nations and their peoples, according to UAE official WAM news agency.

 

Qatar has denied that it supports extremists or is too close to Iran after Saudi Arabia and its allies Bahrain and the UAE cut ties with Qatar less than two years ago. Now, Qatar is holding its first World Cup after cutting ties with Saudi Arabia and its allies.

 

There has already been a photograph of Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, wearing a Qatar football scarf during the World Cup.

 

Ties have been warming up since this is the UAE president’s first visit since the blockade.

 

Emir Sheikh Mohamed flew to Abu Dhabi in May for Sheikh Khalifa’s funeral, his half-brother and predecessor as president.

Local officials have hinted at the use of artificial intelligence or camera footage to impose financial penalties on those who violate the hijab rules. Those who violate the hijab rules already receive warnings and fines, and if they continue to do so, their vehicles will be impounded.

 

The Iranian prosecutor general has suggested that Iran has suspended its morality police as the country continues to struggle with two months of protests.

 

An element of Iran’s morality police killed 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was arrested for not adhering to the country’s compulsory dress code for women.

 

Iranian officials used the term “hybrid war” to describe foreign influence in the recent riots, according to local media. Prosecutor general Mohammad Jafar Montazeri reportedly said Saturday that the morality police operations are over.

 

According to reports, he said the morality police has been shut down and that its connection to the judiciary has been severed.

 

There were no other confirmations that the work of patrolling units – officially responsible for ensuring “moral security” in society – has been terminated. In other words, the morality police have not been permanently abolished.

 

Furthermore, the law imposing a mandatory dress code was not indicated as being subject to termination.

 

However, the white and green vans of the force, which were sent out to tell people on the streets to fix their headscarves or take them to so-called “re-education” centers if necessary, have not recently been seen in Tehran or other cities.

 

Footage released by authorities appeared to show Amini suffering a stroke at one of those centers. She died after being in a coma for three days at a nearby hospital.

 

Amini’s death has sparked protests across the country, where women have been at the forefront. Women have also burned their head coverings and chopped off their hair to show sympathy and solidarity, and “woman, life, freedom” has become a favorite slogan of demonstrators.

 

Iran has claimed that the United States, Israel, European countries, and Saudi Arabia are behind the ongoing turmoil, using Amini’s death as an ‘excuse’ to target the Islamic Republic and its foundations.

 

Since the country’s 1979 Islamic revolution, the hijab has been a crucial issue for Iranian authorities, who have maintained their stance on it.

 

However, they have recently indicated that they may alter the approach to implementing the mandatory dress codes without providing specifics.

 

Officials in the local area have hinted at using artificial intelligence or camera footage to impose financial penalties on those who violate the hijab rules. Drivers who violate the hijab rules are already fined and receive warnings, and their vehicles may be impounded if they commit repeat violations.

36 million people tuned in to watch Japan play Costa Rica, and USA vs England was the most-watched men’s football match in American television history.

 

The governing body for football, FIFA, said on Saturday that more than 2.45 million people attended the Qatar 2022 World Cup’s first 48 matches, while teams from five confederations made it to the round of 16.

 

FIFA said in the report that the number of matches during the group stages of this year’s tournament was higher than the number of matches during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

 

The match between Argentina and Mexico at Lusail Stadium had the highest attendance of 88,996 people out of all the first-round matches The final will be played at Lusail.

 

More than one million people visited the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha, where fans can come together to watch live matches during the tournament. This was the innovation introduced during the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

 

Saudi Arabia has topped the list of most visitors to date, with 77,000 people. India comes in second place, with 56,893 visitors.

 

Qatar said before the beginning of Qatar 2022 on November 20 that it expected more than one million visitors.

 

Japan’s victory over Costa Rica drew 36 million television viewers, making it the most-viewed sporting event in Japan. USA vs England, in which England prevailed, was the most-watched men’s football game in US television history.

 

FIFA says that this year was the first time teams from all continents participated in the round of 16 knockout stages since 2002.

 

FIFA noted that this is the first time that two African teams have advanced to the knockout stage, noting that the only other time came in 2014 when Algeria and Nigeria did so.

 

In their opening match, Senegal drew with Ecuador and the Netherlands in Group A, while Morocco topped their group after defeating Belgium and Canada.

 

According to the report, the fact that three Asian nations qualified for the round of 16 in the World Cup for the first time is significant.

The United States Navy says it has seized a fishing trawler that was attempting to smuggle more than 50 tons of ammunition, including more than 1 million bullet rounds, thousands of rocket fuse bolts, and large quantities of propellant for rocket-propelled grenades, in the Gulf of Oman.

 

The “illicit cargo” was discovered on December 1 “during a flag verification boarding” and was the second major weapons seizure along a maritime route from Iran to war-torn Yemen, according to a US Navy Fifth Fleet statement Saturday.

 

The US navy issued a statement asserting that the direct or indirect supplying, selling, or transferring of weapons to the Houthis in Yemen violates UN Security Council Resolution 2216 and international law.

 

The vessel was seized on November 8 after being found to be transporting ammonium perchlorate, a substance used in rocket and missile fuel production, as well as explosives. Urea fertilizer, a substance used in agriculture but also used in explosives, was found to have 100 tonnes of urea fertilizer.

 

Admiral Brad Cooper of the US said Iran was behind the latest shipment.

 

The statement said that this significant interdiction shows that Iran’s illegal transfer of lethal aid and destabilizing behavior continues.

 

Iran is said to be arming Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who captured Sanaa in 2014. The US and Saudi Arabia are accusing Iran of providing weapons to the group.

 

Tehran has denied the allegation; Iran has previously asserted that it backs the Houthis politically but denies providing the group with weapons.

 

Hundreds of thousands have been killed in Yemen’s war, which has pitted Houthis against a Saudi-led coalition. The country is teetering on the brink of starvation.

 

Fighting has largely subsided since a United Nations-sponsored ceasefire came into effect in April. The truce expired in October, but fighting has largely remained at bay.

 

Houthi rebels and Iran’s government failed to issue an immediate response to the attack.

The UGTT has demonstrated its ability to shut down the economy by shutting down airports, public transportation, ports, and government offices with strikes.

 

Tunisia’s powerful labor union has issued its boldest challenge yet to President Kais Saied, rejecting his political and economic programs and insisting that it would defend democracy against what it described as a threat.

 

Noureddine Taboubi, head of the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), declared Saturday that the group no longer endorses the existing route because of its ambiguity and the risky consequences it may have for the country and democracy.

 

“No matter what the price, we will defend rights and freedoms,” he said.

 

Last year, Saied closed down the parliament and used decree power to write a new constitution, which was ratified in a referendum that had a low turnout, establishing a new, weakened parliament.

 

Saved has claimed that his actions were necessary to save Tunisia, to prevent the president from establishing a dynasty and turning the country into a family business.

 

Political parties are refusing to participate in the December 17 parliamentary vote, citing flaws in the procedures President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has imposed, including putting the electoral commission under his control.

 

Human Rights Watch, a United States-based group, said other electoral changes, such as eliminating campaign funding, would make it hard for women to be elected.

 

Colour and flavor are lacking in the vote, according to Taboubi, and the constitution doesn’t have a national consensus.

 

The one-million-member union has previously refrained from openly opposing the president’s agenda, except for a strike in the middle of the year over wages and spending cuts. It repeatedly voiced concern, however, about the president’s policies.

 

Saved recently angered the UGTT by proposing subsidy cuts and the restructuring of state-owned firms, in a push for an IMF bailout to avert national bankruptcy.

 

The union recently called for a general strike in the Sfax region after a demonstrator died from inhaling tear gas used to disperse protests against the reopening of a landfill site.

 

It insisted that those responsible be held accountable.

 

The UGTT has been able to immobilize the economy through strikes that shut down airports, public transportation, ports, and government offices.

The joint counterterrorism operations and all joint special operations are undertaken in Syria to eradicate ISIL (ISIS) remnants have been suspended, according to a spokesman for the SDF.

 

In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Turkish presidency’s spokesperson said that Kurdish armed groups in Syria are “legitimate targets”, and that they are exploiting their connections with the United States to justify their presence on the Turkey-Syria border.

 

Ibrahim Kalin told Al Jazeera that Ankara wants the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its spinoffs the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) to safeguard its borders.

 

The PKK, YPG, and their affiliated groups have been blamed for the November 13 Istanbul explosion as well as previous attacks. Ankara, with its NATO allies the United States and the European Union, has named the PKK a “terrorist” group in response to its decades-long violent resistance in Turkey’s southeast.

 

According to Kalin, any PKK, PYD, and YPG establishments, elements, posts, and military points are legitimate targets for us, whether they are in Syria or Turkey.

 

“Targeting those groups is justifiable since they’re terrorist organizations,” he said. “We defend our borders by going after them. We don’t target Russian or American soldiers or military posts in Syria or any other place.”

 

According to Kalin, the PKK, PYD, and YPG “elements” in the past have used American and Syrian regime flags to “protect themselves”.

 

“The fact that the United States is working with the PYD and YPG to dislodge IS from territory in northern Syria shows how the groups are

using their alliance with the United States to legitimize their presence there,” he said.

 

The government said that “terrorism” on Istiklal Street in Istanbul prompted Turkey to respond. The individual who carried out the attack, a Syrian woman of Kurdish descent, was trained by Kurdish fighters there, according to the government.

 

“We initially responded by coordinating and conducting several air operations,” Kalin said. “Of course, we will pursue these terrorists, both from the air or from the ground, depending on the risk level as determined by our intelligence and air defense ministries and related agencies.”

 

In recent weeks, Turkey has intensified its shelling and air raids on northern Syria, preparing for an invasion against the YPG, a predominantly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces faction based in Syria. According to reports, Ankara has targeted several SDF military.

 

According to Ozturk, the YPG’s retaliation against Turkish air raids resulted in rocket attacks. Turkey wanted to ensure that the YPG would be incapable of launching further attacks—both within Turkey and across the border.

 

Turkey has faced resistance from several international powers involved in Syria, including Iran, Russia, and the United States, for delaying the operation.

 

On Friday, the SDF, which controls territory in northern Syria, said it would no longer participate in joint counterterrorism operations with the United States and other allies in light of the Turkish assaults. The SDF says it has recorded over 70 assaults since the operation was announced.

 

An SDF representative said that “all joint counterterrorism operations” with the US-led coalition battling ISIL remnants in Syria as well as “all of our regular joint special operations” had been halted.

The Iranian judiciary announced the verdicts on Wednesday after the Supreme Court confirmed the sentences on Sunday.

 

Five people have been put to death in Iran for spying for Israel, the country’s judiciary announced on Tuesday.

 

According to the official judiciary news website, four individuals—Hossein Ordoukhanzadeh, Shahin Imani Mahmoudabad, Milad Ashrafi Atlanta, and Manouchehr Shahbandi Bojandi—were hanged early Sunday.

 

According to the judiciary, they were ‘thugs’ who were guided by Israeli intelligence in destroying public and private property, committing thefts, taking hostages, and obtaining false confessions. According to it, a Mossad operative based in Sweden provided them with

instructions.

According to the judiciary, all the individuals had a history of offenses, with Ordoukhanzadeh – the alleged key connection with Mossad – having been incarcerated in Greece between 2014 and 2017 for attempting to traffic individuals from Turkey to Greece.

 

According to Iran’s judiciary, Mossad’s involvement is demonstrated by the fact that the suspects allegedly received payment in cryptocurrencies and received training in how to destroy evidence, evade security cameras, and switch vehicles.

 

The judiciary announced the verdicts on Wednesday after the cases were referred to the Supreme Court, which confirmed the death sentences carried out on Sunday.

 

Five additional individuals were convicted of crimes against national security, accessory to kidnappings, and possession of firearms, besides the four who were executed.

 

Iran and Israel are regional arch-foes, and Iran occasionally announces the detention of people it says are working for foreign powers, including the United States and its European allies.

 

Iran has been experiencing unrest for more than two months, starting in September after Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was arrested by the country’s morality police for not adhering to a mandatory dress code died.

 

According to the Iranian judiciary, the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia were behind the unrest, and 40 foreign nationals were arrested during “riots” from September onward.

 

The individuals supposedly were arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the intelligence ministry about six months ago and executed on Sunday for “spying on behalf of Iran’s enemies.”

Since the coup, divisions among civilian groups in Sudan have become more pronounced, with some calling for an agreement with the authorities, while others are unwilling to even consider a dialogue.

 

Following military leaders’ and a key civilian block’s announcement to sign an initial deal, thousands of Islamists demonstrated against UN efforts to solve the political crisis.

 

More than 5,000 Islamists demonstrated in Khartoum Saturday against a UN attempt to resolve the country’s political turmoil sparked by last year’s coup, AFP reporters said.

 

Military leaders and a key civilian bloc announced plans yesterday to sign an initial deal, just one day after Islamist factions staged demonstrations.

 

Since being ousted in 2019, controversial Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was ousted, resulting in a political mess. Since then, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has led an October 2021 military coup, derailing a fragile transition to civilian rule.

 

The frequent anti-coup protests, the worsening economic situation, and ethnic violence in Sudan’s remote areas have all contributed to growing unrest.

 

Outside the UN headquarters in Khartoum, protesters chanted, ‘Don’t interfere in Sudanese affairs.’

 

People demanded that UN special representative Volker Perthes leave Sudan.

 

Ahmed Omar said, ‘We are against this deal.’

 

A dual settlement that leaves out other parties is what protester Mohamed Hasabo criticized the upcoming deal as.

 

Military leaders met with the Forces for Freedom and Change, the main civilian bloc, on Friday, which was ousted in the 2021 coup.

 

The FFC said they discussed a potential “political framework agreement” that would “establish a transitional civilian authority if a political

framework agreement is signed”.

 

The Sudanese sovereign council, headed by Burhan, ratified the scheme.

 

Representatives from the African Union, the United Nations, the IGAD regional bloc, and Western governments were present at Friday’s talks, according to the sovereign council and the FFC.

 

Since the coup, civilian groups in Sudan have grown more divided, with some favoring a deal with the military, while others are firm in their opposition to ‘any partnership or negotiation’.

Last week, UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk said that 14,000 people, including children, had been arrested in the crackdown on the protests.

 

After months of deadly protests that began after Mahsa Amini was arrested for allegedly breaching Iran’s dress code, the hijab law is now under review.

 

The attorney general said Iran’s parliament and Judith airy are reviewing a law requiring women to cover their heads, which triggered two months of deadly protests.

 

On September 16, Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish Iranian who was 22 years old, died in custody after being arrested by the Iranian morality police for breaking the dress code.

 

Head coverings have been burned and anti-government shouts have been raised by protesting Iranians. As a result of Amini’s death, a growing number of women in Tehran’s fashionable north are not observing hijab.

 

In April 1983, four years after the 1979 revolution that overthrew the US-backed monarchy, the hijab headscarf became obligatory for all women in Iran.

 

Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said in Qom, the sacred city, that both the parliament and the judiciary are working on whether the law should be changed.

 

He did not specify what could be changed in the law, as quoted Friday by the ISNA news agency.

 

The attorney general said that at the meeting with the parliament’s cultural commission last Wednesday, the review team will see the results in a week or two.

 

Women began wearing tight jeans and colorful, loose headscarves after the hijab law became mandatory, due to changing clothing norms.

 

Raisi, an ultra-conservative, called for the enforcement of the headscarf law in July this year.

 

Even though many women continued to break the rules, they continued to bend them.

 

Iran claims that the United States and its allies, including Britain, Israel, and Kurdish groups based outside the country, are fomenting the street violence, which the government describes as ‘riots,’ to undermine Iran’s sovereignty.

 

More than 300 people have reportedly been killed in the unrest since Amini’s death, according to an Iranian general belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

 

More than 200 people have been killed during the protests, Iran’s top security body, the Supreme National Security Council, said Saturday.

 

According to the state news agency IRNA, a total of 48 people, including security personnel and civilians, as well as armed separatists and rioters, were killed.

 

Iran Human Rights, a non-governmental organization based in Oslo, said on Tuesday that at least 448 people had been “killed by security forces during the ongoing nationwide protests.”

 

Last week, UN rights chief Volker Turk said that 14,000 people, including children, had been arrested in the protest crackdown.

At least two tourists were killed and five others seriously injured Thursday after a mini-bus collided with a truck in southern Egypt, authorities said.

In a statement, the Egyptian authorities said one of the victims was a Chinese national and the other an Italian. The two victims, aged 27 and 40, were killed on Thursday morning when the minibus they were traveling in collided with a truck near Abu Simbel, the seat of the ancient temples of Ramses II, a popular tourist destination toward the Sudanese border.

Five others were seriously injured in the crash and have been taken to hospital in the nearby city of Aswan, it said. In the statement, Ashraf Attia, Aswan’s governor, said the two victims’ bodies have since been transferred to a morgue.

Traffic accidents claim thousands of lives every year in the North African country, with crashes mostly caused by speeding, bad roads or poorly enforced traffic laws. Earlier in November, Egypt’s health ministry said at least 21 people were killed when a minibus plunged into a canal in Egypt’s northern Nile Delta region. 35 people were on board a bus when it toppled into a canal in Aga, north of Dakahlia province, on Saturday, security sources said.

A daily flow of 8.1 million cubic feet of AlDahna was recorded from the AlDahna-4 well located 230 kilometres southwest of Dhahran, and a daily flow of 17.5 million cubic feet from the AlDahna-370100 well plus 362 barrels of condensate.

Saudi Aramco has discovered two new natural gas fields in the Middle Eastern country’s eastern region, according to state news agency SPA.

An additional well, Awtad-100921, produced 16.9 million standard cubic feet of gas daily, in addition to 740 barrels of condensate, according to SPA. The well Awtad-108001 produced 10 million standard cubic feet of gas daily, in addition to 165 barrels of condensate. The discovery was made southwest of the Ghawar field.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Amr Nabil

An American has been released by Iraqi authorities after being detained for 11 weeks in Erbil, several sources told The National.

Sources connected to Iran-backed militias in Iraq reported earlier this week that a dual-national citizen, named SF Shaker, had been arrested for allegedly working with the CIA. Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council confirmed his release on Thursday after requesting information.

Anwar Al Zamani, who writes under the pseudonym Mr Shaker, was arrested on August 13 in the Kurdish capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous region at the request of Iraq’s federal government in Baghdad.

Security reasons prevent him from being named completely.

Sources close to the case say charges of extortion and espionage against Mr Shaker were unfounded and that he was investigating judicial corruption.

A source said the claim that he was spying—an offence that can result in execution—was “totally groundless”.

Authorities became wary of Mr Shaker because he inquired about the Supreme Judicial Council’s influence in forming a government in October, which has issued a number of key rulings this year favourable to Iran-affiliated parties.

 

Image Credit: Bryan Jones/Flickr 

The Saudi Public Prosecution announced on Thursday that three persons, two of them Saudi nationals, have been convicted of money laundering and sentenced to 18 years in prison and slapped with a $133,000 fine.

Police discovered that Saudi citizens had issued commercial registers for several entities and opened bank accounts via police investigations.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the citizens turned over the commercial registers and bank accounts to the resident through which they made financial transactions and transferred large sums of money outside the country.

The illegal means through which funds were generated, the Public Prosecution said, was the use of commercial registers to transfer money abroad. The court ordered that an equivalent amount of money be seized that had been sent abroad or the money gained from the crimes.

A person living in Kuwait will be deported after serving his time in prison, according to the Public Prosecution’s statement.

 

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

During the Napoleonic wars between Britain and France, the acquisition of the Rosetta Stone was tied up in imperial battles. In 1799, French scientists discovered the stone in the northern town of Rashid, which the French called Rosetta, after Napoleon Bonaparte’s military occupation of Egypt. In 1801, British forces seized over a dozen antiquities, including the stone, from French forces after they defeated them in Egypt.

The British Museum’s most popular exhibit, the Rosetta stone, has become the focus of controversy over who owns ancient artefacts, raising difficulties for museums across Europe and America.
An Egyptian obelisk dating back to the 12th century BCE was taken from Egypt to London by the British Army in 1801, and its hieroglyphic inscriptions became the key to unlocking the ancient Egyptian language.

Egypt’s biggest museum is celebrating the 200-year-old deciphering of hieroglyphics this year, and many Egyptians are now calling for the stone to be returned to their country.

The petition created by Hanna, which has 4,200 signatures, says that the stone was illegally seized and constitutes a “spoil of war.” A near identical petition created by Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former antiquities affairs minister, which has more than 100,000 signatures, agrees. According to Hawass, Egypt was not involved in the 1801 agreement.

The British Museum says this is incorrect. In a declaration, the Museum emphasises that the 1801 treaty includes the signature of an Egyptian representative. The Ottoman admiral who fought alongside the British against the French is mentioned. At the time of Napoleon’s invasion, the Ottoman Sultan in Istanbul was nominally the ruler of Egypt.

Egypt’s government has not requested the Museum’s return, the Museum said. There are 28 identical copies of the same decree, and 21 of them remain in Egypt, it said.

The debate over the original stone copy’s unrivalled importance to Egyptology stems from its 2nd-century B.C. inscription of a settlement between the then-dominant Ptolemies and an Egyptian sect’s priests. It includes hieroglyphic, Demotic, and Ancient Greek texts.

In September, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York returned 16 artefacts to Egypt after a U.S. investigation found that they had been trafficked illegally. On Monday, the London-based Horniman Museum relinquished 72 objects, including 12 Benin Bronzes, to Nigeria after being requested to do so by its government.

Since el-Sissi’s administration has invested a substantial amount in antiquities, Egypt has been able to return thousands of internationally stolen artefacts to their homeland and open a new state-of-the-art museum that may house tens of thousands of objects. The Grand Egyptian Museum has been constructed for over a decade and has suffered repeated delays in opening.

In the year 2021, tourism to Egypt’s ancient monuments, including the pyramids of Giza and the towering statues at the Sudanese border, generated $13 billion in revenue.

Hanna asserts that preserving Egyptians’ right to their own history is of utmost importance. “How many Egyptians can visit London or New York?” she asks.

 

Image Credit: Hans Hillewaert Wikimedia Commons

Saeid Ezatolah, Iran’s midfielder, said his heart was “on fire” after learning a friend died in the country’s streets after the Iran match.

In a post on Instagram Wednesday, he wrote ‘I wish we could always remain that age, without concern, without hate, without jealousy, without fighting to destroy each other.’ He posted a photograph of him and his buddy as children wearing football jerseys to express this sentiment.

An Iranian identified as Mehran Samak was said to have been killed by security forces in Anzali after honking his car horn to celebrate USA’s victory over Iran. He did not name his friend.
Iran has been rocked by months of protests, the biggest challenge to Tehran since the Islamic Revolution. In the Kurdish west, where dissent has been ruthlessly suppressed, residents celebrated the USA victory on Tuesday night with fireworks.

In addition to drawing the ire of authorities by refusing to sing the national anthem before games, Iran’s national team has come under fire for initially refusing to sing the national anthem before games. According to CNN, the players’ families were threatened with torture if the players behaved poorly in Doha if they backtracked on the move.

In spite of being gunned down in their hundreds, mostly young Iranians have continued to protest against Tehran. Some were shot dead for honking car horns at security forces, while others were killed while watching demonstrations from the rooftops of their homes.

Trials that have already resulted in death sentences for several of the defendants on charges of ‘corrupting Earth’ have been largely denounced as sham proceedings.

During the halftime of the key World Cup 2022 match in Doha between Iran and the United States on Tuesday, the Biden administration approved a $1 billion arms sale to Qatar.

Qatar’s acquisition of 10 defensive drone systems, 200 interceptors, and related material was approved by the State Department as the second half of the USA-Iran match got underway. Qatar, along with other Gulf states, is endangered by Iranian-supported proxies, enablung the purchase to be approved.

The statement said that the sale would help achieve the United States’ foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a key ally and economic success in the Middle East.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File

The Saudi Tourism Ministry has stated on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia does not have an official bid to host the FIFA World Cup.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement posted on its Twitter account that Saudi Arabia is always looking into hosting several large sporting events as part of promoting sport and tourism in the country in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.

A joint bid from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Greece to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup is reportedly being mulled over following a Bloomberg report published Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia has recently hosted several major sports events and diversified entertainment programmes, including Formula 1 racing, football matches, and heavyweight boxing championship fights.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jorge Saenz

The launch of the UAE’s moon rover has been delayed by a day for “additional pre-flight checks”, it was announced on Wednesday.

The UAE will become the fourth country to land on the moon if the lunar mission succeeds. The mission will also witness the first spacecraft created and funded by a private Japanese company landing on the moon.

The launch of the UAE’s moon rover has been delayed by one day due to “additional pre-flight checks,” according to a statement released Wednesday.

SpaceX has announced that Rashid Rover, the Arab world’s first lunar mission, will launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 8:37 a.m. (GMT) on Thursday, Dec. 1.

The Emirates’s lunar expedition is the result of a collaboration between SpaceX and Japan-based ispace inc., in which the HAKUTO-R Mission 1 lunar rover was enclosed on the Falcon 9 rocket.
A five-month journey to the Atlas crater is ahead for the Japanese lander, which will store the Emirati-made Rashid rover, weighing 10 kilograms.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center earlier said that once launched, the integrated spacecraft will take a low-energy route to the moon rather than a direct approach.

 

Image Credit: Mike Petrucci on Unsplash

In 2016, Egypt received a $12 billion bailout from the IMF as President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s government embarked on an ambitious reform programme.

Saudi Arabia has decided to prolong the terms of a $5 billion aid package to Egypt, which was agreed on in March, to bolster Egypt’s recently signed IMF agreement.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that Egypt would open ‘new financing channels with regional and international organisations as part of an extension to the three-year programme. That move would also help finalise a preliminary $3 billion agreement with the International Monetary Fund that was reached in October, the most populous country in the Middle East.

The Egyptian state media have not yet commented on the announcement, and Saudi Arabia provided no further details on the terms of the extension.
The economy of Egypt has been seriously affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the conflict in Ukraine. Because most wheat imports come from Russia and Ukraine, the Egyptian economy has been affected by the conflict and outbreak of the coronavirus.

Egypt has struggled to tame soaring inflation, which reached 16 per cent in October because of the conflict. The country’s inflation problem and ailing economy are to be addressed over the next 46 months through Egypt’s ‘staff level agreement’ with the IMF.

Egypt’s government has agreed to immediately implement a series of economic reforms, including an increase in key interest rates and a move towards a more flexible exchange rate. In 2016, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s government initiated an extensive reform programme, resulting in massive price increases. Egypt received a $12 billion IMF bailout.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File

In an interview with US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin on Sunday, Yemen’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak said the Houthis must be designated as a terrorist group.
Mubarak said that the Yemeni government is planning on designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization, emphasising the importance of international support for those decisions.

The meeting addressed the difficulties facing peace efforts, as well as the Houthis’ threat to international shipping and global peace and security, according to the Saudi state news agency SABA.
The report said that Mubarak warned that the Houthis sought to “brainwash society” and “impose a racist identity” instead of the national one, according to the report.

The US ambassador reaffirmed his country’s condemnation of Houthi terrorist attacks on oil facilities, emphasising the country’s support for Yemen’s security, stability, and unity.

Ambassador Mohammed bin Saeed al-Jaber of Saudi Arabia said that the Houthi assaults on oil ports, which utilise Iranian weapons, are ‘terrorist operations.’ He emphasised that harming civilian services harms Yemeni individuals’ interests.“The international community is working to support the truce, and we encourage those efforts,” the ambassador said.

 

 

Image Credit: Reuters/File Photo

Farideh Moradkhani, the niece of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been arrested after calling on foreign governments to cut ties with the Iranian government over its violent suppression of mass protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September.

Moradkhani was arrested on Wednesday when she went to the prosecutor’s office in response to a court order, according to a tweet from her brother Mahmoud Moradkhani.

In a video statement shared by her brother prior to her arrest, Moradkhani called on people around the world to urge their governments to cut ties with the Iranian regime amid protests sweeping the nation, and to ask their governments to “stop any dealings with this regime.”

“O free people, be with us and tell your governments to stop supporting this murderous and child-killing regime,” Moradkhani said in the video. “This regime is not loyal to any of its religious principles and does not know any rules except force and maintaining power.”

HRANA said 450 protesters had been killed in more than two months of nationwide unrest as of Nov. 26, including 63 minors. It said 60 members of the security forces had been killed, and 18,173 protesters detained.

 

Image Credit: Mahmoud Moradkhani/YouTube

Iran has filed a complaint with the world football body Fifa after the United States football organisation altered the design of its flag in some posts on social media.

The US Soccer Federation posted images on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram ahead of Iran and Qatar’s World Cup 2022 match at Al Thumama in Doha on Tuesday, showing Iran’s flag without its normal emblem in the centre.

An official with the United States Soccer Federation said the flag was altered to express support for Iranian women. Many in the stands at Iran’s match against Wales on Friday came with pre-revolutionary flags and clothing bearing the “Women, Life, Freedom” phrase that has been a key part of the country’s ongoing protests against its government.

Prior to Iran’s match against Wales at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Umm Al Afaei, a huge Iranian flag was placed on the pitch. The US Soccer Federation representative told The Athletic: “The decision we made was to show support for the women in Iran. That stands. “Our decision is final and no one can change it.”

In September, Mahsa Amini, 22, died in police custody after being arrested for wearing her hijab in Tehran ‘improperly,’ sparking widespread anti-government dissent.

According to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based non-governmental organisation, at least 416 people have been killed by security forces as part of countrywide demonstrations.
At least 15,000 people are said to have been detained, including Iran’s national football player Voria Ghafouri.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin

The Libyan capital of Tripoli on Saturday held the fifth annual marathon under the slogan “competing for peace” with more than 1,500 participants.

Participants from Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, Türkiye, Philippine and Japan took part in the marathon, along with 70 observers and judges, said Abdul-Hamed Shbet, head of the Organizing Committee.

The first-place winner, Marwan al-Bakai took home a prize of 5,500 Libyan dinars (1,119 U.S. dollars) and a return flight ticket to Türkiye,

The marathon was 21 km, approximately half the distance of a standard race, and took about three hours to finish.

 

Image Credit: AFP

Egyptian MPs and politicians have denounced what they term the European Parliament’s “blatant” meddling in Egypt’s domestic issues.

On Friday, the European Parliament issued a statement demanding the immediate and unconditional release of dozens of human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, activists, politicians, and social media influencers currently imprisoned in Egypt, and the reversal of the excessive use of pre-trial detention.

The European Parliament also asked the EU member states to support the establishment of an international mechanism to monitor and report on human rights violations in Egypt at the United Nations Human Rights Council, as well as a comprehensive review of the EU’s relations with Egypt in light of Egypt’s poor human rights record.

Many Egyptian politicians and deputies rebuffed the European Parliament’s plea and declared it to be imperious meddling in Egypt’s affairs. This comes as Egypt recently hosted Cop27 in November hosting world leaders.

Image Credit: AP Photo

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, congratulated the Basij forces for confronting rioters during the country’s anti-government demonstrations.

Iran’s supreme leader praised paramilitaries quashing dissent in a televised address on Saturday.

140 ophthalmologists warned that demonstrators were being blinded by security forces. His support came as part of the group’s statement.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed members of the Basij, the Revolutionary Guard’s volunteer force.

Maduro also asserted that nationwide protests are “tools” of the US and its “mercenaries.”

“(The) Basij should not forget that the main clash is with global hegemony,” he said.

In addition to assisting the morality police in cracking down on the September 17 protest that began after Mahsa Amini’s death while in police custody, the Basij has also been involved in suppressing the dissent.

There has been an increase in the number of patients who have sustained serious eye injuries as a result of being shot with metal pellets and rubber bullets, according to pro-reform Iranian news site Sobhema and Iran International, as well as other sites on social media. 140 ophthalmologists have expressed their concern in a letter.

The letter addressed to the head of the country’s ophthalmologists association, lamented that in many instances the blow caused the loss of one or both eyes.

The Iranian Opthalmology Association’s head was asked to communicate the ophthalmologists concerns about the permanent damage caused by security forces to the appropriate authorities.

 

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

Two rockets were fired at a US patrol base in northeastern Syria late Friday night. Similar incidents have happened three times now within the past nine days, though this latest incident has not yet been identified. Centcom did not give insight as to who would have fired the rockets, but they did say that they aimed to “coalition forces at the US patrol base in Al-Shaddadi, Syria”.

 

The strike at about 10:30 pm (1930 GMT) caused no injuries or damage to the base or coalition property, Centcom said. The US soldiers help Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are the Kurds’ unofficial army in this area, and led the battle that defeated IS from its last scrap of territory in Syria earlier this year.

 

A British-based war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights with a wide network of sources in Syria, said that the missile came from “a base of pro-Iranian militias.” Such groups are known to have significant influence in the region.

 

In spite of US assurances, Turkish drone strikes have continued to pose a danger to US troops. Tuesday’s strike killed two SDF fighters, and was just north of Hassakeh city in Syria. The Turkish military carry out a week of raids in Iraq and Syria with the aim of killing Kurdish militant Turkey claims it is just targeting the terrorist organizations in Syria like the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (YPG).

South Sudan’s government has withdrawn from peace negotiations with rebel groups and accused them of using the talks to “buy time” as they prepare for war. The negotiations, which took place in Rome, were brokered by a Catholic association with ties to the Vatican.

 

Negotiations with the rebel groups to end violence in the south of the country began in 2019 but have failed to put a stop to bloodshed despite signing a ceasefire agreement in January 2020. In a letter dated November 21 and addressed to the Catholic Community of Sant’Egidio, Presidential Affairs Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin said that “the government has suspended its participation at the Rome Peace Talks until further notice.”

 

Although there is still conflict in South Sudan between the government and opposition, mistakes and good faith seem to be moving the peace process forward. Unsurprisingly, several natural disasters and an economic crisis ensued after last year’s peace deal. The country will require help in order to achieve sustainable development

 

Earlier this month, the United Nations warned that two-thirds of the country’s population are at risk for severe hunger due to extreme weather conditions. This includes widespread flooding and a drought that is forcing thousands from their homes.

Kuwaiti authorities welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani upon his arrival in Kuwait for an official visit on Wednesday.

Newly elected Mr Al Sudani is working to allay Iraq’s neighbours’ concerns, emphasising that his Iran-backed administration will continue to develop bilateral relations. The Coordination Framework, a coalition of pro-Iran Shiite militias and political parties, supports the prime minister.

During his visit to Jordan on Monday, he talked about bilateral relations with King Abdullah II. King Abdullah said Iraq plays an important role in the Arab world.

In August 1990, Saddam Hussein ordered his army into Kuwait to seize what he described as “Iraq’s 19th province”, before being pushed back seven months later by a US-led coalition. Diplomatic relations and cooperation have been restored since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, which overthrew Saddam. Kuwait re-established its ambassador in Baghdad in 2008.

Iraq has just completed paying off $52.4 billion in invasion damages this year. However, there are still issues to be resolved between the two countries. Kuwaitis maintain that Iraqi fishermen do not respect boundaries, and Iraqi officials working on the Al Faw Port project on the Gulf frequently experience the same thing.

 

Image Credit: Kuwait News Agency

Iran has formed a panel under its interior ministry to investigate deaths due to recent protests, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Bagheri Kani told Indian broadcaster NDTV on Thursday.

Bagheri Kani, who is on a visit to New Delhi, announced that around 50 police officers have been killed so far and hundreds have been injured in the protests that have rocked the country since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police in September.

Despite her stated intent to prioritise private life over politics, Ivanka Trump jetted off to Egypt for a family vacation.
On Monday, Donald Trump’s eldest daughter posted several photos on social media of herself, her husband Jared Kushner, and their three children.
“A day at the Pyramids! So special to explore the beauty of Egypt for the first time with my family! she posted on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Trump’s announcement that she would not be joining his 2024 presidential campaign came days after serving as a senior adviser in her father’s administration.
UN Cop27 Climate Change Conference recently finished in Sharm El Sheikh, some delegates went to see the pyramids with environment ministers and other government officials from Brazil, India, Norway, and the US were among them, he added.
Prince Charles and Camilla visited the pyramids last November during the second leg of their Middle Eastern tour.
Ivanka served as his senior adviser and the director of the Office of Economic Initiatives and Entrepreneurship when he became US president.
As a senior White House adviser, Kushner was crucial in the creation of the January 2020 Trump peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Because of his work, the Abraham Accords were signed in September 2020, which resulted in normal relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
In August, after leaving the White House, he founded private equity firm Affinity Partners and published Breaking History: A White House Memoir.
They now live as private citizens in Miami, Florida. During the 2024 Trump campaign announcement speech at Mar-a-Lago last week, Kushner attended; his wife, on the other hand, was absent. Earlier this month Ivanka attender her sister’s wedding in Florida.

 

Image Credit: Ivanka Trump/Instagram

The United States’ top general spoke with his Turkish counterpart on Wednesday, the U.S. military said, as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey’s air operations against a Kurdish militia in northern Syria were only the beginning and it would launch a land operation when convenient.

The U.S. military statement did not mention Syria by name, but said U.S. General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “discussed several items of mutual strategic interest.”

The statement added that Turkey was a key NATO ally and “the U.S. values its strategic bilateral relationship.”
This comes amid  Recep Tayyip Erdogan comments on his return from Qatar, where he had attended the World Cup opening ceremony, that there was no question that the operation would be limited to airstrikes.
“We will make those who disturb us on our territory pay” he added.
Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

15,823 suspected cases of Cholera have been reported, including 68 deaths, between August 25 and October 8, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The situation is especially dire in Aleppo province, which accounts for 800 of all confirmed cases to date, according to the latest figures provided by the Syrian Health Ministry.
The first cholera cases were detected in Aleppo back in August and an outbreak was declared one month later. By November, the disease already spread to 14 of Syria’s provinces and neighbouring Lebanon. On October 25, UN Operations and Advocacy Division Director Reena Ghelani said there were 24,000 suspected cases of cholera in Syria and at least 80 cholera-related deaths.
Syrian media reported in October that the source of cholera was believed to be linked to unsafe drinking water and sewage systems, and the use of unclean water for crop irrigation.
Cholera is an acute bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food or water whose symptoms include acute diarrhoea. A person can potentially die from the illness within hours if untreated, but most people recover after exhibiting only mild symptoms, with the help of oral rehydration solutions.

 

Image Credit: Louis Reed on Unsplash

The attempted bank robberies and sit-in protest on Wednesday illustrated the Lebanese people’s increasing desperation as the economy worsens.

There was a rise in desperation among Lebanese people as a result of the country’s worsening economic crisis on Wednesday, as two bank holdups and a sit-in protest were reported.

Bank raids by depositors demanding their money have been relatively infrequent during the past two months, but a string of incidents in recent days has again raised fears of growing unrest.

Lebanon’s cash-strapped banks since 2019 have imposed strict limits on withdrawals of foreign currency, tying up the savings of millions of people. About three-quarters of the population have slipped into poverty, as the tiny Mediterranean country’s economy continues to spiral.

On Wednesday, Amina Mohammad broke into a branch of the Intercontinental Bank of Lebanon in Tripoli demanding access to her savings to pay for an operation for her elderly mother.
The bank was forced to close its doors while staff negotiated with Mohammad and her mother.

Similarly on Wednesday, a former soldier, Rida Rida, stormed into a branch of Bank Audi in Tyre, southern Lebanon, demanding his $15,000 deposit to pay for cancer treatment for his mother. As well as Anis Tannous who staged a sit-in outside the Societe Generale de Banque au Liban branch in Amioun, northern Lebanon, preventing people from entering or leaving the bank.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo, Hussein Malla

An unnamed official at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reportedly provided key details about Iran’s enrichment activities at two key facilities, Fordow and Natanz, to IAEA member states.
In defiance of Western objections, Iran has begun enriching uranium to 60% purity at its Fordow nuclear facility and is planning a huge expansion of its uranium enrichment capacity, according to the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Iran’s move to quit the International Atomic Energy Agency was confirmed by the agency Friday, in response to last week’s board of governors resolution censuring Iran.
Western nations are likely to view Iran’s decision to enrich uranium at Fordow as particularly provocative, as the site is buried under a mountain, making it harder to attack.
Iran’s prior deal with major nations to limit enrichment to 3.67% was well below the roughly 90% purity needed for weapons-grade material, but it is now above 20% after Iran cut enrichment.
Iran has slammed a move by the United Nations nuclear watchdog to refer Tehran to the world’s courts for violations of international atomic agreements, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a statement today that Iran had begun producing uranium hexafluoride enriched up to 60% -UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) – using the existing IR-6 centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.
Iran is said to have evaluated several options for expanding the function of its uranium enrichment plants at Fordow and Natanz in a confidential report seen by Reuters.

All public and private sector employees and students in Saudi Arabia will have the day off today after their national team beat Argentina 2-1 in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history yesterday.

The Gulf state is currently ranked a lowly 51st in the world behind hosts Qatar and came into the tournament with low expectations in a group with Argentina, who were tipped by many to challenge for ultimate glory.

But in a turn of events, the underdogs sent the team ranked number three in the world crashing to the bottom of Group C with a stellar 2-1 victory.

Today, Saudi Arabians can continue their celebrations as King Salman approved plans to give all employees and students a national holiday, reports the Saudi Press Agency.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jorge Saenz

A strong quake rattled northern Turkey early Wednesday, startling local people in an area that has been hit by quakes in the past.
The tremors were felt as far as Izmir, Istanbul, and Ankara after a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit Golkaya in the western Dulcze province, 160 kilometres east of Istanbul, the country’s disaster and emergency presidency said.
The quake occurred at 4am local time just after sunrise.
No deaths were reported immediately, said Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu.
Due to safety concerns, the Dulcze region has been cut off from power, the provincial governor said.
More than 20 people were injured fleeing buildings and jumping off balconies in panic, the governor of nearby Bolu said, according to state outlet TRT Haber.
An earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck central Japan early Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Dozens of aftershocks were recorded in the hours after the main quake.
The Turkish Red Crescent said it is assisting residents who do not wish to return home to sleep. Police said that teams had been sent to the site and that security measures had been taken to prevent any ‘possible security incidents.’
Earthquakes are common in Turkey. An earthquake in Elazig in January 2020 killed over 40 people. In the same year, an earthquake in the Aegean Sea killed over 100 people and injured over 1,000 more, a tragedy that affected both Turkey and its neighbouring country, Greece.
More than 17,000 people were killed in Izmit in 1999 after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake.

 

Image Credit: Jens Aber on Unsplash

Having failed for the sixth time to elect a new president last Thursday, Parliament failed because of a lack of political agreement, as is routine.

The Army spokesperson said that the usual military procession to celebrate Lebanon’s independence day on November 22 will not occur because of the present presidential vacancy.

Parliament failed to elect a successor to Michel Aoun, who ended his term on October 31.

Despite the fact that a new cabinet hasn’t been formed since the legislative elections in May, the cabinet is still acting in a caretaker mode.

Former president Michel Suleiman’s term ended in May 2014, resulting in a 29-month presidential vacancy. Aoun was finally elected Lebanon’s 13th president in October 2016.

For two consecutive years, the military parade was cancelled prior to the previous vacancy.

Due to a lack of political agreement, last Thursday the Parliament failed for the sixth time to elect a new president.

According to WFP spokesperson Rasha Abou Dargham, food prices in Lebanon have increased 16 times since October 2019, when the current financial crisis first began. Families’ incomes, she says, are not sufficient to cover the rapidly rising prices for food and other basic necessities.
Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister and the United Nations World Food Program said Tuesday that they have increased their food assistance to the beleaguered country, feeding one-third of the stricken population.
According to reports, Lebanon’s economy and finance have seen the worst crisis in modern history, resulting in 75% of the population falling into poverty since late 2019. The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value against the U.S. dollar, contributing to some of the world’s highest food price inflation rates.
Over 1 million Syrian refugees have fled to Lebanon in the past decade, adding up to around 6 million residents.
The WFP used to provide $700 million in food assistance to Lebanon every year, and the budget was raised to $1.3 billion in 2022. Now, the organization has committed $5.4 billion for the next three years, increasing its annual food assistance budget by $500 million.
The WFP will be able to provide sustenance to about 500,000 Lebanese and Syrian refugees, equally divided, as a result of the new budget.
According to WFP spokesperson Rasha Abou Dargham, food prices in Lebanon have risen 16 times since October 2019, when the current economic crisis began. Due to skyrocketing food and other basic needs prices, families’ incomes are insufficient to keep up.

Erdogan said he had not spoken with either US President Joe Biden or Russian President Vladimir Putin about the operation.
Kurdish-controlled areas in northern Syria were being bombarded by Turkey-backed fighters on Monday. Ground operations will follow a wave of airstrikes in northern Syria and the mountainous regions of Iraq, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Fifty-nine people have been killed in Turkish strikes on Kurdish fighters in Syria, Ankara said, blaming the group for a suicide bombing in the Turkish capital earlier this month.
Six people were killed and more than 80 wounded in the bombing on Istiklal Street, a busy shopping area.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish armed faction supported by the United States in Syria, both denied responsibility for the assault.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on his return from Qatar, where he had attended the World Cup opening ceremony, that there was no question that the operation would be limited to airstrikes.
“We will make those who disturb us on our territory pay” he added.
Immediately de-escalate and focus on fighting ISIS, which is still present in parts of Syria, are things the United States demands tonight.
Washington has become increasingly vexed by Turkey’s military interventions in Syria, which have been backed by thousands of Turkish-trained, Islamist-dominated militias.
The US and several European countries have supported the SDF against ISIS since 2014.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that 70 planes and drones penetrated 140 kilometers into northern Iraq and 20 kilometers into northern Syria to carry out the weekend strikes.
A ground offensive was becoming more urgent on Monday after Kurdish groups fired rockets at civilian targets in the Turkish border town of Karkamis, killing three, including a child.
The human rights group said at least 42 people were killed in the fighting, including unknown numbers of Syrian soldiers. There is concern that Turkish and Syrian forces might clash, as they did in 2018, after air strikes killed an unknown number of Syrian soldiers.
Turkey has occupied parts of several Syrian governorates since 2016 in an attempt to push back Kurdish militias, and Mr Erdogan has long emphasised the importance of controlling a strip of land along the country’s southern border.
Erdogan said that the Defence Ministry and chief of staff would decide jointly on the amount of force required by the ground forces.
Turkey said that Kurdish bases had been used to launch ‘terrorist’ attacks on Turkish soil.
Hundreds paid their respects to 11 victims who died in Al Malikiyah, a town in Syria’s far northeast, on Monday. A Kurdish news agency journalist was among those killed.
Shaaban, 58, said during the funerals that Turkey should stop its air and drone strikes on the group, which he said targeted him specifically.
State Department spokesman Ned Price condemned the latest Turkish offensive, saying Washington urges “de-escalation in Syria to protect civilian lives and advance the shared goal of eradicating ISIS.”
Uncoordinated military action in Iraq that violates Iraq’s sovereignty, we continue to oppose, he said.
Despite the PKK being designated as a terrorist group by the US and Europe, Washington insists that its SDF allies have no connection to the group, which has carried out dozens of attacks in Turkish civilian areas. Turkey is outraged.
The German Foreign Ministry in Berlin called on Turkey to ‘react proportionately and respect international law,’ while ensuring ‘civilian protection at all times.’
Erdogan said he had not spoken with United States President Joe Biden or Russian President Vladimir Putin about the operation.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

On Friday at about 11:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. EST), the U.S. Soccer Federation said Biden phoned the squad.
According to a video of players listening to the call, United States coach Gregg Berhalter said that he read the phone’s caller ID, which identified the source as POTUS.
“Put me in, Coach,” Biden said, referencing John Fogerty’s 1985 hit “Centerfield.”
According to Biden, the United States’ Olympic hockey team is the underdogs, but he believes that the team’s talented players will give their all as they represent their country.
“Keep trusting one another, play as hard as you can, and for you and your families, as well as your teammates and the whole country, I wish you all the best,” Biden said.
Biden’s birthday was two days away, and Berhalter and the players thanked him for his call.
“It would be wonderful to see you in person,” Biden said. “Just play your heart out, guys. I know you will.”
The United States begins its World Cup campaign against Wales on Monday, faces England on Friday, and concludes group play against Iran on November 29.

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File

The American government has denounced Iranian drone strikes on targets in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region. No one was hurt in the overnight attack.
In an interview with Kurdish news outlet Rudaw, Nabaz Abdulhamid, the mayor of Erbil, the region’s capital, confirmed that Iranian-Kurdish opposition groups were the targets of Monday morning’s assault on the border of Erbil governorate.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, a branch of Iran’s armed forces, took responsibility for the attack via the social media site Telegram.
The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, which is frequently targeted by the Iranian government, said the drones and missiles hit a refugee camp. No casualties were noted by the organisation.
Centcom, the US military headquarters in the Middle East, condemned Iranian cross-border missile and unmanned aerial vehicle strikes near Erbil, Iraq, on Monday evening.
An Iranian Quds Force commander, Esmail Ghaani, was in Baghdad on Saturday where he reportedly issued a warning that Iran might mount a ground offensive into the Kurdish part of Iraq to eliminate Kurdish rebels, whom Iran holds responsible for destabilizing the country.
Around 500 protesters and 50 security personnel have died over two months of demonstrations in Iran. The demonstrations started as a call for women’s rights but later turned into a demand for better living conditions as a result of high inflation and shortages of basic goods.
Senior Kurdish officials said the strikes were part of an effort to “destabilize Kurdistan” and hinder the fight against ISIS. Those strikes also killed at least two people in Koya, where the PDKI is based. The Iraqi government and the United Nations condemned those strikes as violations of Iraqi sovereignty.
The UN said Iraq must not be turned into a battleground for settling scores and its territorial integrity must be safeguarded.
Heavy gunfire was heard through the night in footage posted by the Iraqi security monitoring account Tammuz Intel on Monday morning, which could not immediately be verified. It was reported that Kurdish fighters were trying to shoot down an Iranian drone.

 

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Doha.
On Sunday, the leaders of Turkey and Egypt, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Abdel Fattah El Sisi, met for the first time at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.
A meeting with Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim was where they encountered each other.
Dubai’s Ruler and Vice President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed were among the many Middle East leaders present at the event.
King Abdullah II of Jordan, Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were present.
Jagdeep Dhankhar, India’s Vice President, was also in Qatar for the tournament, alongside UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would never meet his Egyptian counterpart, due to his opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood-backed president Mohamed Morsi’s 2013 overthrow.
Qatar’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands at the World Cup opening ceremony. AFP
Egypt and the UAE, among other Gulf states, have been warming up to Turkey.
Turkish Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati visited Egypt earlier this year for an Islamic Development Bank meeting, the first Turkish ministerial visit to the country in nine years.

 

Image Credit: AFP

The statement said that the agency is working closely with Iranian-Canadian communities, which have been “disproportionately” targeted.

Canada’s spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has admitted that it is investigating reports from people living in the country who have received ‘credible’ death threats from Iran.

The statement said the threats are ‘designed to silence those who speak out publicly.’

The statement said CSIS is gathering information from people who experienced harassment and intimidation related to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

‘CSIS is actively investigating several threats to life emanating from the Islamic Republic of Iran based on credible intelligence.’

The statement said the agency is working with Iranian-Canadian communities that have been “exceptionally” targeted.

Britain’s domestic spy agency chief said on Wednesday that Iran’s intelligence services have made at least 10 attempts to kidnap or kill British nationals or people based in the United Kingdom whom Tehran views as a threat.

Canada has imposed sanctions against Iran for alleged human rights violations, including the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish Iranian woman who died in September while in the custody of Iran’s morality police.

 

Image Credit: Blair Gable/Pool via AP

Ahead of the World Cup, Fifa president Gianni Infantino has accused the West of hypocrisy in its reporting on Qatar’s human rights situation.

At a news conference in Doha, Infantino spoke for nearly an hour and made a passionate defence of Qatar and the tournament.

Casualties among migrant labourers and the treatment of LGBTs in Qatar have overshadowed the event.

Rather than focusing on migrant workers’ issues in Qatar, Infantino, who was born in Switzerland, said European nations should apologise for acts committed in their own histories.

He began by saying, ‘Today I have strong feelings. Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker.’

Qatar will kickoff the tournament against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday (16:00 GMT).

According to the Guardian, 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka died in Qatar between February 2022 and June 2022, as a result of working on World Cup infrastructure.

Qatar has asked the countries’ embassies for the figures.

Qatar, however, said the total was misleading, as not all the deaths recorded were of people working on World Cup-related projects.

Between 2014 and 2020, 37 workers died on World Cup stadium construction sites, only three of which were “work-related” deaths, the government said.

But, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said that was an underestimate.

Infantino said: “We have been taught many lessons from Europeans and the Western world. I am European. For what we have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologising for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons.

“If Europe really care about the destiny of these people, they can create legal channels – like Qatar did – where a number of these workers can come to Europe to work. Give them some future, some hope.

“I have difficulties understanding the criticism. We have to invest in helping these people, in education and to give them a better future and more hope. We should all educate ourselves. Many things are not perfect but reform and change takes time.

“This one-sided moral lesson is just hypocrisy. I wonder why no-one recognises the progress made here since 2016.

“It is not easy to take the critics of a decision that was made 12 years ago. Qatar is ready. It will be the best World Cup ever.

“I don’t have to defend Qatar, they can defend themselves. I defend football. Qatar has made progress and I feel many other things as well.

“Of course I am not Qatari, Arab, African, gay, disabled or a migrant worker. But I feel like them because I know what it means to be discriminated and bullied as a foreigner in a foreign country.

“As a child I was bullied because I had red hair and freckles. I was bullied for that.”

 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Developing nations that are affected by climate change-driven crises will receive assistance through a fund that was agreed upon at the Cop27 climate summit. However, the establishment of a wider agreement on additional efforts to battle global warming was delayed.

The drawn-out negotiations that lasted through the night ended with the Egyptian Cop27 presidency releasing a draft text for a comprehensive agreement and immediately scheduling a Cop27 plenary session to vote on it.

The plenary session approved the text’s provision to establish the “loss and damage” fund to assist developing countries in dealing with the immediate costs of climate-related disasters such as storms, floods, and droughts.

The UAE will host COP28 in 2023, at which point a “transitional committee” will propose how the fund’s details should be implemented.

Developing nations dominated the climate talks in Egypt, pushing the two-week negotiations beyond their scheduled end on Friday, in their calls for a loss and damage fund.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell

Iran’s players may participate in the country’s ongoing protests over women’s rights during the World Cup, but only if they follow the tournament’s guidelines, national team coach Carlos Queiroz said on Tuesday.

According to human rights NGO HRANA, 344 individuals have been slain and 15,280 detained over the last two months of nationwide demonstrations inspired by the demise of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in the custody of Iran’s moral police.

The Iranian regime claims that her death was due to pre-existing conditions and that its enemies were fomenting the unrest in order to destabilize the country. In addition to being a legitimacy crisis for the clerical establishment that has been in power for over four decades, the demonstrations have turned into a legitimacy crisis for the Iranian regime.

In September, Iran’s players covered up the national team badge during two warm-up internationals, an act which was seen as a sign of support for the protests.

However, their meeting with Iranian leaders before their departure for Doha, where they trained for the first time on Tuesday, has been heavily criticized on Twitter in the last few days.

As long as World Cup regulations are adhered to and the game is honoured, players may protest as they would in any other nation, Queiroz said in a news conference.

FIFA has recently adopted a more accepting approach to protests, including several teams wearing t-shirts calling for human rights in protests against World Cup hosts Qatar, who have been opposed to players, teams, and fans engaging in such activities.

When asked if he was proud to coach a country that repressed women, Queiroz answered caustically, “How much would you pay me to answer that question?”

Despite being drawn in a tough Group B with England, Wales, and the United States, the coach said Iran’s players had set themselves the goal of reaching the second round. They begin their match against England on Monday at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Iran has not reached the knockout stages in any of their previous five World Cup appearances. “They not only want to take part in history, but also to make it,” said Queiroz.

“My primary concern as national team coach is whether or not we have made people happy and pleased through football.”

Despite England’s current poor performance, Queiroz still thinks they can be beaten. He said, ‘Few teams can perform as well as England did in their last match against Germany.’

Image Credit: REUTERS/Suhaib Salem

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock denounced Iran for employing capital punishment to quash dissent at a conference on Tuesday dedicated to eradicating the punishment worldwide.

During the World Congress against the Death Penalty, Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s foreign minister, called out Iran for using the punishment to quash dissent.
“We are experiencing this again in Iran, where a death sentence has now been pronounced against a person who has done nothing other than stand up for their liberal and civil rights,” she said.


Baerbock expressed dismay at reports that Iran had issued the sentence against a person who had joined protests prompted by the death in custody on Sept. 16 of Mahsa Amini , detained by Iran’s morality policy for wearing “inappropriate attire.”


“We have no doubt about what we think of the regime’s brutal repression against its own people,” said Baerbock, a day after the EU imposed further sanctions on Iran’s leaders.
Iran’s judiciary on Sunday said one person had been sentenced to death for “waging war against God,” which is punishable by death in Iran, for setting fire to a government building. It said he could appeal against the verdict.


The goal of the conference was to outlaw the death penalty worldwide, which is still used in 55 countries, said Baerbock, who also criticized China for executions.
She welcomed steps by Sierra Leone, Zambia and Liberia who either have or are moving toward outlawing the death penalty.

Image Credit: Reuters

Security officials said Tuesday that one of Europe’s most-wanted drug traffickers had been extradited from Syria to Italy, leading to his arrest in Rome.

A Naples mafia drug supplier named Bruno Carbone was sentenced of international drug trafficking, in his absence, and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

A police source said the man was detained at Ciampino airport in Rome on Tuesday morning immediately after disembarking a plane from Syria.

He had been detained by Syrian militant group the Hayat Tahrir Al Sham while “passing through liberated areas” in March.

According to Mr Sankari, Carboni was “handed over to his country according to the rules in force.”

In 2013, Carbone escaped Italy after serving a prison sentence and moved to Europe and then Turkey, where he lived under regime control.

According to Site, a counter-terrorism organization that monitors jihadi websites, HTS’s security spokesman Dhia Al Umar said that Syria was “the best refuge from the law” for Carbone.

According to Site, Mr Al Umar said the man passed himself off as a Mexican who fled his country after being caught selling fake luxury watches.

The area is a significant supplier, transit route, and consumer of illegal substances.

Drugs in the region, particularly Captagon, have seen a dramatic increase in production, distribution, and consumption in the last decade, and Captagon has become the region’s most popular drug.

Fighters on all sides of the Syrian civil war have long been said to be addicted to the synthetic amphetamine.

Israeli missile strike Syria

Defence Minister Benny Gantz has declared that Israel will not cooperate with any outside investigations into the murder of Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen al-Akleh.

The FBI is said to have launched an investigation into the murder of a Palestinian-American reporter who was killed while covering an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin in May.

She had on a press vest and helmet for protection.

“The US Justice Ministry’s decision to investigate the unfortunate death of Shireen Abu Akleh is a serious mistake” Mr Gantz said last night.

The US Justice Department and FBI are not commenting on reports of an investigation.

An Israeli military investigation in September said that unintentionally shooting Busing was plausible, but Palestinian gunfire was also a possibility.

Family members and Palestinian officials have denied claims that Israeli forces deliberately killed Abu Akleh, saying she was standing near militants when she was shot.

Other witness accounts of the incident dispute that Israeli positions were under fire from the area where Abu Akleh was standing when she was killed.

Image Credit: MOHAMMED ABED / AFP

The European Union on Monday added 29 individuals and three organisations to its list of people and entities subject to economic sanctions in Iran, in response to Tehran’s widespread use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, ‘We stand with the Iranian people and support their right to protest peacefully and voice their demands and views freely.’

The Islamic Republic has been challenged in one of its boldest ways ever by the protests over the Sept. 16 death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody. As of now, 341 protesters have been killed and over 15,800 detained, according to the HRANA news agency.

The EU statement said the sanctions listed four members of the squad that apprehended Amini, high-ranking members of the Revolutionary Guards, and Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi, who has been sanctioned.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that the sanctions are intended to ” send a clear message to those who think they can suppress, intimidate and kill their own people without consequences,” as she arrived for a meeting with her EU counterparts in Brussels.

“It is impossible for them,” she said. “The global community, Europe included, is paying close attention.”

Image Credit: ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND/UNSPLASH

With a population of nearly 80 million people, Iran is home to one of the largest independent Farsi-speaking communities outside of Asia. The Persian language has been spoken in Iran for over 2,000 years; however, it wasn’t until the 20th century that mass media and education spurred widespread fluency and literacy among Iranian citizens. Today, there are more than 150 Farsi-language newspapers published throughout Iran. Additionally, numerous online news and blog sites cater to the country’s growing digital audience. These resources have flourished since the killing of Mahsa Amini in September.

Historically, Iran’s press landscape was dominated by a handful of newspapers. Although many of these newspapers were government-owned, some were independent. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the number of newspapers in Farsi significantly decreased. This was partly due to a shift in media consumption among Iranians. There was a growing interest in radio broadcasts and televised news programs because of their ability to reach a wider audience. Individuals who previously read newspapers in Farsi could now stay informed without having to purchase a physical copy. Newspapers in Farsi experienced a resurgence in the 1990s. This was due to a period of relative freedom in the country’s journalism and media industries. During this time, a number of independent newspapers were allowed to publish in Farsi. However, this period of increased freedom was short-lived. The government’s control over the media industry was reestablished by 2001.

Today, there are approximately 150 newspapers published in Farsi, many of which are independent farsi outlets. Many of these are published weekly or biweekly, while others are published daily. The majority of these newspapers have a regional or local focus. The three most influential and widely circulated Farsi newspapers include: – Etemad-i-Melli (National Trust): This state-owned newspaper is published five days a week. It has a daily average circulation of approximately 100,000 copies. – Kayhan (The Sign): This state-owned newspaper is published seven days a week. It has a daily average circulation of approximately 250,000 copies. – Khorasan Newspaper: This state-owned newspaper is published daily. It has a daily average circulation of approximately 80,000 copies.

Although online newspapers and blogs in Farsi remain a relatively small portion of the country’s overall media landscape, their influence is growing. – Farsi-language online newspapers and blogs can be found on all major social media platforms. – Although there are a few generalist online news outlets in Farsi, most online newspapers and blogs are focused on a specific topic or interest. – Some of the most popular online newspapers in independent farsi include the following: – Baztab (The Interpreter): This newspaper features a mix of political and cultural news and analysis. It is published daily. – Bazme-i-Eqtesadi (The Businesswoman): This blog focuses on business and financial topics. It is published daily. – Jahan-i-Eqtesad (The World of Economics): This blog focuses on political and economic topics. It is published daily. – Mardom-i-Eqtesad (The People of Economics): This blog focuses on political, cultural, and social issues. It is published daily. – Raqaz Art (Art Conversation): This blog covers topics related to arts and culture. It is published weekly. – Raqaz Blog (The Blog Conversation): This blog covers topics related to blogging and blogging culture. It is published weekly.

Although blogging in Farsi is not nearly as popular as it is in other countries, it has a dedicated following among Iranian citizens. Although blogging in Farsi is not as popular as it is in other countries, it has a dedicated following among Iranian citizens. Blogging has served as an outlet for Iranian citizens to express their political and social views since the early 2000s. Because blogs are not subject to the same government restrictions as other forms of media, they provide an alternative way for citizens to voice their opinions. Once published, blog posts can be accessed by a wide audience, making blogs particularly useful when discussing topics related to Iranian politics and social issues.

Throughout its history, Iran has played an important role in the media landscape. The Persian language is one of the oldest and most widely spoken languages in the world. The country’s vast population and diversity ensures that there is a Farsi-language publication for every imaginable topic and interest. Moreover, the increasing adoption of digital technology has made it possible for people around the world to access Farsi-language media online.

 

Iranian France

An attack on the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) in Koya on Monday morning involving at least three missiles, according to local media reports.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) telegram channels reportedly took responsibility for the missile and drone attack on the KDPI headquarters, according to Kurdish news outlet Rudaw.

The Kurdish group, known as the KDPI, is an armed leftist opposition force banned in Iran.

The KDPI launched an assault against the Iranian government after the 1979 revolution, and Kurdish fighters still battle Iranian and Turkish forces from bases in the mountainous Iraqi border regions.

Image Credit: File/AFP

Iran’s judicial branch said that over the past week, more than 800 people have been arrested in Tehran alone, and the first death sentence has been handed down over the country’s growing protests.

The morality police responsible for Mahsa Amini’s death, which led to months of protests, has been met with a severe response from Iranian authorities, leading to thousands of arrests.

At least 20 people are facing charges in Iran that could result in the death penalty, according to an Iran Human Rights group based in Norway.

A person was found guilty of setting fire to a government building, disturbing public order, and gathering for a crime against national security.

The Iran judiciary said five other people were also convicted of “gathering and conspiring to commit crimes against national security and disturbing public order”, and sentenced to between five and 10 years in prison.

More than 250 of Iran’s 290 parliamentarians recently called for the judiciary to impose the death penalty against those who have harmed people’s lives and property using bladed weapons and firearms, in a retaliatory justice ‘an eye for an eye’.

Upwards of 2,000 individuals have already been indicted, nearly half of them in Tehran, since the protests started, according to judiciary figures.

Dozens of activists, journalists, and lawyers have been arrested as a result of the purge, and their continued detention has generated global outrage.

An Iranian official said on Sunday that prominent dissident Hossein Ronaghi, who has been on a hunger strike for more than 50 days and was arrested in September, has been transferred to a hospital.

The family of Mr Ronaghi, who was arrested on September 24, said that he was at risk of dying because of a kidney condition and that both his legs had been broken in prison.

According to Hassan Ronaghi, Hossein was taken to one of the Dey hospital’s departments. He said that his parents were barred from seeing him. ‘His life is in jeopardy.’

The Iranian government on Friday denounced a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iranian dissidents, calling his comments afterward “discouraging and deplorable”.

Macron met with four prominent dissidents, all of whom are women, and expressed his “admiration and respect for the brave revolution they are leading.”

Masih Alinejad, an influential US-based activist who has fought against the mandatory headscarf, spoke with AFP and said, “President Macron acknowledged the Iranian uprising, and that is an incredibly historic decision.”

The Institute for Human Rights says that at least 326 people have been killed by the security forces’ response to nationwide protests.

More than 123 people have been killed in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province, which adjoins Pakistan.

Security forces gunned down demonstrators after afternoon prayers on September 30 in Zahedan, the capital of Baluchistan Province—a day that activists dubbed “Bloody Friday”.

The protest on September 30 was sparked by the reported rape of a 15-year-old girl by a police commander in Chabahar’s port city.

An Iranian official said a delegation from Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed sadness and promised solutions in Zahedan over the weekend, official media reported.

Turkey’s interior minister has said that a suspect was arrested in connection with a bombing in a busy Istanbul shopping street that killed six people and that Kurdish militants in northern Syria were responsible. 21 others were previously detained.

A woman sat on a bench on İstiklal Avenue, the most popular pedestrian thoroughfare in Istanbul, for 45 minutes, according to justice minister Bekir Bozdağ. The bomb exploded moments after she left, killing eight people and injuring 79 others.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said early Monday that the attack was planned in a northern Syrian city with a significant Kurdish population, blaming the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the People Defense Units for the attack.

Ayn al-Arab in northern Syria, where the PKK/YPG has its Syrian headquarters, ordered the deadly terror attack he said.

No group has said it was behind Monday’s attack in central Istanbul, which was blamed on Kurdish militants or Islamic State-linked attackers.

The PKK has been branded a terrorist group by Ankara, Washington, and the EU as a result of its decades-long insurgency for Kurdish self-rule in south-eastern Turkey. The YPG is connected to the PKK, but it is a part of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting against Islamic State militants in northern Syria.

Fahrettin Altun, a presidential communications official, alluded to the potential negative effect on US-Turkey relations due to Ankara’s longstanding frustration with Washington’s support for Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.

Responding to a question on whether Turkey would establish a safe zone in Syria similar to the one it created in northern Iraq, Çelik said the international community must take note of terror strikes against civilians. He added that countries which support terror organisations directly or indirectly must discontinue doing so if they wish to maintain good relations with Turkey.

Turkish military operations regularly target the PKK in northern Iraq, while Ankara’s refusal to enter Nato because of its leniency towards the group has been blocked by Sweden.

Before departing for the G20 summit in Bali on Tuesday, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan referred to the blast as a “treacherous attack”, saying, “Those responsible will be punished.”

An explosion on İstiklal Avenue, a crowded street frequented by both locals and foreign visitors, near Taksim Square, Istanbul, Turkey, was reported Tuesday. The location is just over 0.5 miles away from Galata Tower, which sits on the Bosphorus waterway.

Footage posted online at the moment of the attack showed people running for cover as a large fireball loomed overhead. Shoppers who had previously been strolling in the sun clutched each other in fear before turning to run away.

Because of the risk of societal panic, RTÜK, Turkey’s media ombudsman, banned coverage of the explosion, prohibiting broadcasters from showing the moment the blast occurred or its immediate aftermath, to “avoid broadcasts that may create fear, panic, and turmoil in society and may benefit terrorist organisations.”

NetBlocks, a web freedom monitoring organisation, said network data indicated that the Turkish government was restricting access to social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook after the attack. According to Alp Toker, the founder of NetBlocks, restricting information access is detrimental in times of emergency. Restricting social media after security incidents and attacks, research shows that information restriction leads to more misinformation, he said.

A new law prohibiting “disinformation” has recently been passed by the Turkish parliament, under which social media users or journalists found guilty of breaking it could be imprisoned for up to three years. In connection with the attack, the head of RTÜK, Ebubekir Şahin, asked citizens to avoid spreading misinformation. We are following the situation closely,” he said. “Please do not rely on information from unidentified sources. Let us rely on trustworthy information. Let us not distribute false info unintentionally.”

Between 2015 and 2017, Islamic State and outlawed Kurdish groups hit Turkey with a string of deadly bombings.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Francisco Seco

An explosion has been reported on a busy pedestrian avenue in the Turkish city of Istanbul. The road is one of the city’s busiest shopping streets and is close to several tourist attractions.

Turkish media has said several people have been killed and injured in a suspected suicide bombing on Istiklal Avenue, close to the city’s Taksim Square.

The cause of the explosion has not been confirmed by officials.

Online footage showed panicked residents fleeing the scene with multiple people lying on the ground.

Turkey earthquake 2023

Bahraini voters turned out in record numbers on Saturday, electing 40 representatives to the National Council and 30-member local councils for a four-year term.

State news agency BNA reported that the high voter turnout was a sign of the country’s leadership’s commitment to democracy, Justice Minister Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Mua’awda said.

In addition to declaring the elections free and fair, the minister emphasised that voting took place across the nation without interruption. However, a ban on opposition candidates meant the election will bring no meaningful change despite a record number of people vying for seats, rights groups have said.

In 2019, Bahrain has recorded the greatest number of challengers, with 561 seeking 40 seats in the national assembly and 176 vying for 30 seats on the municipal councils. This represents a 20% rise from 2018.

People were allowed to vote at any of the 53,000 polling stations across the country from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. without interruption.

Image Credit: Arnaud Jaegers on Unsplash

The IAEA is seeking answers on Iran’s continued uranium enrichment after Iran reportedly agreed to a UN visit this month.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported on Wednesday that Iran has further expanded its production of enriched uranium above levels prohibited by the abandoned 2015 nuclear deal, and now has enough highly-enriched uranium to produce a nuclear weapon.

Western powers are anticipating a resolution to be pushed at next week’s IAEA board meeting calling on Tehran to cooperate. On Wednesday, Iran declared that it had developed a hypersonic missile able to bypass ‘all’ missile defence systems, raising concerns about its nuclear capacities.

The IAEA said it would begin to receive from Iran credible technical explanations on these issues, including access to locations and material, as well as the taking of samples if appropriate.

Grossi told Reuters on Wednesday that it would meet with Iranian officials by the end of the month.

The Tehran regime will not take concrete steps to meet international standards on nuclear nonproliferation.

Iran has repeatedly raised its uranium enrichment levels since the 2015 nuclear deal collapse, erecting hundreds of new centrifuges at Natanz and Fordow’s subterranean facilities.

Iran was permitted under the 2015 agreement to manufacture enriched uranium using simpler, first-generation centrifuges.

Despite sanctions, Iran has pursued its nuclear programme with vigour since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018.

Egypt’s health ministry said at least 21 people were killed when a minibus plunged into a canal in Egypt’s northern Nile Delta region. 35 people were on board a bus when it toppled into a canal in Aga, north of Dakahlia province, on Saturday, security sources said.

Five people, including three children, were killed in the accident, said Dr. Sherif Makeen, head of the health ministry’s department of hospitals and health institutions. There were no details about how the accident occurred, other than that it was caused by a faulty steering wheel.

Because of poor road maintenance and driving violations, traffic accidents are prevalent in Egypt. Of the world’s most populous Arab country, 7,000 people were killed on its roads in 2021, according to official figures.

Image Credit: Reuters

Tiffany Trump, the youngest child of former US President Donald Trump, is set to marry today in Florida.

The 29-year-old will tie the knot with her Lebanese fiance Michael Boulos at the Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida – was celebrated over the weekend with a bridal shower thrown by her sister, Ivanka Trump. 

Ivanka posted a picture of herself with the bride-to-be, who wore a traditional white lace dress, and Lara Trump, Eric Trump’s sister and sister-in-law, to wish them well.

“During my visit home to Florida, I had the pleasure of attending my wonderful sister Tiffany’s bridal shower,” Ivanka posted on Instagram.

Boulos, who has Lebanese and French heritage, grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where his father, Massad, runs Boulos Enterprises and is CEO of SCOA Nigeria.

Image Credit: Ivanka Trump/Instagram

The world’s top players are set to compete in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia next month. From Dec. 8 to 10, the second tournament will once again be held in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located outside Riyadh.

There will be 12 players competing in both singles and doubles over the three days of the $3 million invitational event, which is played outdoors in a purpose-built arena.

The first professional doubles tournament to be held in the Kingdom will be a unique experience. On day one, losers will start their own doubles tournament after the singles matches are concluded.

World No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, who won the inaugural event in 2019, is returning to defend his title to complete a year in which the 2021 US Open champion became world No. 1 for the first time.

Alexander Zverev will make his return from injury at the Saudi Open in Diriyah after missing the Roland-Garros tournament this year because of an injury.

Cameron Norrie has been ranked No. 1 in Britain, and Andrey Rublev has been ranked No. 7 in the world.

This year, Rublev has won three ATP tournaments, and world No. 14 Norrie has won two ATP tournaments in addition to making it to the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Dominic Thiem, who once ranked third in the world, as well as staunch supporter Stan Wawrinka, are both competing in the tournament.

The Diriyah Tennis Cup is one of the events that makes up the Diriyah Season, a four-month marathon of sports, entertainment, and cultural activities.

Image Credit: Amr Nabil/AP

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Berlin Thursday that European Union (EU) nations would likely agree on new sanctions against Iran next week to protest Tehran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.

Germany’s foreign minister said Wednesday that the European Union will seek to adopt new sanctions against Iran next week over Tehran’s deadly suppression of demonstrations.

EU ambassadors agreed on a list of 11 Iranian officials and four entities to be sanctioned prior to the ministers’ meeting in early October, according to diplomats. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that sanctions would be imposed on those associated with the morality police, a force that has been criticised for abusing detainees and shooting at them.

Protesters have been demonstrating since September 16 against Khamenei and for regime change in Iran. On September 16, as a result of a police beating that resulted in the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, protestors have been chanting against Khamenei and demanding regime change. At least 304 people have been killed in the demonstrations, according to Iran Human Rights (IHR), an Oslo-based human rights organisation.

Image Credit: ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND/UNSPLASH

On Tuesday, a Yemeni military leader who had battled the Iran-backed Houthis for seven years was killed in Marib, a provincial capital, while local human rights organisations condemned the Houthis for firing missiles at the city.

Unidentified men shot dead Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Jaradi, an aide to Yemen’s defence minister, as well as his bodyguard, outside the city of Marib, local security officials and media reports said.

Al-Jaradi was a former commander of an army brigade in Marib. He led troops in battle against the Houthis in the city and narrowly escaped death during combat beyond Marib, as well as surviving an earlier attempt on his life. No one has claimed responsibility for the killing, but Houthi sleeper cells in Marib are thought to have been behind it.

Yemeni rights groups, activists and government officials immediately denounced the Houthis for carrying out a missile attack in Marib on Monday night, which killed four people and wounded five others.

The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms accused the Houthis of sabotaging peace efforts and violating international treaties that protect civilians during wartime.

The Saudi-led coalition denounced the Houthi targeting of civilians and urged outside mediators to pressure the rebels to stop. The coalition said that the Houthis exploit international silence to continue their heinous crimes against Yemenis and to prevent peace and stability in the region.

Houthi rebels denied they fired missiles at Marib, as reported by the militia-controlled Saba news outlet. Instead, they claimed that their opponents blew up the facility.

The Houthis’ military push to capture Marib, a strategic city near the country’s energy reserves, has resulted in hundreds of civilian and military casualties since early 2017. In April, the UN-mediated ceasefire went into effect in Yemen, halting Houthi attempts to seize the city of Marib.

Emirates has benefited from a rise in travel demand and a strong cargo performance at Dubai International Airport which has led to record-breaking profits.

The record profit in the first half of Emirates’ latest financial year is due to strong demand during the peak summer season with the reopening of international borders and the easing of coronavirus-related restrictions.

Emirates reported a profit of Dh4 billion ($1.1 billion) for the April to September period, up from a loss of Dh5.8 billion in the same period last year, based on its ability to increase capacity in response to the large surge in demand for travel.

Despite unfavourable currency exchange movements, Emirates said that revenue more than doubled to Dh50.1bn from Dh21.7bn in the same period a year earlier, as the airline carried 20 million passengers, up 228 per cent from the same period last year.

Dubai-based airlines benefited from a strong rebound in passenger traffic over the summer period, which led to higher airfares across the global airline industry as capacity remained limited, compared to pre-epidemic levels, and jet fuel prices increased.

Airlines have benefited from a significant increase in travel demand following two years of Covid-19 lockdowns and limitations, which have given a much-needed boost to airlines that suffered losses, cost reductions, rising debt, and staff layoffs as a result of the pandemic.

Global airlines, however, are facing a combination of high fuel costs, currency fluctuations, aircraft delivery delays, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, higher inflation, and a bleaker economic picture.

Emirates is optimistic about the comeback of travel, having resumed service to destinations that were closed due to the epidemic.

It has also invested more than $2bn to retrofit its aircraft in order to forge codeshare partnerships and establish new routes.

Image Credit: Uwe Gompf/Flickr

The COP27 Climate Change Summit was held in Sharm El-Sheikh. A meeting was held on the sidelines of the summit between Egypt and the US.

El-Molla praised the ministry’s fruitful cooperation with US companies and US institutions operating in Egypt, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, in a statement.

Mr. Fayyaz said that the US strongly supports the development of an actionable road-map for reducing methane emissions. On Friday, De-carbonization Day at COP27, reducing methane emissions will be one of the highest priorities.

In his view, Egypt has the potential to become a regional energy hub.

Ani cited the establishment of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EastMed) as a regional cooperation platform focused on maximizing the region’s natural gas resources and infrastructure as a positive development.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell

Turkey sentenced a bakery union head to prison on Wednesday for “publicly offending the Turkish nation”, state media said, because of his explanation that the nation’s long-standing passion for bread had led it to repeatedly elect President Tayyip Erdogan’s regimes.

Cihan Kolivar, Chairman of the Union for Bread Producers, cited Haberturk on Monday as he spoke about bread prices rising and Turkey’s soaring inflation.

“Bread is the staple food for stupid societies. I speak scientifically, I am not making it up – per capita consumption is 210 kilos in Turkey; and 45-50 kilos in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, England, Japan,” Kolivar said.

Anadolu reported that the Istanbul court on Wednesday remanded him in custody pending trial, citing freedom of speech. Turkey is frequently blasted by human rights organisations and Western nations for restricting speech.

Erdogan’s unorthodox monetary policies are blamed for Turkey’s economic woes, which he says are aimed at boosting exports, investment, and employment.

The lira’s decline last year prompted inflation to soar to a 24-year high of 85.5% in October, which has continued to rise this year.

According to Omer Celik, spokesperson for Erdogan’s AK Party, Kolivar’s remarks were in breach of Turkey’s anti-discrimination law.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

Tehran warned Riyadh on Wednesday that Iran’s ‘strategic patience’ may not continue, according to Fars news agency.

Fars reported that Esmail Khatib described Iran’s strategic patience as firm rationality until now, but said that Tehran would not be able to continue if hostilities continued.

“If Iran decides to retaliate and punish, glass palaces will crumble and these countries will not experience stability anymore.”

Iran has alleged that foreign enemies are fomenting the unrest that has gripped the country since Mahsa Amini, an Iranian Kurd, died in police custody in September after being arrested for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women.

Iranians from all walks of life have joined forces to mount one of the largest challenges to Iran’s clerical leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, last month warned Saudi Arabia to control its media outlets.

Salami has issued a warning to Saudi Arabia’s ruling family, urging them to ‘control these media’ or ‘pay the price.’ He also said that Saudi Arabia has been interfering in Iran’s internal affairs through these media, and that this was the last warning.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

At least 10 people were killed on the Syria-Iraq border Tuesday in an airstrike that apparently targeted Iranian trucks shipping fuel to Lebanon, according to reports.

Paramilitary officials told The Associated Press some 15 trucks were hit while crossing the border, where Iraq’s Al-Qa’im neighbors Syria’s Deir Ezzor Governorate. 

Iraqi sources said several explosions were heard near the Iraqi-Syrian border and fighter jets and helicopters flew over the border strip.

It is said that a drone targeted the area and some positions of resistance groups. Official sources have not yet confirmed these reports.

Sabreen News also released the following pictures of the drone attack near the border of Iraq and Syria. It said that these attacks were carried out by the US.

News sources have claimed that trucks carrying Iranian fuel to Lebanon were targeted in this attack.

Egypt has said it will send 17 tons of medicine and vaccines to help combat Lebanon’s severe cholera epidemic.

An Egyptian military plane will arrive in Beirut on Wednesday morning to deliver the aid, the Egyptian Embassy in Lebanon said.

According to the mission, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati requested help with the epidemic— the country’s first in three decades—from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi at the recent Arab League summit in Algeria.

More than 2,700 confirmed or suspected cases of cholera and 18 deaths have been recorded in Lebanon since the outbreak began in early October.

Lebanon’s eight governorates have been infected, but northern areas near the Syrian border and refugee camps are particularly vulnerable because of their poor sanitation.

However, cases are starting to emerge. There have been no deaths for a week owing to a push by authorities and humanitarian agencies to contain cholera, a diarrheal illness that is easily treated but can kill if left untreated.

Lebanon has just received its first batch of cholera vaccines, which consist of more than 13,000 doses, from France. Another 600,000 doses will be provided by the UN next week.

The cholera strain found in Lebanon is similar to the one in neighbouring Syria, which is also battling a major epidemic.

Major shortages in medicine, clean water, and electricity have beset Lebanon, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis.

Image Credit: Louis Reed on Unsplash

Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA when Qatar received the 2022 World Cup hosting rights in 2010, told the Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger ‘Qatar is a mistake,’ adding that ‘the decision was bad.’ Qatar was chosen despite allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, has also been implicated in corruption accusations. The prosecutors have appealed the ruling. 

“It is too small of a country. Football and the World Cup are too big for it,” he said. FIFA 2012 altered the criteria for choosing World Cup host countries in light of concerns over working conditions at Qatar’s construction sites in light of social considerations and human rights. Blatter will watch the tournament from his home in Zurich, which begins in a couple of weeks. 

Image Credit: Alessandro Crinari/Keystone via AP, File

‍The Middle East is a diverse region with numerous cultures and languages. The majority of countries in the Middle East are also predominantly Muslim, which explains why most Middle Eastern flags within the region feature an Islamic design. There are, however, some variations among these flags that set them apart from one another.

In recent weeks, countries in the region have become tiresome of Biden’s “beggar act” after asking Saudi Arabia and Opec+ to produce more oil and gas to combat shortages amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Today, Opec nations produce around 30% of the world’s crude oil. Saudi Arabia is the biggest single oil producer within Opec, producing more than 10 million barrels a day.

While all national flags are inherently important, some are more significant than others. The Middle East is a region renowned for its rich culture and tradition, and these traditions are most visible in the way countries choose to represent themselves. National flags are a powerful symbol, with this significance only increasing when it is used in contexts such as war. As such, it is important to understand the significance of every flag in the region, as well as its design and use.

National flags are important symbols in every part of the world, but they have particular significance in the Middle East. The region is home to a number of different cultures and languages, but the majority of its countries are also predominantly Muslim. This has led to a number of commonly used Islamic symbols being included in the design of many national flags in the region. The most popular Islamic symbols used in Middle Eastern flags are the crescent moon, the star and the colour green. National flags in the Middle East are therefore important both as symbols of Islamic culture and as a means of expressing the history and identity of each country. National flags in the Middle East are also important for their symbolic value in times of conflict. When two or more countries are engaged in a war, each side will usually fly its national flag as a means of declaring its presence. When this happens, the flags are most commonly placed on land, be it on buildings or on large poles. National flags that are flown on land are also often accompanied by the raising of other symbols, such as the raising of hands by soldiers.

Although the designs of Middle Eastern flags vary, there are a number of features that are commonly found across the region. This symbol is present in the flags of many countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Another common Islamic symbol found in Middle Eastern flags is the star. This is most commonly used in the flags of Syria, Palestine and Yemen, although it is also present in the coat of arms of Iran. Although green is not an Islamic symbol, it is a colour that is commonly found in Middle Eastern flags. This colour is seen in the flags of Iraq, Jordan, Palestine and Saudi Arabia.  A number of Middle Eastern flags feature Arabic calligraphy, with the most common being the writing of the word “Allah”. This is found in the flags of Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Emblem and seal symbols are often present on Middle Eastern flags. An emblem is usually a symbol that is depicted on a shield and is often found in the top left-hand corner of a flag. A seal is more often found in the centre of a flag, usually on a round disc. Commonly used emblem and seal symbols in the Middle East include the crescents and stars of the Ottoman Empire, the Star of David and the Egyptian Sphinx.  The crescents and stars of the Ottoman Empire are present in both the flags and emblems of Kuwait, Bahrain, Syria and Saudi Arabia. The Star of David is found in the flags of Israel. The Egyptian Sphinx can be found in both the flags and emblems of Egypt.

National flags are important symbols that help to define the culture and identity of the people of a country. The Middle East is a diverse region in which many different cultures, languages and religions are represented. The majority of its countries are also predominantly Muslim, which is reflected in the fact that most national flags in the region feature Islamic symbols. Although the designs of flags in the Middle East vary, there are a number of common features that are found across the region. These include the presence of Islamic symbols, the colour green and the use of Arabic calligraphy.

Image Credit: AFP

A UK-based news channel aimed at Iranian viewers said that it was “shocked and deeply concerned” by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) threats against their journalists in London in a statement on Monday.

“Two of our British-Iranian journalists have, in recent days, been notified of an increase in the threats to them” Iran International said. They also said that it has been informed directly by the Metropolitan Police of other threats as well. The Persian-language channel confirmed that the threats against its UK-based journalists mark a “significant and dangerous escalation of Iran’s state-sponsored campaign to intimidate Iranian journalists working abroad.”

Iran International was established in 2017 and is owned by Volant Media. Since September 16, when Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman died in police custody, Iran has seen mass anti-government protests. At least 304 people have been killed in the protests, according to Iran Human Rights (IHR), a Norway-based human rights organization.

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

Iran summoned Norway’s ambassador to Tehran on Monday after the president of the country’s parliament expressed his support for Iranian protesters, according to state media. President Masud Gharakhani, an Iranian-Norwegian politician, told Iran International, a London-based news channel, that Khamenei has “been in power for 44 years, enough is enough.”

On September 19, Tehran summoned Norway’s ambassador to Iran over ‘unconstructive and interfering comments concerning the internal affairs of Iran’ made by Gharakhani about the protests. Iran has also summoned Norway’s ambassador over ‘interventionist’ comments about the internal affairs of Iran. 

Protesters have been demonstrating since September 16 against Khamenei and for regime change in Iran. On September 16, as a result of a police beating that resulted in the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, protestors have been chanting against Khamenei and demanding regime change. At least 304 people have been killed in the demonstrations, according to Iran Human Rights (IHR), an Oslo-based human rights organisation.

Kuwait aims to become carbon neutral in the oil and gas sector by 2050, and across the entire country a decade later, Foreign Minister Salem al-Sabah told state news agency KUNA on Monday while speaking at COP27, a climate summit in Egypt.

Kuwait, a major oil exporter and OPEC member, announced a plan to become carbon-neutral, and al-Sabah praised it as a a serious, solid pledge.’

During COP27, Kuwait’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah, mentioned that Kuwait supports regional and international environmental treaties and programmes. He also mentioned that the country plans to expand green areas.

Image Credit: Andrew Fackler/Flickr

A foreign aid worker was shot to death in Baghdad on Monday, two police officials said. Police said the motive for the killing was unclear, but it occurred in the central Karrada district on the Tigris River’s eastern bank.

Police said that no one had yet claimed responsibility for the crime, although the embassy officials said they were not aware of the incident. A US citizen who worked for an international aid firm was shot, two security officials said without naming him.

The officials said details were sparse but that an investigation was underway. Such attacks on foreigners have been uncommon in the Iraqi capital since the defeat of ISIS in 2017, but rockets are sometimes fired at the US embassy. The US-led coalition forces recently ended their combat mission in Iraq, but they continue to provide advice to Iraqi forces fighting ISIS.

Image Credit: Mat Napo on Unsplash

Pope Francis has appealed for Lebanese political officials to set aside their personal interests and unite so the country can escape a three-year economic crisis and political void. 

“Lebanon now is suffering,” the pope said. In December, he said he would have liked to visit the country but was forced to postpone, but he did not directly answer a question about it. Francis was greatly pained by the country’s deterioration and sent a plea for prayers and for the international community to aid Lebanon. He urged Lebanese politicians to set aside their personal interests and think about the nation as a whole. He said, “I take this opportunity to appeal to Lebanese politicians to put your personal interests aside and speak about the country and come to an agreement,” he said. “First God, then country, then personal interests.” 

Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s term ended without a successor at the end of October, leaving Lebanon in a political void that will likely worsen its financial crisis. Many fear that an extended delay in naming a successor will keep efforts to finalize a deal with the International Monetary Fund in limbo, which would provide Lebanon with $3 billion in financial aid, a critical step in the country’s economic recovery.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

The UAE government has lifted precautionary measures related to COVID-19 as the country further eases restrictions earlier implemented to protect public health.

Following more than 30 months of regulations a government spokesperson has announced in a virtual briefing that the Al Hosn application will be limited as a proof of vaccination.

The Al Hosn Green Pass is no longer required to enter public facilities and public spaces in the UAE.

Wearing masks in the UAE will now be optional in all open and closed facilities, including places of worship and mosques, except for health facilities and centers for people of determination, where it will be mandatory, Dr. Saif Al-Dhaheri, spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), announced in an earlier briefing.

Organizers of sports activities also have the option to require PCR tests or vaccination certificates as requisite to participate or attend their events.

Despite the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, PCR testing and treatment health facilities will continue to operate and individuals with positive results are still required to undergo five days of isolation to prevent spread of the disease.

Changes to how the UAE will handle Covid-19 begin at 6am, on Monday November 7. The decisions are based on scientific study and after continued research says the NCEMA.

Image Credit: Mika Baumeister on Unsplash

The UN’s climate change summit opened in Egypt on Sunday with a warning that our planet is “sending a distress signal” according to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The UN report said that the previous eight years were on track to be the hottest on record. 

More than 120 world leaders are expected to attend COP27, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, a Red Sea resort.

Starting this week, countries will sit down for two weeks to discuss climate action.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, COP27 president, urged leaders not to let food and energy crises resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupt climate change action.

“It is inherent on us all in Sharm el-Sheikh to demonstrate our recognition of the magnitude of the challenges we face and our steadfast resolve to overcome it.”

The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization laid bare the need for action.

In his video message, Mr Guterres described the State of the Global Climate Report 2022 as a “chronicle of climate chaos”.

Global temperatures have risen by 1.15C since pre-industrial times, according to the report, and the last eight years are on track to be the warmest on record.

Climate change’s other serious impacts, including sea level rise, glacier mass loss, and record-breaking heat waves, are also mentioned in the report.

Because of these findings, COP27 must be the place for urgent and credible climate action, Mr Guterres said.

The COP27 session will begin in earnest on Monday with the World Leaders’ Summit, where leaders will give five-minute speeches outlining what they want from the meeting.

World leaders should move ‘further and faster’ towards a renewable energy future, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to say.

During his speech, he will remind governments not to regress on the COP26 achievements in Glasgow last year.

On Monday and Tuesday, world leaders will make remarks; afterwards, conference delegates will get down to business.

Last year, in Glasgow, a number of commitments were made:

Developing countries, which are hardest hit by climate change, are demanding that previous funding commitments be fulfilled.

However, there is also a desire for discussion on ‘loss and damage’ finance—money to help them cope with the climate change-related losses they are currently facing rather than merely preparing for future effects—to be included on COP27’s official agenda. Following difficult negotiations, the subject is on the agenda.

Countries in the process of development are seeking funds to recover from the ongoing climate disasters. Flooding after tropical Storm Nalgae in the Philippines is an example of one such disaster.

There will be hundreds of events over the two weeks, in addition to all the formal negotiations, with exhibitions, workshops, and cultural performances from youth, business, indigenous societies, and academic, artistic, and fashion communities from around the world.

Because protests are normally a vibrant feature of COP summits, they are likely to be subdued.

More than 60,000 political prisoners have been detained in Egypt, according to human rights groups. However, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has been in power since 2014 and has severely restricted freedom of expression.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell

The Middle East is a vast, diverse region. Its countries have numerous cultural differences and varied rules regarding time zones. This can make scheduling meetings and phone calls challenging. Fortunately, we live in the digital age with easy solutions for virtual connections. There are 27 countries in the Middle East, but there’s no official standard for what constitutes the region. Some sources consider it to be everything from Turkey to Iran and from Egypt to Saudi Arabia. Other definitions focus solely on Arab states, which makes our job easier: we’ll be talking about those 27 countries that fall within the borders of this article’s scope.

Which Time Zone is Which?

To start, let’s get a quick overview of the major time zones that fall within the Middle East.

Arab Standard Time (AST): This is used in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Eastern Standard Time (EST): This is used in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.

Gulf Standard Time (GST): This is used in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Indian Standard Time (IST): This is used in Iran and Pakistan. – Iran Standard Time (IRST): This is used in Iran.

Israel Standard Time (IST): This is used in Israel. – Earlier in the 20th century, Egypt used Eastern European Time (EET) – but since 1979, it has used Eastern Mediterranean Time (EMT) – which is often also called Middle Eastern Time (MET).

Current Time in the Middle East

Now that we know which time zones are which, let’s take a look at what time it is in each region right now. We’ll start with the easternmost countries and work our way westward – and remember, we’re still talking about time zones that fall within the Middle East – In the Eastern Standard Time Zone, Iran and Pakistan have the same time as they do in New York City and Toronto. This makes it 9am in Tehran, 10am in Islamabad, and 11am in New Delhi. – In the Gulf Standard Time Zone, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all have the same time as New York City. This makes it 9am in Manama, 10am in Doha, and 11am in New York City. – In the Indian Standard Time Zone, the same time is in effect in New Delhi. This makes it 5pm in Tehran, 6pm in Islamabad, and 7pm in New Delhi. – In the Iran Standard Time Zone, the same time is in effect in Tehran. This makes it 9am in New Delhi and 10am in Islamabad. – In the Israel Standard Time Zone, the same time is in effect in Jerusalem. This makes it 10am in New Delhi, 11am in Tehran, and midday in Islamabad.

Now that we’ve gotten a quick overview of the major time zones in the Middle East, let’s continue our journey through the region by focusing on one time zone at a time. First up: Arab Standard Time. – In Arab Standard Time, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen all have the same time as they do in New York City and Toronto. This makes it 9am in Baghdad, 10am in Damascus, 11am in Beirut, noon in Muscat, and 1pm in Kuwait City. – In Eastern Standard Time, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan all have the same time as New York City. This makes it 9am in Tehran, 10am in Islamabad, and 11am in Kabul. – In Gulf Standard Time, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates all have the same time as New York City. This makes it 9am in Manama, 10am in Doha, and 11am in New York City. – In Indian Standard Time, the same time is in effect in New Delhi. This makes it 5pm in Tehran, 6pm in Islamabad, and 7pm in New Delhi. – In Iran Standard Time, the same time is in effect in Tehran. This makes it 9am in New Delhi and 10am in Islamabad. – In Israel Standard Time, the same time is in effect in Jerusalem. This makes it 10am in New Delhi, 11am in Tehran, and midday in Islamabad.

Daylight Saving Time in the Middle East

The Middle East is a region that doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), apart from Israel. Israel observes DST from March through September, although there is domestic pressure to follow the precedent of other countries and abolish it. Interestingly enough, between 2005 and 2008, by decree of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran did not observe daylight saving time (DST) (called Iran Daylight Time or IRDT). It was reintroduced from 21 March 2008. On 21 September 2022, Iran abolished DST according to independent farsi and now observes standard time year-round. This means that during the summer, the hours of sunlight remain constant. It also means that during the winter, the hours of sunlight decrease. For example, in Baghdad, the sun rises at 7am during the summer and 8am during the winter. In Damascus, the sun rises at 7am year-round. As you can see, it’s important to understand which time zone your Middle Eastern contacts are in. Otherwise, you might schedule a meeting at an inconvenient hour. And remember: when the summer ends, DST ends too. So, you’ll want to make sure that you’re adjusting your schedule accordingly.

Keep in mind that even within a country, the time zone can vary from area to area. For example, in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is in the central time zone, but the western and eastern borders are in the eastern zone. And remember that this article only covers the major time zones in the Middle East. There are some smaller areas that fall outside of these zones, too.

Image Credit: Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

Iran has recently been flexing its military muscle abroad by sending drones to Russia, running exercises in the border regions with Azerbaijan, and bombing Kurdish positions in Iraq in addition to providing them. As protests rage at home, Iran’s theocratic government is increasingly flexing its military muscle abroad.

That includes supplying drones to Russia that now kill Ukrainian civilians, running drills in a border region with Azerbaijan, and bombing Kurdish positions in Iraq. Iran has acknowledged for the first time that it sent drones to Russia, insisting the delivery came before Moscow’s assault on Ukraine that has seen the Iranian-produced drones divebombing Kyiv. 

Iran has sent a limited amount of drones to Russia before the conflict in Ukraine, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said Saturday. Iran has previously denied arming Russia in its war on Ukraine, but Iran’s ambassador to the U.N., Amir Saeid Iravani, called the claims “totally unfounded” and repeated Iran’s position of neutrality in the war earlier this week. 

The U.S. and its Western allies on the Security Council have requested that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres investigate if Iran has employed drones to assault Ukrainian civilians. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has vaguely marketed armed drones to major powers, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has praised their efficiency and mocked Western hand-wringing.

The European Union’s intention to negotiate an association pact on hydrogen and renewable energy with Egypt at COP27, which begins this week in Sharm el-Sheikh, was stated by the EU on Friday. 

Brussels wishes to import 10 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030 in addition to producing 10 million tonnes domestically, an EU official said. Egypt will collaborate with Europe to develop this venture,” said an EU official. 

The EU will sign a joint declaration with Namibia and Kazakhstan in addition. In accordance with the official, Brussels will seek to certify renewable hydrogen that may be traded between Egypt and Europe. The EU will also bargain with Namibia and Kazakhstan in the near future. After meeting in Cairo in June, EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi issued a joint statement saying that the EU would concentrate on renewable energy partnerships. 

Egypt, Israel, and Europe have previously signed a joint declaration on the export of natural gas to Europe. Ms von der Leyen will be in Sharm el-Sheikh early next week and plans to talk about hydrogen trading during roundtables on Tuesday as part of her visit. 

Negotiations will be handled by European Commission executive vice-president Frans Timmermans later in the week. Egypt will release its green hydrogen strategy during COP27 from November 6-18, the European Commission’s Deutsche Welle website reported. 

 The UAE recently completed the country’s first shipment of environmentally friendly ammonia to Germany. As part of its climate commitment, Europe has sought gas contracts this year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, attracting accusations of hypocrisy from the developing world. Brussels is taking substantial measures to cut global warming to 1.5°C this century, according to an EU official. 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Thomas Hartwell

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has congratulated Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on his election as Iraq’s prime minister. In a telephone call on Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed sent his congratulations and reaffirmed the UAE’s support for any peace and stability in Iraq and its people’s desires for economic and societal development.

In turn, the Iraqi prime minister wished him excellent health, success, and prosperity for the UAE. The investigators have recovered the majority of the $2.5 billion that was stolen. Mr Al Sudani’s government was sworn in on October 27th.

Iraq was on the brink of chaos as bitter political divisions delayed the formation of a new government. As a result of October’s national elections, Iraq’s longest political impasse since the US-led invasion in 2003 took place.

Iraq teetered on the brink of civil war in the aftermath of the elections, which dragged on for over a year. In early April, Shiite militias battled in Baghdad’s Green Zone, the centre of government that houses the parliament and foreign embassies. Hundreds were killed or wounded when armed militias clashed. Mr Al Sudani, a prominent Shiite politician and former minister, was elected as Iraq’s prime minister. 21 ministries were confirmed, with two open spots pending agreement on candidates with political antagonists.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have successfully tested the first sub-orbital stage of the three-stage Ghaem 100 launch vehicle, Iranian state media reported on Saturday.

“The flight test of this satellite carrier with a solid-fuelled engine …was successfully completed,” the state news agency lRNA reported.

Russian grains exported through the Black Sea should be provided to impoverished African states for free, according to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Vladimir Putin suggested during their telephone conversation that Russia would supply grain to countries like Djibouti, Somalia, and Sudan for free.

On Wednesday, Moscow resumed participation in a U.N. and Turkey-mediated grain deal, ending four days of non-cooperation that still permitted exports from Ukrainian ports.

Earlier this week, Putin said that even if Russia withdrew from the deal again, it would substitute the entire volume of grain destined for the “poorest countries” for free from its own stocks.

Nevzat Deranoglu and Yesim Dikmen reported the story, and Daren Butler, Ali Kucukgocmen and Jonathan Spicer edited it.

A durable ceasefire and political settlement are the only paths forward to ending Yemen’s eight-year-long destructive war, according to the statement.

Tim Lenderking, the United States special envoy for Yemen, is visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia this week to support efforts to renew and expand a United Nations-mediated ceasefire in Yemen, the State Department said on Thursday. This comes one day after the region.

The department reminded the Houthis that the world is watching their actions and urged them to cooperate with the UN and heed Yemeni calls for peace in a statement.

A durable ceasefire and political settlement are the only paths forward to ending eight years of destructive war in Yemen, according to the statement.

On October 20, the Turkish Central Bank lowered interest rates for the third time in three months, reducing them by 150 basis points from 12% to 10.5% – despite Turkish inflation being over 83% at the time.

The price of Turkish food and fuel has been rising for seventeen straight months, and the price of Turkish housing rose by 85% in October, according to official figures. Transport was up by 117% in October, compared to the same period last year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. Domestic producer prices rose by 157.69%, and consumer prices rose by 7.83%. The monthly increase in consumer prices was 3.54%.

According to recent figures, Russian tourism to Europe fell significantly over the summer, but there was a rise in certain areas, including Turkey (here). Despite everything, Turkey’s inflation levels rose for the seventeenth consecutive month in October, suggesting that food and energy prices have risen again. 

As a result of the Turkish Statistical Institute’s report on Thursday, food and housing prices were 99% higher than they were in the same period last year, and transportation increased by 117%. The domestic producer price index rose by 157.69% in comparison with last year, and the monthly jump was 7.83%. 

There was a 3.54% rise in consumer prices. A sustained increase in living costs in the country of 85 million people has been ongoing for nearly two years, accompanied by a significant devaluation of the lira. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey refuses to raise interest rates, believing it would harm the economy. Economists and critics say that this policy has prompted the lira to devalue and inflation to rise, leading to a currency crisis.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Turkey reconstruction

Saudi Arabia will host the next Arab League summit, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan said. During the 31st Arab League summit in Algeria, Prince Faisal praised the successful meeting between regional leaders in his closing speech. 

Saudi Arabia is eager to preserve the cooperation between us at all levels, and as such, we announce that the 32nd session of the Arab League Council will be held in our country next year. During his closing speech, Prince Faisal stated that the summit of the Arab League was held in 2019 before the disease outbreak. 

A number of issues, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Syria’s turmoil, Yemen’s turmoil, Libya’s instability and the perceived Iranian and Turkish interference in Arab affairs, were discussed by the 22-member Cairo-based Arab League. Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune signed the ‘Algeria Declaration’ at the summit’s end. ‘As a result of Arab consensus, Saudi Arabia will host the next summit,’ he said. ‘We want to increase joint Arab action on regional issues,’ Mr Tebboune said. 

Arab leaders stressed the importance of resisting all forms of interference in regional affairs and expressed their support for countries facing political crises, such as Libya, Lebanon, and Yemen. The summit was held amidst food and fuel costs, shortages, drought in some countries, and a soaring cost of living across much of the Middle East and Africa.

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

Pope Francis will begin a four-day trip to Bahrain on Thursday, his second official visit to the Gulf after visiting the UAE in 2019.

On Saturday morning, he is expected to lead a public Mass at the Bahrain National Stadium and will meet church workers at the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, the country’s oldest.

On Friday, he will meet Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar and address a gathering of the Muslim Council of Elders.

There are about 80,000 Catholics in Bahrain, making up one of the Gulf states with a significant local Christian population. More than 1,500 of them are Bahraini citizens.

This trip marks Pope Francis’s second visit to the Gulf since he went to the UAE in 2019. Several visits to the Middle East were made by his predecessors.

More than 20,000 people have signed up to attend Pope Francis’s open celebration during his visit to Bahrain next week.

After October 25 at noon, church authorities said that they could not guarantee seats, since the registration system remained open.

Later, the 28,000-seat Bahrain National Stadium will be ticketed for the public mass on November 5.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, also known as princely states. Each of these seven emirates has its own unique culture and traditions. Similarly, each of them also celebrates its own National Day with great pomp and show. The national day of each emirate is a local public holiday there.

What is UAE National Day?

Flag Day was first celebrated in 2013. The idea was conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to celebrate the accession of Sheikh Khalifa as President of the UAE in 2004. It is commemorated every year on the anniversary, November 3. It is not a public holiday. On this day, you can expect the National flag to be flown high and be seen everywhere. In 1971, six emirates of the Trucial States, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Fujairah, had joined together with the British rule to form the new country of the United Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah joined the federation on 10 February 1972, and Bahrain on 18 December 1971, and Oman on 9 December 1971. It was on the 2nd of December that the “Treaty of Union” to officially unite these emirates was signed in the Iranian city of Tbilisi, and thus the UAE was born.

Why Fly the UAE Flag?

The UAE flag is a symbol of strength, peace and friendship. A flag is a symbol of the people of a nation, and also of the nation itself. Flying the UAE flag on UAE Flag Day is your way of letting everyone know that you are a proud Emirati. It’s also a way to show your respect towards the UAE’s six other emirates and their flags.

History of the UAE Flag

The UAE flag has a red background with a white bar across it. The white bar has a golden falcon. Above the falcon is a white banner with the name of the country, UAE written in black. The UAE flag was adopted on 2nd of December 1971. This flag has six horizontal bars. It has a red background with a golden falcon. It is the national flag of the UAE. It is also the ensign of UAE.

How to Fly the UAE Flag?

Flying the UAE flag on UAE Flag Day is a simple task. All you need is a flagpole and a flag. Nowadays, you can also get flags online and fly it on your computer screen. When you fly the UAE flag, keep in mind that it should be flown at the highest point of the flagpole. Also, the flag should be flown in a way that the red side is on the top. And, the golden falcon should be towards the east.

Conclusion

The UAE flag is a symbol of the strength and pride of the Emirati people. It is a beautiful flag that is also quite simple. Flying the UAE flag on UAE Flag Day is your way of showing your love for this beautiful country and its people. Let the UAE flag fly in your city on UAE Flag Day and celebrate this special day with pride. Now that you know about the UAE flag, you can proudly fly it on UAE Flag Day and show your love for your country. Be sure to keep these things in mind so that you can fly the flag with pride and respect.

US Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Wednesday (Nov 2) that the United States will attempt to expel Iran from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) over the government’s denial of women’s rights and violent suppression of protests.

Iran recently began a four-year term on the commission, which meets annually every March and seeks to promote gender equality and the expansion of women’s rights.

Harris issued a declaration saying the United States considers it inappropriate for any country that habitually abuses women’s and children’s rights to take part in any international or UN organisation concerned with defending these same rights.

The death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody last month has sparked protests in Iran. The unrest has given rise to a popular uprising by Iranians of all stripes, the boldest of which has challenged the clerical leadership since the 1979 revolution.

Despite Blaming foreign enemies and their agents for the unrest, Iran is responsible for the demonstrations.

Harris said Iran’s denial of women’s rights and its brutal crackdown on its people have proved it unfit to serve on the Commission.

Iran has accused the United States and its allies of exploiting the UN platform ‘to further their own political interests,’ and has implored other nations to shun the summit.

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said in a letter to UN member states that the US ‘s ‘true and genuine’ concern for human rights in Iran or elsewhere is non-existent.

Iran’s representation at the United Nations was not immediately able to comment on the US attempt to expel it from the CSW.

Speaking at a campaign event in Florida about inflation, US President Joe Biden committed another blunder by conflating the nation’s battle against Russian-backed separatists with the US war against al-Qaeda.

In a campaign event in Florida, Biden, who turns 80 this month, mixed up Iraq and Ukraine, mentioning inflation.

“They talk about inflation … inflation is a worldwide problem right now because of a war in Iraq and the impact on oil and what Russia’s doing. I mean, excuse me, the war in Ukraine,” Mr Biden said.

“I’m thinking of Iraq because that’s where my son died … because he died,” he continued.

Beau Biden, the son of Mr Biden, served in Iraq from 2008 to 2009. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46.

In the past, the US president has repeatedly asserted that toxins present in the smoke produced by burning waste at Iraqi military sites may have contributed to his son’s illness.

Image Credit: Lisa Ferdinando/U.S. Secretary of Defense

The United States is concerned about threats from Iran against Saudi Arabia, according to a White House spokesperson. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Saudi government shared intelligence with the United States warning of an imminent attack from Iran on targets in the kingdom. 

The Saudi government media office did not immediately respond to Reuters‘ request for comment. On October 20, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami issued a warning to Saudi leaders not to rely on Israel or their ‘glass palaces.’ In 2020, Saudi Arabia authorized two of its Gulf allies to become allies with Israel, creating a new anti-Iran regional axis, in addition to launching direct talks with Tehran in an attempt to contain tensions in the Gulf. 

Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for a missile and drone assault on its oil plants in 2019, an allegation Iran denies. It has backed allies fighting proxy wars in the Middle East for decades. The country’s alliance with Riyadh has been strained since the Saudi-led OPEC alliance reduced oil output targets last month, resulting in fears of a gasoline price spike in the United States. 

In the United States, the executive branch urged the White House to freeze all cooperation with Riyadh, including weapons sales. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on the United States for its protection. Iran has provided Russia with drones for its war with Ukraine, prompting the United States to abandon efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal, which President Donald Trump terminated in 2018.

Image Credit: Lisa Ferdinando/U.S. Secretary of Defense

 Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the brink of winning office, according to Israeli exit polls. According to exit polls, Mr Netanyahu appears to have won 61 or 62 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.

Security is a high priority for Israeli voters, according to a campaign that began after Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s baffling coalition of right-wing, liberal, and Arab parties was dissolved, following defections. Mr Netanyahu, who is being tried for corruption charges, has overshadowed policy concerns in the campaign, which has been highlighted by his massive personality.

His conviction on bribery, fraud, and breach of trust charges in 2019 has prevented Israel’s political system from moving forward. The right-wing is predicted to win a majority rather than fall short. Israel’s fifth election in less than four years has exasperated many voters, but turnout is expected to be at its highest level since 1999.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File

Israel and the UAE signed a free trade agreement in May, the first between an Arab state and Israel. Officials predict that trade will increase from $1.2 billion to $10 billion over the next five years as a result.

Officials from Israel and Bahrain said on Monday that they hoped to finalize a free trade deal before the end of the year.

Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) restored relations two years ago, with the U.S. acting as mediator. Economic links with the UAE have grown since then, but trade with Bahrain remains far behind.

Bahraini Minister of Industry and Commerce Zayed Alzayani said during a visit to a leading Israeli venture capital firm, Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP), that he was optimistic and hopeful that the deal would be closed by the end of the year.

Azzayani mentioned that another round of free trade negotiations was to take place in mid-November, in discussions with JVP founder Erel Margalit.

A Reuters report said that a delegation from Israel’s Economy Ministry would travel to Manama in order to finalize the negotiations as soon as possible, and hopefully by the end of the year.

Israel and the UAE signed a free trade agreement in May, the first between an Arab country and Israel. Officials believe that trade between the two nations will increase from $1.2 billion to $10 billion over the next five years as a result of the agreement.

Image Credit: Alexander Nemenov/Pool Photo via AP

Iranian authorities have issued arrest warrants for 1,000 people in connection with the protests.

According to state-run IRNA news, Ali Alqasi Mehr, Tehran’s prosecutor general, said trials will be held publicly this week.

An IRNA report said that they will be tried in a Revolutionary Court.

Protestors took to the streets after Amini was arrested by the morality police because of the way she was dressed, leading to her death.

Since then, many demonstrators have been killed. The Iran-based Human Rights Activists group estimates the death toll to be more than 270.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday that its forces had exhausted their patience.

The announcement made on Monday is the government’s first acknowledgement that demonstrators will be subject to legal proceedings since the movement began on September 16.

Iran has denied that its security forces were responsible for Amini’s death. Some of the country’s highest officials have accused foreign interference of being behind the anti-government movement.

Authorities in other parts of the country have charged protesters with “sowing corruption on Earth,” a charge that carries the possibility of a death sentence.

According to the UN, Iran has one of the highest rates of prisoners being put to death, with many executed for drug-related or political offences.

Only the most serious crimes should be subject to the death penalty, according to the UN.

Human rights groups have claimed in recent years that Iran has secretly executed protesters, and the UN Human Rights Office said in 2019 that Iran was extracting confessions through torture and killing prisoners.

what is happening in iran

The request to remove Iran from the 2018 World Cup in Qatar has been made by the Ukrainian Association of Football.

The UAF executive committee says it has requested that FIFA expel Iran from the tournament, which begins on November 20, because of what it terms Iran’s ‘systematic human rights violations and ‘possible involvement in Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.’

Iran will begin their World Cup campaign against England on November 21.

The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, in police custody on September 16 sparked protests against the government in Iran.

Iran’s requirement that women cover their hair with a hijab or headscarf is said to have been violated by Amini.

Iranian sports personalities had already called on FIFA to ban the country from the tournament on the basis that not allowing women to attend matches was a breach of FIFA’s own articles.

Ukraine has accused Iran of supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while also citing Iran’s treatment of its own people as an example of how a regime can use its people as pawns.

The UAF cited media reports on human rights violations in Iran as a reason to seek the exclusion of the country’s football team from the 2022 World Cup. The executive committee of the Ukrainian football federation cited UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which imposed sanctions on Iran, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which noted the possibility that Iran was involved in Russian military aggression in Ukraine, as the reasons for excluding Iran’s national team from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

King Abdullah of Jordan has altered the make-up of the upper chamber after replacing eight senior ministers.

King Abdullah of Jordan introduced significant reforms to the country’s upper legislative chamber on Sunday, boosting the chamber’s political and financial capacity.

In Jordan, the king holds all the significant power. The lower house, which is overwhelmingly pro-government, administrates his will.

The king’s decree, published in official media, announced the formation of a new senate, a 65-member upper house. Faisal Al Fayez, the son of a late tribal leader who had quarrelled with the regime after the Jordanian civil war in 1970, remains as senate chief.

According to pro-government media counts, over half of the new senate is comprised of new members and now consists of 26 former ministers, rather than 17 former ministers in the last senate.

Ziad Fariz, an ex-central bank governor, and Suhair Al Ali and Maha Bahou, both ex-bankers, have become members of the assembly.

King Abdullah recently dismissed eight ministers, marking the fifth change of administrative personnel in two years.

The authorities plan to jump-start economic growth and attract investment in the second half of the year and reform what is widely seen as a bloated bureaucracy.

Image Credit: Hannibal Hanschke/Pool via AP, File

King Abdullah Jordan egypt jordan israel

The New Zealand government announced on Monday that it has halted its official human rights bilateral dialogue with Iran, saying that bilateral approaches are no longer adequate due to the denial of basic human rights in the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta said in a statement that the decision to suspend dialogue with Iran is an indication that bilateral approaches to human rights are incompatible with Iran. Iran denies basic human rights and violently suppresses protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was killed after being detained by the morality police for wearing clothing deemed inappropriate.

“Violence against women, girls or any other members of Iranian society to prevent their exercise of universal human rights is unacceptable and must end. This is clearly a difficult time for the people of Iran,” Mahuta said.

In 2018, Iran and New Zealand established a human rights dialogue, with the hope of progressing human rights issues and concerns. The first round of talks was held in 2021, and the next one is scheduled for 2022.

New Zealanders who have been held in Iran for months have recently been released and are safe, according to New Zealand officials. The New Zealand government also last Wednesday updated its Iran travel warnings and urged New Zealanders currently there to return home.

The devaluation of the Egyptian pound on Friday has caused the currency to hit a new low, three days after it was devalued by about 15 per cent, depreciating to 24 against the US dollar by the close of business.

The government of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi sought to allay fears after the pound’s depreciation, releasing data showing that the country’s strategic reserves of key commodities, including wheat, would last six months or longer.

Egypt announced on Thursday that it was adopting a system in which the value of the pound would be determined by supply and demand.

Through months of negotiation, the IMF achieved a breakthrough last week when Washington-based lender agreed to provide $3 billion in loans.

Egypt is set to receive $5 billion from international backers and another $1 billion from a newly created sustainability fund, according to the IMF.

The fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war has been difficult for Egypt’s economy to weather, particularly for food and fuel, driving up its import bill, and the speedy withdrawal of about $25 billion from its once-profitable debt market.

Hassan Abdalla, the governor of Egypt’s Central Bank, spoke to reporters after the meeting.

On Thursday, the pound closed at about 22.5 to the dollar, down from 19.6 prior to the devaluation, the second such occurrence in six years.

A 35 percent drop in the pound’s value since March is almost certain to fuel inflation, which was already about 15 percent in September and would hit hard most of Egypt’s 104 million people.

According to experts, the pound’s value is expected to drop to about 25 dollars by the end of the year.

Investors returning to the country’s debt market, higher tourism revenues, and Gulf Arab allies’ investments could help stabilize the currency by 2023, according to them.

As of now, according to the El Sisi government, the country’s reserves of wheat will meet demand until April, when the local harvest season begins.

Egypt has enough stored sugar to last until February and enough stored cooking oil to last until May to meet demand. Rice, another staple, is self-grown.

Egypt is frequently the world’s largest wheat importer—13 million tonnes on average—and has dealt with skyrocketing prices on global markets since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began in February.

A decrease in prices occurred later, but now there is a chance that they will rise again after Russia suspended an agreement allowing major Ukraine grain exporters to use Black Sea ports.

Egypt’s reliance on the two warring nations for about 80% of its wheat imports, which are critical for meeting domestic demand for subsidized bread for 60 million people, is proving problematic.

Last week, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expended two hours speaking about the economy at a conference, and last night he phoned a late-night talk show for 90 minutes to discuss the economy.

The primary focus of his remarks was defending his economic policies against those who question his government’s spending priorities.

Egypt has suffered since President Abdel Fattah El Sisi began economic reforms in 2016, he acknowledged.

The government instituted new taxes, higher charges for services and utilities, and lifted state subsidies on fuel, potable water, and domestic electricity.

“They can not be burdened further,” he said. “What we need is to expand our social protection umbrella,” he said.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

The European Union is contemplating whether to label the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have warned Iranians that Saturday will be their last day of protesting against the recent death of Mahsa Amini, in a sign that the country may intensify its already severe crackdown on widespread rebellion.

On September 13, Amini, 22, died in police custody while visiting Tehran with her younger brother.

In an interview with ARD on Sunday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said we will soon impose further sanctions on Iran, as well as listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization.

Germany announced last week that it was strengthening Iran’s entry barriers beyond the already imposed EU sanctions.

Iran’s revolutionary guards issued a stern warning to students last week, but their admonition was ignored as students protested against the regime at Tehran University on Sunday.

Demonstrators were assaulted at a memorial service for victims of a shooting at a major Shiite shrine in southern Iran, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Tasnim said that several students had been wounded without specifying how badly.

Footage on social media allegedly showed Iranian security forces firing tear gas and live ammunition at students protesting against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Universities have become bastions of opposition, playing a crucial role in the protest movement.

Hardline pro-government students at several universities across the country had gathered to commemorate a deadly ISIS-claimed attack on a mosque in Shiraz that killed 13 people on Wednesday, including women and children.

Antigovernment protesters joined the ceremonies at the Islamic Azad University, shouting “freedom, freedom, freedom.”

Iran has repeatedly claimed that foreign powers were behind the protests despite failing to provide evidence.

The unrest has become one of the most serious threats to Iran’s ruling regime since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The demands for the theocracy’s demise started with demands for the abolition of the state-mandated hijab for women but quickly grew to include all demands for democratic reform.

According to Human Rights Activists in Iran, an NGO in the country, at least 270 people have been killed and 14,000 have been arrested in the protests that have swept across 125 Iranian cities.

Since October 24, Iran’s authorities have been hearing the cases of at least 900 protesters charged with “corrupting the Earth”—a phrase signifying an attempt to overthrow the government. The death penalty can be imposed on those convicted.

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

An explosion in a Baghdad residential area killed nine people Saturday night.

The government said that 13 people were wounded in the blast in the eastern Binok neighbourhood of the capital.

Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the Prime Minister, ordered an investigation into the incident.

An “initial technical failure” was initially blamed for the crash, Iraqi security forces said.

An explosion at a car park near London’s Heathrow Airport on Tuesday damaged windows and injured five people, police said.

In Iraq, safety standards in both the transportation and construction sectors are frequently disregarded, and accidents are common.

A woman, her two-year-old daughter, and a man were killed last month when a Baghdad building collapsed, injuring 13 people.

The officials blamed the owner for not following construction codes.

An August landslide caused a partial collapse of a Shiite shrine outside the city of Karbala, south of Baghdad, killing seven people.

Image Credit: Mat Napo on Unsplash

Britain has committed £2 million ($2.3m) to address the spread of cholera in Syria.

Unicef, the UN agency for children, will use the funds to fight the growing epidemic more than 10 years after the start of the war.

Italy recently pledged $499,000 to the World Health Organization’s cholera response in Syria.

The cholera treatment centres, cholera kits, and cholera prevention training that the UK money will help establish will provide people with cholera treatment, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

According to the Syrian Health Ministry, 13 out of 14 provinces have recorded 44 deaths and 942 cholera cases.

The number of deaths and cases of cholera has risen to 44 and 942, respectively, out of 14 governorates, according to the Syria Health Ministry’s announcement on October 22nd.

People can contract cholera by eating contaminated food or water, and it can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea, resulting in death.

The WHO last week suggested that partners and countries limit cholera vaccinations to one dose rather than two, given the increasing caseload and shortage of supplies.

There is limited evidence regarding the length of time the vaccine protects, but one shot appears to stop outbreaks, according to the report. In children, the protection appears to be lower.

24 million doses of vaccines are already being shipped for immunisation campaigns, according to WHO.

There is no quick method to boost output, the statement said. According to a global cholera task force, they require 250 million cholera vaccines by 2025 to prevent outbreaks as well as for routine immunisation programmes.

Cholera vaccines will no longer be produced by Shantha Biotechnics, an Indian subsidiary of the French pharmaceutical firm Sanofi, by the end of this year.

There is currently only one producer, EuBiologics, for the simple-to-produce oral vaccine.

Image Credit: Louis Reed on Unsplash

syria cholera

FIFA has cautioned Tunisia that they may be dropped from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar if the government intervenes in football affairs.

According to football’s world governing body, the warning comes after several statements from Tunisia’s youth and sports minister, Kamel Deguiche, about the possibility of “dissolving federal bureaux.”

The BBC report says that Deguiche has recently urged the FTF, the country’s football federation, to postpone the domestic league and review kick-off dates.

According to the British broadcaster, Fifa believes that Deguiche’s remarks were an attempt to interfere in the FTF’s operations, and requested the latter for information about attempts to interfere in its internal affairs and plans to shut down its office.

Fifa has reminded the FTF that member associations are “legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties”.

Fifa’s director of member associations, Kenny Jean-Marie, warned Wajdi Aouadi, the general secretary of the FTF, that disciplinary action might be taken if the FTF did not honour its commitments.

The Zurich-based organisation must be independent of legal and political interference from its member federations.

It would prohibit either Tunisian club or national teams from participating in either continental or global tournaments.

According to the BBC, Fifa has given the FTF no later than Friday to reply concerning Deguiche’s statements.

The FTF has been embroiled in controversies in the past, with Tunisian club Chebba charging it and its president, Wadie Jary, of deceiving the Court of Arbitration for Sport in April 2021. The court, however, later concluded that the club was not misled.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hassene Dridi/File

On Sunday, the 89-year-old Christian president of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, who presided over the country’s devastating economic crash and the deadly Beirut port explosion, will vacate the presidential palace, leaving a huge gap at the top of Lebanon’s weak government.

Parliament has so far been unable to agree on a successor in the role, which has the power to sign bills into law, appoint new prime ministers, and green-light government formations before they are voted on by parliament.

The current caretaker administration has governed Lebanon for over half of Aoun’s term, as he has attempted to create a government for over six months.

Many Christians view Aoun as their defender in Lebanon’s corrupt system, but his detractors accuse him of helping Hezbollah gain power and enabling corruption. He is a divisive figure.

In 2016, Hezbollah and rival Maronite Christian politician Samir Geagea endorsed him for president, bringing then-leading Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri back as prime minister.

In 2017, the Lebanese army battled Islamist militants on the Syrian border with Hezbollah’s help, and in 2020, top energy firms began preliminary drilling in offshore blocks. A new electoral law was passed in 2018.

During his final week in office, he signed a U.S.-backed agreement delineating Lebanon’s southern border with Israel.

Those modest successes pale in comparison to the 2019 financial meltdown, which has pushed over 80% of the population into poverty and prompted the most widespread anti-government protests in recent history.

The explosion at the Beirut port in 2020, which killed more than 220 people, was inextricably linked to Aoun’s term.

After 15 years in exile, he returned to Beirut when Syrian forces withdrew under international pressure, following the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri.

Hezbollah, an armed group, received important Christian backing from him when his Free Patriotic Movement allied with Hezbollah in 2006. During the maritime border talks, Aoun credited Hezbollah for acting as a “deterrent” against Israeli attacks.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS

Can Lebanon be saved?

Iraq’s parliament voted on a new cabinet after their government needed to be replaced for a year due to contested elections. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, 52, will serve as the Prime Minister of Iraq. Previously he served as both human rights minister and minister of labor and social affairs.

A statement released by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office after the vote said, “The government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has obtained the confidence of the National Assembly.”

A majority of the 253 lawmakers present voted to appoint 21 ministers, with two posts — construction and housing and the environment — remaining undecided. With those two unresolved appointments, the approved cabinet lineup constitutes a quorum.

After weeks of infighting between key factions, Al-Sudani has been chosen to form a new government. This move came in response to the ongoing need for political stability in Sudan.

Muqtada al-Sadr, who is a well-known cleric in Iraq, refused to join the government. The movement he leads refuses to work with their opponents in these tense times. We’ll be sure to take care of business. When the stakes are high, we should put our best team on the field. If the world is looking for people to follow, we must lead the way.

The report said: “Those changes will not only add new challenges to our country, which is already suffering from accumulated crises that have had negative economic, social and humanitarian impacts on our citizens.” Al-Sudani, nominated on October 13, had the backing of the Coalition for the Administration of the State, which includes the Coordination Framework, an alliance of powerful pro-Iran Shia factions that holds 138 out of 329 seats in parliament.

The recent meeting of Iraq’s parliament includes Sunni MPs led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, as well as two key Kurdish parties. Under the power-sharing system in Iraq, cabinet posts are shared between the different ethnic communities of Iraq.

Iraq held elections for its parliament after protesters demanded the country’s political system be overhauled. Part of the reason for their demands was not just the lack of adequate services like potable water and electricity, but also environmental fears that lax environmental policy could unleash disasters. Following the contentious election, which gave a plurality to al-Sadr’s alliance and led to political infighting delaying the forming of an inclusive government for more than a year.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister said he demanded Iranian officials stop providing Russia with arms, according to a phone call with his Iranian counterpart.

Ukraine and its Western allies blame Iran for providing drones to Russia. These drones are called “kamikaze” drones. Moscow’s forces have used them in recent attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Iran denies sending any weaponry, including drones, to Russia.

John Kuleba tweeted “Today, I received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.”

“I demand Iran to halt the shipment of weapons to Russia,” he wrote. “These weapons are used in Russia’s campaign to kill civilians and destroy infrastructure in Ukraine.”

As Russia attacks Ukraine in recent weeks, it has unleashed a wave of missiles and drones that have hit Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and caused power cuts to places as far as Kyiv, countries, and towns.

As Iran’s spokesman, Amirabdollahian has given a statement on the situation between Russia and Ukraine, stating that he was ready to speak with Ukraine over claims that Tehran had sent drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Amirabdollahian dismissed recent allegations that there were any negotiations about selling drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, IRNA said.

The foreign minister said, “We have recently exported weapons to Russia, but not during the Ukraine war,” according to IRNA.

The minister also said he discussed the issue of drones with the European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who had visited Tehran a few days ago for talks with Iranian officials about their involvement in creating a mechanism for investigating alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.

“…He also asked Iran and Ukraine to evaluate claims on the use of Iranian-made drones in the Ukraine war and send military experts to do so,” IRNA quoted his statement as saying.

Russia has used drones in Ukraine to devastating effect and has relied on them as a key weapon during its war. In the past month, armed drones have targeted crucial energy infrastructure, leading to nationwide power shortages in Ukraine.

Ukraine has recently reported that it has shot down more than 300 Russian drones within the last few months. The drones have been identified as the Shahed-136 model, which is an Iranian-made drone.

Ukraine air force spokesman Yuri Ihnat told journalists in Kyiv that Russia had ordered an estimated 2,400 kamikaze drones, although the exact extent of Moscow’s stock of armed drones was unknown.

The US has stated that the alleged export of “kamikaze drones” used in Ukraine could be a breach of the resolution, which could potentially trigger the automatically reinstating of international sanctions against Iran.

Tehran and Washington are set to clash again over the mass unrest that erupted after a Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, died in the custody of morality police last month. Ultra-conservatives in Iran believe she was involved in immoral activities and she has been accused of posting on online dating websites.

The US and Albania, another major critic of Iranian government, will hold an informal UNSC gathering today, as first reported by Reuters.

Representatives of the Iranian people, Shirin Ebadi and Nazanin Boniadi, will speak at the meeting. The Iranian state has labeled both as anti-establishment figures. Other UN member states and rights groups can also attend this meeting.

The Associated Press reported that the event would highlight the ongoing oppression faced by women, religious and ethnic minorities in Iran. However, Tehran gave a different account.

Recently, IRNA reported that the Iranian government is blaming America for the protests. They based their argument on a rare joint report from Iran’s intelligence ministry and the Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence division.

Attempting to refute the points put forth by Iran’s intelligence community, the US is showing support of human rights with a select few while ignoring some.

The Iranian mission to the UN had the same sentiment, a statement claiming that America is the “prime suspect of the riots” in Iran.

“The US and its allies have consistently taken advantage of such a platform (the UN) to advance their political agendas.” It accused the US of double standards in supporting Iranians.

Women and ethnic minority groups have been present in the protests. Cautioning against protests, the commander of the IRGC said, “Do not come to the streets! Today is the last day of the riots.”

The unrest in Iran started as a protest against the weak economy and falling currency. The campaign ran for six days before it was broken up by security officials. Many people, who believe President Donald Trump is to blame for their economic woes, have been arrested or killed.

On Friday, an UN spokesman voiced concern about the situation in Iran and urged the country’s authorities to address the “legitimate grievances of the population” while speaking out against incidents that have resulted in injury or death.

The report is the first public acknowledgement that Amini had worked with Iranian journalists who were part of an “infiltration course” run by the US mafia regime. Those journalists first manufactured news for Iranian media, which was then picked up by foreign media to inflame anti-government demonstrations.

Last month, after protests broke out in Iran, two reporters were arrested by Iranian intelligence: Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi. Hamedi was among the first to report on Amini’s death at the hospital, while Mohammadi travelled to Amini’s hometown of Saqqez to report on her funeral.

The intelligence report alleges that the CIA met with Kurdish separatist groups in northern Iraq to ask them to amplify their role in Iran’s unrest. The IRGC repeatedly pounded positions in northern Iraq, which is semi-autonomous, to punish terrorist groups it accused of being based there.

Global markets have been disrupted by the outbreak of the coronavirus and the war in Ukraine, adversely impacting the Egyptian economy. Egypt is the world’s largest wheat importer, and most of it has traditionally come from Russia and Ukraine. Since the country’s supply is reliant on international market prices, those prices can change at any time.

Egypt has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund, clearing the way for the financially troubled Arab country to receive a $3 billion loan, officials said Thursday.

After months of negotiations, IMF officials said a “staff agreement” between the Egyptian government and IMF leaders had been reached, as Egypt tries to control rising prices caused, in part, by the war in Ukraine.

Egypt’s IMF Mission chief, Ivanna Vladkova Hollar, said in a statement released Thursday that the 46-month programme—known as an Extended Fund Facility Arrangement—would provide Egypt with $ 3 billion in loans provided that it implemented certain economic reforms.

Prior to the declaration, Egypt’s central bank issued a series of economic measures, including a 2% increase in key interest rates and a switch to a more flexible exchange rate system.

“Holler welcomed the Central Bank of Egypt’s move to a flexible exchange rate regime as a significant step toward reducing external imbalances, enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness, and attracting foreign direct investment.”

The economy of Egypt has been negatively affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus, which has disrupted global markets and increased oil and food prices worldwide, as well as by the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted global markets and increased oil and food prices worldwide. Because Egypt is the world’s largest wheat importer, a lot of which comes from Russia and Ukraine, the country’s supply is sensitive to international market conditions.

Image Credit: Bruno Sanchez-Andrade Nuño

Egypt

The Australian players issued a declaration Thursday, in which they expressed their support for FIFPro, Building and Wood Workers International, and International Trade Union Confederation efforts to reform Qatar’s labour laws. 

The Australian men’s soccer team has created a three-minute video addressing Qatar’s human rights issues, including how its treatment of foreign workers and LGBTQI+ community is limited. It requests real reform as a legacy of the Gulf state’s hosting of the World Cup, in an effort to raise awareness for the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC).

In the video, 16 players read a sentence or two from a statement. Football Australia also issued a separate statement which said: “The tournament has been associated with suffering for some migrant workers and their families, and this cannot be ignored.”

Qatar has been harshly condemned over the last decade for its mistreatment of migrant workers, mainly from south Asia, who were required to build hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of stadiums, metro lines, roads, and hotels.

There are 32 teams competing in the 2018 World Cup, which runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. The Socceroos have joined a growing number of players from other national teams in voicing their concerns.

Football Australia said that the video has been in the works for almost two years and has been consulted with Amnesty International, the world governing body for soccer, and FIFPRO, the global players’ association, among other global organizations.

The Qatar Emir this week lashed out at remarks concerning his country’s preparations to host the prestigious soccer tournament, calling them an “unprecedented onslaught” against the first Arab nation to hold the event.

Qatar has repeatedly denied that it has failed to improve the protection of migrant workers and has pushed back against the criticism.

Qatar has been subject to an unprecedented attack no host country has ever faced. In a televised address yesterday, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said.

Many people have become so frustrated with the campaign’s fabrications and double standards that they have begun to question the real motives and reasons behind it he said. Last month, eight of the 13 European teams that qualified for the tournament said their captains would wear a wristband with a heart-shaped, variegated pattern to show their support for the “One Love” initiative to eradicate prejudice.

It is a clear violation of FIFA rules. Additionally, there is dismay at home about taking soccer’s greatest event to Qatar, where homosexual acts are prohibited. Qatar says LGTBQ fans will not be arrested.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Dan Peled

The United States has issued sanctions against senior members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, prison wardens, and intelligence officers among other individuals in response to the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was detained by Iranian morality police 40 days ago.

The Treasury Department’s sanctions arm designated 10 senior Iranian officials for financial sanctions and penalties, continuing a string of actions taken against Tehran for its suppression of protesters and internet censorship.

The latest sanctions targeted the head of the Guard’s intelligence division, the division’s deputy commander, wardens from several prisons, and an Iranian firm that filters out unwelcome posts.

Individuals and companies that participate in and teach hacking techniques were hit with separate sanctions from the State Department.

“The United States will continue to impose costs on individuals and entities in Iran who are involved in the brutal repression of the Iranian people,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On September 13, Tehran’s morality police arrested Amini at her west Kurdish hometown. She was charged with wearing her hijab in an improperly loose manner. Iran’s laws require women to wear the hijab so that it covers their hair entirely when they are out in public.

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

The recent announcement of the Biden administration’s successful conclusion of the mediation over the Mediterranean Gas dispute between Israel and Lebanon brought a lot of mixed reviews. While both the Israeli and the Lebanese governments, and Hezbollah by extension, celebrated this supposed-feat, many critics branded this US deal as one which mainly empowers the pro-Iran axis and allows Hezbollah access to potentially millions of dollars which in turn will be used to further cement their hold over Lebanon and its people. 

Contrary to the United States insistence, the Israeli-Lebanese maritime demarcation deal has nothing to do with what these two warring countries need or wish to achieve but rather with what the US needs with its ongoing confrontation with Russia and its dire need for alternative energy sources.

Yet the way that the Biden administration dealt with this energy demand, speaks volumes of their capriciousness in dealing with many of the challenges the Middle East has to offer, and that this so-called diplomatic win for Biden will sooner rather than later prove to be a mistake which will only empower the anti-western axis and further push Lebanon into the abyss.

While true that the Biden administration, through an arduous and challenging mediation led by Amos Hochstein, the Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs, was able to do the impossible, by convincing Hezbollah to agree to share resources with an entity that it wished to destroy, the reality of the matter is that there are no guarantees that Iran and its Lebanese proxy, or even any future Israeli cabinet, will stick to this deal. 

Perhaps, more importantly, the US shortsightedness on the Israeli-Lebanon deal lies in its wishful thinking, not to say juvenile framing of the deal, at least from the Lebanese side. The US administration claim that this gas deal is the start of Lebanon’s economic recovery and that the money generated from future gas exports will allow Lebanon to will be wisely utilized to overhaul the country’s non-existent infrastructure, including the almost non-existent electricity sector, is deceptive not to say the least.

In essence, the United States is wagering on the same Lebanese political class that it has previously called out for its overindulgence in corruption and resolve in snubbing reform as a way out of their political crisis. Ironically, Hochstein’s mediation with the Lebanese state went through the deputy speaker of Parliament Elias Abu Saab, himself is a crony of Gebran Bassil, President Michel Aoun’s son-in-law, sanctioned under the Magnitsky act for “the systemic corruption in Lebanon’s political system… [ which] has helped to erode the foundation of an effective government that serves the Lebanese people.” What the US administration willingly did is to actually empower the Lebanese oligarchs which are responsible for the total collapse and thus further cement the alliance between the corrupt toxic system and the Iranian weapons that protect it. 

Furthermore, while the US has underscored the urgent need for Lebanese structural reforms, this new injection of cash will also allow the Lebanese oligarchs to sidestep these much-needed reforms which were the key to unlock the loan of the International Monterey Fund, which in turn would slowly rein Lebanon back to the sphere of economic and political normalcy. 

Although Lebanon certainly does not carry the same weight for the United States as the ongoing war in Ukraine and the fight over energy resources, Biden’s concession to Iran and its Lebanese proxy over the gas deal does not reflect well on the tensions with the Arab Gulf states and the OPEC+ recent decisions to cut oil production. While Saudi Arabi and the United Arab Emirates no longer look at Lebanon with the same fraternal lens as before nor do they see it as strategically important to their regional interest, the demarcation deal which further empowers the anti-Gulf axis certainly does not help ease the tensions between the Biden administration and an Arab Gulf who is no longer willing to sit aside and see Iran continue to infringe on its sovereignty as well as security.

To many, the Maritime demarcation deal is the ultimate show of realpolitik by a US administration that time and again has not practised what it preached, yet pragmatism within this context might prove to be counterproductive for the United States strategic interests as betting on the good will of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Lebanese oligarchs is no short of lunacy.

The full details of the Lebanese-Israeli demarcation deal have not yet been fully disclosed and might not be for many years ahead, but until that time arrives, we are left with a few essential facts that underscore the continued failure of the successive US administrations that the empowering trying to pass on horse-trading for policy is no longer viable in the region struggling to survive.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra via AP

The Egyptian authorities have announced that they will raise the minimum wage for government workers to 3,000 Egyptian pounds ($153) as part of a new 67-billion-pound ($3.39-billion) support package to help those in need. The package will assist those who are struggling to pay soaring prices.

The latest package, announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at a news conference, was an attempt to mitigate the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been affecting the country’s economy for the past eight months.

In a two-hour address on Tuesday, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said he concurred that families required a monthly allowance of at least 10,000 pounds ($500) in order to make ends meet.

He said that in Egypt, where 25 million schoolchildren account for nearly a quarter of the population, the government cannot expect schoolteachers to dedicate themselves to teaching children on salaries of between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds a month.

The government, Mr Madbouly said, will soon send to Parliament for approval a bill raising the income tax exemption to 30,000 pounds a year from 24,000 pounds.

Egypt has been severely affected by the consequences of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Its currency has lost about 20% of its value since March. Up to $25 billion fled its once-lucrative debt market within a week of the war starting in February. Inflation, fuelled by a surge in food and fuel prices, has risen to about 16% and will likely increase further if the currency continues to drop.

The local industry dependent on imported components has also been hit by a foreign currency crunch.

During the war, the most populous Arab nation, Egypt, which has 104 million people, was affected. The economy, which had been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, was just recovering when the war began.

In addition to the higher minimum wage and tax exemption, the Egyptian prime minister said that a mechanism was being put together to financially support private sector workers who might be laid off.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

As of March 30, Qatar, which has a population of nearly 3 million, has experienced more than 440,000 cases of COVID-19 and 692 deaths, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Qatar’s health ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the World Cup host country had eliminated a requirement for visitors to get a negative COVID-19 test before travelling there.

Previously, the authorities announced that fans were required to present a negative COVID-19 test result regardless of whether or not they had been vaccinated, in order to travel either by air or at the border crossing.

The tournament, which runs Nov. 20-Dec. 18, is expected to draw 1.2 million visitors to Qatar for the first time.

Qatar residents must wait 24 hours after returning home before taking the COVID-19 test.

The health ministry eliminated the requirement that adults show their COVID-19 status on a government-run contact tracing smartphone application called Ehteraz before entering stadiums or other places like shops and restaurants.

Applications must still be shown to visitors and residents before they enter a healthcare facility, the statement said.

The statement said Qatar is easing restrictions because “the number of COVID-19 cases (is) continuing to decline around the world and in Qatar, and Qatar’s National COVID-19 Vaccination Program is ongoing.”

People visiting healthcare facilities must still wear masks, but last week Qatar eased its mask rules, requiring them only for people visiting healthcare facilities.

Qatar, home to almost 3 million people, has reported over 440,000 cases of COVID-19 and 692 fatalities from the disease, according to the Ministry of Public Health.

Militant Islamic State (IS) group said on Wednesday it had attacked a Shiite Muslim shrine, killing 15 people, as Tehran struggled with a wave of protests and warned of a forceful response.

A militant ISIS-style group was behind an assault on a revered Shiite Muslim shrine in southern Iran that left at least four people dead and 17 wounded, Iranian officials said. Iran’s state media reported that “takfiri terrorists” were responsible for the attack.

Iran has been a target of previous assaults by the group, including deadly twin bombings in 2017 that targeted Iran’s parliament and the tomb of the country’s first supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.

An Iranian woman died in police custody on Wednesday, and security forces clashed with increasingly strident protesters commemorating the 40-day anniversary. 

State media reported that Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi and President Ebrahim Raisi both blamed the Iran protests for the Shiraz attack.

Iran’s enemies have historically tried to exploit the country’s unity to sow division, Raisi said, noting that the Islamic State’s claim of responsibility for the attack sought to take revenge through violence and terror.

Security and law enforcement forces will certainly teach the perpetrators a lesson, and this crime will not go unpunished.

An official with the semi-Tasnim news agency said the assailant shot an employee at the entrance to the shrine before his rifle jammed, and that he was then pursued by bystanders.

A police officer said the attacker’s weapon malfunctioned and he then shot worshippers at the mosque.

After the congregational prayer, a witness told state television that a man opened fire on worshippers. Luckily, my child was missed, but my wife was wounded in the back, and I was wounded in the leg and arm.

Video footage showed some of the most violent clashes between security forces and protesters throughout the country on the day of the attack in Shiraz, where Amini was killed.

Since 1979, the Iranian clerical leadership is facing one of the most audacious challenges from the ongoing demonstrations. People from all walks of life have taken to the streets, demanding the abolition of the Islamic Republic and the demise of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

An eyewitness said security forces shot at mourners in the predominantly Kurdish town of Saqez on Wednesday.

Dozens were arrested after riot police shot at mourners who had gathered at Mahsa’s tomb for a memorial ceremony, a witness said. Iranian authorities could not be reached for comment.

Around 10,000 people attended Shahr-e Ray cemetery to pay their last respects to the prominent reformist, ISNA news agency reported. The internet was reportedly shut down after clashes between security forces and mourners.

People packed the streets of many cities, and Tehran’s bazaars were closed down as people chanted ‘Death to Khamenei.’ Videos were posted on social media.

Footage on social media appeared to show members of the Basij militia shooting at protesters in Tehran.

An elite Revolutionary Guards member was killed ‘by rioters’ in the western city of Malayer, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.

A pro-reform Iranian official said the protests’ spread appeared to have taken authorities by surprise, and that support for the Islamic system is not as widespread as officials claim.

Although some analysts believe that the imminent dawn of a new political order is unlikely, activists said that the path to a new revolution had been cleared and that the wall of fear had fallen.

Dozens of universities have joined the protests, and hundreds of schoolgirls have participated, chanting, ‘Freedom, freedom, freedom,’ despite the severity of the security forces’ crackdowns.

State media and hardline officials have branded protesters ‘hypocrites, monarchists and thugs’.

At least 250 protesters were killed and thousands arrested, according to rights groups.

Image Credit; Blondinrikard Fröberg

Sudanese security forces dispersed tens of thousands of protesters with tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound bombs on Tuesday. The march was to mark the first anniversary of a military coup and demand that Sudan have full civilian rule.

The Sudanese Doctors’ Committee claims that security forces killed at least one person by running them over with a large truck. Anti-coup protests have led more than 100 victims to their deaths, the Doctors’ Committee says.

“Our goal today is to bring about a civilian democratic government. We want a civilian government that will help the Sudanese people. It is the power of the street …—that is going to establish the power of the people,” said Yassin al-Khalifa, 33, a man wearing a yellow cape and driving a motorcycle.”

Before the march commenced, the coup authorities cut off internet access to the entire country- but that didn’t dissuade people from taking to the streets and protesting. Protesters waved Sudanese flags, as well as pictures of young people killed by security forces.

Outside of the capital, Khartoum, protests occurred in other states, including Port Sudan and South Kordofan.

The mass protests also showed a popular rejection of the ongoing US-led talks that aim to broker a new civilian-military partnership between a coalition of political parties known as the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) and military coup leaders.

Many people chanted “No negotiations, no dialogue, no partnership!” during Tuesday’s demonstrations. This can be seen as a popular demand for a fully civilian government in control without the military or armed groups involved.

In an effort to put pressure on the military council, which was later renamed the Transitional Military Council (TMC), the Friends of Sudan- a coalition of countries that includes the European Union (EU), the UK and the US- released a statement that reaffirmed their support for a civilian-led government. They also argued that this government would help solve Sudan’s economic crisis, which is worsening as food prices continue to rise.

The country’s pro-democracy movement is wary of the phrase “civilian-led” because they are afraid that it means that they will work with military figures in order to control the population. They see the term as a euphemism for their old government which was overthrown last year – the same government that this new civilian-led government wants to reform.

Shahinaz Osman, a 40-year-old mother of five says, “We don’t want any negotiations with the military. We want the army to go back to their barracks and we want all armed groups to be subsumed into the military so that there is a single army.”

Another protest, this time targeting the alleged amnesty for coup leaders Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamad Hamdan Dagalo – better known as Hemeti -, is being staged outside Egypt’s embassy in London.

On June 3, 2019, security forces stormed a sit-in in Khartoum, killing 120 protesters. This was the most violent moment since President al-Bashir was toppled from power in April of the same year.

“The people in the streets want accountability. Burhan and Hemeti killed so many people and not just since October 25 but since the dispersal of the sit-in [on June 3, 2019],” said Shahinaz Gamal, a member of one of the resistance committees, who is spearheading the pro-democracy movement in Egypt’s neighbourhoods.

Rights groups have stressed the need to end impunity for the coup authorities.

In the last year, Sudan’s military leaders have been allowed to continue taking repressive measures and crackdowns as they please. HRW researcher Mohamad Osman said: “There is no accountability for these people.”

The protestors deserve a future where their rights are respected. The world should stand behind these demands and make clear that impunity for the ongoing crimes will not be tolerated.

Security forces are continuing to repress peaceful demonstrators and have not been held accountable for past abuses. Witnesses noticed an increase in people carrying light arms who were chasing protesters and trying to drive them into smaller side streets on Tuesday.

One common complaint among protesters is their belief that there are plain-clothed security officers in the crowd, stirring up suspicions and creating conflict.

“Dania Atabani, a 22 year old protester, told Al Jazeera that in the past plain cloth officers would usually just observe neighborhoods, but today they were involved in the violence,” she said.

Protestors are protesting, and the police are there to keep them from getting out of hand. Some protestors have been posing a threat to security officers, but the police have released a statement about it.

The country’s Minister of Justice went on the say that police should be given “exceptional powers” to deal with what he calls “organized rebel groups” and “sleeper cells,” those who are part of the protests, and send them to the courts for summary trials.

After the coup, various branches of the security forces made similar claims that some protesters are violent.

Iranian Security forces have been involved in clashes with people takin part in a memorial for Mahsa Amini, according to a semi-official news agency. Thousands of people gathered in her hometown of Saqqez to mark 40 days since her death.

A few of those present at Mahsa Amini’s memorial clashed with the police, who dispersed them. “Following the scattered clashes,” ISNA news agency reported, “internet in Saqqez was cut off due to security considerations.”

A Kurdish woman who was detained for wearing improper hijab has died in Tehran. Her family are challenging the state’s conclusion that she died of a preexisting condition, and not because she was hit while being detained.

The recent weeks-long protests first broke out in Saqqez, a district in the northwestern Kurdistan province. They have since spread quickly across the country, persisting despite severe internet restrictions which remain in place.

In religious practice, the fortieth day after a person’s death is known as “chehelom” and has cultural and religious significance in Iran among Shia Muslims.

On Wednesday, videos and posts circulated on social media showing crowds of people marching and driving towards the Aychi cemetery in Saqqez, where Amini was laid to rest.

There were people gathered right outside the chamber and they numbered in the thousands. Many chanted “woman, life, freedom” as well as “freedom, freedom,” which are slogans that have been seen at many of the demonstrations within Iran and also in solidarity protests that have been organized outside of its borders.

Speaking from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Dorsa Jabbari said the estimated number of people attending at the cemetery to pay their respects to Amini was 10,000.

The Iranian government cut off the internet due to security reasons. They determined this was necessary following the unrests that took place earlier in the day. People were clashing with police, and these disagreements quickly erupted into a bigger

On Wednesday morning, schools and universities across Ontario had been ordered to close. Health officials cite an increase in influenza cases as the reason.

Reports surfaced that popular figures like legendary footballer Ali Daei had traveled to Saqqez for the memorial. Authorities shut down the roads, leading people to cross rivers and walk long distances just to get to the cemetery. State-affiliated media rejected these reports.

The governor of Kurdistan, Esmail Zarei Kousha, said on Wednesday that foreign-based media were using Amini’s chehelom (gift) as an excuse to sow unrest.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry is imposing sanctions on many European-based Persian-language channels due to their coverage of the recent anti-government protests.

In Tehran, videos circulating on social media on Wednesday show demonstrations in several neighbourhoods and universities. Shops seem to be closed as well.

Videos have been shown of students chanting anti-establishment slogans on university campuses. Recently, Ali Bahadori Jahromi has visited several universities in attempts to hold dialogue sessions. The sessions have faced some interruptions by chanting students.

In the capital, Tehran and other cities in Iran, male and female students have begun to break into dining halls together. This trend started after decades of gender segregation within colleges. In some universities, authorities closed down the locations altogether, leading students to eat at outdoor cafés that they share with those of the opposite sex next to each other on the ground.

Elsewhere, footage of a group of workers striking outside of the Tehran Oil Refining Company was released, but the company denied that they were unhappy and said they were in talks with their supervisors over various guild-related issues.

The Iranian authorities have not released official tallies of how many people have died during the protests, but many dozens of people are thought to have been killed. Authorities also arrested many more people, though there is no official number.

In the wake of public disorder, the judiciary has issued hundreds of indictments against people who they have called “leaders of riots.” As a result, these cases are being fast-tracked, following an order by the Judiciary Chief last month.

The ongoing protests, in addition to Iran’s allegations of weapons sales to Russia, have significantly elevated tensions with the west. The US and its allies have imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and institutions.

Security, energy, and finance agreements were signed between Oman and Bahrain during the Gulf leaders’ meeting in Manama.

Oman’s Sultan Haitham and Bahrain’s King Hamad signed the deals at the Sakhir Palace in Bahrain’s capital, the Bahrain news agency reported on Tuesday.

Sultan Haitham concluded a two-day official visit to Bahrain as the deals were signed.

The leaders “affirmed their determination to continue developing joint co-operation in the economic, trade and investment fields,” the news agency reported.

According to the agreement, cooperation between the two states in the private sector will be enhanced and developed to increase trade and benefit the people of both countries.

An agreement to establish the Bahrain-Oman Investment Company was signed during the visit.

The announcement said that the base would be an attractive place for investors to make new connections and build productive partnerships with private sector institutions in a variety of fields.

Senior Omani officials, including the foreign, interior, and finance ministers, joined Sultan Haitham.

The Omani official stated that Sultan Haitham’s visit to Manama was intended “to consolidate the strong historical ties between Oman and Bahrain, and to further enhance and expand them.”

They agreed that “it is imperative to maintain the cohesion of the Gulf Cooperation Council and emphasise the unity of its countries and peoples in order to tackle current issues.”

The statement emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to realise the hopes of member states and their people for greater solidarity, integration, and joint action toward Gulf economic unity,” the statement said.

Leaders also discussed the upcoming Arab summit, scheduled for early November in Algeria, during their meeting.

The statement said that the summit would “protect Arab national security and advance Arab joint action in promoting security, development, and prosperity.”

Oman and Bahrain’s leaders “expressed their commitment to working together to guarantee regional security, safeguard free trade and travel, battle terrorism and its funding, and battle violent ideology.”

In 2020, Sultan Haitham took office after Qaboos’s death and visited Bahrain for the first time.

Image Credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Pool via AP, File

US-Iran Prisoner Negotiations

Ten people were killed and nine others injured in an accident near Mansoura, northern Egypt, when a bus crashed into a truck, a hospital official said.

A list of casualties was posted on social media saying that an entire family and three sisters had been killed.

Police said the crash happened in the Dakahlia province’s Mansoura, where two hospitals are located, and that the dead and wounded were taken.

An unfortunate collision occurred on a highway connecting Dakahlia with Gamasa, a well-loved beach destination for Egypt’s lower classes.

Officials from Egypt’s ministries of health and social solidarity were sent to address the aftermath of the incident, the province’s governor said. Hundreds of Mansoura residents surrounded the ambulances carrying the victims to hospital after photos of the victims on social media.

The mayor said the victims and their relatives would be provided with support.

In August, two similar incidents of minibuses crashing into trucks resulted in a total of 16 fatalities.

Image Credit: Mat Napo on Unsplash

Regional diplomatic and intelligence sources told Reuters that Israel has intensified attacks on Syrian airports – including Damascus International Airport – to disrupt Iran’s increasing use of aerial supply lines to deliver weapons to allies in Syria and Lebanon, particularly Hezbollah.

An Israeli missile strike near Damascus on Monday afternoon is rare, a Syrian military source said.

Iran has deployed forces to Syria to assist Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in his battle against armed rebels since 2011, and Israel has regularly struck Iranian and Iran-backed targets there.

A military source said “bursts of rockets” hit areas around Damascus in the early afternoon. Syrian air defences shot down “a number of them”.

A source said that there had been material damage and an injured soldier as a result of the attack.

The military declined to comment on the Israeli matter.

Israel usually carries out its strikes at night.

Syria’s information minister, Omran al-Zoubi, said Israel has targeted Syria’s airports to disrupt Iran’s growing use of aerial supply lines to deliver weapons to Syrian and Lebanese allies, including Hezbollah.

Image Credit: Steve Conover/Flickr

Iran “will not remain indifferent” if a UN investigation establishes that it sent drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war, its foreign ministry has said.

Iran is ‘against both arming Russia and Ukraine,’ said Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who added that his country favored a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Iran’s foreign ministry has said that Tehran would not be indifferent if a UN investigation found that it had sent drones to Russia to be used in the Ukraine conflict.

Iran is “against arming both Russia and Ukraine,” according to Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, who spoke to state-linked media.

“We haven’t provided Russia with any weapons or drones for the purpose of fighting in Ukraine,” he said.

Tehran will not say what actions it will take if the UN definitively determines the source of the drones.

In addition to his reaffirmation of Iran’s desire to directly negotiate with Ukraine on the subject, Mr. Amirabdollahian said that he had informed European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell of this in the recent days.

“I made it clear to Mr Borrell that if … we find out that Russia has employed Iranian drones in the battle against Ukraine, we will not be indifferent about the issue.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently issued a warning that Iran was making a “big mistake” by supplying weapons to Russia.

Kiev and its western allies have repeatedly accused Moscow of using Iranian-made drones in attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks.

Iran’s drones having been discovered in Ukraine is corroborated, both by the EU and the US.

Western countries have said in the past that Iran has rejected the allegations.

Russian forces have reportedly used Shahed-136 “loitering munitions,” also known as “kamikaze drones,” to destroy civilian infrastructure, including power stations, in Ukraine, according to analysts. Shahed-136 has been renamed Geran-2 by Russia.

An Iran-made drone, the Mohajer-6, has also been found in Ukraine, completely intact after it crash-landed near Ukrainian defences.

Hundreds of the low-cost weapons, which have been utilized by Iran and Saudi Arabia’s allies in the Middle East to assault the UAE, Saudi Arabia, coalition forces in Iraq, and targets in Yemen, are due to be delivered to Russia, the US said in June.

Civilian infrastructure has often been targeted by drones.

Analysts said that Iran’s nuclear programme was most likely derailed or at least frozen as a result of new US and EU sanctions, which may have resulted in sanctions being lifted in return for UN inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities if a deal had been reached.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani denied US claims that Iranian military personnel were in Russian-controlled Crimea to assist Moscow with drone strikes in Ukraine.

“This news has been rejected strongly,” said Kanani, at a press conference.

Moscow believes that Washington’s assertion seeks to divert public opinion from their destructive role in the Ukraine conflict by siding with one side and heavily exporting weapons and equipment to the country, he said.

John Kirby, a White House national security spokesman, said last Thursday that Iranian forces were “on the ground in Crimea” to assist Russia in its operations, and that they were trainers and technology support personnel.

Senior State Department spokesman John Kirby said that Iran was now directly involved on the ground in Ukraine through the provision of weapons that were harming civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Iran has already been sanctioned by the US, Britain, and the EU over the issue of drones.

Kiev decided last month to significantly reduce its diplomatic relations with Tehran over alleged arms deliveries to Moscow.

iran embassy Azerbaijan Jamshid Sharmahd

Lebanon’s parliament on Monday failed to elect a president for the fourth time, as the country headed towards a constitutional crisis, with just a week remaining before outgoing President Michel Aoun’s term expires on October 31.

No political block has been able to agree on a candidate to succeed Aoun, given parliament’s unprecedented fragmentation after May’s elections.

A financial crisis has plagued the nation for the last three years, and the government is already operating in a caretaker capacity. If the presidency becomes vacant, things will become even more worrisome.

The economy and political unrest have caused the currency to drop by more than 90 percent, spreading poverty, immobilizing the financial system, and locking depositors out of their money in the most disruptive crisis since the country’s civil war.

On Monday, the split votes in parliament were mostly between independent MP Michel Mouawad, scholar Issam Khalife, who was recently nominated, blank ballots, and some votes for political slogans.

Nabih Berri, the Parliament speaker, scheduled the next session for Thursday, October 27.

Politicians are trying to reach an agreement on a new cabinet led by Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Najib Mikati to which presidential powers might be transferred, foreseeing another vacuum at the top.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS

Can Lebanon be saved?

Iranians took to the streets to vent their anger after a young woman was arrested for appearing in a video wearing a mini-skirt.

Fighting broke out at Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology on Sunday evening after a group of female students confronted another group, leading to protests against the Iranian regime.

The recent unrest has been sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death while in police custody.

Footage has emerged of Iran’s morality police beating protesters, including women, and shooting at crowds. Demonstrations around the world have demonstrated solidarity with the protest movement, with demonstrations taking place in New York, London, and Berlin.

More than 200 people have been killed according to rights groups as security forces crack down on the largest anti-government uprising since 2019 when over 200 people were slain in what is now known as Bloody November.

Earlier this month, clashes between students and security forces resulted in classes at Sharif University of Technology being suspended and moved online.

On Saturday, the Tasnim news agency reported that “a number of female students entered the men’s dining hall after removing their hijab”, breaching Iran’s gender segregation rules in certain public areas and the mandatory headscarf requirement for women.

According to Tasnim, another group of students “held a rally … protesting against the insults and desecration that had occurred at the university” on Sunday.

The students, who waved the Iranian flag, demanded that the university address “lawlessness and breach of standards” on campus, the report said.

Students chanted vulgar slogans, broke the dining hall door and windows, and threw them at fellow students, according to Tasnim. In addition, “some students and university security personnel were injured,” she said.

An unreliable news agency published a video showing students kicking down the door to the cafeteria, as others blocked the exit.

Local media reported that the university barred entry to “a small number of students” over their involvement in “creating an unpleasant atmosphere.”

The statement said that the students had been “temporarily banned from attending the university for their own good and the good of the university.”

About 200 students gathered at the university on October 2 and chanted against authorities, according to Mehr news agency.

Police officers armed with non-lethal steel pellets were among the security forces that used tear gas and paintballs to disperse the crowd, Mehr reported.

iran embassy Azerbaijan Jamshid Sharmahd

Iran’s atomic energy organisation said in state media on Sunday that an e-mail server used by one of its subsidiaries had been hacked, resulting in some information being leaked online.

Iran’s nuclear activities were hacked and published by the hacking group Black Reward, according to a statement published on Twitter.

A statement released on Saturday expressed support for Iran’s protesters and called for ‘the freedom of women and life,’ citing Mahsa Amini as an example.

The report listed “management and operational schedules of different parts of Bushehr power plant,” and “atomic development contracts and agreements with domestic and foreign partners” as information released.

The atomic energy organization’s general public information and diplomacy department said that ‘this decision was made with the intention of grabbing people’s attention.’

Technical content and day-to-day exchanges are present in users’ emails, according to state media.

Iran’s nuclear deal has ground to a halt, according to the United States, which says Iran has shown little interest in reviving the pact.

Image Credit:  Ilya Pavlov on Unsplash

Doctors have advised Prince Mohammed not to travel, so he cannot attend the Arab Summit set for November 1 in Algiers, according to a statement released by the Saudi Embassy in Washington.

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, who is aged 37 and reportedly battling illness, will not be attending the upcoming summit in Algeria, according to the Algerian presidency.

There was no immediate response from Saudi Arabia concerning the health of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has quickly risen to prominence under King Salman, following comments from Algeria. In recent years, the Al Saud royal family has focused on King Salman’s health, with analysts suggesting that Prince Mohammed could rule the OPEC-leading country for decades after becoming king.

A statement issued by the Algeria Press Service said that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had announced that Prince Mohammed had phoned him.

According to the statement, Prince Mohammed apologized for not being able to attend the Arab Summit in Algiers on November 1, due to the advice of his doctors that he not travel.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, Tebboune spoke with the prince, but he neglected to mention what the physicians suggested. Instead, he emphasized that the discussion focused on ‘the aspects of bilateral relations between the two fraternal countries and prospective collaboration.

The recent meeting of the Arab League in Algeria was the first since the world’s outbreak of coronavirus.

The Arab League, which comprises 22 nations in the Middle East and North Africa, has been suspended because of the long-running war in Syria. While the body has been largely fractious and unable to enforce its mandates, it has otherwise been unified in its call for an independent Palestinian state.

After Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to power as a deputy crown prince in 2015, King Salman removed Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who had once been a powerful figure in Saudi counterterrorism efforts and an American ally. Two years later, he became crown prince.

With his ascension to power, Saudi Arabia has witnessed swift alterations, including women driving and cinemas being opened. In addition to imprisoning corrupt Saudi officials at a luxury hotel in Riyadh, he has also spearheaded a corruption crackdown. Even as the Saudi military carries out a destructive war in Yemen, he has become internationally condemned for his participation.

Intelligence agencies in the United States have determined that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was behind the murder and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, a critic of his governance. Although the Saudi government has denied that Prince Mohammed was involved in Khashoggi’s death, the prosecution of the team that murdered him has been kept secret.

Saudi Arabia leading OPEC and allied countries to an oil production cut of 2 million barrels per day recently came under intense American criticism.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan, File

The Security Council Resolution endorsing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal was said to have been violated by drone use.

Iran has “strongly condemned” a call by France, Germany and the UK for the UN to investigate allegations that Russia has employed Iranian-made drones to assault Ukraine, its foreign ministry said Saturday.

Iran has denied that it supplied drones to Moscow for use in the Ukraine conflict.

Iran has become a hot destination for weapon manufacturers, President Ebrahim Raisi said in a speech Saturday.

During his recent travels abroad, including to the UN General Assembly in New York, he said “People came up to me asking us to sell them military products. ‘Why us?’ I asked them, ‘there are so many other countries … They said ‘because yours are better’,” he said of his recent travels aborad, including to the UN General Assembly in New York.

He said Iran’s enemies “do not want us to grow … to conquer markets”.

“Let the enemy get angry and die of anger,” Mr Raisi said.

On Friday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani branded the E-3 statements as ‘false and baseless.’

Iran ‘strongly rejected’ the request for an investigation, Mr Kanaani said.

The Ukrainian military says it has spotted Iranian-built Shahed-136 attack drones being used by Russian forces to fly towards their target and detonate on impact.

Iran’s drones were not employed by Russian forces to attack Ukraine, according to Russia.

The three European countries signed a letter seen by Reuters backing Ukraine’s call for a UN probe.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

An Israeli news channel reported on Friday that Israeli Arabs are calling for a boycott of Zara after its franchise owner hosted a far-right political figure Itamar Ben Gvir for an election campaign event in Raanana this week, according to a report.

People set fire to Zara clothing after a get-together organised by Joey Schwebel, chairman of Trimera Brands, the Israeli franchise holder for Zara.

The November 1 election is predicted to result in as many as 12 Otzma Yehudit seats, headed by Mr Ben Gvir, an ultra-nationalist faction. Religious Zionism is a bloc.

Protesters burned ZARA clothes after Israeli franchise owner Joey Schwebel hosted a campaign event for ultra-nationalist Itamar Ben Gvir. Israeli Arabs are calling for a boycott of the brand. 

Arab lawmaker Ahmed Tibi called out to Mr Schwebel, who holds Canadian and Israeli citizenship, to renounce his Israeli nationality.

During a session of the Knesset, chairman Avi Tibi and member Baruch Marzel got into a heated argument about the clothing store Zara. Marzel, who is a great fan of the store, took the opportunity to express his appreciation in a reply to Tibi’s comment, which expressed his distaste for the store.

A video of Rahat Mayor Faiz Abu Sahiban burning clothes allegedly purchased from Zara went viral.

Even the mayor of Rahat, Fahat Paeizan, has put on a kippah to demonstrate his support for the city’s new denim factory.

Israel will hold its fifth national election in four years in November.

Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will face off against centrist Prime Minister Yair Lapid in the ballot, representing a coalition of right-wing and ultra-religious parties against a camp spanning left and right.

Ben Gvir’s “Jewish Power” party’s joint list is predicted to win as many as 13 of parliament’s 120 seats, making him a kingmaker of a conservative coalition. He is 46 years old.

In 2007, Ben Gvir was convicted of racist incitement and of supporting a blacklisted group on both the Israeli and US terrorism lists. He has recently attempted to portray himself as a moderate voice for the far right.

He said that he no longer promotes the expulsion of all Palestinians, only those he considers traitors or terrorists.

According to Ben-Gvir (2012), anyone who raises a hand against a soldier, anyone who opposes the State of Israel, or anyone who wants to turn Israel into Palestine rather than what it is, does not belong there.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File

Ben Gvir

Turkey, which this year sought to normalise ties with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is now seeking foreign financial support to bolster its struggling economy ahead of elections in 2019.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday that it was not appropriate for the United States to pressure Saudi Arabia after OPEC+ oil producers announced production cuts, despite U.S. objections.

“We see that a country has threatened Saudi Arabia, especially recently. This bullying is not correct,” Cavusoglu said at a news conference in southern Turkey.

Last week, President Joe Biden said that there would be repercussions for U.S.-Saudi relations if OPEC + agreed to reduce oil production.

There was no politics involved in OPEC+’s decision to boost production, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said, emphasizing it was purely economic.

It is wrong for the United States to use sanctions as a tool to pressure other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Cavusoglu said.

Turkey, an oil importer, this year has sought to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia, which were severed after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Since Turkey needs foreign financial support to sustain its struggling economy ahead of elections next year, it now looks to Saudi Arabia for help.

Erdogan previously held one-on-one talks with Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia in April, after earlier dropping the Turkish trial over Khashoggi’s 2018 murder in Istanbul.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Turkey reconstruction

Qatar recently informed the United Nations General Assembly that Palestinians must be granted complete freedom to manage their occupied territories, according to the Qatar News Agency.

Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the UN remarked during a meeting of the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee).

Qatar alleged that Israel was exploiting Palestinian natural resources in East Jerusalem as well as other occupied Arab territories and that the Palestinians were being denied access to their resources and property.

The report by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia about the suffering of Palestinians and Syrians on the Golan Heights, according to Sheikh Abdulrahman, detailed the impact of Israel’s practices on living conditions for Palestinians and Syrians as well as long-term development.

The principle that no one should be deprived of their private property, whether at the national or international level, is enshrined in both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law, he said.

According to Sheikh Abdulrahman, the General Assembly’s resolution 76/225 reaffirming the principle of permanent sovereignty over natural resources under foreign occupation must be adhered to in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights.

Qatar has increased its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, including its educational programme, as a result of its deep concern over the damage done to Gaza’s educational facilities.

That Qatar Fund for Development continues to provide vital health and education services to Palestinian refugees, was his response.

Over the last decade, Qatar’s financial assistance to Gaza, which included paying for infrastructure destroyed by Israeli military operations, amounted to more than $1.5 billion, Sheikh Abdulrahman said.

Image Credit: Mathias Reding on Unsplash

A financial crisis is bringing Lebanon closer to institutional deadlock after Parliament failed for the third time to elect a president, Reuters reported.

The end of Michel Aoun’s term as president is on October 31st and there is a lack of consensus among political factions regarding a new government.

The presidency has been vacant several times since the 1975-90 Civil War ended in Lebanon. In May, Lebanon lost its fully functioning government.

The financial meltdown in Lebanon has sunk the currency by more than 90 per cent, spread poverty, paralyzed the financial system, and frozen depositors out of their savings, creating the most destabilizing crisis since Lebanon’s civil war.

On Thursday, 119 out of 128 legislators were present for half an hour. To ensure that no one party or coalition can impose its choice, a two-thirds quorum is required.

An absolute majority is sufficient to win in the first round, provided that two-thirds of the votes are not won.

Of the 55 blank votes cast Thursday, 42 were for anti-Hezbollah lawmaker Michel Mouawad, and the rest were split between various political messages. One voter wanted a ‘benevolent dictator.’

Nabih Berri, Chair of the Amiled Shia. The Hezbollah-led alliance swept all nine parliamentary seats in May elections. The alliance with Shia allies has also given Hezbollah a boost in Lebanon’s sectarian-divided politics.

Politicians are working hard to establish a new cabinet led by Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who is serving in an interim capacity, so as to give presidential powers.

The President and the caretaker cabinet could be left without a president if the country’s opposition parties succeed in their bid to impeach the president.

The head of Iran’s Olympic Committee, Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa, said on Thursday that climber Elnaz Rekabi would not be punished or suspended for competing without a headscarf in South Korea.

On Sunday, Rekabi competed in the International Federation of Sport Climbing’s Asia Championship without a hijab. She said that her hijab had accidentally fallen off.

Rekabi’s supporters are concerned for her safety after other athletes have been targeted by the government for supporting the country’s prolonged anti-government protests.

More than 200 people have already been killed and thousands arrested in a continuing crackdown on dissent, activists say.

Khosravi Vafa told AP that there was no justification for punishing Rekabi because not wearing her hijab was an “unintentional” blunder.

An Instagram account linked to Rekabi described the incident as “unintentional.” Upon returning to Tehran early on Wednesday, she reinforced her initial statement, stating that she was in a rush to begin climbing.

A video recorded during the competition on Sunday, however, showed her relaxed and waving to the crowd.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif welcomes Elnaz Rekabi upon her arrival in Tehran.

Despite the presence of more than 100 cities in Iran where the hijab is being protested, Mr. Khosravi Vafa thinks it is a ‘small issue’. He is surprised that the issue is getting so much attention. ‘It was not a big issue in our view,’ he said.

Khosravi Vafa said he spoke with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach about the incident on Wednesday at the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly in Seoul. He also spoke with Rekabi, he said.

It surprised me that it was being discussed so much … Our view was that it wasn’t a big issue.”

“I assured her that you are an excellent athlete and that you should continue down this path to become a part of the Iranian Olympic team. She fully supports your participation in the Paris Olympics.”

The International Olympic Committee stated on Wednesday that Rekabi had “returned to Iran safely and with her family”.

According to Mr Khosravi Vafa, Rekabi was “a guest at Iran’s Olympic committee hotel for one day, along with her family”. It is not known whether Rekabi had a choice in staying there.

State media published a picture of her in a conference hours after returning to Tehran wearing the same black baseball cap and jacket she had worn after her flights.

Rekabi will return to her home town tomorrow, Mr Khosravi Vafa said.

Hundreds of individuals congregated outside Imam Khomeini International Airport to welcome “Elnaz the Champion” upon her arrival.

Robin Mitchell, the new president of the Association of National Olympic Committees, said he had not discussed the issue with Iranian delegates at the assembly on Thursday, and indicated that he was not aware of any Iranian representatives were present.

Khosravi Vafa did not address the rumours that Iranian authorities seized Rekabi’s passport after the event in Seoul and forced her to leave early.

Nationwide protests have been occurring in Iran since September 16, when 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died after being detained by the country’s morality police for wearing allegedly inappropriate clothing.

Image Credit: AP

“It is intolerable that more than a year after the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, girls are still not allowed to attend secondary schools,” said UAE Ambassador to the United Nations Lana Nusseibeh.

Nusseibeh said in front of the UN Security Council that allowing gender segregation was contributing to gender apartheid.

“It is disheartening to note that we are still battling the notion that women and girls are victims or survivors rather than agents of change.”

Nusseibeh said the exclusion of Afghan women from public and social life is another example of the numerous ways in which violence against women and girls is perpetuated.

She emphasised that action is now more than ever the missing piece. “We need to stop talking about empowering women and just give them power” she said.

According to Nusseibeh , women and girls need to be given the digital tools to compete in the same world as men and boys in school and in all the other aspects of public life. Their voices must be heard and amplified.

The executive director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, said that there is a major shortage of funding for women’s groups in war-torn countries, going from $181 million in 2019 to $150 million in 2020.

According to Bahous, 77% of women’s civil society organisations in Afghanistan in 2022 will no longer be running programmes, and will therefore have received no funding.

Women’s presence in national parliaments in conflict-affected states is 12% lower than the worldwide norm in local governments, she said.

Image Credit: Twitter/

UAE Mission to the UN

The Iranian government has accused the United States and some European countries of attempting to undermine the Islamic Republic by exploiting the protests.

According to the semi-official Fars news agency, Iranian security forces arrested 14 foreign nationals, including Americans, Britons, and French, for participating in anti-government demonstrations, on Wednesday.

No comment has been made by Iranian officials.

Iran’s foreign enemies are said to have paid thugs to orchestrate nationwide protests after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody in September.

“Citizens of 14 countries, including the United States, Russia, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan, have been arrested in recent riots in Iran, of which Afghan nationals are the most numerous,” Fars reported, without citing a source, according to Reuters.

It is unclear when and where the arrests were made, according to Fars, an outlet believed to be linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

It is not immediately clear whether the reported arrests included nine foreigners who Tehran said last month had been detained for their role in the protests.

The nationwide protests sparked by Amini’s death in the custody of Iran’s morality police have turned into one of the boldest challenges to the country’s clerical rulers since the 1979 revolution. Even though the protests don’t look close to overthrowing Iran’s Islamic Republic, protesters have demanded its demise.

The Islamic Republic has accused the United States and some European countries of attempting to destabilize the country by exploiting the unrest.

iran embassy Azerbaijan Jamshid Sharmahd

Jordan expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to safeguard its security, stability, and interests, as well as for a direct, balanced dialogue between Saudi Arabia and the United States in response to the recent OPEC+ decision to lower oil production.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said that it is monitoring with interest reactions to OPEC+’s decision to cut oil production and the resulting reactions.

According to Ministry spokesman Sinan Al-Majali, this is a technical matter concerning the stability of oil markets and their requirements, the regulation of supply and demand, and consumer protection. He emphasised that the issue should be viewed in economic terms, rather than political disputes that do not advance common goals and interests.

Saudi Arabia must engage in direct and balanced dialogue with the US to address this issue, he said, emphasizing the importance of partnership between the two nations.

He emphasised the importance of this partnership and the effort to establish security and stability in the region and beyond, noting that the dialogue should be held in a manner that reflects that importance.

It is also important to note the partnership’s significance to both Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Jordan backed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to safeguard its security, stability, and interests, Majali said.

Image Credit: Lisa Ferdinando/U.S. Secretary of Defense

On Tuesday, the UN reported that 68 people have died from cholera in Syria, and more than 800 cases have been confirmed.

Overwhelmed by more than 10 years of war, Syria has been suffering from the cholera outbreak since the end of August.

The contamination of Euphrates River water and northern springs, which are used to irrigate fields, is blamed for the spread.

The UN says public health awareness campaigns are underway on cholera’s causes, symptoms, and prevention.

‘Cholera supplies, including medicines, water and sanitation, and hygiene supplies, are reportedly in short supply,’ said Mr Dujarric.

The war has seriously damaged Syria’s water infrastructure, resulting in a growing water crisis.

Cholera can be acquired by eating contaminated food or water, according to the WHO, left untreated, this condition can be fatal.

Image Credit: Steve Conover/Flickr

The justice department in Argentina has requested that Qatar apprehend a senior Iranian official for his involvement in a 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires, in which 85 people were killed, Reuters reported.

A federal judge late Monday requested the detention of Iran Vice President for Economic Affairs Dr Mohsen Rezaei Mirghaed, who is currently in Qatar, so he can be tried in Argentina.

Qatar is not currently subject to extradition to Argentina.

The investigation into the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) building, which occurred when an explosives-laden truck detonated outside the building, has stalled.

The judge’s decision to order Mohammad to be held in detention stems from the fact that he was present at the meeting where the AMIA bombing was planned, and that he allegedly assisted the bombers by driving them to the scene of the crime, according to the official letter requesting detention.

No one has been prosecuted in either the 1994 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires or the 2003 bombing of a Jewish community centre that killed 85 people. Iran is said to have masterminded both assaults, but no one has been brought to trial.

Because he was at the meeting where the AMIA bombing was decided, his participation is proven, and that is the basis for the charges against him, Justice Alberto Mario Rafecas wrote in a letter requesting his detention.

Image Credit: AP/Vahid Salemi

An Iranian woman who climbed without a hijab at an international competition in South Korea has returned to Iran, as Iranian groups based abroad raised alarms about her fate.

Elnaz Rekabi, 33, competed without a hijab during the International Federation of Sport Climbing’s Asian Championships in Seoul on Sunday. Footage of her sporting a headband with her hair in a ponytail while competing quickly spread across social media.

State news agency IRNA reported that Rekabi arrived in Tehran early on Wednesday morning. Footage of her arriving at Imam Khomeini International Airport was also posted to social media. She was photographed speaking to the press as well.

Elnaz Rekabi is shown arriving in Tehran in a still from a video after competing without a hijab. “Elnaz the hero” was being called out as people gathered both inside and outside the airport and posted more videos to social media.

Whether Rekabi is under detention or facing repercussions is unclear.

Nationwide protests demanding more liberties for women are taking place in Iran following the death of a 22-year-old woman who was detained for wearing her headscarf in an inappropriate manner.

A problem with her hair covering was unintentionally created when she was unexpectedly called to climb the wall, according to Rekabi’s Instagram post on Tuesday.

“Bad timing and being unexpectedly called to climb the wall created a problem with my head covering,” she wrote.

The IG post apologised for the angst he had caused, saying he would return to Iran on schedule with the team.

In an interview with state media IRNA upon her arrival in Tehran on Wednesday, she said she had ‘accidentally’ competed without a hijab.

When the interviewer asked about the occurrence, Rekabi replied, ‘As I have already explained on my social media accounts, this incident happened accidentally.’

“I was unprepared for the event and ended up neglecting my hijab. I got distracted playing with the equipment,” she said.

When travelling abroad officially, women are required to wear a hijab in Iran.

When asked about his sister’s return to Tehran, Davoud Rekabi, her brother, told pro-regime Tasmin News Agency on Tuesday that “she will forever wear the national team’s uniform.”

“People took advantage of the fact that my sister was wearing a headband in addition to her hijab,” he said.

Elnaz, my sister, is an Iranian, and she will always play for her country,” he said.

Whether he made the comments under duress is unclear.

Rights groups are worried about Rekabi’s fate after an Iranian news website, IranWire, reported that she would be transferred to prison upon arrival.

Amnesty International said Tuesday it was concerned about the prospect of Rekabi’s return. Amnesty said in a statement that Elnaz Rekabi should not be forcibly returned to Iran, adding that she “is at real risk of arbitrary arrest, torture, and other ill-treatment for violating the authorities’ compulsory veiling rules,” Amnesty wrote.

An embassy official in Seoul said that Rekabi left with “other members of the team” on Tuesday and dismissed “all the fake, false news and disinformation.” The embassy posted a photo of Rekabi from previous games in Russia where she was competing while wearing a hijab in the Twitter post.

Elnaz Rekabi and the rest of the Iranian delegation have already left South Korea after the sporting event, according to the South Korean Foreign Affairs Ministry.

When abroad, Iran requires women to wear a hijab in order to officially represent the country.

Image Credit: AP

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman said in an interview that Iran must cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the global community if the 2015 nuclear deal is to be revived.

Iran’s ongoing nuclear advancements and the recent crackdown on protests have prevented efforts to preserve the agreement from progressing.

According to the Saudi state news agency, “We call on Iran to urgently fulfil its nuclear obligations [and] co-operate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” reported King Salman as saying.

King Salman, who addressed the Shura Council in a video link at the council’s opening, urged Iran to ‘take serious steps to build confidence amongst its neighbours and the international community.’

The International Atomic Energy Agency said last week that Iran is rapidly expanding its capacity to enrich uranium at the Natanz underground facility and that Tehran is now pursuing a more ambitious nuclear program than previously envisioned.

Attempts to revive the agreement have stalled, but Tehran has activated an increasing number of advanced centrifuges that were barred from producing enriched uranium under the agreement.

Donald Trump, the US president at the time, pulled his country out of the nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on Iran in 2018.

Iran breached the nuclear restrictions imposed by the deal in response.

Iran will have to put its advanced centrifuges into storage if the deal is resuscitated, diplomats said.

Iran has long been denying that it is attempting to build a bomb, asserting that its nuclear activities are peaceful.

Saudi Arabia is prepared to act as a mediator in international disputes and conflicts, King Salman said.

King Salman expressed complete backing for all efforts towards establishing a permanent truce in Yemen.

King Salman praised those who want to advance a political process between the internationally recognised government and the Iran-supported Houthi militias.

Image Credit: Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP, File

Iran’s foreign minister reacted on Monday to European Union sanctions levied on Tehran, calling them “superfluous” and “an unconstructive act out of miscalculation.”

“The EU today adopted further superfluous sanctions on Iranian persons. It is an unconstructive act out of miscalculation, based on widespread disinformation. Riots and vandalism are not tolerated anywhere; Iran is no exception,” Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Twitter.

On Monday, EU foreign ministers met to decide on a sanctions regime against Iran, while emphasising the importance of reviving a nuclear agreement that has been dormant for several years.

EU ambassadors agreed on a list of 11 Iranian officials and four entities to be sanctioned prior to the ministers’ meeting, according to diplomats. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that sanctions would be imposed on those associated with the morality police, a force that has been criticised for abusing detainees and shooting at them.

Prior to the recent dramatic turn of events in Iran: a deadly fire at Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, where the regime holds Iranian political prisoners, as well as dual nationals and foreigners, a list was drawn up.

The EU has been disturbed by the Iranian regime’s bloody repression of protests sparked by the death a month ago of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by the morality police for wearing an Islamic headscarf improperly.

Those taking part in the demonstrations have since evolved into anti-regime street protests, demanding the elimination of the mullah-dominated government.

“When we see these horrific pictures of the fire in the prison, when we see that peaceful individuals, women, men, and increasingly young people and schoolchildren are viciously beaten, we cannot and will not turn a blind eye to this,” Baerbock said.

Swedish Foreign Minister Anne Linde said the sanctions were against “those responsible for the repression of peaceful demonstrations as well as the killing of several women.”

“Sanctions against security police, political officials, and those who have led the violence will be an important and welcome decision,” she said.

According to Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, the EU sanctions will not significantly affect Iran, but he believes that “this system has been in operation for the last 40 years but it is not working now. That is why the European Union must proceed with the initial phase now.”

Iran has already been sanctioned by the United States, Britain, and Canada for the human rights violations that are occurring. Iran has accused the United States of instigating the anti-government demonstrations.

Hopes are fading of salvaging the Iran nuclear deal, which was scrapped in 2017 after then-president Donald Trump withdrew US support. EU nations have attempted but so far failed to get Iran and the United States back in line with the nuclear deal, which seeks to limit Iran’s nuclear program.

The ministers also discussed Russia’s war in Ukraine in connection with Iran. Increasing numbers of observers believe that Iran is supplying Russia with drones to strike Ukrainian targets, while Kyiv denies this.

In response to Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, the bloc will request “concrete proof” that Iran has used drones in Ukraine.

Image Credit: ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND/UNSPLASH

The UAE on Monday summoned the acting head of the EU delegation to the UAE, requesting an explanation of what it considered to be racist remarks made last week by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

The UAE foreign ministry described the comments as ‘inappropriate and discriminatory’ and said they ‘contributed to a worsening climate of intolerance and discrimination worldwide,’ UAE state news agency (WAM) reported.

Last week, Borrell’s remarks at the European Diplomatic Academy in Bruges, Belgium, which were extensively distributed online, Borrell referred to Europe as “a garden” and most of the world as a “jungle” that “could invade the garden.”

Borrell, a Spanish politician said that; “The gardeners should take care of the garden, but they will not protect the garden by building walls. A nice small garden surrounded by high walls in order to prevent the jungle coming in is not going to be a solution. Because the jungle has a strong growth capacity, and the wall will never be high enough.”

“The gardeners have to go to the jungle. Europeans have to be much more engaged with the rest of the world. Otherwise, the rest of the world will invade us,” he said.

Borrell said in a press conference on Monday that his message was not racist or colonialist, according to news agency EFE. He opposed the notion of ‘fortress Europe’ and encouraged students to become involved in the world by saying that it was not.

Image Credit: European Parliament

Australia on Tuesday reversed the previous government’s recognition of west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and said the issue should be resolved as part of peace talks between Israel and Palestine.

“Australia is committed to a two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist, in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said during a media briefing.

“We will not support an approach that undermines this prospect.”

In 2018, the conservative coalition government led by Scott Morrison formally recognised west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of Middle East policy. Morrison’s decision to recognise west Jerusalem as Israel’s capital followed US president Donald Trump’s administration in naming West Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, has slammed the decision on Twitter stating that””Jerusalem is the eternal and united capital of Israel and nothing will ever change that.” Australia’s ambassador to Israel has reportedly been summoned to a reprimand at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Image Credit: Josh Appel on Unsplash

Iran must cease the violence against its own citizens utilising their fundamental rights,” President Joe Biden said Saturday.

President Ebrahim Raisi accused his U.S. counterpart of inciting “chaos, terror, and destruction” in Iran, according to IRNA, a state-run news agency.

The words of the founder of the Islamic Republic, who called America the great satan, should remind the American president, who incites chaos, terror, and destruction in another country, of the eternal words,” said Raisi.

President Joe Biden said on Saturday that Iran must stop the brutality against its people as they exercise their fundamental rights.

Image Credit: Iranian President

Iraqi prime minister-designate Mohammed Shia Al Sudani said Sunday that he would take action against corruption when he gets down to work after authorities said $2.5 billion had been stolen from a government agency’s account.

The Iraqi Integrity Commission said it is investigating the theft of $40 billion while noting that the case is currently before the judiciary.

According to the Iraqi finance ministry, a branch of the Rafidain Bank stole an amount from the General Tax Authority’s trust account.

In case corruption continues to spread in the country’s institutions and joints, ‘real measures will be taken to curb it,’ Al Sudani said in a tweet Sunday.

“We have prioritised this file, and we will make sure that taxpayers’ money is not stolen, as it was with the Rafidain Bank’s General Authority for Taxes.”

Last year, snap elections were held after nationwide protests erupted in October 2019 to protest endemic corruption, infrastructure decay, and the lack of services and jobs for youth.

President Abdul Latif Rashid of Iraq formally assigned Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on October 13, 2022, to form the next government. 

Iraq’s parliament finally elected Abdul Latif Rashid as the country’s new president on Thursday, and Mr Al Sudani was tasked with forming a new government to end a year of political gridlock.

An Iraqi political bloc led by influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr said Saturday that it would not join the new government, creating a challenge for Mr Al Sudani in the coming weeks to appoint a new cabinet of ministers.

Al Sudani, a former minister, has the support of the Co-ordination Framework, which has 138 of the 329 seats in Iraq’s parliament and is controlled by Iran-backed rivals of Mr Al Sadr.

Iraq’s outgoing Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi named Hayam Nemat as acting finance minister after accepting Ihsan Abdul Jabbar’s resignation, the state news agency reported on Saturday. Mr Jabbar remains Oil Minister.

In late August, Mr Al Kadhimi named Mr Albdul Jabbar as finance minister after Ali Allawi departed, citing corruption and the influence of political parties over the country’s revenues as the reason for his departure.

Parliament last week voted to remove Mr Abdul Jabbar over “mismanagement” and for failing to send financial statements to parliament.

Someone named Nemat will serve as interim prime minister until a new government is formed.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, File

A man in Egypt’s north city self-ignited on Sunday in protest over school books.

The man’s son was not allowed to use the school’s textbooks until he had paid for them, police and education officials said.

The man suffered minor burns and was being treated at a hospital in Kafr El Dawar, a Nile Delta city, the authorities said.

Employees at the local school directorate put out a fire after a man set himself on fire, officials said. The man’s life was saved, according to officials.

A disciplinary committee will decide whether to suspend the head of a primary school for violating the education ministry’s directive to give students free textbooks, even if they haven’t paid for them.

Since the beginning of the school year in Egypt on October 2, a spate of violent or deadly incidents has occurred. Saturday’s self-immolation is the latest of them.

A stairway at a school in a Cairo suburb collapsed, killing one student and injuring 15 others as they rushed to class on the first day of school.

A schoolgirl fell from the fourth-floor window of her school in Cairo the next day, after being chased by a teacher to punish her.

A week ago, a girl passed after spending seven days in a coma following her teacher striking her on the head with a wooden stick in a town north of Cairo.

Physical punishment is not uncommon in Egyptian state schools, where teachers often resort to using rulers, wooden sticks, or even tree branches to strike students. Verbal insults are also common. Slapping or punching students, as well as verbal abuse, are all common.

State schools in Egypt have also been neglected for decades. They are overcrowded, lack adequate facilities, and many of their structures require urgent repairs.

Officials estimate that $700 million is required to construct 250,000 new classrooms to eliminate classroom overcrowding at schools.

Image Credit: Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash

Egypt has missed out on an additional $75 million in American military funding after a senior Democratic U.S. senator blocked the funding over concerns about Cairo’s human rights record, including holding political prisoners.

The State Department’s justification for the aid, which was conditioned on a law passed by Congress last year, was rejected by Senator Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee has jurisdiction over spending bills that include U.S. financial assistance for Egypt.

“We should take this law very seriously, because the situation facing political prisoners in Egypt is deplorable,” Leahy told Reuters in a statement.

“We can’t give short shrift to the law because of other policy considerations. We all have a responsibility to uphold the law and to defend the due process rights of the accused, whether here or in Egypt,” Leahy said.

Egypt must make clear and consistent progress toward releasing political prisoners and providing detainees with due process of law, according to the conditions set by Congress.

In addition to the more than $1 billion in military assistance that the United States provides to Egypt annually, over $130 million in military aid was withheld in September because of concerns about human rights, with an additional $75 million being allowed to be distributed, citing Egyptian progress on political detentions and due process, including the release of hundreds of prisoners this year.

However, Leahy blocked the $75 million in funding. Talks between his office and the State Department were unsuccessful in resolving the matter, and the funding expired on September 30.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among other leading human rights groups, have accused Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s government of widespread abuses such as torture and the detention of tens of thousands of political prisoners. Egypt’s hypocritical human rights abuses have raised questions as to why Egypt is holding the upcoming UN’s COP27 climate change conference in November.

Egypt holds no political prisoners, Sisi said, adding that establishing stability and security are critical priorities for the country. Institutions are working to provide jobs and housing, among other things, in order to promote citizens’ rights.

Western nations are said to be reluctant to take significant action against Egypt which has served as a mediator in longstanding issues such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, as well as the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most significant shipping lanes.

Officials have referred to the United States’ relationship with Egypt as complex. Washington is still committed to supporting Egypt, the most populous Arab nation, for what it considers ‘legitimate defence needs.’

Image Credit: Michael A. McCoy/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

The death toll after an explosion in a coal mine in Turkey’s northern Bartin province on Friday has reached 41, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

Earlier, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said 58 of the 110 people working in the mine when the blast occurred were rescued by the teams or got out by themselves.

Soylu also said one miner was discharged from hospital while 10 were still receiving treatment in Bartin and Istanbul.

Authorities said Turkish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident but initial indications were that the blast was caused by firedamp, a term referring to methane in coal mines.

Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said a fire in the mine was largely contained but fire isolation and cooling efforts were continuing after the incident that took place 350 metres (0.2 miles) below ground.

Image Credit: Nilay Meryem Comlek/Depo Photos via REUTERS

The Lebanese dance group Mayyas, who won season 17 of “America’s Got Talent” in September, are set perform in Dubai on October 21.

Their performance, at The Pointe in Palm Jumeriah, will be their first regional show outside of Lebanon.

The group will be performing two five-minute routines on the east and west promenades, which will also be projected on screens across the venue.

Mayyas’s show will be part of the Recognizing Emerging Local Musicians (Relm) Fest, a music festival — in partnership with Anghami and TikTok — that will take place from Oct. 21-23 at The Pointe. 

The festival will feature other artists including Lebanese indie-pop band Adonis, Jordanian rock group Jadal, Egyptian rock band Massar Egbari, Palestinian singer Noel Kharman, French Lebanese music sensation Lea Makhoul, and Iraqi-Belgian performer Sandra Sahi. 

Last month, Mayyas took home the $1 million grand prize after winning “America’s Got Talent.”

Image Credit: Twitter

At BravoCon 2022, the infamous Real Housewives of Dubai announced that they are ready for a new season.

“If and when there’s a season 2, we’re all ready,” said Nina Ali, one of the stars on the show, during the New York event. “I’m manifesting it! For all of us!” 

Stars of Bravo’s hit show “Real Housewives of Dubai” revealed this week — at BravoCon 2022 — that they are ready for a new season. 

“We’re hopeful,” teased her colleague Caroline Stanbury. “If it happens, it’s going to be amazing.”

“There is a season two! You have to put it out in the universe,” said Chanel Ayan. 

Bravo has not yet announced a new season for the Middle Eastern franchise.

The reality television series, which premiered in June, shared the lives of six women’s lives in Dubai.

Image Credit: Instagram/@bravotv

Inmates at Iran’s Evin prison, where political prisoners, journalists, and foreign nationals are incarcerated, suffered severe losses when a major fire broke out on Saturday. There were images circulating on social media of flames and smoke from the Tehran site, and gunshots and explosions could be heard.

State media reported that the blaze had been contained, but video shot later appeared to show the fire still burning.

The country has been gripped for weeks by anti-regime protests. Family members of Mahsa Amini claim she was murdered after she was taken into custody last month, when 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian Mahsa Amini died. Officials said she died of a heart attack, but her family disagreed, saying that she had been beaten by morality police.

It is not known whether the situation at the prison is connected to recent demonstrations. Hundreds of protesters have been sent to Evin prison, suggesting that this could be the case.

An official has reportedly said that the fire was caused by ‘criminal elements,’ dismissing the notion that it was linked to the two detainees. Eight people were injured, according to state-run outlet IRNA.

According to Tehran’s governor, who spoke to state TV from inside the prison, a riot took place in a section housing minor offenders, and everything is now calm.

People outside the prison could be heard in several videos shouting, ‘Death to the dictator,’ a slogan of the anti-government protest movement. Gunshots and explosions were audible in others. Huge numbers of people gathered outside the prison, traffic came to a halt, and riot police were seen entering the facility.

Despite Iranian media reporting that calm had been restored, the situation at the prison remained chaotic, gunshots and the sound of fire could still be heard in the videos being posted on social media.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori were both imprisoned at Evin prison on spying charges, which they denied, before they were released earlier this year.

Human Rights Watch has long criticized the prison’s Western rights groups. HRW has accused authorities at the facility of threatening torture, holding detainees for indefinite periods without medical care, and subjecting detainees to lengthy interrogations.

In August 2017, a group of hackers known as Edalat-e Ali posted videos showing prison guards beating or abusing detainees.

The UK Government’s security minister said it was a “very worrying development,” while the US State Department said it was following events with “urgency.”

Since the death of Ms Amini five weeks ago, a wave of protests has swept across Iran in the boldest challenge to the Islamic Republic since its establishment in 1979.

Medical officials and workers said on Friday that at least 10 child leukemia patients in Yemen died after receiving expired doses of a cancer treatment in rebel-held Sanaa. Dozens more were left seriously ill, they said.

The world’s worst humanitarian crisis and over 150,000 deaths have been caused by Yemen’s destructive war, which has dragged on for eight years.

According to rebel-run Health Ministry, 10 children aged between three and 15 died after being injected with smuggled medicine at several private clinics in Sanaa on Thursday. The officials did not specify when the deaths occurred.

Six health officials and workers told The Associated Press that 50 children received a smuggled chemotherapy drug called Methotrexate that was originally manufactured in India. Nineteen of the children are said to have died from the expired medication, which was provided to patients without the required prescriptions.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the absence of basic resources such as food and medicine has created large smuggling networks in both rebel-controlled Houthi and Saudi coalition-controlled areas.

Doctors in Sanaa say that Houthi officials work in secret collaboration with medicine smugglers, who store their supplies across the nation and then sell often-expired medicines to private clinics. By doing so, they say the Houthis restrict the availability of safe therapies.

The Houthi health ministry has opened an investigation into the incident. In their statement, they blamed Saudi coalition forces for causing a lack of available medicine in Houthi-controlled areas, leading to the deaths.

The father of one of the dead children said that his son experienced painful cramps after receiving expired chemotherapy. The hospital administration, he said, tried to keep his family in the dark. “The greatest injustice was that they tried to disguise the facts,” he said.

The Houthis have blamed the U.N., which has facilitated cease-fire negotiations, for the failure of nationwide truce extension in early October, which has jeopardized peace after six months of fighting. The U.S. envoy to Yemen accused the rebels of hijacking the peace process through last-minute demands.

Image Credit: Myriam Zilles on Unsplash

Lebanese officials must quickly choose a new president, or else the poverty-stricken country will fall into a deeper political strife, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said Friday.

After Parliament twice failed to elect a successor to Michel Aoun in Beirut, Colonna spoke about the situation. Aoun was elected to the presidency in Lebanon in 2016 after taking two years to reach an agreement and vote. The Lebanese government has been operating on a limited caretaker basis for months as political parties struggle to come to an agreement on a new leadership lineup.

Choosing a president and forming a new administration amid one of the world’s deepest economic downturns is critical, Colonna said. Aoun’s six-year term expires on October 31.

Colonna said that Lebanon cannot afford to have a leadership vacuum because it would be dangerous. After meeting with Lebanese officials including Aoun and Najib Mikati, the caretaker Prime Minister, Colonna spoke to reporters at Rafik Hariri International Airport.

It would be dangerous and alarming to force the Lebanese people to bear a political crisis,” she said.

Despite the fact that the economy of the tiny Mediterranean nation has spiraled over the past three years, resulting in three-quarters of its population being impoverished, corruption and financial mismanagement have resulted in decades of financial mismanagement and corruption. The country has not been able to put into effect a series of reforms that would increase openness and reform its bankrupt banks due to the fact that Lebanon has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

Saudi Arabia is set to provide $400 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Saudi state news agency SPA said, adding that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday.

The crown prince expressed the kingdom’s readiness to continue efforts of mediation and support everything that contributes to de-escalation, SPA added.

At least 28 people were killed when an explosion ripped through a coal mine in northern Turkey on Friday, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said, but it was not known how many more people might be trapped because 110 were working when the blast occurred.

According to Koca, 17 people were being treated at the time of the blast, in an earlier statement posted to Twitter. Earlier, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said that 49 people were working at a depth of 300 meters and 350 meters (985 to 1,148 feet), which he described as a risky area.

Anadolu reported that Turkish Minister of Interior Suleyman Soylu stated that some people had been evacuated from the blast site, while others had not been able to be rescued.

Minister of Energy Fatih Donmez said that the initial indications were that the explosion was caused by firedamp, a term referring to methane in coal mines.

Donmez said the mine was being ventilated adequately and that there were no active fires inside, but that there had been some collapses.

At around 1515GMT, an explosion occurred 300 metres (985 feet) below the mine’s entrance, according to the Bartin governor’s office. Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises owns the mine.

An emergency official said ambulances were standing by to take injured miners to hospitals after workers and family members were seen huddled around the mine entrance on Turkish television footage.

The cause of the explosion in Bartin was being investigated by the prosecutor’s office.

President Erdogan said he would travel to Bartin on Saturday. Our hope is that the loss of life does not increase further, that our miners are rescued safely, and that all our efforts are focused on this goal,” he said on Twitter.

Image Credit: Nilay Meryem Comlek/Depo Photos via REUTERS

Abdul Latif Rashid has become the fourth president of Iraq, replacing Barham Saleh after a parliamentary vote on Thursday. The electoral victory of Rashid clears the path for a new administration, since a year has passed without one.

From 2003 to 2010, Rashid, 78, an Iraqi water-resources engineer educated in Britain, served as minister.

An assembly official said he won more than 160 votes, against 99 for the incumbent Saleh. The country’s premier, Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who is acting as caretaker, must be replaced, and a new government must be formed, according to Rashid.

Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, 52, a Shiite Muslim bloc the Coordination Framework member emphasizing pro-Iranian former paramilitary groups, was a prime minister contender.

Massive protests broke out in July when Sudani was first proposed, in response to the fiery populist and cleric Moqtada Sadr’s Shiite supporters breaching the Green Zone and storming parliament.

Lawmakers heading into parliament on Thursday encountered a fresh reminder of Iraq’s difficulties, as nine Katyusha-style rockets rained down on the area, according to the security forces.

Ten individuals were wounded, including six bodyguards of lawmakers or security forces, as well as four civilians in a neighbouring district, a security official said.

Alina Romanowski, United States Ambassador, strongly condemned the attack in Iraq on Twitter and urged Iraqi people to settle their political disputes and grievances peacefully.

“Attacks like these undermine democracy & trap Iraq in a perpetual cycle of violence.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, File

A spokesperson told Reuters that recruitment rallies were held in the Philippines, India, and other nations at the end of September.

Qatar Airways is recruiting 10,000 extra workers to cope with the World Cup crowds in Doha and a post-pandemic boom in business, the firm said.

The Qatar-based airline is currently seeking to employ around 10,000 people, a spokesperson said, citing the firm’s desire to boost its workforce to around 55,000 from around 45,000 currently.

Qatar Airways is ramping up recruitment across the airline following COVID, and with World Cup preparations in full swing, according to a statement to Reuters.

It refused to disclose how many of the new positions would be permanent. In 2020, the airline reduced its destinations to 33 cities, resulting in staff levels dropping to below 37,000 in 2021. Since then, operations have returned to over 150 destinations.

The company spokesperson said recruitment events were held in the Philippines, India, and other countries at the end of September.

The number of new employees that will be in place when the World Cup begins on November 20 in Qatar, the first Arab country to host the tournament, is not yet known.

Qatar Airways has changed 70% of its routes to make room for more passengers in Doha, while also cancelling other trips and reducing frequencies to ensure that enough aircraft are available to serve fans.

Qatar has reopened an old airport to accommodate the tournament, and other airlines are scheduling a surge in flights.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker said earlier this year that it would be a big challenge to accommodate the huge numbers of people who want to see the World Cup games.

Image Credit: Riik@mctr/Flickr

The US State Department is exploring ways to work with American technology firms to circumvent Iran’s internet censorship to enable fact-based information to reach the Iranian people, according to a senior official.

“Iran’s continued violent crackdown on peaceful protesters is an affront to human rights,” US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman tweeted on Wednesday.

“I spoke with major US tech firms and urged them to utilise general licence D-2 to provide the Iranian people with additional services and communications tools.”

The licence allows personal communication tools such as mobile phones, personal computing equipment, and other related software and hardware to be sold and distributed in Iran without violating US sanctions.

The D-1 licence has been updated to offer additional support for the tools that Iranians use to communicate.

The Treasury said that providing help to Iranian protesters “in resisting repressive internet censorship and surveillance tools used by the Iranian regime” is the goal.

The firm said that tech support for such services will include social media platforms, video conferencing, and cloud-based services, as well as communication tools such as online maps, e-gaming, e-learning platforms, and automated translation, among others.

Human rights have been violated in Iran as a result of the violent suppression of nonviolent protesters. 

Iranian rights and cyber activists say the Iranian government is working to restrict internet access and mobile broadband connections in order to censor information and make it more difficult for domestic protesters to report on the government’s continuing repression to the outside world.

39 rights organisations have petitioned Iran to reopen the web and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), of which Iran is a signatory, to condemn Iran’s communications blockade.

Access Now, an internet rights group, supported the modification of US sanctions.

“Now, the burden falls on US companies — the tech sector, as well as financial institutions and other transaction processors — to comply, and not overcomply,” said Access Now’s general counsel Peter Micek. “Corporate overcompliance with Iran sanctions deprives vulnerable and marginalised people of the goods and services they need to stay safe and active in defence of human rights.”

Iran Human Rights (IHR), based in Norway, has updated the nationwide death toll from the protests against the regime to 201.

Iran has repeatedly claimed, without providing supporting proof, that foreign powers and enemies are behind the protests.

Iran’s leaders are once again charging that the Islamic Republic’s enemies are fomenting “street disturbances.”

The act of the enemy, such as propaganda, trying to influence people, creating excitement, encouraging and even teaching people how to make incendiary devices, is now fully understood,” he said in a statement published by state media.

The morality police’s custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, resulted in her death in mid-September, sparking protests.

The morality police said she had been detained for not adhering to the country’s strict Islamic dress code.

When asked on Wednesday if the United States was interested in pursuing talks to renew the Iran nuclear accord, State Department spokesman Ned Price said “that is not our priority right now.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Peter Dejong

The Lebanese health ministry reported that the number of cholera cases in northern Lebanon has risen to 26, with the first death as a result.

Akkar, a region that borders Syria, has reported its first cholera cases in nearly 30 years. The UN has expressed concern about an increase in cholera cases in Syria, the last occurrence of which was more than a decade ago.

Over 10,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported across the country in the past six weeks alone, the World Health Organisation said. The Lebanese economy is deteriorating as a result of rampant power cuts, water shortages, and skyrocketing inflation, resulting in three-quarters of the population being plunged into poverty.

The Lebanese health minister stated that the authorities have been working with the United Nations Children’s Fund and World Health Organisation for several weeks to make sure the financially hit country can respond effectively to a possible outbreak, as well as expanding testing capacities at hospitals and labs.

This follows a similar outbreak in Syria has killed at least 39 people and infected hundreds more in September.

Cholera is caused by ingesting contaminated water or food – something that can be hard to avoid in times of drought, conflict or over-crowding.

Image Credit: Louis Reed on Unsplash

A domestic player from the United Arab Emirates has been banned from all cricket for 14 years after being found guilty of seven charges relating to match-fixing in an international series in April 2019 and a Twenty20 franchise tournament in Canada later that year.

The International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Tribunal held a hearing on Wednesday and issued a statement announcing a lifetime ban on Mehardeep Chhayakar.

Chhavakar, a wicketkeeper-batter who played for top UAE league teams and then an Under-19 Asian club tournament in 2012, was barred from the sport after two former UAE national team players admitted to violating the sport’s anti-corruption code in regards to approaching him.

All charges have been denied by Chhavakar. He was convicted of contriving to influence a player to fix a result by deliberately underperforming in UAE matches against Zimbabwe in April 2019 and the Global T20 tournament in Canada later that year, of soliciting or inducing players to breach anti-corruption regulations, of failing or refusing to cooperate with an investigation, and of obstructing or delaying an investigation.

Image Credit:  Alessandro Bogliari on Unsplash

An Iranian-American named Siamak Namazi has been returned to jail after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declined to extend his temporary release.

Siamak Namazi was told yesterday by members of the IRGC that his furlough would not be extended any further, without being provided with a reason,” said a statement issued by the Namazi family’s lawyer, Jared Genser.

Of the four Iranian-Americans being held in Tehran, Mr. Namazi is the longest-serving.

In October 2015, he was arrested with his father Baquer Namazi, a former Unicef official, on charges of espionage. They both deny the charges.

An Iranian-American businessman has been detained in Iran for almost seven years was recently released from prison after his father, who was serving his sentence under house arrest, was allowed to travel to Abu Dhabi for medical treatment.

Talks between Iran and the United States over how to revitalize the 2015 nuclear agreement have stalled, and Tehran’s leadership is facing mounting domestic pressure as well as brutal crackdown by police as nationwide protests continue.

The news that Siamak Namazi had been returned to Evin prison came as a shock to his family. After years of hoping, they finally felt progress in a difficult case that the US State Department has been unable to resolve.

In light of Siamak Namazi’s father’s release from prison, Babak Namazi expressed hope for a less painful chapter in reuniting their family.

However, Siamak’s presence in Evin has destroyed that hope.

The Namazi family’s ordeal with the Iranian justice system began in 2015, when Mr Namazi, a businessman, was arrested during a trip. His father was then arrested when he attempted to visit his son in prison in 2016.

The US State Department described the charges against the two as ‘baseless.’

The family had some hope that Mr. Namazi’s furlough would be extended once again.

Image Credit; Reuters

An end to Iraq’s political standstill, which has gone on for over a year, appears hopeful after Parliament convenes on Thursday to elect a new president.

The political elite has been unable to reach a consensus, delaying the formation of a new government, which has dragged on for the country’s worst crisis in years.

Political rivals have been arguing over who should become the next prime minister and president for months. The issue of how to split up government positions has also been controversial.

According to an unofficial agreement between political parties, the post of prime minister is reserved for the majority Shiite community since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime.

The largely ceremonial post of president is secured for Kurds, and the Parliament speaker must be Sunni. Government posts are divided among the political parties based on their religious and ethnic background.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan have long agreed that the PUK would hold the position of president of Iraqi Kurdistan, while the KDP would lead the region.

However, after the KDP amassed votes in the Kurdish area in October, capturing 31 seats in the 329-member national Parliament, they demanded the position. The PUK only got 17 seats.

The Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) has endorsed Rebbar Ahmed, the Kurdish region’s Interior Minister, while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has nominated Barham Salih, the current president.

Both parties rebuffed demands to pick a conciliatory nominee, Abdul Lateef Rasheed among them, as of late Wednesday.

Ahead of the session, a number of independent and opposition MPs announced they would boycott the session, while the Iran-backed Co-ordination Framework, which holds about 140 seats, remains split on who to support.

A quorum of at least 220 seats is required for the session to be held. legislators failed to elect a new president three times this year because of this lack of a quorum.

A simple majority is required for the election of the president if the Parliament fails to achieve a two-thirds majority.

Due to the fear of protests, Iraqi security forces were deployed in Baghdad last night, closing off key roads and bridges leading to the Green Zone, the seat of government offices, Parliament, and foreign embassies with concrete blast walls.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Anmar Khalil

There were no casualties when eight Katyusha rockets hit the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan region on Wednesday, reports indicate.

An unknown number of rockets struck near the field in the northern city of Khor Mor, security and local Kurdish sources said. That area has been targeted previously.

Khor Mor and Chemchemal, Iraq’s largest gas fields, are controlled by the Pearl Consortium, a UAE energy firm (DANA.AD) and Crescent Petroleum, an affiliate.

Lawk Ghafuri, Head of Foreign Media Affairs for the Kurdistan regional government, said on Twitter that no one was hurt in the assault and that operations were continuing as normal. Investigations are ongoing by security forces at the moment.

A local Hashid Shaabi commander said that a rocket launcher with a timer fixed on top of a mini-truck in a rural area around 20 km (15 miles) to the southwest of Khor Mor was found.

A local commander said four rockets remained unfired and were found in the launcher after at least eight Katyusha rockets were fired.

Kurdish officials have publicly said that Iranian-backed militias were behind the previous series of attacks on Khor Mor. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Image Credit: AFP

A Baghdad judge has summoned former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki to court on Tuesday over leaked audio recordings in which he is overheard sarcastically mocking his rival Moqtada Al Sadr and plotting to arm a militia group.

Ali Al Fadhil, an American blogger and activist, leaked the audio tapes in early July as political rivals became increasingly combative over the formation of a new government. The veracity of the tapes is being contested.

The Iraqi Prime Minister has dismissed rumours that he recorded a telephone call with Mr Bush in which he begged for American help. Politicians linked to Mr Al Sadr filed a legal action against Mr Al Maliki in September, who was Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014.

Senior Sadr loyalist Jaafar Al Mousawi said that the investigative judge recorded Mr Al Maliki’s remarks and granted him bail. A trial date would be set if charges are filed, Mr Al Mousawi said.

Husham al-Rikabi, who runs Mr. al-Maliki’s media office, confirmed that he was at Baghdad court on Tuesday, providing no other information. No immediate reply was given by the Iraqi Judiciary Council. An unknown date and location are mentioned in the tapes in connection with a meeting between Shiite militia representatives and Mr. Al Maliki.

An audio recording, which the person said to be Mr Al Maliki is heard accusing Mr Al Sadr of kidnappings and murder campaigns after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, mainly during sectarian warfare in 2006 and 2007.

An Iraq-based Shiite cleric, Moqtada al-Sadr, has garnered a large following since his father’s 2003 downfall. On Friday, his supporters gathered in Tahrir Square in Baghdad to demand his release from custody.

The recording, in which Mr Al Maliki’s voice is said to have declared Mr Al Sadr to be backed by foreign states seeking to divide Shiites who came to power in Iraq after 2003, is said to have expressed his desire to resist Mr Al Sadr.

Senior leaders of the government-sanctioned Popular Mobilisation Forces, a largely Iran-backed militia force, are described as “cowards” by him, because he believes they are corrupt.

He suggested that members of the militia group should ally with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, a part of Iran’s armed forces, and provide them with weapons.

The head of the Sadrist bloc, Nassar Al Rubaie, requested authorities in September to issue an arrest warrant and travel ban against Mr Al Maliki, alleging that he was threatening peace and security in the country.

Mr al-Maliki is also seeking to cause sedition and sectarian fighting, he said.

In 2014, after serving two terms as prime minister, Al Maliki sought a third term. However, he was ousted from office as ISIS invaded northern and western Iraq, resulting in a disintegration of security.

The deadlock in forming a new Iraqi government is due in large part to bitter feuding between Mr Al Sadr and Mr Al Maliki.

In October 2021 elections, Mr Al Sadr won 73 of the 329 seats, but he needed coalition partners to form a government. He sought to reduce the number of seats won by Mr Al Maliki’s State of Law coalition to less than 30. The two men have been enemies since 2008, when Al Maliki launched a military operation against Al Sadr’s Mahdi Army militia

Image Credit: Ebrahim Noroozi/AP.

Oman is working towards zero net carbon emissions by 2050 through a ground-breaking national strategy. Sultan Haitham on Tuesday signed off on the plan, which adheres to Oman’s 2040 Vision, Oman News Agency reported.

He also approved the establishment of the Oman Centre for Sustainability “to supervise and follow up on plans and programmes for carbon neutrality”, it added.

The world must reduce CO2 emissions by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and achieve net zero by 2050, according to scientists. Greenhouse gases are balanced by those taken out of the atmosphere through the process of net zero.

Oman signed the Paris Cop21 agreement, which requires states to “achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century”. The decision was praised by environmentalists.

“Oman sets 2050 as its net-zero year target with plans to set out a national road map and establishing the Oman Sustainability Centre to oversee and implement plans and programmes to achieve net zero finally,” Omani marine scientist Rumaitha Al Busaidi wrote on Twitter.

“Good news! It’s been a long time coming!”

Sultan Haitham noted the importance of coordinating and integrating different government institutions to achieve success.

The “Carbon Management Laboratory” was created last month in cooperation between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the Environment and Civil Aviation Authorities. Oman plans to send a CubeSat into space from Cornwall in the UK to monitor the environment.

Image Credit: Silas Baisch on Unsplash

Fuel vehicles in Oman

Israel’s Prime Minister, Yair Lapid, said on Tuesday that the agreement is beneficial for Israel. Despite Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun saying he hoped to announce the final agreement “as soon as possible,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said his country had reached a “historic deal” demarcating the maritime boundary.

Mr Lapid has said that the agreement “will strengthen Israel’s security, inject billions into Israel’s economy, and ensure the stability of our northern border” after his Cabinet was criticised by hardliners for making concessions.

“We have reached a solution that satisfies both parties,” Elias Bou Saab, Lebanon’s lead negotiator, said.

“Lebanon has gotten the full measure of its rights, and all of its comments have been accounted for.”

Bou Saab wished an agreement could be signed before Aoun’s term ends on October 31, although the deal could be delayed unless it is finalised before November 1, when Israel holds elections.

The Lebanese caretaker Energy Minister, Walid Fayyad, announced on Tuesday that the French company TotalEnergies would begin searching for gas in Lebanese waters as soon as an agreement on the border between Lebanon and Israel is reached. A senior delegation from the energy company met with Mr. Fayyad in Beirut yesterday.

Hezbollah has reportedly given its approval to the deal, which has been approved by two Lebanese officials.

Amoss Hochstein, an energy envoy, has been involved in months of shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to resolve the conflict. Earlier in the day, the head of Israel’s National Security Council, Eyal Hulata, said their demands had been met.

“All of our demands have been met; the modifications we requested have been corrected. We safeguarded Israel’s security interests and are moving towards a historic agreement,” he said.

Last week, Israel rejected last-minute changes to the agreement proposed by Lebanon that appeared to jeopardize decades of effort to reach an agreement. The US mediator has been involved in close contact with officials from both countries over the last few days, in an effort to resolve outstanding differences.

It is still unclear whether the agreement will require parliament’s approval when Israel holds elections on November 1.

The agreement would settle a territorial conflict in the eastern corner of the Mediterranean, where Lebanon wants to drill for natural gas, and near the Karish offshore gasfield, where Israel has already found significant quantities of hydrocarbons.

Israel has insisted that the Karish gasfield is entirely within its waters and therefore not subject to negotiation. Lebanon has also previously claimed a portion of the gasfield.

The discovery of gas would be a major boon for Lebanon, which has been mired in a financial crisis since 2019. In the long run, such a discovery could fix Lebanon’s longstanding failure to produce adequate electricity for its population.

Hezbollah, a Iran-supported armed group and political organisation that holds significant influence in Lebanon, has previously threatened to attack Karish if production begins there before a deal is reached.

Israel says production at Karish would begin as soon as possible.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra via AP

President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that there would be consequences for U.S.-Saudi relations after OPEC+ last week announced a production cut over U.S. objections.

The powerful Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called for the United States to immediately halt all cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including arms sales, on Monday.

Biden declined to reveal what choices he was weighing, as discussed with CNN’s Jake Tapper.

There is no timeframe for the policy review, nor is there information on who will lead the re-evaluation, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. The United States will be paying close attention to the situation over the coming weeks and months, she said.

After weeks of lobbying against an OPEC oil production cut, OPEC+ announced its plans last week. Saudi Arabia is accused of bowing to Russian interests after the Ukraine invasion, which spurred Western efforts to cap the price of Russian oil.

Officials from the United States have been trying to persuade its biggest Arab partner to abandon the idea of a production cut, but Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was not persuaded.

A source familiar with the situation said that bin Salman and Biden clashed during Biden’s visit to Jeddah in July over the death of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

According to U.S. intelligence, the crown prince authorized an effort to detain or kill Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident turned whistleblower, who was murdered and dismembered by Saudi agents inside the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul.

In July, Biden said he told the prince that he thought he was responsible for the killing. The prince, son of King Salman, 86, has denied ordering the murder but acknowledged that it occurred ‘under my watch.’

A White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, said that Biden would work with Congress to determine the future relationship between the two.

It is Kirby’s belief that Trump is eager to begin negotiations right away and that nothing should wait much longer.

On Tuesday, State Department spokesman Ned Price said that the Biden administration would not look aside Iran, a U.S. rival and a bitter regional adversary of Saudi Arabia, in the review.

Saudi Arabia has been the recipient of much of U.S. arms sales, and part of the reason has been to keep Iran in check in the region.

Price emphasised that Iran poses a great risk to the region and the world, and that we must remain vigilant.

Image Credit: Lisa Ferdinando/U.S. Secretary of Defense

Saudi Aramco has told at least seven customers in Asia they will receive full contract volumes of crude oil in November ahead of the peak winter season, several sources with knowledge of the matter said on Monday.

The producer is keeping supplies to Asia steady despite likely production cuts by tapping on inventories, the sources said.

Saudi Aramco could not be immediately reached for comment outside office hours.

The full supply allocation comes despite a decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, to lower their output target by 2 million barrels per day.

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman had said the real supply cut would be about 1 million to 1.1 million bpd. Analysts expect Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to shoulder much of the production cuts because other OPEC+ members are falling behind output ta

Consultancy FGE expects the Saudi oil production target to fall by around 550,000 bpd in November from the previous month.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Amr Nabil

World Cup organizers in Qatar have hired a third cruise ship to function as a soccer fan hotel docked at Doha Port, providing much-needed rooms for the tournament.

MSC Cruises based in Geneva announced the deal six weeks before the World Cup begins on November 20. The 1,075-passenger MSC Opera will be available from November 19 to December 19.

MSC’s website listed Monday starting prices for the opera starting at 470 Swiss francs ($470) per person per night for the group stage, with a two-night minimum stay.

Qatar has not prepared enough hotel rooms for the World Cup participants, workers, volunteers, and fans, and therefore has created camping and cabin sites, hired cruise ships, and encouraged people to come to the country by plane and stay in campsites.

In 2019, MSC signed an agreement with the Qatar government to provide two ships with about 4,000 cabins as floating hotels to house the expected 1.2 million international visitors.

MSC World Europa, a high-end flagship, is beginning work at the World Cup after being built in France.

The tournament affects the prices on cruise ships; half the teams leave during the tournament, lowering prices. During the last week, MSC Opera rooms that are the least expensive cost 320 Swiss francs ($320), then 220 Swiss francs ($220).

All meals are included in the basic rate, but you can pay 90 euros ($87) per day for all meals.

Alcohol will be available on board, and MSC will provide wine by the glass and draft beer.

Qatar, which is home to more than 200,000 residents, is hosting the 2022 World Cup. Prior to the tournament, Qatar has relaxed its rules for FIFA’s commercial partners, including corporate hospitality providers and World Cup sponsor AB InBev, the maker of Budweiser beer.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Desmond Boylan, file

In response to Iran’s violent crackdown on anti-government protesters, Britain on Monday sanctioned the “morality police” and several security officials.

These measures were taken in response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained by police in Tehran for allegedly violating Iran’s rigorous Islamic dress code, thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in the last month to protest her death.

The UK’s Foreign Office said it was imposing asset freezes and travel bans on the “morality police in its entirety, as well as both its chief, Mohammed Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi, and the head of the Tehran division, Haj Ahmed Mirzaei.”

Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Basij force; Hassan Karami, commander of the NAJA special forces unit of the Iranian police; and Hossein Ashtari, commander-in-chief of the Iranian police, are also wanted.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said that the sanctions “send a clear message to the Iranian authorities—we will hold you accountable for your repression of women and girls, as well as the shocking violence you have inflicted on your own people.”

Across Iran, people are continuing to demonstrate against the death of Amini at the hands of the country’s morality police on September 16. The government maintains that Amini was not abused, but her family says her corpse displayed bruises and other signs of beating.

Image Credit: Aaron Chown/PA via AP

Lebanon on Monday received the finalised draft of a US-backed maritime agreement with Israel, according to the The National.

The source said on Monday that Lebanon has not yet received the final U.S. draft on a potential maritime agreement with Israel, and that the agreement hangs on ‘one word.’

The source also said that Beirut is still waiting for the final text, which US special envoy Amos Hochstein will send. The text had been expected immediately after Mr Hochstein spoke with Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Sunday.

The outcome reportedly depends on one critical word, but sources have refused to divulge it. A White House official told The National that the deal was nearing completion. The White House official said the negotiations have reached a critical phase, and the gaps have narrowed.

Lebanon has offered a handful of alterations to a US proposal that would resolve a long-standing maritime border dispute with Israel.

Last week, Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that the proposal was ‘on the right track to assert Lebanon’s rights over all its waters.’

A deal between Lebanon and Israel, which has been negotiated indirectly for 15 months by Mr Hochstein, is now thought to be almost signed, and may be signed today.

The long-running maritime dispute is about controlling oil and gasfields that straddle both sides of the border, and accessing them.

For the first time, a maritime border between Lebanon and its southern neighbour would be delineated if a resolution is passed. The two nations have been antagonistic for decades and have engaged in several conflicts.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra via AP

The Parliament in Iraq’s autonomous northern Kurdish region voted on Sunday to delay elections and extend its term by a year amid wider national political paralysis.

The region last held elections four years ago and people had been due to vote this month.

Disagreements between its two major parties have led to politicians staying until a new parliament is elected in late 2023.

Eighty of 111 representatives voted for the measure, the regional parliament said, with members of the opposition abstaining.

The delay is the result of disputes between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) over electoral constituencies.

But it also is part of a broader power struggle between the Parliament’s two biggest parties, said Shivan Fazil, a researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Image Credit: Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

On Oct. 20, a host of top sports, culture, and entertainment events will kick off the second edition of Diriyah Season, according to the organizers.

This year’s season will end on February 22, and it will again boost the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism industry by attracting large numbers of local and international visitors and creating thousands of jobs for young Saudis. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the Diriyah Season committee, said, “We are delighted to announce the imminent launch of the Diriyah Season 2022 in the historic city, which features a rich historical heritage and deep-rooted geography listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.”

The success of 2019, which showcased the Formula E racing and world heavyweight boxing championship, inspired the government to hold events in Diriyah once again. “Here I invite all fans, both inside and outside the country, to participate and appreciate this season, and what it has to offer.

The former Diriyah season was held over one month with 196 national and international athletes, four global sports events and 16 top live music performers.

Queen Rania of Jordan is a well-known humanitarian, wife, mother and businesswoman who has built her reputation on her dedication to social causes. Since marrying the King of Jordan in 2003 and becoming queen, Queen Rania has become even more involved on the global stage with various charities, including the Red Cross and the El-Hibri Foundation. In addition to her extensive charity work, Queen Rania has also been in the news for these 10 interesting facts about her life:

She is the first woman in her country to obtain a degree from an American university.

Queen Rania was born in Kuwait in 1970 and moved to Jordan as a child. She studied at the American University in Cairo and earned a B.A. in English Literature, as well as an M.A. in Communications. She was the first woman in Jordan to receive a degree from an American university and the first person in her family to attend college. In 2001, she was named in the 100 Most Influential Arabs, and she received an Honorary Doctorate from the American University Cairo in 2002.

She is the co-founder of the El-Hibri Foundation, which provides education for underprivileged children.

Rania co-founded the El-Hibri Foundation with her father, Ahmad El-Hibri, in 1998. The charity is dedicated to improving opportunities for underprivileged children in the Middle East and aims to provide communities with the tools to support their own economic development. The El-Hibri Foundation has built hundreds of schools across Jordan and has been responsible for increasing the country’s literacy rate from 80% to 90%. In 2017, El-Hibri’s research centre published a report showing that the country’s gross domestic product was $29 billion greater than it had been in 2011, before the Syrian refugee crisis.

In 2004, she was honoured by the United Nations and named “Messenger of Peace”.

In 2004, the United Nations appointed Queen Rania as their first-ever “Messenger of Peace”, an honorary title that recognizes exceptional leaders who serve as role models in promoting world peace and helping to end conflicts. The organization honoured Rania for her work with underprivileged children, her social entrepreneurship and her efforts to encourage dialogue between cultures. She was also the co-chair of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals forum, which works to eradicate poverty globally.

Rania was listed as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Arabs by Gulf Business.

The most influential Arabs in the world are selected annually by the Dubai-based business publication, Gulf Business. In their 2016 report, Queen Rania was listed as the 9th most influential Arab. The publication highlights the queen’s focus on improving women’s roles in society, her dedication to education, and her efforts to promote dialogue between cultures and religions.

She is a proud mother to two boys: Hussein and Hashem.

Hussein was born in 2005, shortly before Rania and King Abdullah II’s wedding, and Hashem was born in 2009. The boys were born in Amman, Jordan. They were delivered by the country’s first lady of obstetrics and gynaecology, Dr Saraya al-Dali, who is a friend and colleague of Rania’s. Queen Rania has spoken with pride about her experiences as a working mother, particularly about the societal attitudes toward working mothers in Jordan. She has said that she encourages her sons to “explore the whole world and then come back to Jordan and explore this society, and then make the best use of it to serve the world.”

Rania speaks seven different languages.

Queen Rania grew up speaking Arabic, Farsi and English. She has also studied French, Spanish, and Italian. Her bilingual abilities have helped her engage with people worldwide, including the predominantly English-speaking United States.

She is a certified scuba diver and avid equestrian.

Rania and her husband are both certified scuba divers, and she is an active equestrian. She has ridden horses since she was a child, and she and the king have a Royal Jordanian Equestrian Club, which they support financially.

Her husband, King Abdullah II, has given her unprecedented decision-making power in government.

As a child, Rania imagined what it might be like to be a queen. She dreamed of having a position of power and using it for good. In 2005, she and her husband assumed their positions as King and Queen of Jordan. In addition to her work with the El-Hibri Foundation, the queen has been critical in shaping the country’s economic and educational policies, including a $1.3 billion program to expand Jordan’s public schools. She has also taken a significant role in improving the country’s infrastructure, health care and environmental policies.

Rania’s rise to power as a decision-making queen has been unprecedented in the Middle East. In a 2011 interview with The Wall Street Journal, King Abdullah II said that Rania has “a lot of influence”. He went on to say that he and the queen discuss all of their political decisions together and that she has “as much of a voice as I do in the running of the country.”

Her husband has said that she is “stronger than any other woman in the world.”

In the same Wall Street Journal article, King Abdullah II was quoted as saying, “She is incredibly strong… actually, I don’t know if there is any other woman in the world who is as strong as she is.”

Queen Rania has said that her role as a public figure enables her to have a more significant impact on society. Her popularity among Jordanian citizens has made her an effective advocate for social change. In his 2011 interview with The Wall Street Journal, King Abdullah II said that Rania’s popularity has been helpful in their efforts to improve the country. He explained that “people are more open to change when they see that their queen approves of it too.”

Queen Rania has remained true to herself throughout her rise to power.

Rania has said that she remains true to herself and her values despite her public image. She has said that she believes change is possible only when people “respect who they are and where they come from” and work toward a common goal “together, not alone.” The queen has said that the most important thing that she has learned since becoming queen is to always “stay true to your values.” She has said that as a public figure, she must lead by example and do what she believes is right.

 

Image Credit: Twitter/@QueenRania

Germany’s foreign minister is calling for European Union entry bans and asset freezes against those responsible for what she described as brutal repression against anti-government protesters in Iran.

The most sustained protests in years against Iran’s theocracy are now in their fourth week. They erupted Sept. 17 after the burial of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman who died in the custody of Iran’s feared morality police. Amini had been detained for an alleged violation of strict Islamic dress codes for women.

Since then, protests spread across the country and have been met by a fierce crackdown, in which dozens are estimated to have been killed and hundreds arrested.

“Those who beat up women and girls on the street, carry off people who want nothing other than to live freely, arrest them arbitrarily and sentence them to death stand on the wrong side of history,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was quoted as telling Sunday’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

“We will ensure that the EU imposes entry bans on those responsible for this brutal repression and freezes their assets in the EU,” she added. “We say to people in Iran: We stand and remain by your side.”

Baerbock didn’t name any specific individuals or organizations.

On Thursday, EU lawmakers approved a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for the death of Amini and the subsequent crackdown.

Germany, along with fellow EU member France, is among the nations that are part of a 2015 agreement with Iran to address concerns over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program and have been attempting to revive the deal.

Talks on the deal have languished but if it’s reinstated, the agreement would provide sanctions relief that would help strengthen the Iranian government.

On Sunday, videos on Iranian social media appeared to show students staging a protest on the campus of al-Zahra University in Tehran, a day after students chanted against Iran’s president during a visit there.

Protests erupted in cities across Iran on Saturday. In Tehran’s bazaar, traditionally a stronghold of Iran’s rulers, a crowd set fire to a police kiosk. Later that evening, anti-government marches drew a large crowd in the capital’s central Naziabad area, social media posts showed.

Facing persistent unrest, authorities have turned to targeting prominent Iranians who have expressed support for the protests.

The semi-official ILNA news agency reported that Iranian officials seized the passports of Homayoun Shajarian, a prominent singer, and Sahar Dolatshahi, an actress, after the pair returned from a concert tour in Australia on Saturday. The passports were taken at Tehran’s international airport, the news agency said.

Shajarian had expressed support for the protesters during his foreign tour. During a Sept. 13 concert, a large photo of Mahsa Amini served as a stage backdrop and he sang an old song dealing with cruelty and oppressors.

Another backdrop had the caption: “Don’t kill these people. These people deserve life, not death. These people deserve happiness and freedom. My position is clear, I will always stand by the people of my land.”

Authorities also detained a number of prominent artists, including singer Shervin Hajipour whose song “For” became an anthem of the protest movement. Hajipour was released on bail on Oct. 4.

In parallel, Iranian officials have wielded state media to blame unrest on foreign powers.

At least four anchors with Iran’s state broadcasting organization have resigned “in support of the Iranian people’s protests,” a reporter with the reformist daily Shargh tweeted on Sunday. IRIB has recently and in the past aired the forced confessions of detainees.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Peter Dejong

Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday it has won a bid to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games at a planned mountain resort in the Gulf Arab state’s $500bn (£440bn) flagship Neom project. The kingdom will be the first nation from the Middle East to host the event, which features skiing, skating, ice hockey and other winter sports.

The Trojena development is expected to be completed in 2026 and will offer outdoor skiing, a man-made freshwater lake and a nature reserve, according to the project’s website.

“With the unlimited support by the Saudi leadership & HRH Crown Prince to the sport sector we are proud to announce we have won the bid to host AWG TROJENA2029 as the first country in west Asia,” the Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal said on Twitter.

Nadhmi al-Nasr, the Neom chief executive, said: “Trojena will have a suitable infrastructure to create the winter atmosphere in the heart of the desert, to make this Winter Games an unprecedented global event.”

Neom is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s most ambitious project under the kingdom’s Vision 2030 development plan to reduce reliance on oil and transform the economy, including by developing sports.

Neom, a 26,500 sq km (10,230 sq miles) high-tech development on the Red Sea, will include zero-carbon city “The Line” as well as industrial and logistics areas.

Image Credit: NEOM

Kuwait has postponed convening the first parliament session after elections to Oct. 18, the state news agency reported on Saturday.


“The National Assembly’s first regular session of the 17th legislative term is adjourned until Oct. 18, head of Kuwait’s Center for Government Communication and spokesman Tareq Al-Mizrem said Saturday,” KUNA said in a statement.


“This came in line with Article 106 of the constitution, Al-Mizrem wrote on CGC’s Twitter account,” it added.

The Gulf state’s crown prince re-appointed Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Sabah as prime minister on Wednesday and later approved a new Cabinet following legislative polls.
The government is yet to take the constitutional oath due to anobjection of more than 40 members of parliament. Local media said ministers of the old cabinet had resigned. 

Image Credit:  REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus. It is the world’s most expensive spice by weight per volume, with a single ounce costing as much as $5,500 in 2016. A little saffron goes a long way. This small quantity of spice can give any dish an earthy, pungent aroma and unique taste. A variety of dishes include saffron for its distinct flavour and the yellow-orange colour it adds to food. Saffron has been used for centuries not only because it is expensive but also due to its medicinal properties and antioxidant properties. This article explores everything you need to know about saffron, from its origin to its health benefits and tips on how to use it in your cooking.

What is Saffron?

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus. It is the world’s most expensive spice by weight per volume, with a single ounce costing as much as $5,500 in 2016. A little saffron goes a long way. This small quantity of spice can give any dish an earthy, pungent aroma and unique taste. Saffron has been used for at least 4,000 years. Saffron has been used for at least 4,000 years. It has been cultivated in Asia Minor since at least the Bronze Age and was probably first domesticated in Greece. Saffron is a native plant of Southwest Asia including Iran, Spain, and Ethiopia. It also grows in many parts of Europe and North America.

Why Is Saffron So Expensive?

Saffron is the most expensive spice because of the painstaking process it takes to grow the flowers and harvest the spice. Saffron is the most expensive spice because of the painstaking process it takes to grow the flowers and harvest the spice. It takes 80,000 flowers to make just one pound of saffron. The flowers can only be cultivated in a few specific areas. It takes roughly 3,000 flowers to yield 1 ounce of saffron. Additionally, saffron is susceptible to disease, extreme weather conditions, and poor soil. Another reason is that harvesting saffron is an intricate process. The flowers must be handpicked, which is also a time-consuming process. Harvesting the flowers is done when they are fully grown and still as tightly closed as possible. The flowers are then dried in the sun. The entire process, including cultivating the flowers, harvesting the saffron, drying it in the sun, and packaging it for distribution, is done by hand. This is why saffron is so expensive relative to other spices.

How Is Saffron Used In Cooking?

Saffron is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Saffron is used in both sweet and savoury dishes. The most common dishes that include saffron are bouillabaisse, paella, risotto, bouillabaisse, risotto, bouillabaisse, paella, paella, bouillabaisse, and risotto. Saffron can be used as a substitute for other spices, such as turmeric and ginger, to add a unique aroma and flavour to any dish. If you want to add saffron flavour to your dish, you can soak the saffron threads in a small bowl of hot water for about 15 minutes. Once the threads have absorbed all of the water, you can add the liquid to a dish instead of extracting the saffron threads from the bowl. If you are allergic to saffron or have a reaction to it, there are other spices you can use to replace saffron in cooking.

Health Benefits of Saffron

Saffron contains antioxidants that fight ageing and diseases. Saffron contains antioxidants that fight ageing and diseases. It has a high concentration of crocin and picrocrocin. When consumed, these substances can help improve your brain function, vision, respiratory health, and skin health. Saffron can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote sleep. Saffron can also help with a variety of health conditions. Saffron can help with a variety of health conditions. It can help relieve menstrual pain, PMS symptoms, and diarrhoea. It also helps with cognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD, as well as diabetes and hypertension.

Tips for Using Saffron in Your Cooking

– Saffron is best added at the end of the cooking process, as opposed to the beginning. – Saffron isn’t just for adding a yellow-orange colour to your cooking. It also imparts a unique flavour that pairs well with many different ingredients. – When using saffron for cooking, it is important to buy high-quality saffron. The best way to do this is to look for threads in a sealed container. – Saffron is best stored in an airtight container in a dark, dry place. When storing saffron, make sure the container is airtight and that the saffron isn’t exposed to light. This will prevent the saffron from losing its flavour.

Conclusion

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world because of the high cost of cultivating the flowers, handpicking the flowers, and the intricate process of harvesting, drying, and packaging the spice. Saffron contains many antioxidants that can help improve your brain function, vision, respiratory health, and skin health. Saffron can also help relieve menstrual pain, PMS symptoms, and diarrhoea. It also helps with cognitive disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD, as well as diabetes and hypertension. When using saffron for cooking, it is important to buy high-quality saffron. The best way to do this is to look for threads in a sealed container. Saffron is best stored in an airtight container in a dark, dry place.

Image Credit: Syed F Hashemi on Unsplash

Thousands of chanting, singing people held a solidarity demonstration Saturday in The Hague in support of protesters in Iran who have taken to the streets since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini following her arrest for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code.

Protesters gathered on a central park in the city waved flags and banners emblazoned with texts including “No to enforced headscarf in Iran,” “Justice can’t wait” and “Stop bloodshed in Iran.” Several lawmakers from parties across the Dutch political spectrum also attended.

Saturday’s demonstration follows anti-government protests across Iran that were sparked by Amini’s death.

The Iranian protests have triggered demonstrations of support across Europe, including by women cutting off locks of their hair, following Iranian women’s example.

Oscar-winning French actors Marion Cotillard and Juliette Binoche, as well as other French screen and music stars, filmed themselves chopping off locks of their hair in a video posted Wednesday.

Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius also cut off a lock of her hair during a live television talk show this week.

The full extent of demonstrations in Iran and subsequent crackdowns remains unclear. An Associated Press tally of reports in state-run and state-linked media shows there have been at least 1,900 arrests connected to the protests. Demonstrations have been reported in at least 50 Iranian cities, towns and villages.

State television last suggested at least 41 people had been killed in the demonstrations as of Sept. 24. In the nearly two weeks since, there’s been no update from Iran’s government. Rights activists put the death toll much higher.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Peter Dejong

Spain would support Ukraine joining its 2030 soccer World Cup hosting bid with Portugal, government spokeswoman Isabel Rodriguez said on Tuesday, asked about a report in The Times.


The Times reported on Monday that Ukraine is set to join Spain and Portugal in their bid to host the soccer World Cup in 2030. The football chiefs of both Spain and Portugal will hold a news conference at European governing body UEFA’s headquarters in Switzerland on Wednesday, authorities said.

Image Credit: Fauzan Saari on Unsplash

Before you read this article, let’s first agree on something. Let’s agree that the art of belly dancing is an incredible and mesmerizing performance art form. Let’s also agree that anyone who denies its beauty or poignancy must not have seen it performed well and correctly. Now, with this out of the way, let us explore the origins of this art form in greater depth. Let us begin by saying that belly dancing exists in almost all cultures around the world. There are several variations—some are more provocative than others but all are equally beautiful and stimulating for a spectator. However, one of the best-known varieties is the Arabic Belly Dance. This article explores everything you need to know about it.

What is Arabic Belly Dance?

Arabic Belly Dance is also known as Raqs Sharqi. This form of dance originated in Egypt in the 19th century and spread across the Middle East. It is a very sensual form of dance, performed by women in public spaces such as cabarets, parties, and festivals. The dancer’s clothing is very minimal, usually just a bra and a loincloth made of silk. The dancer sways her hips to the rhythm of the music and often uses an ornate fan made of feathers to enhance her movements. The dancer moves her body in a figure eight pattern with her hips swaying from side to side and her arms moving up and down. The movements are meant to be suggestive and provocative. A dancer’s skill level is determined by her ability to move her hips in a circular motion that is said to represent the cycle of life. Her hands, feet, and breasts are often adorned with bells that jingle as she moves. Arabic Belly Dance is a very dynamic form of dance that combines elements of acrobatics and oriental dance.

The Origins of Arabic Belly Dancing

Arabic Belly Dancing is believed to have first emerged around the 19th century in Egypt. The first dancers were Egyptian prostitutes who used this form of dance to attract customers to their brothels. Eventually, the dance spread beyond these establishments and became a celebrated art form. The rise of Arabic dance was linked to the decline of an older style of dance known as Syrian or Levantine Dance. The Levantine Dance was also a form of Oriental dance but it had a darker, more melancholic tone. The two dances coexisted for a while before the more sensual, ornate, and vibrant Arabic style overtook its predecessor. Arabic dance has undergone many changes since it first emerged. One of the earliest forms featured a woman dressed in a male costume with a sword in hand, symbolizing her strength. Later, the dance was associated with the rise of Hejaz, a Sufi order that placed great importance on the arts. This new style of dance was heavily influenced by Sufi poetry and had a much more religious flavour than its predecessors.

How is Arabic Dance Different from Other Forms of Belly Dance?

Belly dancers all over the world use different techniques and styles. Some begin their dance on the floor, and others stand during the whole performance. Each style has its own merits and can be exciting to watch. But the most common type of Oriental dance is Egyptian Dance, which has a more rapid and elaborate rhythm. Syrian Dance, on the other hand, is more dignified and restrained, with more emphasis on footwork. As for Arabic Belly Dance, its purpose is almost purely aesthetic. It is a slower, more relaxed form of dance that is very rhythmic.

Why does this art form hold such importance in the Middle East?

Belly dancing has long been a part of Middle Eastern culture, with dancers often performing at parties, festivals, and weddings to celebrate life and its pleasures. Belly dancers were particularly popular in the harem of a wealthy men, where they would entertain guests and make the evenings more festive. Belly dancers were often slaves or women of low social standing and were under the direct supervision of their master or the harem’s eunuch. They were free to practice their art and earn money but were not allowed to interact with members of the opposite sex. This strict regulation of the dancers’ lives is said to have contributed to the mystique and popularity of their art. A woman who was allowed to dance before an audience was most often a slave who was not permitted to refuse the attentions of her master. The restrictions on her life, combined with her sensual movements, made the dance an even more alluring and provocative art form.

Conclusion

Belly dancers have long been an important part of Middle Eastern culture. The art form has evolved over time from its origins as a way for brothel workers to attract clients to a popular and celebrated form of entertainment. Belly dancers were often slaves who were expected to entertain guests in the harem. Now, they are free to perform wherever they like, and their art form has become even more popular.

Image Credit: Simon Hurry on Unsplash

Saudi Arabia’s cabinet agreed on Tuesday on “a memorandum of cooperation” with Britain in the energy sector, Saudi state news agency SPA reported citing a cabinet statement.

There were no further details mentioned in the statement.

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

Riyadh Season Team XI

The European Union is considering additional sanctions on Iran, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday, as rights groups say thousands have been arrested and hundreds injured in a crackdown by Iranian security forces.

EU foreign ministers will discuss further sanctions on Iran at their next meeting, Borrell told reporters in Prague.

Image Credit: ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND/UNSPLASH

Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa emphasised last week at a celebration of the discipline’s 200th anniversary that Egyptian antiquities are one of the nation’s most significant tourism resources.

Egypt’s leading archaeologists have recently petitioned for the return of the Rosetta Stone from the British Museum to Egypt, commemorating the deciphering of hieroglyphic writing and the birth of Egyptology 200 years ago.

The archaeologists’ online campaign has gathered 2,500 signatures so far.

The Rosetta Stone was discovered in northern Egypt in 1799 when Napoleon’s army was defeated. It has been at the British Museum since 1802, thanks to the terms of the 1801 Treaty of Alexandria, which gave Britain possession of other antiquities the French had discovered.

The Rosetta Stone bears the same inscription in Hieroglyphs, Demotic, and Ancient Greek, allowing Frenchman Jean-Francois Champollion to decipher Hieroglyphs from 1822 onward, thereby unlocking ancient Egyptian language and culture.

Egyptian archaeologists have petitioned for the statue’s repatriation in the past, but they are now hoping that Western museums’ increasing willingness to return artefacts taken from former colonies will help their cause.

Hanna is certain that all these objects will eventually be restituted because the ethical code of museums is changing, just not certain when,” she said.

Cultural stone-throwing is a symbol of cultural violence and cultural imperialism.

“Restoring the stone is a symbol of a change in mentality—we have moved beyond the Victorian Era and have adopted a contemporary ethical code.”

No formal request has been made to return the Rosetta Stone to Egypt, according to a British Museum spokesperson.

A spokesperson, in an emailed statement, noted that 28 stelae engraved with the same decree written by Egyptian priests were discovered starting with the Rosetta Stone in 1799 and that 21 remain in Egypt.

An exhibition titled “Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt” will be open at the museum on October 13, and it will shed light on the Rosetta Stone’s function.

It was emphasized that the British Museum appreciates positive collaborations with colleagues across Egypt.

Egypt says that the return of artefacts is bolstering its tourism sector, a vital source of revenue for its struggling economy. A new museum near the Giza pyramids will soon open to display the country’s most significant ancient Egyptian artefacts.

Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa said last week at an event commemorating the discipline’s 200th anniversary that Egyptian antiquities are one of the country’s greatest tourism assets, which distinguish it from other destinations worldwide.

Image Credit: Hans Hillewaert, Wikimedia Commons

Turkey’s government and opposition both promised legal steps on Wednesday to enshrine women’s right to wear Islamic headscarves, returning to the heart of political debate ahead of next year’s elections an issue that once caused deep divisions.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled for next year, and opinion polls suggest that the outcome is still up for grabs. The proposal came as the ruling AK Party and the opposition both put forth policy proposals.

Before the AK Party’s (Erdogan’s Islamist-leaning party) two decades in power, which pushed through reforms ending the fierce discord over the headscarf issue in secular Muslim Turkey, the issue was no longer an issue.

Opposition chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu resuscitated the subject this week, exposing the planned legislation as CHP attempts to connect with pious Turks, who have traditionally been reluctant to back the party.

In a speech to AKP deputies in parliament on Wednesday, Erdogan extensively criticized the CHP for its past opposition to expanding headscarf freedoms.

President Erdogan said that the CHP’s call for a new constitution to address the issue of the presidential system was misplaced, as the issue had already been addressed.

He did not expand on the subject, but it appeared that he was suggesting that the right of women to wear the headscarf should be enshrined in the constitution.

Recent surveys showing Kilicdaroglu, the opposition presidential candidate, ahead of Erdogan motivated the government to take these measures. However, the Metropoll survey, which is renowned for its accuracy, showed that the ruling coalition is still five points ahead of the main opposition alliance.

On Wednesday, Kilicdaroglu gave a cautious welcome to Erdogan’s idea about rights and liberties, saying, ‘If there is no deceitful agenda behind it, of course, we would be pleased to offer any kind of assistance.’

In 2008, the Turkish parliament abolished a ban on females wearing the headscarf at university, a development that Erdogan and CHP parliamentarians including Kilicdaroglu had unsuccessfully attempted to safeguard in the constitutional court.

Army generals, judges, and university rectors, who were at the time the secular establishment, viewed the headscarf as a symbol of radical Islam and a threat to the secular order.

In 2013, Turkey lifted a ban on women wearing headscarves in state institutions as part of reforms the government said would strengthen democracy.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

Syria remains a significant country for the UAE in its continued efforts to diversify its economy. It is one of the largest Middle Eastern markets for Emirati companies, particularly in the oil sector, and has provided an important source of labour for the country. In contrast to other GCC states that have withdrawn their diplomatic support from Syria, the UAE under its current leadership has attempted to leverage its economic interests as a means to influence Syrian policy. The UAE’s economic interests appear to be a bridge between their geopolitical stance and domestic opinion, with 35% of Emiratis indicating that they are more supportive of Syria because it represents opportunities for business partnerships. This article analyzes the geopolitics and economics behind the UAE-Syria relationship.

Geopolitical Background

The UAE’s relationship with Syria has historically been one of mutual cooperation, particularly in the areas of military cooperation and economic development. The two countries have maintained close ties since the UAE became independent in 1971, with the two Arab states sharing a common interest in mitigating the threat of regional instability and Iranian intervention in the Middle East. The UAE has historically been a significant source of political and economic support for the Syrian government. Among other things, it has provided millions in loans to Syrian businesses, hosted millions of refugees fleeing the country, and provided a safe harbour for Syrian opposition groups while they planned the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The UAE has taken a strong stance against Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East, which has gained momentum in recent years due to lifting sanctions on Iranian oil in 2016. The UAE government has threatened retaliation against any party that uses Iranian-owned ports for shipping, as part of its strategy to contain the Iranian influence in the region.

UAE and Syria: A History of Cooperation

As a close ally of Saudi Arabia, the UAE has been one of the strongest regional advocates for increased military action to overthrow the Syrian regime. The UAE has played a significant role in supporting Syrian opposition forces with military aid and financial assistance, including the training of Syrian fighters via its special forces. The UAE has been one of the largest donors to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, providing over $750 million in humanitarian support since the beginning of the Syrian crisis. In addition to hosting millions of refugees, the UAE has provided millions of dollars in loans and grants to the Syrian government, demonstrating a commitment to assisting the Syrian people while maintaining solidarity with the Assad regime. The UAE was seen as a reliable source of support for the Syrian government, which has historically relied on a small number of Arab allies, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The UAE has represented a disproportionately large share of Syrian-Emirati trade compared to other countries, with $1.5 billion in exports and $2.2 billion in imports in 2004.

Economic Ties Shared between UAE and Syria

The UAE and Syria also share important economic interests, particularly in the oil sector. The UAE has been one of the largest sources of oil imports for Syria throughout the Syrian conflict, with the volume of exports from the UAE exceeding 200,000 barrels per day in 2018. Beyond the oil sector, the UAE has also played a significant role in developing Syria’s infrastructure. Abu Dhabi’s state-owned investment company has invested billions of dollars in the modernization of Syrian airports, seaports, and other important transportation systems. The UAE has also provided significant funding to the construction of the country’s internet network, as well as telecommunications infrastructure. These investments suggest that the UAE has a strategic interest in maintaining close economic ties with Syria, as they make it easier for Emirati companies to export goods to Syrian markets and provide a stable source of revenue for the Syrian government. Beyond economic ties, the UAE has also played a prominent role in the humanitarian crisis in Syria, providing millions in loans and grants to the government and millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to the Syrian people.

UAE’s Interest in a Stable Syria

The UAE’s economic interests in Syria are tempered by its geopolitical interests in a stable Syria, particularly in the context of the conflict with Iran. The UAE is one of the GCC countries most threatened by Iranian influence, as it is geographically closer to Iranian territory than the other GCC states. As such, the UAE views the Iranian influence in Syria as a direct threat to its security, with the potential to facilitate terrorist attacks and other destabilizing activities in Abu Dhabi. While the UAE has opposed Iranian influence in Syria and the rest of the Middle East, the country has also sought to prevent the escalation of regional conflict. The UAE has been one of the strongest proponents of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria, which has been complicated by the presence of numerous international actors, including Russia, Israel, Turkey, and the United States. The UAE has advocated for the inclusion of Syrian opposition groups in peace talks facilitated by the United Nations and has pressured the Assad government to participate in the Geneva talks and initiate political reforms. The UAE has also pushed for the implementation of a no-fly zone in Syria, which would serve to limit the ability of the Assad regime and its allies to engage in aerial attacks.

Conclusion

The UAE’s relationship with Syria has historically been one of mutual cooperation, particularly in the areas of military cooperation and economic development. The two countries have maintained close ties since the UAE became independent in 1971, with the two Arab states sharing a common interest in mitigating the threat of regional instability and Iranian intervention in the Middle East. The UAE has historically been a significant source of political and economic support for the Syrian government. Among other things, it has provided millions in loans to Syrian businesses, hosted millions of refugees fleeing the country, and provided a safe harbour for Syrian opposition groups while they planned the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The UAE has taken a strong stance against Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East, which has gained momentum in recent years due to the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil in 2016. The UAE government has threatened retaliation against any party that uses Iranian-owned ports for shipping, as part of its strategy to contain the Iranian influence in the region. Beyond its geopolitical stance, the UAE has also attempted to use its economic interests in Syria as a means to influence the Assad regime. The UAE’s economic interests in Syria seem to be a bridge between its geopolitical interests and domestic opinion, with 35% of Emiratis indicating that they are more supportive of Syria because it represents opportunities for business partnerships.

Image Credit: Kent Tupas on Unsplash

Kuwait appointed a new cabinet on Wednesday, naming Hussein Ismail as oil minister to replace Mohammed Al-Fares and reappointing finance minister Abdul Wahab al-Rasheed.

Sheikh Abdullah Ali al-Salem al-Sabah, has been appointed as the new defence minister.

The outgoing government had resigned following parliamentary elections last month in the Gulf OPEC oil producer.

Kuwait’s Parliament is expected to convene on October 11.

Image Credit: Andrew Fackler/Flickr

Kuwait Liberation Day

Paris will not broadcast World Cup matches on big screens in public fan zones due to concerns over rights violations of migrant workers and the environmental impact of the tournament in Qatar.

The moves to boycott the competition next month come after what has been described as a “last minute crisis of conscience” by the public authorities. Nonetheless, it follows similar moves by other French cities, despite France going in to the World Cup as the defending champion. Some other European teams or federations are also looking at ways to protest.Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of sports, told reporters in the French capital that the decision against public broadcasting of matches is due to “the conditions of the organization of this World Cup, both on the environmental and social level.”

He said in an interview with France Blue Paris that “air-conditioned stadiums” and the “conditions in which these facilities have been built are to be questioned.”
Rabadan stressed that Paris is not boycotting the soccer tournament, but explained that Qatar’s “model of staging big events goes against what (Paris, the host of the 2024 Olympics) wants to organize.” The move comes despite the city’s football club, Paris Saint-Germain, being owned by Qatar Sports Investments.

In Lille, the city council unanimously voted not to broadcast World Cup matches. The city’s Socialist mayor, Martine Aubry, said holding the competition in Qatar was “a nonsense in terms of human rights, the environment and sport”.

Strasbourg also opted not to screen the World Cup. “It is impossible for us not to listen to the numerous alerts from NGOs denouncing the abuse and exploitation of immigrant workers. Thousands of foreign workers have died on the building sites, it’s unbearable,” the city’s ecologist mayor, Jeanne Barseghian, told 20 Minutes.

Image Credit: AP/File

Baquer Namazi, an 85-year-old Iranian American who was jailed in Iran on spying charges the United States called baseless, is now in Abu Dhabi and will soon receive urgent medical care, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.

Namazi, who had been detained since 2016, travelled to Abu Dhabi after departing Iran for Muscat, Blinken said in a statement.

“He has been reunited with his family and will soon receive urgently needed medical treatment,” Blinken said. “We look forward to his full recovery and to welcoming him home to the United States.”

An Omani government office had announced on Twitter earlier on Wednesday Namazi’s arrival in Muscat after Iran allowed him to leave for medical treatment.

Namazi’s departure from Iran was first reported by Iranian state media, publishing a video showing him boarding a private plane accompanied by a man in Omani national dress, but it did not say where he was headed.

The video showed him struggling to climb the stairs to board the plane, on which the light blue insignia of the Royal Air Force of Oman could be seen.

A lawyer for the Namazi family, Jared Genser, said in a statement that Namazi would “undergo a carotid endarterectomy at the Cleveland Clinic (in Abu Dhabi) to clear out a severe blockage to his left internal carotid artery (ICA), which puts him at very high risk for a stroke.”

Namazi, a former official with the U.N. children’s agency UNICEF, holds U.S. and Iranian citizenship and was one of four Iranian Americans, including his son Siamak, detained in Iran in recent years or barred from leaving the country.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Namazi family/via REUTERS

Leading French actresses including Juliette Binoche and Isabelle Huppert have cut locks of hair in protest over the death of Mahsa Amini, the young Iranian woman who died while in the custody of Iran’s morality police.

The past two weeks have seen significant unrest in the Middle Eastern country in which over 130 people have died, according to rights groups after Amini, who died in custody following her arrest on September 13 in Tehran for “unsuitable attire” by the morality police who are tasked with enforcing the Islamic Republic’s rigorous dress code.

In following the trend sparked by protesters in Iran, Juliette Binoche and Isabelle Huppert uploaded pictures on their social media of them cutting locks of hair in protest over the death of Amini, as done by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and many others.

“For Freedom,” said Binoche as she snipped off a huge handful of her auburn hair and held it up to the camera.

Binoche was joined by other French A-list actresses and singers including Marion Cotillard and Isabelle Adjani in cutting their hair, with a Farsi rendition of Italian protest song “Bella ciao” behind the video montage.

Image Credit: Twitter

Armed Forces Day is a national holiday in Egypt and is observed on October 6 every year. It’s a day of pride for all citizens who are aware of their country’s gallant military history and the sacrifices made by its men and women in uniform over the past couple of decades.

Who Celebrates Armed Forces Day in Egypt?

Armed Forces Day is an event celebrated by all citizens of Egypt, both young and old. Some people choose to wear their military uniforms or attend military parades in honour of this day. On this special day, citizens are encouraged to show gratitude and appreciation to the men and women in uniform by offering them flowers, chocolates, and other gifts. Students may also write letters to their local military bases and request a visit from a soldier or a pilot. The Egyptian Armed Forces include the Air Defense Forces, the Navy, the Egyptian Air Force, and the Egyptian Army. The Egyptian Armed Forces are responsible for the defence of the nation and its borders; they also help respond to natural disasters. In addition to these responsibilities, the Armed Forces also conduct public outreach activities and ceremonial duties on a national level.

Why Is Armed Forces Day Celebrated in Egypt?

Armed Forces Day in Egypt is a day to celebrate and honour the contributions and sacrifices of the Egyptian military. It is a day to thank and appreciate the men and women who protect and serve their nation. The first Armed Forces Day was observed on October 6, 1949. The day was established to honour those who lost their lives during the Suez Crisis. This special observance was suspended between 1967 and 1974 due to the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War.

What Do People Do on Armed Forces Day in Egypt?

Many families visit military bases and airfields on Armed Forces Day to express their appreciation to the Egyptian military personnel. Youth groups often organize parades, while schools and universities often organize activities to teach the younger generations about the contributions and sacrifices made by the military. Other activities on Armed Forces Day in Egypt include visiting cemeteries and war memorials to pay respect to those who lost their lives in combat. Government officials often pay tribute to, as well as offer gratitude to, all fallen heroes by attending military ceremonies, laying wreaths at memorials, and making speeches. Many schools host events and activities to celebrate Armed Forces Day and educate the students about the importance of the military. These events may include learning about the latest technologies and equipment used by the military, creating art projects such as pictures and posters, writing stories, and making crafts about the armed forces.

Interesting Facts about Armed Forces Day in Egypt

October 6 is a special date for the Egyptian military. It marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Suez Crisis, an important military operation against Israel in 1956. The Suez Crisis is considered to be a watershed moment in the history of the Egyptian Armed Forces and the modern Egyptian nation. – The Egyptian Armed Forces are responsible for three core tasks: war and peace, emergency, and civil defence. They also host many cultural and sports activities.

Summary

Armed Forces Day is an event that is celebrated annually on October 6 in Egypt. Youth groups often organize parades, while schools and universities often organize activities to teach the younger generations about the contributions and sacrifices made by the military. Many schools host events and activities to celebrate Armed Forces Day and educate the students about the importance of the military. The Egyptian Armed Forces are responsible for three core tasks: war and peace, emergency, and civil defence. They also host many cultural and sports activities. Youth groups often organize parades, while schools and universities often organize activities to teach the younger generations about the contributions and sacrifices made by the military. On this special day, citizens are encouraged to show gratitude and appreciation to the men and women in uniform by offering them flowers, chocolates, and other gifts.

NATO member Turkey summoned the Swedish ambassador over “insulting content” about President Tayyip Erdogan aired on Swedish public service television, Turkey’s state-owned Anadolu Agency said on Wednesday.

Sweden and Finland applied for membership in NATO earlier this year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. So far 28 of the current 30 member states’ parliaments have approved the application, but Turkey has raised objections.

Summoned to Turkey’s foreign ministry, Swedish Ambassador Staffan Herrstrom was told that the “impertinent and ugly expression and images” about Erdogan and Turkey were unacceptable, according to Anadolu.

The move came as a Swedish delegation was expected in Ankara to discuss details about the extradition of people Turkey regards as terrorists, which Ankara says is a condition to approve Sweden and Finland’s bids to join NATO.

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson played down the importance of the satirical TV show over which Ankara protested, and said she did not think it would harm Sweden’s chances to join NATO.

“I think what is important for Turkey is, of course, that we live up to the agreement that we have made,” she told a news conference.

The weekly TV satire “Swedish News”, which routinely makes fun of Swedish and international politicians, mocked Erdogan over alleged human rights abuses and ended the segment by shouting, “Long live democracy!”

The comic news show has drawn criticism from foreign authorities in the past, with the Chinese embassy in Stockholm demanding an apology in 2018 for what it maintained was a racist portrayal of Chinese citizens.

Swedish public service television is tax-funded but operates independently in day-to-day operations.

Less than 50 days to the world cup, and there is a sense of mixed feeling among fans concerning the mid-season tournament.

Holding the World Cup in November and December during the world’s top league’s mid-season will produce a higher level of football compared with previous World Cups, according to former England captain David Beckham.

While it means some of the world’s top leagues will be put on hold for the tournament, Beckham, who is also a Qatar 2022 ambassador, believes the timing will have benefits.

“I was lucky enough to play in three World Cups and I know that I went into each one of those World Cups playing probably 50 to 60 games in the season,” Beckham told Al Jazeera in Doha.

“Players are coming into this World Cup after playing 25 games. So they will be arriving fresh and excited. Their energy is going to be at the top level, so I think what you’re going to see on the pitch is probably like no other World Cup.”

“It’s the dream for players. In previous World Cups, we’ve had to travel and it’s not easy to recover after games,” said the six-time English Premier League winner. “I would have loved to have played at this World Cup.”

Despite all the changes to the competition this season, and its effect on local leagues across the world, the world cup is expected to be an incredible event as always. Regardless of the time and season, the world cup still is the biggest sports competition in the world.

Amid economic collapse, the Lebanese farms attempt to provide food security for the Lebanese people to avoid a nationwide famine.

At 11 am, Erica Accari retreats to the shade from the energy-zapping 36C (96.8F) heat radiating from her farm in eastern Lebanon.

She started her day at 6 am, irrigating the 6,000 square meters (64,600sq ft) of mainly vegetable crops before checking all the plants for any disease, then transplanting new seedlings for the next season.

Originally from Tripoli in Lebanon’s north, Accardi co-founded Turba two years ago with Jehane Akiki, who runs Farms Not Arms, a project that aims to heal social divides through agriculture and highlight the important role Syrian refugees play in farms across the country.

Together they designed a system for a piece of land that would grow three times more than conventional farming, winning the pair $25,000 in the Rockefeller Foundation Food System Vision Prize to start their farm.

Once part of a team of four before three migrated from Lebanon, Accari is now tending to the entire summer harvest – including tomatoes, eggplant, and squash – by herself, alongside the Syrian refugee family residing on the land.

So while farmers around the world are struggling with rising fertilizer prices and shortages because of sanctions on top fertilizer producer Russia following its invasion of Ukraine – and while warnings of food insecurity echo across the globe – Turba is sheltered from the changing market.

“This is why this type of farming is so important because with regenerative farming you’re bringing the soil back to life, and the more alive your soil is the cleaner your water is, and vice versa.”

Not only is the soil at Turba now healthier because of using natural pest control but the structure and nutrients in it also benefit from the amount of compost Accardi uses – along with crop rotation according to the seasons and planting winter cover crops such as oats and vetch to combat erosion when it rains.

“Some people think land degradation is land becoming a desert, but it’s not the case. It is when you have soil which you have exhausted from your inputs such as fertilizers, that it becomes less productive,” Machlab explained.

Now they only seem shocked that her methods of farming are so productive, allowing Turba to distribute weekly vegetable boxes and sell them at three food markets in the capital Beirut and the local area.

The actions of the young Lebanese people to ensure the safety and food security of their people are inspiring. Despite sectarian clashes, and animosities among religions, the young generation in Lebanon is proof that the nation can transcend these differences and create a successful state for its citizens.

US President Joe Biden has said his administration will impose “further costs” on those responsible for violence against Iranian protesters, who have taken to the streets for more than two weeks in anger over the recent death of a 22-year-old woman in Tehran.

In a statement on Monday evening, Biden said he was “gravely concerned about reports of the intensifying violent crackdown on peaceful protesters in Iran, including students and women, who are demanding their equal rights and basic human dignity”.

“This week, the United States will be imposing further costs on perpetrators of violence against peaceful protestors. We will continue holding Iranian officials accountable and supporting the rights of Iranians to protest freely,” he said.

Amini’s death prompted an outpouring of anger against the Iranian government, with demonstrators demanding more civil liberties, including an end to the dress code imposed on women.

“I say explicitly that these riots and this insecurity were a design by the US and the occupying, fake Zionist regime [Israel] and those who are paid by them, and some traitorous Iranians abroad helped them,” Khamenei told graduating cadets at a police university in Tehran.

Last week, Washington sanctioned Iran’s “morality police”, as well as seven leaders of Iranian security organizations that it said, “routinely employ violence to suppress peaceful protestors and members of Iranian civil society, political dissidents, women’s rights activists, and members of the Iranian Baha’i community”.

It remains to be seen whether these will be Biden’s only actions against Iran. One thing is for sure, there is not nearly enough to concern the Ayatollah regime, and real action must be taken. The US and the EU alike must re-evaluate their attempts for a deal. Is the Western world truly willing to conduct a deal with a tyrant regime that is proving to subdue its citizens and marginalized groups?

The United Arab Emirates has rolled out new visa rules, to attract more skilled professionals to the country, as it seeks to bounce back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and generate economic growth.

The visa rules are aimed at “improving the quality of life and making the experience of living, working and investing in the UAE a pleasant and happy one,” local outlet Gulf News reported Major General Sultan Yusef al-Nuaimi, the director general of residency and foreigners affairs, as saying.

Under the new rules, parents are now allowed to sponsor their children until they are 25 years old, up from the previous age of 18.

A five-year, flexible multi-entry tourist visa was also introduced that allows travelers to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days in a row.

Furthermore, the job exploration visa, which allows professionals to find employment within the country, does not require an Emirati sponsor or host.

These new changes will allow the UAE to bring in exceptional professionals from across the world, and ensure that the Emirates will continue to flourish, not only by relying on oil but by expanding the rest of the potential industries for a long-term stable economy.

Dabke is a traditional Palestinian dance that is often performed at weddings, parties and other gatherings. It’s been around for centuries, and it has played an important role in keeping Palestinian culture alive by helping to preserve it. Dabke involves energetic movements, hand clapping and foot stomping. It can be performed solo or in groups of dancers. Dancers move their bodies to the rhythm of the music in sync with one another. Dabke also requires coordination between individuals, which makes it even more challenging than individual dances like ballet or ballroom dancing. The fast-paced nature of dabke makes it interesting to watch as well as perform. Here are 4 ways in which dabke is keeping Palestinian culture alive:

Palestinians have a long and proud tradition of dance

Palestinian culture has a long and proud tradition of dance. However, after the creation of Israel in 1948, Palestinians were prohibited from practising many aspects of their culture. This included dance. In fact, this was a way that the Israelis used to try to erase Palestinian culture. Fortunately, dabke has survived. Many Palestinians used dabke as a way to secretly practice their culture. For example, some people danced dabke in their backyards while wearing normal clothes when they were supposed to be inside. It was also common to see dabke performed at weddings and other special occasions. This allowed Palestinians to keep their tradition alive despite immense pressure from the Israeli government.

Dabke helps to teach Palestinian history and culture

Dabke is often performed at weddings and other events to celebrate Palestinians’ history and culture. In fact, dabke is often performed at important events to mark the occasion through dance. For example, dabke is often performed at weddings as a way to celebrate the couple’s love for each other as well as their love for their culture. Dabke can also be performed to mark important dates in Palestinian history such as Land Day. This is a day of remembrance in which Palestinians commemorate the events of 1976 in which Israeli farmers protested against the Israeli government’s decision to expropriate their land. Dabke can also be used to teach Palestinian children about their culture and history. In fact, many schools in the Palestinian Territories have dabke classes in which students can learn about their culture while also getting a good workout. Palestinian youth can also learn about their culture and history by watching professionals perform dabke. This is helpful because it provides more insight than simply reading about the culture.

Dabke enables Palestinian youth to practice traditional fighting skills

The roots of dabke are actually in traditional fighting skills. Dabke was originally used as a way to train fighters for battle. Today, you can see some of these traditional fighting moves in performances of dabke. For example, performers often use swords and shields as part of their dances. Dabke is often performed at weddings as a way to show off traditional fighting skills. This can be done in two ways. First, swords and shields can be used in performances. Second, dancers can wear traditional clothing to showcase their skills as well as their heritage. In this way, dabke is used to show Palestinian youth how their ancestors used to fight. This enables Palestinian youth to keep their fighting skills alive and helps them to learn about their history.

Dabke can help preserve the Arabic language

Dabke is derived from the Levantine Arabic word dabaka دبكة meaning “stamping of the feet” or “to make a noise” Traditional Arabic culture and language are often performed at weddings and other events through the use of dabke. This can help to preserve the Arabic language. Traditions like this can help to preserve the Arabic language and keep it from being lost as time goes on. Dabke can also be performed with the use of poetry. Poetry is often used in traditional Arabic culture. For example, dabke is often performed to the sound of poetry. This can help to keep the Arabic language alive and well.

Conclusion

Dabke has been around for centuries, and it has played an important role in keeping Palestinian culture alive by helping to preserve it. Palestinians have a long and proud tradition of dance and dabke. It can be performed solo or in groups of dancers. Dabke also requires coordination between individuals, which makes it even more challenging than individual dances like ballet or ballroom dancing. The fast-paced nature of dabke makes it interesting to watch as well as perform. Dabke has helped to keep Palestinian culture alive by helping to preserve it. It has done this by teaching Palestinian youth about their history and culture, enabling them to practice traditional fighting skills and by helping to keep the Arabic language alive.

Image Credit: Alec Perkins/Flickr

The Middle East has the third largest quantity of desalinated water globally, but it’s also the region where desalination is used most intensively. With freshwater reserves rapidly depleting, and climate change creating drier conditions in some areas, desalination is set to play an even greater role in the future. This article explores the current state of Desalination in the Middle East and its potential for growth in the coming years.

What is Desalination?

Desalination is the process of removing salt from water. It is used to produce drinking water from seawater and other brackish water sources. It is also used for industrial processes such as making saline water for power plants, desalination of oil and gas or desalination of petrochemicals. There are various methods of desalination, but the most common are Multi-stage Flash (MSF), Reverse Osmosis (RO), and Thermal distillation. The first two processes involve removing salt by pushing the water through a membrane, while the second uses evaporation to remove salt from water.

Why is Desalination So Important in the Middle East?

The Middle East is one of the driest regions in the world and the majority of its countries rely on desalination to meet their water needs. The region’s rapid population growth and increasing demand for water have put pressure on the availability of water. This has led to the adoption of desalination technologies as a source of fresh water. Among the Gulf countries, the UAE has the largest desalination capacity globally, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The UAE relies on desalination for more than 50% of its total freshwater supply, while Saudi Arabia uses desalination to meet over 80% of its growing water needs. Qatar has been heavily investing in desalination projects due to low rainfall and declining groundwater availability. In Oman, desalination represents only a small percentage of the country’s total water supply. Kuwait and Bahrain are expected to significantly increase their desalination capacity in the coming years. The situation is slightly different in non-Gulf countries, where the share of desalination in total water demand varies between 5% and 25%. The most notable examples are Jordan and Israel, where desalination represents around 60% and 70% of the total water supply respectively. Other important desalination countries in the region include Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Which Countries Have the Most Desalination Plants?

The Middle East countries with the largest number of desalination plants are Saudi Arabia (1,330), the UAE (585), Kuwait (364), Qatar (363), Oman (357), Bahrain (247) and Iran (210). The majority of desalination plants are located along the western coast of Saudi Arabia and the southern coast of the UAE, where the average seawater desalination temperature is higher. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the majority of the desalination plants have been built along the coast of the Persian Gulf. In Kuwait, the majority of the desalination plants are concentrated along the coast of the Gulf of Kuwait. In Qatar, the majority of the desalination plants are located around the northwestern coast of the country, while in Oman and Bahrain, the majority of the desalination plants are built along the coast of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea respectively.

Limitations of Desalination

One of the main issues associated with desalination is the high cost and energy consumption. The process requires a substantial investment in the facility itself, along with the energy required for distillation. Energy costs are expected to significantly rise over the next decade due to the adoption of renewable energy sources, which will increase the cost of desalination. Another limitation associated with desalination is the high quantity of greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 emissions associated with desalination are estimated to be around 1.5 times higher than energy production from fossil fuels. Furthermore, desalination results in higher levels of CO2 emissions per unit of water produced than other water sources. A third limitation associated with desalination is the high brine production. Brine is a highly concentrated saline solution that contains various salts. Due to its high concentration, the brine should be disposed of safely, which can prove to be challenging. Brine can be used in a variety of ways such as in agriculture and road de-icing. It can also be desalted to produce industrial water.

Future Growth of Desalination in the Middle East

Desalination is expected to play an even greater role in the Middle East in the coming years. The region is experiencing rapid population growth and increasing demand for water. Fresh water reserves are forecast to decline in many countries due to declining rainfall, rising temperatures and more frequent droughts. These factors are expected to increase the region’s reliance on desalination as a source of water. The region will likely see an increase in the number of desalination plants and the use of new technologies such as hybrid desalination plants. These plants use both desalination and other sources of water such as groundwater. They are expected to become more common due to increasing groundwater levels across the region. In the future, desalination will play an even greater role in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Other countries in the region may significantly increase their desalination capacity in the future.

The billionaire deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, faces the prospect of an investigation over allegations that he helped wealthy Russian oligarchs evade sanctions. 

Mansour, who also owns Manchester City Football Club faces the prospect of being investigated by the British foreign office on charges that he helped former Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich and other Russian billionaires avoid sanctions implemented over their close links to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

The investigation, if the British government chooses to proceed with it, will likely deepen scrutiny over the UAE’s role in providing a haven to citizens of one of the world’s most sanctioned countries. According to the legal submission, Dubai has become a haven for Russian billionaires, with assets belonging to Russian oligarchs close to President Vladimir Putin have been flooded with wealth and assets. Al-Nayhan is described as being “central” to the flow of sanctioned Russian assets to the Middle Eastern State.

According to details of the submission reported by the Telegraph, the request for a Foreign Office investigation into Al-Nayhan’s alleged role in facilitating sanction evasions has been made by barristers Rhys Davies and Ben Keith, on behalf of a Ukrainian activist. They were not named for security reasons.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici, File

Iranian airliner, Mahan Air’s Tehran to Guangzhou flight arrived safely and on time at its Chinese destination, Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency said on Monday, after a report of a bomb scare on board, Reuters reports.

India’s Air Force (IAF) said it had scrambled fighter jets after receiving information of a bomb scare on an airline bearing Iranian registration passing through Indian airspace.

The Air Force said it later received information from Iran’s capital, Tehran, to disregard the bomb scare and the flight continued its journey.

“Our Airbus 340 passenger plane was travelling from Tehran to Guangzhou in China and, as soon as the pilot learned about the possibility of an in-flight bomb, he informed relevant authorities. The Mahan Operation Control Centre discerned that the threat was fabricated and the flight continued its journey in full safety,” Mahan Air said in a statement.

“It seems that reports of a bomb on board the plane during current international and domestic conditions were aimed at disrupting security and peace of mind,” the statement added.

Image Credit: Victor

A royal source has confirmed that the UK’s King Charles will not attend COP27 which is set to be held in Egypt in November as he distances himself from campaigning roles. 

Although the King is a passionate environmental campaigner, he has abandoned plans to attend the climate change summit after prime minister Liz TRuss told him to stay away. 

Charles had intended to deliver a speech at the meeting of world leaders, just as he did at the opening ceremony of Cop26 in Glasgow calling on leaders to adopt a “warlike footing” to deal with the threat of climate change. Charles reportedly remains determined to make his presence felt at this year’s meeting. A senior royal source told The Times that “just because he is not in physical attendance, that doesn’t mean His Majesty won’t find other ways to support it.”

The 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as Cop27, will run from November 6-18. 

Image Credit: Victoria Jones/PA via AP

The first edition of the Arab Climate Forum has begun in Egypt with the focus on sustainability issues.

Taking place in Cairo under the patronage and in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al-Saud, president of both the Arab Gulf Program for Development (AGFUND) and the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, and Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, the conference is titled, “Together to Strengthen the Contribution of Civil Society to Climate Action and Sustainability.”

Egypt’s Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad stressed the importance of the forum in supporting the efforts of Arab countries to address the negative impacts of climate change. 

She also stated that attention to environmental issues is no longer a luxury, as it become an urgent necessity for human life on this planet, as there is a real need for concerted international, regional, and national efforts — both official and unofficial — to reformulate the integrated system that allows current generations to obtain their natural rights to development. She also noted that the contribution of Arab countries to greenhouse gas emissions did not exceed 5 percent of all global emissions.

The event is part of preparations being made by Egypt to host COP27, which will be held in November in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Image Credit: William Gibson on Unsplash

Jordan’s King Abdullah II, accompanied by Queen Rania and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, will arrive in Oman on Tuesday for an official visit,  according to a statement issued by the Diwan of Royal Court today.

The statement reads as follows: “Stemming from the well-established relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will begin an official two-day visit to the Sultanate of Oman starting from Tuesday, 4 October 2022.

The king’s trip comes after an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Jordan News Agency reported.

During the two day visit, the two leaders will hold talks in Muscat about their deep bilateral ties as well as the most recent regional and international developments.

Image Credit: Twitter @RHCJO

The Australian government is preparing to launch a mission to rescue dozens of Australian women and children trapped in Syrian detention camps following a secret mission by the country’s security intelligence agency, media reported on Monday..

More than 20 Australian women and more than 40 children – the widows, sons and daughters of slain or jailed Islamic State combatants – remain within the al-Hol and Roj detention camps in north-east Syria. The government did not immediately confirm reports that 16 women and 42 children of dead or jailed Islamic State fighters who have been held in camps for three and a half years would be repatriated.

Many of the women held in the camps claim they were coerced or tricked into travelling to Syria by husbands who have since died. Most of the Australian children are under the age of six; several were born in the camps.

Image Credit: Amber Weir on Unsplash

Iraq has a complex history with many layers. Similarly, its Independence Day represents a mixture of meanings and celebrations. While the modern country of Iraq is relatively new, it’s also one filled with strife and instability. The country has been through multiple conflicts and occupations that have shaped its history in significant ways. Within this article, we explore the meaning of Independence Day in Iraq and why November is a festive month. You’ll also discover more about the current state of Iraq as well as its future outlook for stability and peace. If you want to learn more about this country, read on!

What’s the Meaning of Independence Day in Iraq?

Almost every country in the world has some form of Independence Day. This is a day when people celebrate the independence of their country from the rule of another. In Iraq, Independence Day is celebrated on October 2 because it’s on this day in 1932 that the country achieved independence from British rule. While there are many ways in which Iraq has remained under occupation since the 1930s, the country’s political freedom was significantly curtailed by British rule. Back then, Iraq was a monarchy led by King Faisal who sought to expand his territory through military action. This led to conflict with British interests in the region and a desire for the British to intervene in Iraq. Although there are different perspectives on the events and actions that followed, the result was that Iraq was no more. King Faisal’s actions led to the end of the Hashemite monarchy. His overthrow was followed by the creation of Iraq as a new nation that was gaining independence from British rule.

Why Is October Such a Festive Month in Iraq?

While the independence of Iraq in 1932 was a significant moment in the country’s history, many other important milestones occur in October. 

October 1: On this day in 1958, Iraq became a republic where the people elected their president.

October 2: On this day in 1974, Iraq signed a peace treaty with Iran that ended a decade of war. 

October 3: On this day in 2003, the US-led coalition invaded Iraq and toppled the government of Saddam Hussein. 

October 16: On this day in 2014, the Iraqi government officially declared an end to its fight against the Islamic State. 

While there have been many significant moments in Iraq’s history that occurred in October, they are all linked to the country achieving freedom. This is what has helped shape the celebratory nature of the month.

Origins of Iraq and Its Formation as a Modern Nation

The formation of modern Iraq is a complex process with many different aspects. It began with the end of British rule in 1932 and the creation of a new nation. However, the new borders of Iraq were not the result of any democratic decision-making. Instead, they were superimposed onto the region by the British. The country was created out of three distinct regions. The first was the province of Basra in the southeast of the country. The second was the province of Mosul in the north. The third and final region was the three provinces of Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Tikrit in the centre of the country. These three regions were joined together to create the modern state of Iraq on October 15, 1932.

The Long History of Conflict in Modern-Day Iraq

The Iraqi people have endured many conflicts since the formation of their country. These include the First World War, the Second World War, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War. For many, this complex and lengthy history has led to a feeling of trauma. It’s also meant that the country has struggled to maintain a stable and peaceful society. Since the end of British rule in 1932, each decade of Iraqi history has been marked by significant conflict. The First World War and British rule saw the country occupied by the Ottoman Empire. The Second World War saw conflict with the British once again. These periods of instability were followed by the Iran-Iraq War where the neighbouring countries fought a long and bloody battle. The Gulf War once again saw conflict in Iraq with the country engaged in battle with the US-led coalition. The most recent conflict in Iraq is the Iraq War that’s often referred to as the Iraq War 2003. This conflict saw a US-led coalition invade the country and topple the government of Saddam Hussein.

Conclusion

Iraq has a complex history that is filled with conflict and periods of instability. While the modern country of Iraq is relatively new, it’s also one filled with strife and instability. The country has been through multiple conflicts and occupations that have shaped its history in significant ways. To celebrate the country’s formation on October 15, 1932, and the end of British rule, Iraqis observe their Independence Day on this day. Almost every year, the month of October is a festive one in Iraq and is marked by significant events that have shaped its history.

Yemen’s warring sides have failed to reach an agreement to extend a nationwide cease-fire, the U.N. said Sunday, endangering the longest lull in fighting since the country’s bloody civil war began.

In a statement, the U.N.’s envoy to Yemen called on all sides to refrain from acts of provocation as the talks continue, after the deadline of Oct. 2 for extending the agreement was missed.

The top U.N. envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg told the U.N. Security Council in mid-August that failure to extend the truce “would lead to renewed cycles of escalation and violence.”

Yemen’s civil war erupted in 2014, when the Houthis descended from their northern enclave and took over the capital, forcing the government to flee to the south before its exile in Saudi Arabia. A Saudi-led coalition — then backed by the United Sates — entered the war in early 2015 to try to restore the government to power. Since then, the conflict has turned into a proxy war between regional foes Saudi Arabia and Iran, which backs the Houthis.

April’s truce had originally established a partial opening of the Sanaa airport and the Red Sea port of Hodeida. The ensuing months have seen flights start again from the capital’s airport to Jordan and Egypt. It also called for lifting a Houthi blockade on Taiz, the country’s third largest city. But little progress has been made there, after talks aimed at reopening local roads stalled. Another sticking point is how salaries of public employees will be funded, many of whom have not been compensated for years.

Image Credit: Ansar Allah Media via AP

Last night, over 170 people were killed in a football game in Indonesia, making it the second largest football disaster in history. The math between Arema and Persebaya Surabaya, ended in the loss of the home team Persebaya, and around as a result, 500 fans broke into the field in frustration for the poor performance of the team.
In response, the police immediately used tear gas and sound and smoke grenades to disperse the crowd.

This led to panic, including in the stands, and the tens of thousands of fans attempted to escape the scene as a result of the masses, people were trampled on. Indonesia’s football league had said games would be suspended for a week. However, the Indonesian government has ordered all matches to be postponed until the investigation is concluded.


The disaster was the result of several security failures. First, the investigation must understand how 500 were able to enter the field before there is a response. Then the investigation must examine the police’s actions and the proportionality of their actions to the problem at hand. 500 fans indeed impose a threat to the players on the field as well as the staff of both teams and the referees. However, to “ensure the safety” of a few, and instead of taking measures that would have taken longer to reach all the fans that have broke into the field, and escort the two teams out of the stadium, the police immediately used tear gas that put at risk over 40,000 fans in the stands.

Unfortunately, this is not the first case of its kind. The largest disaster in history happened in Peru as similarly, tear gas was used to disperse the crowd which resulted in the death of 328 people. The same is true of the Hillsborough disaster in England in which the police not only failed to act accordingly but also put the blame on the Liverpool FC fans. It took almost 30 years for the investigation to admit that the failures and the death were the results of the actions taken by the police rather than the actions of the fans themselves.

This is another reminder that the beautiful game must be protected and organized, otherwise, it can be the place of a disaster. Hopefully, lessons will be learned this time, and police forces dealing with football matches across the world must learn from former mistakes, as they have been repeated far too many times, to ensure that sister of its kind.

Kuwaiti opposition groups secured almost 60 per cent of the seats in the 50-seat National Assembly, according to the final results of early parliamentary elections announced on Friday, Anadolu News Agency reports.

According to the results, only 23 members of the previous parliament managed to keep their seats in the new parliament, while 27 are new members.

The state-run KUNA news agency said 305 candidates, including 22 female candidates, ran for seats in the assembly.

The number of representatives of the Shia bloc rose from six to nine.

Two people who are currently in prison also won seats.

Only two women were elected, the Parliament has been all-male since the only woman MP lost her seat in December 2020.

The Muslim Brotherhood group in Kuwait, known as the Islamic Constitutional Movement (Hadas), secured five seats, the same number as in the previous parliament.

On Thursday, Kuwaiti voters cast ballots in the Gulf country’s parliamentary elections, the second such vote in two years.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jaber Abdulkhaleg

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it rejects Russia’s annexation of four regions in Ukraine, adding the decision is a “grave violation” of international law.

Turkey, a NATO member, has conducted a diplomatic balancing act since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. Ankara opposes Western sanctions on Russia and has close ties with both Moscow and Kyiv, its Black Sea neighbours. It has also criticised Russia’s invasion and sent armed drones to Ukraine.

The Turkish ministry said on Saturday it had not recognised Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, adding that it rejects Russia’s decision to annex the four regions, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

“This decision, which constitutes a grave violation of the established principles of international law, cannot be accepted,” the ministry said.

“We reiterate our support to the resolution of this war, the severity of which keeps growing, based on a just peace that will be reached through negotiations,” it added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed the annexation of the regions on Friday, promising Moscow would triumph in its “special military operation” even as he faced a potentially serious new military reversal.

His proclamation came after Russia held what it called referendums in occupied areas of Ukraine. Western governments and Kyiv said the votes breached international law and were coercive and non-representative.

In 2014, Turkey didn’t recognize Russia‘s annexation of Crimea with an illegitimate referendum held in 2014.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

The current political climate, which is characterized by mistrust, fear-mongering and propaganda, makes it seem like we’ve never been so disconnected from one another. This is why the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi will have a lasting effect on global relations for decades to come. From Russia to the United States and everywhere in between, trust is at an all-time low. As such, the murder of Mr Khashoggi has brought tensions between nations to a fever pitch — one that will be difficult to subside anytime soon. 

To many people who follow international news and politics, Jamal Khashoggi was not a stranger. He was a well-known journalist who often wrote articles critical of the Saudi Arabian monarchy and its human rights abuses against their own citizens as well as foreign visitors such as journalists and pilgrims to Mecca. In fact, in 2018 he disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Since then there has been much speculation about what happened to him but almost no evidence while his fiancée Hatice Cengiz has been putting pressure on the Saudi Arabia government for answers continually since he went missing.

Who is Jamal Khashoggi?

Jamal Khashoggi was a 59-year-old Saudi Arabian journalist and author. He was also a Virginia-based resident who has written for The Washington Post, The New York Times, Al-Hayat and other publications for decades. He was also the editor-in-chief of The Washington Post’s Global Opinions section. Khashoggi was also a frequent commentator on political talk shows such as PBS NewsHour, CNN and Fox News. He was also known for being a part of the Saudi Arabian royal family. He was the eldest son of Adnan Khashoggi, a billionaire businessman and arms dealer who was a friend of the Saudi royal family.

Why was he in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul?

Khashoggi went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain the documents he needed to be able to marry his fiancée, Hatice Cengiz. He was given assurances that the process would be quick and straightforward. However, the journalist was not seen again since that day and the consulate issued a statement saying that Khashoggi had left the building. However, a source “with knowledge of the investigation” told CNN that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate. His disappearance prompted the Turkish authorities to enter the consulate and conduct a thorough investigation. After nine hours of investigation, they discovered that the consulate walls were spattered with blood. Later they found out that the Saudi consulate was equipped with a soundproof room and a “kill committee” that included royal guards and a forensics expert. It is believed that Khashoggi was killed in the soundproof room and then his body was dismembered. Evidence suggests that the Saudis meant to dispose of Khashoggi’s body, which he had been in the process of divorcing from the Saudi state, by flying it out of the country. In the weeks and days leading up to his disappearance, Khashoggi was given several death threats and was told that he would be imprisoned or killed if he didn’t return to Saudi Arabia.

How did he die?

Not much is known about the actual murder itself — there are only speculations. The Saudi government claims that Khashoggi died during a fistfight that broke out inside the consulate. However, they have yet to provide any evidence, let alone a convincing explanation, that a fistfight killed a 60-year-old man who was a former member of the Saudi Arabian special forces. According to the Turkish investigation team, Khashoggi was dismembered and his body was dissolved in acid inside the consulate and then disposed of by being flown out of the country. This has been the hardest part of the investigation because it is unclear where the body went. If the Saudi consulate is implicated in the murder, then the consulate would be considered an extension of Saudi sovereignty. As such, the consulate and its contents are considered sovereign soil, meaning that the Turkish authorities could not enter it without Saudi Arabia’s permission.

What does this mean for Saudi Arabia and its relations with the US?

The murder of Khashoggi has been a public relations nightmare for Saudi Arabia. The international community has been critical of their handling of the situation and the Saudi Arabian government has been trying to cover up the incident ever since it took place. From the very beginning, their handling of the investigation has been inept. First, they waited two weeks before admitting to the death of Khashoggi when the incident happened two weeks earlier. Then they sent a handful of men to investigate a crime that took place in a heavily guarded building with a potential death squad inside. The Saudi authorities then tried to blame the incident on rogue actors in the Saudi government without actually revealing the identities of these actors. This is all although the Saudi Arabian authorities have known the identities of those involved in the incident since the moment it happened. This has drawn the ire of the American government and has led to a serious crisis in relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Then US President Donald Trump, who has been a close ally of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressed disappointment with Saudi Arabia’s handling of the incident. The US has also threatened Saudi Arabia with severe sanctions if they are found guilty of the death of Khashoggi.

What does this mean for the US and its relations with Saudi Arabia?

The US has long been considered a close ally of Saudi Arabia. They have a joint military presence in the Middle East and have been allies since the 1940s. They also share a common enemy in Iran. However, the assassination of Khashoggi has put the US in a very difficult position. On the one hand, they don’t want to completely alienate Saudi Arabia, a close ally. As seen in President Biden’s trip to Saudi Arabia in August which Biden defended due to high gas prices.

On the other hand, the US want to appear as if they are whitewashing Saudi Arabia’s crimes for political reasons. In the end, the US has been critical of Saudi Arabia’s handling of the situation but has stopped short of imposing sanctions or severing ties. 

Just last week, King Salman announced that was making an exception to Saudi law and naming his son as prime minister, formally ceding the dual title of king and prime minister he had personally held until now. The timing of this decision is notable given that the Biden administration had been asked by a US judge to weigh in on whether Prince Mohammed ought to be protected by sovereign immunity in a case brought by the fiancee of Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz.

What does this mean for democracy worldwide?

The death of Khashoggi is more than just a tragic event in the lives of people who knew him or a nightmare in the global political arena. It is a sign that authoritarian regimes are becoming brazen in their attempts to maintain power through violence and propaganda. The fact that the Saudi Arabian government would go so far as to kill a journalist in their own consulate in a foreign country just shows how little they care about democracy. In fact, it is unlikely that the current Saudi Arabian regime would ever allow free and fair elections. Since the ascendance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to power, there has been a significant crackdown on political dissent and a more aggressive approach toward foreign relations. The assassination of Khashoggi is a warning to the world that authoritarian regimes are not only interested in maintaining power through propaganda but also through force. This poses a serious threat to global democracy and the free press.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo

An Iranian American businessman, Siamak Namazi who has been imprisoned in Iran for almost seven years has been released from Tehran’s Evin prison on a one-week, renewable furlough, the United Nations announced on Saturday.

Siamak was convicted of espionage-related charges rejected by Washington as baseless.

Separately, Namazi’s father and former United Nations official Baquer Namazi, who was also convicted on charges of “collaboration with a hostile government,” has been permitted to leave Iran for medical treatment, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. He was charged in 2016 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Iranian authorities released him on medical grounds in 2018 and closed his case in 2020, commuting his sentence to time served but effectively barring him from leaving the country.

Regardless, it remains uncertain whether these moves represent a step towards Siamak’s full release or a possible furlough for other U.S. citizens detained in Iran.

Image Credit: Reuters

3 years ago, Iraq witnessed an unprecedented anti government protests. Today, dozens of Iraqis were injured after violence erupted when thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad to mark the third anniversary of nationwide protests against corruption. Protesters waved the Iraqi flag and chanted “we want to overthrow the regime” as they met on Saturday in Baghdad’s central Tahrir Square.

Many brandished portraits of those killed, and hailed as “martyrs”, in the wave of rallies three years ago – when at least 600 people were killed and tens of thousands more wounded. Security personnel were deployed across the city and closed off bridges and squares near the fortified Green Zone that houses government headquarters and foreign embassies.

The unprecedented protests of October 2019 lasted for months until the introduction of coronavirus restrictions. Demonstrators condemned rampant unemployment and decaying infrastructure.
In response, the police threw smoke grenades at the crowd, which left at least 28 protesters suffering from breathing difficulties as a result, according to an interior ministry official.The current political crisis stems from a dispute between Muqtada al-Sadr – who commands the support of millions of Iraqis, and whose bloc came out on top in October’s parliamentary elections – and his rivals the Coordination Framework.

Al-Sadr wants snap elections and the dissolution of parliament, but the Coordination Framework wants a new head of government appointed before any new polls are held. “We took part in today’s peaceful protests because we want our demands to be met … We want security, jobs and our simple rights … We are not here to fight or shed blood,” said Laith, a young protester from Baghdad.

Iraq still has no stable government and no solutions. The past several months witnessed rise in tensions, protests, and dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation. At this rate, the future of Iraq remains unclear.

The second Intifada occurred 22 years ago on October 1st 2000. Then, the protests that were primarily in the West Bank expanded to include the Arab citizens of Israel. This led to the killing of 13 Israeli Arab citizens during the mass protest that swept the country on October 1st.

The Arab citizens of Israel are also part of the Palestinian people, and have become aprt of Israel as the communities were occupied and became part of the territory of the new Israeli state. Unlike the case of refugees, those residents remind in their lands and despite the challenge of living under an Israeli rule, they remained in their lands.

The mass protests swept the country in response to the rising tensions between Israel and the Palestinian people. The peak of these tensions was the entrance of the Israeli prime minister at that time, Ehud Barak into Al-Aqsa mosque, in complete violations of the status-quo on Al-Aqsa that was signed with the Jordanian kingdom and Jordanian Waqf.

In rage, Arab citizens could not stand ideally by, and protested in masses. The largest of these protests was in Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel, and resulted in the death of 3 Arab citizens, who were shot by the police that tried to silence the Arab voice and the solidarity and unity that Arab citizens of Israel, who are part of the Palestinian people with their brethren’s in the West Bank and Gaza strip.

Today, the Arab citizens of Israel still struggle to improve their livelihood despite the challenges of being an Arab and Palestinian minority in Israel. Merely two years ago, we witnessed clashes between Arab and Jewish citizens due to the rise in tensions in Jerusalem and at Al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitter in May 2020.

Despite these challenges, the Arab community was able to reach great achievements. Last year, for the first time in Israel’s history, an Arab party became part of the coalition and had great achievements that beneft the Arab community.

The Arab community in Israel faces a longstanding and ongoing challenge. The fragile political situation in Israel means that the Arab community must always be wary of extremism, racism, and on the whole survive as a Palestinian minority within an Israeli Jewish State.

 The Lebanese parliament failed to elect a new head of state on Thursday to replace President Michel Aoun when his term ends on Oct. 31.

The bulk of votes cast by lawmakers at Thursday’s session — 63 — were blank. Christian politician Michel Moawad won the backing of 36 of 122 lawmakers who attended. 11 votes cast were for the businessman Salim Edde and another 10 votes were for “Lebanon”.

Unless a consensus emerges on a candidate, the presidency looks set to fall vacant when Aoun’s term ends, at a time of deep financial crisis. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said he would call another session when consensus emerged on a candidate.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS

The UN envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg warned that the risk of a return to fighting “is real,” urging warring parties to accept a longer extension of the current ceasefire due to expire next month.

Grunberg comments follow a meeting with Yemeni, Saudi and Omani officials in Riyadh and Muscat this week as the deadline for renewing Yemen’s truce approaches.

Yemen has been experiencing relative calm and a significant reduction in violence on front lines since the UN-brokered truce among warring parties took effect in April. The truce which has been renewed three times for two-month iterations is set to expire on Saturday as the UN seeks a broader truce.

The UN has been calling for a prolonged truce that extends beyond the two month period, but issues such as reopening the roads around the besieged city of Taez and paying civil servants’ salaries after six years of stagnation have prevented real progress towards finding an ongoing solution.

Several violations of the truce by the Iran-backed Houthis including an attack that killed 10 military personnel in Taez last month have also complicated truce talks.

Image Credit: Twitter/EU in Yemen

Egypt has recovered an ancient bronze statue taken out of the country illegally. It dates to the Late Period of around 664 to 332 B.C. and depicts the goddess Isis carrying her son Horus.

Wael Gad, Egypt’s ambassador to Switzerland, received the statue, which was kept at the embassy in preparation for its return to the country.

In November 2018, Swiss customs officials discovered the statue during a routine inspection. An Egyptian committee of experts confirmed that the seized statue was smuggled out of the country.

Egypt’s foreign ministry said the efforts were indicative of “the utmost importance that Egypt attaches to … recovering smuggled antiquities and returning them to the homeland.”

Christie’s Middle East and North Africa has announced its latest exhibition which will be open to the public and feature a selection of works of art from across a number of forthcoming auctions taking place at Christie’s Dubai. The exhibition will be open from September 28 until October 3.

The exhibition, taking place in DIFC, will showcase a selection of top lots, including paintings, works of art and carpets.

One of the highlights in the exhibit is the rare Royal Mughal pashmina carpet. The carpet was woven for the court of the Indian Emperor Shah Jahan, circa 1650 and is estimated at £2,500,000-3,500,000. It is one of only four 17th century pashmina carpets remaining in private hands.

Image Credit: Instagram/christiesmiddleeast

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has filmed herself cutting her hair in solidarity with protesters in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini.

The past 12 days have seen significant unrest in the Middle Eastern country after the death in custody of Amini, who died in custody following her arrest on September 13 in Tehran for “unsuitable attire” by the morality police who are tasked with enforcing the Islamic Republic’s rigorous dress code.

In following the trend sparked by protesters in Iran, Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian national who spent six years in jail in Iran, is seen cutting her hair with scissors in footage given to BBC Persian.

At the end of the video, she said: “For my mother, for my daughter, for the fear of solitary confinement, for the women of my country, for freedom.”

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in 2016 in Tehran while working as a charity project manager. She was accused of spying by the country’s authorities which she denied.

After a long-running campaign led by her husband, Richard, and negotiation between the British and Iranian governments, Zaghari-Ratcliffe returned home to the UK in March.

Image Credit: BBC

Giorgia Meloni, set to become Italy’s first female prime minister, hailed on Wednesday “the heroic uprising of Iranian women” following the death of a young woman in police custody.

The tweet was one of Meloni’s first statements since her nationalist Brothers of Italy party won a parliamentary election on Sunday, propelling her conservative alliance to power and opening the way for her to become prime minister.

“All my sympathy to the brave women who are fighting in Iran and around the world to defend their rights and freedom,” Meloni wrote. “Dozens are dead and hundreds of activists, lawyers and journalists arrested.”

Protests are currently on day 13 in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who died in custody following her arrest on September 13 in Tehran for “unsuitable attire” by the morality police who are tasked with enforcing the Islamic Republic’s rigorous dress code.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia

The Lebanese Finance Ministry said Wednesday the crisis-hit country will hike its fixed exchange rate against the dollar to 15,000 Lebanese pounds starting in November, calling it a “necessary corrective action.”

The Lebanese pound was pegged at just over 1,500 pounds to the dollar in 1997 to encourage investor confidence and to stall hyperinflation after its 15-year civil war. The economy has since struggled following years of conflict, political paralysis and turmoil. By late 2019 the country started to spiral into what the World Bank says is one of the worst economic crises in over a century.

Since then, three-quarters of the population has plunged into poverty, and the Lebanese pound has lost around 90% of its value against the dollar. The market adopted an opaque parallel market rate often referred to as the black market rate. Millions have struggled to cope with skyrocketing inflation.

The government has also adopted several exchange rates for different services outside of the official rate, most recently for phone and internet bills.

But, public sector workers were still paid their salaries at the original exchange rate, decimating their purchasing power.

The Finance Ministry in a statement said the Central Bank had approved the new exchange rate change, and the decision was a “step to gradually unify exchange rates” in the cash-strapped country.

This comes as Parliament passed the country’s national budget on Monday.

Denmark will wear shirts at the World Cup that criticise the human rights record of the host nation Qatar, with a black option unveiled to honour migrant workers who died during construction work for the finals tournament.

“The color of mourning,” kit manufacturer Hummel said in a post on Instagram releasing the black third-choice design.

“While we support the Danish national team all the way, this shouldn’t be confused with support for a tournament that has cost thousands of people their lives,” the company said.

Although Fifa’s rules prohibit political statements on team uniforms, the team’s all-red, all-white, and all-black appear to comply with the rules as there are no words or symbols that make an explicit statement. The national team badge, Hummel logo and decorative white chevrons – a famous feature of the Denmark shirt since the 1980s – are faded into the same single colour as the shirt, but remain visible.

Qatar has accepted its labour system is a work in progress, but has denied the contents of a 2021 Amnesty report that thousands of migrant workers were still being exploited. The country has been criticised in the past decade for its treatment of migrant workers, mostly from south Asia, who have built tens of billions of pounds’ worth of infrastructure for the World Cup.

Image Credit: Hummel

Pope Francis will travel to Bahrain in November to share his message of dialogue with the Muslim world, in his first visit to the country the Vatican said Wednesday.

Bahrain is home to the Gulf’s first Catholic Church, located in the capital Manama, as well as its biggest one, Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, which opened last year in Awali.

Francis is due to visit both cities during the Nov. 3-6 visit. The Vatican said he will take part in a conference called the “Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence.”

In 2019, Francis became the first pope to visit the Gulf with a trip to Abu Dhabi. There he signed a landmark document with the chief imam of the al-Azhar in Cairo, the seat of Sunni learning, pledging Catholic-Muslim cooperation to work for peace.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

Three Katyusha rockets landed in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone on Wednesday,  injuring seven security force members while Iraq’s parliament voted to reject the resignation of speaker Mohammed Halbousi, Iraq’s military said. Security forces blocked bridges to the central Green Zone and imposed a curfew on buses, motorcycles and trucks.

Another rocket later fell near the Green Zone, where parliament and many government offices and foreign embassies are located, security sources said. There were no casualties.

No group immediately claimed the rocket barrage, which the Sadrists condemned in a statement.

This incident also came as Iraq was reeling from Iranian missile and drone attacks on its autonomous northern Kurdistan region that killed nine people.

Image Credit: Bryan Jones/Flickr

UK-Iraq pact to combat terrorism and narcotics trafficking

The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said he met with his Iranian counterpart in Vienna for talks about an ongoing investigation into manmade uranium particles found at undeclared sites in Iran.

“Dialogue has restarted with Iran on clarification of outstanding safeguards issues,” Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), tweeted Monday night.

He said he had met with Mohammad Eslami, vice president and head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. Along with the statement, Grossi posted photos of himself, Eslami and other negotiators.

The IAEA has for years sought answers from Iran to its questions about the uranium particles. U.S. intelligence agencies, Western nations and the IAEA have said Iran ran an organized nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran has long denied ever seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is peaceful.

The probe has been a sticking point in negotiations to revive the 2015 deal between the Islamic Republic and world powers. Iran’s hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi said in August that the IAEA’s investigation into the issue must be halted in order for Iran to recommit to the deal.

Earlier this month, a report from the IAEA to member states criticized Iran’s lack of engagement with the IAEA on the issue. Because Iranian leaders had not offered “credible” explanations for the presence of these particles, the report said the IAEA “is not in a position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Theresa Wey

Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri is expected to call for a session to elect a new president on September 29, an official source told Reuters, despite no political consensus on a candidate.

The session will be held just over a month before current President Michel Aoun’s term is set to end on October 31.

By convention, the president of Lebanon is a Christian Maronite, and the main responsibility is to serve as a symbol of the nation’s unity. 

In parliament, a president is elected by way of a secret ballot and a two-thirds majority in the first session, with an absolute majority in subsequent rounds.

Given the social, economic and political crises the country is facing, the coming election is set to be one of the most important in the nation’s history. The stakes are extremely high as the next president of the Lebanese Republic will be in charge for the next six years. The election will be a crucial test for political parties to form alliances and spearhead the political direction of the country.

Turkey’s foreign ministry summoned the German ambassador to Ankara on Tuesday after the Bundestag’s vice president compared Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to a “sewer rat.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms the insulting statements made by Mr. Wolfgang Kubicki, the Vice President of the Federal Parliament of Germany, about our President,” the Turkish ministry said in a statement, adding that the “indecent” remarks demonstrated “Kubicki’s political and moral level and reveal his banality.”

Kubicki was campaigning for his party, the liberal Free Democratic Party, a junior member of the ruling German coalition, in Lower Saxony on Monday when he told supporters Germany should not “just open its arms again” to a potential new wave of refugees arriving in the country, which he said could happen because of “Erdoğan, the sewer rat.”

Kubicki later told Reuters he made these remarks in reference to rising numbers of undocumented migrants moving from Turkey along the so-called Balkan route toward Germany, while adding that “a sewer rat is a small, cute, but at the same time clever and crafty creature that also appears in children’s stories,” such as in the movie “Ratatouille.”

At the same event Monday, Kubicki also rejected calls from other members of his party for Germany to make rapid and comprehensive arms deliveries to Ukraine, asking: “When will the point come when Putin sees us as a war party?”

Kubicki is known for his provocative statements, Last month, he called for the reactivation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany after Berlin shut it down due to the Ukraine invasion, which sparked strong criticism from within his own party.

Insulting the president is a criminal offense in Turkey and Ankara has a history of reacting strongly to negative comments about its president from abroad: In 2016, Ankara filed two legal complaints against German comedian Jan Böhmermann, after he read a crude poem on his TV show insulting Erdoğan.

Mohammed bin Salman has been named prime minister of Saudi Arabia in a move that experts said would probably shield the crown prince from a potentially damaging lawsuit in the US in connection to his alleged role in the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday that King Salman was making an exception to Saudi law and naming his son as prime minister, formally ceding the dual title of king and prime minister he had personally held until now.

The development is not likely to change the balance of power in Saudi Arabia, where the 37-year-old prince is already seen as the de facto ruler of the kingdom and heir to the throne. The role of prime minister is in line with the king’s previous delegation of duties to him which includes representing the kingdom on foreign visits and chairing summits hosted by the kingdom.

The reshuffle kept another son, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, as energy minister, the aged king said in the royal decree. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan and Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih remain in their positions.

The timing of this decision is notable given that the Biden administration had been asked by a US judge to weigh in on whether Prince Mohammed ought to be protected by sovereign immunity in a case brought by the fiancee of Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz.

Lebanon’s politicians approved the 2022 budget following a day of protests outside the Parliament building. The agreement on the budget is one of the key conditions set by the International Monetary Fund for a bailout which legislators are relying on to help the economy.

Legislators on Monday approved the budget with 63 votes in favour and 37 opposed, the state news agency NNA reported.

The budget sets expenditure at 41 trillion pounds (about $1.2 billion under black market exchange rates), while revenues were projected at £30tn.

Retired military personnel clashed with security troops outside the parliament in Beirut on Monday, during a protest against the draft 2022 budget and their financial situation.

Dozens of demonstrators broke through a security barrier on a road that leads up to the Parliament, where the budget was being discussed, prompting soldiers in riot gear to deploy tear gas.

Parliament had been due to discuss the draft budget 10 days ago, but the session was suspended because of the lack of a quorum.

MPs approved the draft budget late on Monday, which tripled salaries for all public sector workers, including the security forces.

In passing the budget, MPs approved the use of an exchange rate for customs tax revenues that is significantly below the market value of the Lebanese currency. But it falls short of an IMF demand that customs taxes be calculated at a “unified exchange rate”. Parliament endorsed a rate of 15,000 pounds to the US dollar, but on Monday the Lebanese pound was trading at about 36,000.

The adoption of an annual budget is one of a handful of reforms that the IMF has demanded if it is to unlock a $3bn aid package that would help to bail out Lebanon. This agreement is seen as a first crucial step for Lebanon to begin exiting a three-year financial implosion that has left most people poor and plunged the country into its worst crisis since the 1975-90 Civil War.

Senior Muslim cleric Sheikh Youssef al-Qaradawi, a spiritual leader for the Muslim Brotherhood and defender of Arab Spring revolts, died on Monday at age 96, according to a post on his official Twitter account.

Al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian who was based in Qatar, was the chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, and also a spiritual leader for the Muslim Brotherhood. Born in Egypt in 1926, Qaradawi spent much of his life in Qatar, where he became one of the most recognisable and influential Sunni Muslim clerics in the Arab world thanks to regular appearances on Qatar’s Al Jazeera network.

Qaradawi’s sermons offered a counterweight to the radical ideologies espoused by al-Qaeda and Islamic state, while supporting militant movements in other parts of the region. He was highly critical of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as well as the Saudi leadership, fuelling a rift with Doha.

Al-Qaradawi was also highly critical of the coup that overthrew Egypt’s first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi, in 2013. Morsi had been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood before he became president, and was backed by the movement. Al-Qaradawi was unable to return to Egypt following Morsi’s overthrow due to his opposition to Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The religious leader had previously been in exile from Egypt prior to the 2011 revolution that overthrew former President Hosni Mubarak. An Egyptian court sentenced him to death in absentia in 2015 alongside other Brotherhood leaders. His daughter was also detained by Egyptian authorities on terrorism charges in 2017 until 2021, while his son-in-law remains detained, their lawyer said. They deny the charges.

Image Credit: Twitter

One police officer was killed on Monday when a bomb exploded near a residence that houses police in the southern Turkish province of Mersin, while a second officer was wounded, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said.

He said the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was responsible for the attack, which occurred around 10:40 p.m. (local time), and that two women who carried out the attacks died during the explosions. Unverified images on social media claim to show security forces holding one of the alleged attackers face-down on the ground with his wrists bound behind his back. It has since been reported that Suleyman Soylu, the Turkish Minister of the Interior is on his way to the Mersin.

The two attackers first shot at the police officer on duty and later detonated bombs that were attached to them, he said.

The attack took place in the Mezitli district of Mersin, of southern Turkey state-owned Anadolu Agency said.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Turkey reconstruction

As the registration period for the upcoming 2020 National Assembly elections ended on Wednesday, all eyes are on the 376 candidates that are running for a seat in the upcoming legislative term.

The election in Kuwait set to be held on September 29.

There are 376 candidates in the running for the elections — 349 men and 27 women. Seven members of the recently dissolved parliament will not stand in the vote scheduled for September 29, including parliament speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim.

Kuwait’s electoral system involves a simple majority vote, with voters choosing one candidate in a district. The 10 candidates with the most ballots in each district are elected. Under the old system amended in 2012, voters could pick four candidates, using four votes of equal weight. Although, Kuwait bans political parties it has given its legislature more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies.

The number of candidates vying for seats in the next parliament is lower than in the two previous elections – 395 in 2020 and 454 in 2016.

Although Kuwait’s last election took place two years ago, voters are expected to turn out in strong numbers despite concerns about possible electoral fatigue. here are also hopes that more women will be elected to parliament this time, after lone female MP Safa Al Hashem lost her seat in the 2020 vote.

Kuwaitis voted to replace 31 MPs in 2020, electing 22 who had never served in parliament before. A record 28 female candidates were in the running for the assembly, but none were successful. Moudhi Al Mutairi is among 27 women who filed nomination papers this time. She is competing for a seat in the fifth constituency.

These elections are being held after Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal announced the dissolution of parliament on behalf of the Emir Sheikh Nawaf in June and called for new elections after more than a year of infighting between the National Assembly and government. The previous government resigned in April ahead of a non-cooperation motion in parliament against Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid, who late last month was replaced as premier by the current emir’s son Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah.

Five years ago, women in Saudi Arabia were finally allowed to drive. This event was a major turning point for Saudi Arabia and women’s rights in the country. In this article, we take a look back at what has changed since then.

The change in the law has had a positive impact on women in Saudi Arabia. It has given them more freedom and independence. It has also helped them to access jobs and education that were previously out of reach.

Since the change in the law, more and more women have been getting behind the wheel. In 2019, the number of women with driver’s licenses increased by 50%. This trend is expected to continue in the years to come.

As of 2022, an estimated 3.4 million women in Saudi Arabia will be licensed drivers, representing nearly 30% of all drivers in the country. This is up from just 2.1 million in 2019 when women first started driving in Saudi Arabia.

The increase in women drivers is having a positive impact on the economy, with businesses seeing more female customers and employees. Women are also becoming more active in politics and social issues.

There is still some way to go before gender equality is achieved in Saudi Arabia, but the progress that has been made since 2018 is significant as the ban was seen as a major step forward for women’s equality in Saudi Arabia.

Before the ban was lifted, women in Saudi Arabia had to rely on male relatives or drivers to get around. This often meant that women were unable to go to work or run errands. Women were limited by the patriarchal system

The influence of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman must be noted. His forward-thinking steps toward the future of Saudi Arabia, and the role Saudi women must take in it are at the heart of the Saudi change. MBS defied old laws, showed his faith in Saudi women, and has taken notable steps towards benefitting Saudi women, who in return are 50% of the population and can strengthen the Saudi workforce.

Thus, drastic changes have been made in the field of education. The percentage of female graduates in Saudi Arabia in 2019 was 55.8 percent. This was slightly higher than the share of male graduates. Nevertheless, there is still much to be done as Saudi women now comprise 33.6 percent of the Saudi workforce as of March 2022, according to the General Authority for Statistics. That figure is up from 17.4 percent just five years ago.30 Jul 2022.

Despite the seemingly low numbers in employment, the rise is significant. Saudi will take time to reach the equality levels expected in the West. However, it is on the right path. Saudi will need time before we witness drastic changes; changes that will happen slowly and gradually. 

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi on Friday called for a third round of national dialogue to resolve the country’s ongoing political crisis. Al Kadhimi has served in a caretaker PM role since a general election last October, as Iraqi political factions continue to squabble over forming a government.

“My government has called for a serious and transparent dialogue between all political forces and parties to discuss ways out of the current political crisis in an effort by the government to meet the people’s aspirations and hopes, and achieve their goals to secure our people’s future,” he told the UN General Assembly.

He also stated how the stability of the region relies on the stability of Iraq, and that any internal conflicts also have an impact globally.

“Iraq is keen to be a source of stability regionally and internationally,” he said.

“Iraq seeks to bring together different viewpoints and endeavours to find sustainable peaceful solutions to regional crises and mend ties between the region’s countries by introducing a number of initiatives to ensure peace and security in our region, a region that has long suffered from wars and crises.”

These remarks come amid Iraq’s ongoing political deadlock, with the main political actors preventing parliament from selecting a new speaker, president and prime minister. A dispute between the two largest Shiite blocs resulted in violent clashes on the streets of Baghdad and cities in the south of the country last month after Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr announced his resignation from politics, leaving hundreds injured.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Friday there is little optimism for the status of nuclear negotiations with Iran.

“We are hopeful that there is still potential for progress of the negotiations. But unfortunately, the signs, as of now, are not positive,” Prince Faisal said.

The Saudi diplomat spoke to media following a meeting of the Gulf Co-operation Council plus Jordan, Iraq and Egypt (GCC+3) in New York on the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly.

Saudi’s Foreign Minister spoke to the media following a meeting of the Gulf Co-operation Council plus Jordan, Iraq and Egypt (GCC+3) in New York on the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly.

The meeting came after efforts to salvage the deal have fallen apart. Former U.S. President Donald Trump walked away from the deal brokered by the Obama administration and since then any agreement to slow Iran’s enrichment of nuclear weapons has dissipated.

The GCC+3 meeting, hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, was “very good” and followed up on President Joe Biden’s visit to Jeddah in July, Prince Faisal said. Representatives and foreign ministers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen and Egypt attended the meeting, which went 15 minutes over its scheduled time.

Image Credit; Blondinrikard Fröberg

 Iran must deal decisively with protests which have swept the country after the death in custody of a woman detained by the Islamic Republic’s morality police, President Ebrahim Raisi said on Saturday.

At least 41 people have been killed in the week-long unrest, state television said on Saturday. It said that toll was based on its own count and official figures were yet to be released. Protests have erupted in most of the country’s 31 provinces.

State media quoted Raisi on Saturday as saying Iran must “deal decisively with those who oppose the country’s security and tranquillity.”

Raisi was speaking by telephone to the family of a member of the Basij volunteer force killed while taking part in the crackdown on unrest in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

The president “stressed the necessity to distinguish between protest and disturbing public order and security, and called the events … a riot,” state media reported.

Mahssa Amini, 22, was detained last Tuesday by Iran’s so-called “morality police” who reportedly found fault with her hijab. Police said she died of a heart attack and have subsequently denied any allegations of torture or abuse.

After Amini’s death, police last week also released closed circuit footage from the police station, which they say shows the moment Amini collapsed. A relative has said she had no history of heart disease. Amini, who was Kurdish, was buried on Saturday in her home city of Saqez, also in western Iran. Protests erupted there after her funeral and police also then fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

The case of the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained last Tuesday after Iran’s so-called “morality police” found fault with her headscarf, or hijab, has set off a public outcry in the country, mainly on social media. Police said she died of a heart attack and have denied any allegations of torture or abuse. The case of Amini has caused widespread public outcry in Iran, with many taking to the streets and removing hijab’s in solidarity with Amini. Abroad, protests have been held in cities such as London and New York.

There are many days that we can celebrate as the fruit of successful revolutions and resistance movements. Many of these days have been officially declared as commemorative dates, to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who stood up for their most basic rights. These are the dates when protests, demonstrations, and other activities took place that eventually led to change in governments or a particular policy. They are also known as “Revolution Day” or “Liberation Day” in different countries. In Yemen, 25 September is now known as Revolution Day. Here are seven reasons why we should all celebrate Yemen’s Revolution Day:

It was the day when Yemenis took to the streets and said ‘no’ to injustice.

Thousands of Yemenis from all walks of life came out to mark Yemen’s Revolution Day. The day marked the end of the rule of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had been in power for 33 years. Yemenis had had enough of all the injustices that Saleh’s regime had brought about and decided to put an end to it. The protests that took place on that day were largely peaceful, but Saleh’s security forces opened fire on them, killing more than 50 people – most of whom were university students. This act of brutality shocked the world and led to even greater mobilization of people demanding Saleh’s ousting.

Yemenis showed their courage and resilience during Yemen’s Revolution Day.

Yemen’s Revolution Day proved to the world that Yemenis were worthy of respect and dignity—the same respect and dignity that they were denying to others. During those times, Yemenis were subject to all kinds of injustice, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. After Saleh was ousted, there were many who thought that the change would be a permanent one and that the new government would reflect the aspirations of the Yemeni people. Unfortunately, the people who were in power were behaving in the same way as their predecessors. The youth who had played a major role in resisting Saleh’s rule were now taking part in peaceful protests against the new government. They were brutally suppressed and killed, but they did not give up. Their perseverance proved that Yemeni people are full of courage and resilience, which no injustice can take away from them.

Yemenis lost their lives so that their country can be a better place for us all.

According to the World Health Organization, the war in Yemen has so far claimed the lives of over 8,000 people. Thousands more have been left injured and disabled. The majority of those who lost their lives are civilians, including women and children. Thousands of families have been torn apart by the war that is taking place in Yemen. Many of them have lost loved ones. To make things worse, they don’t even know when the war will end. Yemen’s Revolution Day is a reminder that Yemenis have lost their lives in trying to make the world a better place. They were killed while fighting for what they believed in: freedom, dignity, and justice.

It is a reminder of what we have and what we are currently losing.

Revolution Day reminds us of what we have lost and what we are currently losing. It reminds us of the values that we have once held dear and that we are now losing from our hearts. It reminds us of the courage of our ancestors and the sacrifices that they made to ensure a better future for us. It reminds us that we once had a sense of pride in our identity and now we are too busy trying to fit into someone else’s identity. It reminds us of the respect that we once had for one another and the fact that we worked together to make a better world for everyone. It reminds us of the sense of belonging that we once felt as members of a nation.

It is a reminder of what we are currently losing.

Yemen’s Revolution Day is a reminder that we are losing the values that our ancestors held dear. We are losing the sense of belonging that allows us to feel comfortable in our own country. We are losing the pride in our identity and the desire to celebrate our differences and richness. We are losing the respect that helps us behave in a way that acknowledges the rights of others and makes us feel proud of who we are. We are losing the sense of unity and the need to work together for a common cause. We are losing the courage to stand up for our rights and the determination to resist injustice.

It reminds us that there should be more days like this.

Revolution Day was supposed to be celebrated annually on 25 September every year, with the aim of promoting the values that Yemenis once held dear and that are now being lost. The celebration was supposed to be a reminder of the need to keep these values alive in our hearts and minds. However, the celebration was not institutionalized, and the date was not recognized as an official holiday. Now, there are many who do not even know what Yemen’s Revolution Day is all about. There is a need to educate people about the significance of Yemen’s Revolution Day. More importantly, there is a need to remind people of what they once had and what they are currently losing. We need to celebrate this day every year and make it an occasion for change.

It is an opportunity for all of us to work together toward something bigger.

Revolution Day is an occasion to remember all that Yemenis have done for us and to be thankful to them. It is also a day to recognize that something bigger than us exists. It is a day to acknowledge our responsibility toward others. We could organize activities and events to commemorate Yemen’s Revolution Day. We could host discussions, lectures, and other programs related to the revolution and the change that it brought about. We could also write posts, articles, and books to help others understand what happened during the revolution, how it affected the country, and what lessons can be derived from it.

Conclusion

Yemen’s Revolution Day is a day to celebrate our achievements and to acknowledge the sacrifices made by Yemenis, many of whom gave up their lives while fighting for their rights. It is a day to remember what we have and what we are currently losing. It is also a day to acknowledge that there should be more days like this. Finally, it is an opportunity for all of us to work together toward something bigger.

the961.com

The political situation in Lebanon every day is becoming from bad to worse. Continuing political conflicts without paying attention to the dire financial and economic situation that Lebanon has reached as a result of all these successive and continuing crises due to the political divisions that dictate the Lebanese society and there is no stability to get out of This dark tunnel that destroys the country day by day.


Recently, the political situation between Hezbollah and Al-Bakri flared up between supporters and opponents, and threats from both sides made the situation more volatile than it was. Thousands of Lebanese gathered in the courtyard of the Maronite Patriarchate, northeast of Beirut, to support the call of Maronite Patriarch Bishara Al-Rahi to hold a conference by An international organization under the auspices of the United Nations to save Lebanon, which sparked criticism, most notably from Hezbollah. It started when Lebanon entered its catastrophic economic crisis in 2019, then the Corona crisis occurred and the first government resigned after the outbreak of massive popular protests, and a second government about a week after the explosion. To this day, the political forces, despite all the international pressures led by France, have not been able to form a government to work on implementing urgent reforms stipulated by the international community in exchange for providing support and assistance to Lebanon with the money that gets it out of its crisis.

From the Patriarchate’s window, the pastor said in front of thousands who arrived by car and on foot, including clerics of Islamic sects, “We want the international conference to declare Lebanon’s neutrality so that it does not become a victim of conflicts and wars, and the land of divisions, and therefore is based on the strength of balance, not on the balance of forces that It always portends war. He also added, “We want the international conference to provide support to the Lebanese army, to be the only defender of Lebanon, capable of absorbing the military capabilities of the Lebanese people through a legitimate defense system that upholds the decision of war and peace,” which is a clear criticism of Hezbollah’s weapons. Who owns a huge military arsenal and refuses to give it up under the pretext of resisting Israel.


And Hezbollah had another opinion, as they responded with threats and threats and made it clear that they might lose their patience, which has lasted for 40 years. They also confirmed that they had nothing to do with the arrest of Archbishop Hajj Ali following his return from Israel. The Secretary-General of the Lebanese “Hezbollah” Hassan Nasrallah confirmed The party has nothing to do with the arrest of the Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem, Palestine, and the Hashemite Kingdom
Nasrallah said in a television interview: “I and all Hezbollah have taken note of the case of Archbishop Moussa Hajj, as well as other Lebanese. I say to all the Lebanese people, especially the Christians, that Hezbollah has nothing to do with the case of Archbishop Moussa Hajj and we will not interfere in it.”


But on the other hand, the bishop’s supporters refuse to believe these statements, as stated by Samia Khaddaj, who made it clear that Hezbollah threatens the Lebanese and threatens them with impatience, and clarifies that the Lebanese reject Hezbollah’s presence, threats, and support, and the Lebanese support for Bkerke.


In light of these divisions between the two parties, supporters and opponents, and the poor economic situation, many Lebanese have decided that they will not succumb to Hezbollah’s threats and will never hand them power. Their threats and actions of violations and assassinations bear witness to them, including the assassination of Rafik Hariri, for example. Lebanon is on a hot tin that never calms down, but the tragedy of division will lead Lebanon to a dark tunnel from which there is no escape. Therefore, everyone should set aside his interests and take a neutral position and only take sides in the interest of the nation, which has gathered all the sects on its land for hundreds of years.

The Crown will return to its Netflix throne in early November.

The drama series about Queen Elizabeth II and her extended family will begin its fifth season on November 9, the streaming service said on Saturday.

The premiere will come two months after the Queen’s September 8 death at the age of 96. The Queen’s death meant that production of the sixth season was suspended on the day of her death and again on her funeral, which was marked by a Bank Holiday in the UK. 

In the coming season, Imelda Staunton will feature as the latest in a succession of actors who have played Elizabeth through the decades of her life and reign. The first two seasons starred Claire Foy as the young princess Elizabeth ascending to the throne and growing into her role as queen. Seasons three and four featured Olivia Colman as a more mature queen. 

Season five of The Crown is expected to cover the royal family’s stormy 1990s, when Charles and Diana’s marriage fell apart and the Princess of Wales death following a Paris car crash in August 1997.

The show has won 22 Emmy Awards, including a Best Drama Series trophy and top drama actress honours for Foy and Colman. Josh O’Connor, who played Prince Charles as a young man in 13 episodes, won a Best Drama Actor Emmy.

Image Credit: Netflix

Ebola virus disease, or EVD, is a dreadful disease that causes high fever, rash, red eyes, and bleeding from the nose and gums. It’s a hemorrhagic fever that can lead to death in 40-90% of cases. EVD outbreaks typically occur in remote areas with poor hygiene and limited access to medical care. The primary reservoir host for the virus is fruit bats. Humans become infected with the virus through contact with infected animals or another human who has been exposed to the infection. There are no vaccines for Ebola or any other strain of EVD; however, there are treatments available which include blood transfusions, intravenous fluids and electrolytes, and antiviral drugs such as ZMapp.

What is the current situation in Uganda?

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that a sample taken from a 24-year-old man was identified as the relatively rare Sudan strain.

It is the first time in more than a decade that the Sudan strain has been found in Uganda, which also saw an outbreak of the Zaire strain of Ebola virus in 2019.

The latest outbreak follows six suspicious deaths in Mubende district so far this month. Eight suspected cases are receiving care in a health facility.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, said that the UN agency was working closely with Ugandan authorities to investigate the source, and support efforts to control it.

“Uganda is no stranger to effective Ebola control”, she said. “Thanks to its expertise, action has been taken to quickly to detect the virus and we can bank on this knowledge to halt the spread of infections.”

Why is Uganda so poorly equipped to deal with this crisis?

Uganda has been poorly equipped to deal with previous outbreaks of ebola for several reasons. Firstly, there is only one laboratory in Uganda capable of testing for Ebola. That laboratory is in the capital city of Kampala. There are also limited supplies of protective equipment for the medical personnel treating patients with Ebola. In addition, there are only a small number of health care workers in Bwamanda and the surrounding area who are trained to treat patients with Ebola. Also, remote locations of the outbreak typically make it difficult to transport medical personnel, supplies, and laboratory samples to and from the area.

Ebola virus disease, or EVD, is a dreadful disease that causes high fever, rash, red eyes, and bleeding from the nose and gums. It’s a hemorrhagic fever that can lead to death in 40-90% of cases. EVD outbreaks typically occur in remote areas with poor hygiene and limited access to medical care. The primary reservoir host for the virus is fruit bats. Humans become infected with the virus through contact with infected animals or another human who has been exposed to the infection. There are no vaccines for Ebola or any other strain of EVD; however, there are treatments available which include blood transfusions, intravenous fluids and electrolytes, and antiviral drugs such as ZMapp. Now is the time for the world to unite for the people of Uganda. It is crucial to increase funding for research on vaccines and treatments for EVD. It is also essential that funding be provided to support the health care response to the EVD outbreaks in Uganda.

Image Credit: World Health Organization (WHO)

The Big Four – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray played their first and last game together last week. They only played four games and Federer and Nadal won 3-1, yet Djokovic described the game as “the most incredible practise session I’ve ever experienced in my life.” 

The game or a Federer practise session felt like a tour reunion, with the four rockstars proving that they could still retain their talents. But these four had never played together like this, and two of them, are still fit enough to go on to continue winning grand slams. But this event was flooded with emotion as the leader of the band announced that he couldn’t go on to win with them anymore. 

Federer, who has not played a competitive set of tennis since Wimbledon last year, kept saying that he was nervous about his final match on Friday night, doubles match with Nadal by his side. 

Over the years there was much discussion of the history of Federer and Nadal, their rivalry, their friendship and their respect. The two met 40 times on the court. Nadal won the all-time series, 24–16, but Federer won six of the final seven meetings between the two, including the 2019 Wimbledon semifinal. But as the moment dawned for emotional Federer that his career was ending, Nadal was also lost in emotion.

“With Roger leaving the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments that he has been next or in front of me,” Nadal said following the match. “So [it’s] been emotional to see the family, to see all the people.”

Federer ends his career with the third-most Grand Slam titles for male players, a record number of Wimbledon titles and previously held the world No. 1 ranking for a historic 237 weeks. Federer’s ability to remain calm and collected particularly in high-pressure situations and his great sportsmanship proves that he is a role model for future generations. 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Kin Cheung

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has been given the green light by the United States government to activate the satellite internet service Starlink to help Iranians protesting against the death of a woman in police custody.

This follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s tweet that the United States took action “to advance internet freedom and the free flow of information” to Iranians. Since the death of Mahsa Amini, access to social media has been tightly restricted in Iran and significant internet outages have been reported across the country, with one of the biggest mobile phone operators disrupted on Saturday, leaving millions of Iranians offline.

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued guidance expanding internet services available to Iranians despite US sanctions on the country.

A Treasury official briefing reporters said: “Our understanding of Starlink is that what they provide would be commercial grade, and it would be hardware that’s not covered in the general license; so that would be something they would need to write into Treasury for.”

A U.S. State Department spokesperson later said of Friday’s updated license that it was self-executing and that “anyone who meets the criteria outlined in this general license can proceed with their activities without requesting additional permissions.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File

The deterioration of the economic situation in Lebanon led to the spread of disasters, the last of which was the storming of banks, which became frequent. The catastrophe lies in the fact that the storming of banks is being done as people are desperately demanding their own money that the banks are unable to provide, and not for the sake of robery. One case that has caught the attention of th media is the case of Sally Hafez.


Sally Hafez stormed into a branch of BLOM Bank “BLOM BANK”, with the aim of claiming part of her money held at the bank, bAecause she needed to treat her sister from a serious illness that threatens her life. Sally appeared in videos that spread on social media as she stormed the bank and was accompanied by other people whose identities were not known, and she was carrying a pistol, and climbed to a table in the bank screaming for her withheld money.


And after she obtained part of her savings, she said in an interview with the Lebanese Al-Jadeed channel, that she did so after she contacted the bank many times in an attempt to get her money, and her request was rejected, and the purpose of taking her money with the bank was to treat her sister, whose health condition worsened in the last period.
She also clarified that after several negotiations with the branch manager of BLOM Bank, he informed her of the possibility of obtaining $200 of her money per month at an exchange rate of 12,000 Lebanese pounds to the dollar, about 2 million Lebanese pounds, an amount that does not cover the cost of the daily needle that her sick sister keeps. She also added that the amount held for her in the bank is 20 thousand dollars, which is the amount of pensions she and her sister obtained from work, in addition to the fact that her sister’s treatment needs about 50 thousand dollars. And she did not get her full amount, but only got 13,000 dollars, which she was able to get to spend on her cancer-stricken sister to save her. Therefore, Sally Hafez is not a thief or fraud who broke into the bank, but rather was a reaction to the current situation in Lebanon and the collapse of the financial situation that prompted her to do so due to her urgent need for money to treat her sister.


A matter that has become prevalent in the Lebanese society, as banks have become unable to return the deposited amounts as a result of the economic crisis in Lebanon. Before the Sally Hafez incident, another Lebanese citizen resorted to threatening bank employees with weapons and holding hostages in order to obtain his existing money. It is the third incident of its kind for depositors to storm Lebanese banks in order to recover their savings by force. This Lebanese citizen and his son entered the Byblos Bank branch in Ghazieh, Sidon, southern Lebanon, demanding the return of his deposit. He threatened the employees with a firearm, took a number of hostages, poured gasoline and threatened to burn the branch, if his deposit was not granted. This citizen managed to get $19,200 from his deposit and handed it over to someone who was waiting for him outside, then released the hostages, and handed himself and his son over to the Lebanese security forces who came to the place.


And all of this is from the repercussions of what Lebanon is suffering from a severe economic crisis, in parallel with the political crisis that the country is witnessing, which has affected the financial situation in Lebanon and pushed citizens to such actions as a result of the banks not providing them with their money. This is a result of decisions by the Central Bank as a result of the economic crisis, as Lebanon is facing an energy crisis, so the Central Bank decided to completely stop providing dollars for gasoline imports, a step that may increase fuel prices and the situation will worsen.

Saudi Arabia said Thursday it will launch a training program with the goal of sending its own astronauts, including a woman, into space next year.

The kingdom is actively promoting science and technology as part of its wide-ranging Vision 2030 plan to overhaul its economy and reduce its dependency on oil.

The plan, championed by Saudi Arabia’s powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also calls for greater integration of women into the workforce of the conservative Muslim country. This comes days ahead of the anniversary of Saudi Arabia’s lifting of a long-standing ban on women to drive in 2018.

“The Saudi Astronaut Program, which is an integral part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030, will send Saudi astronauts into space to help better serve humanity,” the Saudi Space Commission said in a statement.

“One of the astronauts will be a Saudi woman, whose mission to space will represent a historical first for the Kingdom.”

The first Arab or Muslim to travel to space was Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan bin Salman, a half-brother of the crown prince and an air force pilot who was part of the seven-member crew of NASA’s Discovery mission in 1985. He later served as head of the Saudi Space Commission from 2018 until last year, when he was appointed an adviser to King Salman.

The neighbouring UAE in September announced their plans to launch its first lunar rover in November.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Aya Batrawy, File

Saudi Arabia female astronaut

Qatar Museums will collaborate with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in a partnership involving the exchange of exhibitions, programs and scholarly cooperation, Qatar News Agency reported on Wednesday. 

Qatar Museums has made a significant donation to the New York museum to commemorate the reopening of Qatar’s reimagined Museum of Islamic Art and the 10th anniversary of the Met’s opening of renovated Islamic art department galleries. In exchange, the Met’s art collection from the Umayyad and Abbasid periods has been named the Qatar Gallery.

As part of the collaboration, Qatar Museums has loaned works from its collections to the Met for exhibitions such as “Jerusalem in the Middle Ages” (2016), “Sultans of Deccan India, 1500-1700: Opulence and Fantasy” (2015), “The Great Age of the Seljuks” (2016), and “Monumental Journey: Girault de Prangey’s Daguerreotypes” (2016). 

Works from the Met’s collection will be on display in Doha from Oct. 26 in a special exhibition at the newly renovated Museum of Islamic Art. The exhibition, “Baghdad: Eyes Delight,” focuses on the art of the Abbasid period, one of two classical eras featured in the Met’s Qatar Gallery. 

During his visit to New York, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the reception ceremony held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the collaboration announcement. The collaboration is tribute to Qatar Museum’s mission of sharing art and culture from Qatar and the region with the rest of the world. 

Image Credit: AFP

French fashion house Dior will showcase their men’s pre-fall ‘Celestial’ collection against the majestic backdrop of the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt, on Dec. 3.

On December 3, the show will take place in the foreground of the Giza Pyramids near the nation’s capital, Cairo, marking Dior’s latest destination runway. According to a statement obtained by WWD, “the celestial collection celebrates a lifelong passion for travel.”

The new collection is designed by Kim Jones, Dior Men’s artistic director, who spent his childhood years in Botswana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya and Ghana. The show is reportedly intended to honour his long-standing connection to the continent. 

Dior has previously shown collections in Spain, China, Greece, Italy, South Korea, the UK and the U.S., but Jones’ upcoming Pre-Fall show will mark its first ever presentation in Egypt.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Francois Mori

The Hajj, or pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must perform the Hajj once in their lifetime. In recent years, the number of people traveling from around the world to complete their Hajj has soared as a result of increased accessible air travel. There are now more than 3 million Muslims living in Saudi Arabia, and by 2026 that figure is expected to double again. The tragic stampede that occurred on September 24, 2015 during the final stretch of Hajj resulted in the death of over 2,300 people and injured almost another 500. 

What Happened?

The stampede occurred during the final stretch of Hajj, as millions of people were on their way to the Jamarat Bridge in Mina to perform the last ritual of Hajj. The flow of people to the Jamarat Bridge was suddenly interrupted by the Saudi authorities because they wanted to bring a crane to the site to repair a bridge. The Saudi authorities have been criticized for not providing enough information to the pilgrims regarding the decision to close the route. The result was a sudden, massive crowd at the alternative route and a stampede that left over 2,300 people dead and almost 500 injured. According to survivors, the stampede began when a group of people fell and caused others behind them to fall. The areas where the accident occurred are narrow and crammed with people, and there were only a few places for rescue workers to enter the site. Many were killed or seriously injured when they were trampled by the crowd.

A Dark Day for the Hajj

The stampede was the deadliest accident in the history of the Hajj. The incident was a dark day for the Hajj and for Muslims around the world. One of the most important duties of the Saudi government is to protect the lives and safety of the pilgrims who are at the Hajj. In this regard, the authorities need to take adequate safety measures to prevent any kind of disaster that may lead to the loss of human lives. It is a dark day for Muslims around the world as many pilgrims lost their lives in this tragic accident and others were seriously injured. This incident has been reported as the deadliest accident in the history of Hajj. The Saudi authorities have been criticized for not taking adequate safety measures to prevent any kind of disaster that may lead to the loss of human lives.

Responsibilities of the Saudi Government

As the host country, the Saudi government has a responsibility to make sure that the pilgrims can perform the Hajj without any hassle. The authorities must provide a conducive environment for the pilgrims to prevent accidents or other issues that may arise during this period. The Saudi government have a amajor responsibility towards the people who visit their country for Hajj. The authorities had to make sure that the pilgrims were provided with all the facilities and support that they needed during this period. 

The Saudi government should always make changes in its policies and practices so that every year’s Hajj is safer and more secure than the year before. The authorities must provide pilgrims with information regarding the arrangements that they have made so that they are well-informed of their responsibilities and rights. The Saudi government should make arrangements to control the crowd to prevent future accidents. 

Image Credit: oboudi/Flickr

A deadly cholera outbreak in Syria has killed at least 39 people and infected hundreds more this past month, health officials said Wednesday, raising concerns about whether the war-torn country can put a stop to its spread.

The U.N. and Syria’s Health Ministry have said the source of the outbreak is believed to be linked to people drinking unsafe water from the Euphrates River and using contaminated water to irrigate crops, resulting in food contamination.

The outbreak hit government-held parts of the country as well as the areas in the northeast. Syria’s health services have suffered heavily from its yearslong war and much of the country is short on cleaning water supplies.

In government-held areas, the Health Ministry reported 23 deaths, 20 of them in the northern province of Aleppo in addition to at least 253 cases.

In areas of northeast Syria controlled by U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters, Jwan Mustafa, the top health official in the region reported 16 deaths since Sept. 5, and 2,867 suspected cases of cholera. In the rebel-held northwest, the first case was reported this week.

Cholera is caused by ingesting contaminated water or food – something that can be hard to avoid in times of drought, conflict or over-crowding. The disease can spread quickly in contexts such as Syria where there are currently more than 7 million internally displaced persons. Many are living together in small tents and makeshift homes, with limited access to basic services such as safe water, latrines, washing facilities and rubbish disposal.  

This outbreak is the first witnessed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011, which has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced half the country’s pre-war population, many of whom are currently residing in crowded settlements. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced half the country’s pre-war population, many of whom now live in crowded tent settlements.

Israeli missile strike Syria

David Beckham has reportedly landed another big-money deal as part of his involvement in Qatar’s upcoming World Cup.

The former footballer has landed a seven-figure deal from sponsor Doritos, to appear in TV and print adverts during the tournament which is set to begin in November, after previously signing a controversial £10 million contract to be the face of the country’s tourism board.

According to The Sun, Beckham will appear in the adverts alongside NFL star Peyton Manning, where the pair joke about the two different types of ‘football’.

The decision to award Qatar the World Cup and move its usual summer date caused a stir, as well as the country’s attitude towards major social issues has also raised concerns. That includes restrictive laws on women’s rights, while homosexuality is illegal and punishable with up to seven years in prison.

Beckham’s spokesperson has defended his decision, stating: “David has been visiting Qatar regularly for over a decade. He’s always talked about the power of football as a force for good.”

Image Credit: Qatar Tourism

On Monday, Iran secured a $300 million deal with Qatar to supply saffron to the Gulf country in what has been described as the world’s largest ever saffron export deal.

The recently inked agreement, with an initial estimated worth of $300 million, will see approximately 200 tons of Iranian saffron shipped to Qatar.

According to IRNA, the agreement was signed during a meeting between the Minister of Finance, HE Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, and Iran’s Ambassador to Doha, Hamidreza Dehghani.

Under the terms of the deal, the first shipment is expected to be delivered to Qatar on October 1. This deal is significant and comes amid expanding economic and political ties between Doha and Tehran, particularly in the post 2017 blockade context.

Iran ranks first in the world in the production of saffron, followed by India and Afghanistan. Iran produces approximately 587 million dollars worth of the spice annually. In 2020, the Islamic Republic exported an estimated $108 million’s worth, ultimately securing Iran’s status as the first largest exporter of saffron in the world. However, due to U.S. sanctions, saffron exports have depleted in recent years.

Saffron is called “red gold,” and it is the most expensive spice in the world due to the nature of its harvest and production process.

Image Credit: Syed F Hashemi on Unsplash

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia turns 61 this year. To mark the occasion on Sept. 23, the country will hold a public holiday (National Day), as it does every year. 

What Being Saudi Means

To understand the importance of National Day in the kingdom, we must first understand what it means to be Saudi. The kingdom has an Islamic and Arabic identity. About 90 percent of Saudis are Sunni Muslims and Arabic is the official language. The country is also very traditional and conservative, with most of the population living in rural areas. Saudi is also a young country, with more than half of the population below the age of 30. With a population of more than 32 million, the kingdom is the second most populous country in the Arab world after Egypt.

The Importance of National Day

National Day is the most important holiday in Saudi, it marks the unification of the country by King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud in 1932 and the renaming of the country from the Kingdom of Najd and Hijaz to Saudi Arabia. Prior to 1932, Saudi Arabia consisted of various dominions and tribes. There are different activities during National Day in different cities and regions of the country. In Riyadh, for example, there are parades, concerts and various activities for children and families. In Al-Ahsa and Jeddah, the celebrations are more traditional, with camel races and traditional dances. It is common to see people wearing traditional clothes during the celebrations. The most common traditional dress is an abaya, an ankle-length black dress that is worn with a headscarf by women. Men wear a thobe, a long-sleeved white garment similar to a tunic.

Activities During National Day

Saudi National Day encourages national pride and has been celebrated annually since 2005. Activities typically include family gatherings, picnics, fireworks, barbecues and traditional food, like Arabic coffee and dates. Greetings are an important part of the celebrations. People exchange cards, flowers and gifts to mark the occasion. Saudis often exchange dates as a token of friendship. Saudis also light candles and celebrate by going on a family visit to their relatives.

Conclusion

Saudi is a rich, diverse country with a strong Islamic identity. National Day is the most important public holiday in the country. The celebrations are an opportunity for Saudi to come together and celebrate the achievements of the Saudi people. And it is a time for the Saudi people to reflect on the future and what they can do to make the country even stronger.

Image Credit: Akhilesh Sharma on Unsplash

Riyadh Season Team XI

The Saudi Central Bank said on Wednesday it increased its key interest rates by 75 basis points, moving in tandem with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s hike as the Saudi riyal is pegged to the dollar.

The Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, lifted its repo and reverse repo rates by 75 bps to 3.75% and 3.25%, respectively, it said in a statement.

The US Federal Reserve raised target interest rate to a range of 3%-3.25%, from 2.25% and 2.50% previously. This latest rate hike marks the fifth this year, as the central bank raised rates in March, May, June and July.

Image Credit: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA)

 A firefighting helicopter crashed Wednesday as it headed to the Turkish port of Marmaris to combat a wildfire, killing two Russian crew members, Turkey’s minister of agriculture and forestry said.

The minister, Vahit Kirsci, said two Turkish citizens and three others Russians on the helicopter were injured but were not in critical condition. The deceased were a flight engineer and a flight technician.

The Russian-owened fire-fighting helicopter was flying to extinguish a fire in Marmaris when it crashed near Denizli. Emergency services were sent to the scene. There was no immediate explanation of why the helicopter, a Russian Kamov KA-32, crashed into a field. The governor of Denizli said a crash investigation has been opened.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Lebanon’s banks are set to remain shut indefinitely, the country’s banking association said in a statement on Wednesday, citing ongoing “the continued risks to bank employees and customers inside branches, and in light of the ongoing atmosphere of incitement” to employees following a spree of bank stick-ups last week.

Banks were meant to reopen on Thursday following a three-day shutdown announced last week, when a total of seven banks were held up by depositors seeking access to their own savings.

The country’s banking sector has frozen deposits for over two years as well as enacting limits on how much money people can withdraw, at a time when three-quarters of the population has been plunged into poverty.

In what has been termed a ‘copycat’ incident, Sali Hafez stormed into a branch of Blom Bank in Beirut with a realistic looking firearm and a group of activists last week. They were protesting against currency controls imposed due to the national financial crisis. This marked the second hostage situation at a Lebanese bank in weeks.

Iran curbed access on Wednesday to Meta Platforms’ (META.O) Instagram and WhatsApp, two of the last remaining social networks in the country, amid protests over the death of a woman in police custody, residents and internet watchdog NetBlocks said.

NetBlocks also reported a “nation-scale loss of connectivity” on Iran’s mail mobile telephone provider and another company’s network.

WhatsApp’s servers have been disrupted on multiple internet providers, hours after Instagram’s services were blocked, London-based NetBlocks said.

The group’s data shows a near-total disruption to internet service in parts of Kurdistan province in west Iran since Monday, while the capital city of Tehran and other parts of the country have also faced disruptions since Friday when protests first broke out.

Last week’s death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by morality police in Tehran for “unsuitable attire”, has unleashed anger over issues including freedom in the Islamic Republic and an economy reeling from sanctions. Protests began on Saturday at Amini’s funeral in her home town near the Iraqi border and soon spread across the country to the central cities of Isfahan and Tehran, where female protesters were female protesters were seen cutting their hair and burning their headscarves in the street.

Security forces have been accused of firing directly at protesters as part of a clampdown blamed for the deaths of at least six people. In addition, scores of people have been injured, including a ten-year-old girl who was shot in the head.

At the UN yesterday, James Cleverely, the foreign secretary, called on Iran to take “another path” referring to its aspirations of nuclear weapons and its internal repression.

Image Credit: Alexander Shatov on Unsplash

 Iran’s president insisted Wednesday that his country is serious about reviving a deal meant to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear bomb but questioned whether Tehran could trust America’s commitment to any eventual accord.

The U.S. had already “trampled” on a previous deal, President Ebrahim Raisi told the U.N. General Assembly, referring to America’s decision to pull out of the accord in 2018.

Ever since Iran’s 1979 revolution that overthrew its Western-backed shah, Tehran has been at odds with the United States and has sought to project itself as a counterweight to American power.

Tehran’s resolve to resist U.S. pressure has seen it build close ties with countries like Russia, develop a domestic ballistic missile program and attempt to export its narrow revolutionary ideals to countries across the Mideast through Shiite militias and proxies.

Its nuclear program, which Iran insists is for peaceful energy purposes, is seen as an extension of its defiance of an American-led world order.

After former U.S. President Donald Trump walked away from the deal brokered by the Obama administration, Tehran steadily abandoned every limitation the accord imposed on its nuclear enrichment.

But efforts to salvage the deal are now nearing a take-it-or-leave-it inflection point. European Union officials have warned the window for securing a nuclear deal is about to close.

In exchange for agreeing to the terms of the new nuclear deal, Iran would receive relief on economic sanctions and be given greater access to global financial markets and the flow of U.S. dollars.

“There is a great and serious will to resolve all issues” in the nuclear talks, Raisi said, but he added: “Our wish is only one thing: observance of commitments.”

“Can we truly trust without guarantees and assurances that they will this time live up to their commitment?” he asked of the U.S.

Swings in American foreign policy with successive administrations have concerned not only Iran, but also U.S. allies who have questioned America’s reliability and its commitment to agreements, ranging from climate to security.

Even as he expressed a desire to reach a deal, Raisi criticized what he said was lopsided scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities while other nations’ atomic programs remain secret — a reference to Israel, which has never confirmed nor denied having such weapons. Israel, which is vehemently opposed to the nuclear deal, accuses Iran of concealing aspects of its nuclear program from U.N. inspectors.

“We will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in his own speech at the U.N., but he stressed the U.S. is ready to rejoin the accord if Iran steps up its commitments.

Raisi, who was previously chief of Iran’s judiciary, also denounced Western “double standards” on human rights. He accused Israel of creating the world’s largest prison through its blockade of the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

He also cited mass graves of Indigenous people found in Canada and the manner in which the U.S. detains migrants and refugees on its southern border.

Wearing a traditional black turban identified with Shiite clerics, Raisi held up a photo of slain Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whom he described as a “freedom-seeking man.” The Revolutionary Guard chief who oversaw Iranian militias and proxy armed groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and beyond was assassinated in a strike authorized by Trump in 2020 at the height of tensions with Iran.

Raisi, who was sworn in as president only a year ago, has been described as a protege of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He spoke for the first time from the podium at the U.N. in his role as president. Last year, he delivered remarks to the assembly virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

He told the gathered leaders Iran wants to have “extensive relations with all our neighbors” — an apparent reference to foe Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries in the region.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have held a number of direct talks over the past year, though tensions remain high between the two. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates recently reopened its embassy in Tehran and sent an ambassador there.

Raisi’s speech comes at a sensitive time in Iran.

Israel’s shadow war against Iran continues. It is widely believed to have been behind the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists and sabotage attacks on Iran’s nuclear program.

Meanwhile, Western sanctions, which Raisi described as a “punishment on the people of Iran,” have eaten away at Iran’s reserves, exacerbated inflation, and devalued Iran’s currency against the U.S. dollar.

Economic protests have flared — and frequently are met with lethal force.

In recent days, protesters have clashed with police in cities across the country, including the capital, over the death of a 22-year-old woman who was held by the morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s strictly-enforced dress code. On Wednesday, Iranians experienced a near-total internet blackout.

Raisi has offered condolences to the woman’s family and promised an investigation, while other Iranian officials have accused unnamed foreign countries of seizing on the incident to foment unrest. Her death has ignited long-simmering anger among many Iranians, particularly young people, at the country’s ruling clerics.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

Dubai-based shipping giant DP World said Tuesday it has won another ruling in a longstanding legal battle over the operation of a strategic port in the African nation of Djibouti.

Dubai-based DP World said an appeals court in Hong Kong agreed with its request to keep its lawsuit against China Merchants Port Holdings in Hong Kong courts, where that company is based, rather than transfer it to Djibouti.

DP World accuses China Merchants of successfully pressuring Djibouti’s government to expel DP World from the country and hand over the Doraleh Container Terminal to the Hong Kong-based firm. It also accuses China Merchants of operating other ports and free zones in violation of DP World’s exclusivity rights.

China Merchants did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DP World is seeking billions of dollars in damages. International courts and tribunals have already awarded it some $686.5 million in damages, and the 2006 concession to operate the port remains in force, the company said.

The Doraleh Container Terminal is the largest employer and biggest source of revenue in Djibouti, and has operated at a profit every year since it opened, according to DP World.

Djibouti seized the container terminal after DP World created another corridor for imports to landlocked Ethiopia in Somaliland, endangering Djibouti’s near-monopoly on Ethiopia’s imports.

Djibouti’s port alone accounts for 95% of Ethiopia’s imports. With a population of 110 million people, Ethiopia is the largest economy in the Horn of Africa.

DP World, which is majority-owned by the Dubai government in the United Arab Emirates, operates nearly 80 marine and inland terminals around the world.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Adam Schreck, File

Israel and Bahrain have begun negotiating a free trade agreement, Israel’s Economy Ministry said on Tuesday.

Israel normalised diplomatic relations with Bahrain and its Gulf neighbour the United Arab Emirates (UAE) two years ago under U.S. sponsorship in the Abraham Accords. Israel and Bahrain have already inked a number of deals – including one related defence – since officially establishing ties. Since then, economic ties with the UAE has taken off, while Israel’s trade with Bahrain have lagged far behind.

In May, Israel forged a free trade deal with the UAE, its first with an Arab country, that officials estimate will increase trade from $1.2 billion to $10 billion in a 5-year time period. In comparison, Israel-Bahrain trade in 2021 totalled just $7.5 million.

Israeli Economy Minister Orna Barbivai met with her Bahraini counterpart Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa in Manama to start talks aimed at removing trade barriers between the two countries, the “Israel in the Gulf” Twitter account said.

Image Credit: REUTERS/Nir Elias/File Photo/File Photo

Germany’s foreign minister on Tuesday called on Iran’s leadership to listen to the women protesting in the streets over the death of a woman in police custody, saying they were standing up for basic human rights.

Mahsa Amini, 22, from Iran’s Kurdistan province, fell into a coma and died while waiting with other women held by Iranian morality police, who enforce strict rules in the Islamic Republic requiring women to cover their hair and wear loose-fitting clothes in public.

Her death has sparked popular unrest throughout Iran, during which at least three people have so far been confirmed killed.

“They must be listened to, as these women are demanding rights that all people should have,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

This comes after American officials and politicians condemned the death of a young woman in police custody in Iran.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted that Mahsa Amini “should be alive today,” referring to the 22-year-old who was arrested on September 13 by the religious police for her loose hijab and two hours later delivered to a hospital in coma.

“Instead, the United States and the Iranian people mourn her. We call on the Iranian government to end its systematic persecution of women and allow peaceful protest,” Blinken wrote.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also tweeted about Mahsa Amini’s death, saying “Her death is unforgiveable. We will continue to hold Iranian officials accountable for such human rights abuses,” adding the trending hashtag of #MahsaAmini.

Today marks Qatar’s celebration of 51 years of diplomatic relations with the United Nations. Today, the partnership between Qatar and the United Nations is stronger than ever. 

Qatar and the United Nations: A Strong Partnership for a Good Cause

Qatar’s partnership with the United Nations is a longstanding one that has proven its strength over time, helping them to address several global issues. Both Qatar and the United Nations have a joint commitment to promoting global peace, security and sustainable development. Qatar’s history of engagement with the United Nations dates back to the 1940s. Since then, Qatar has been a strong supporter of the UN’s work, and a committed member of the UN family. 

Qatar’s support of the United Nations has spanned many decades and a wide range of activities, from hosting UN conferences, training people in the South to manage disasters and facilitating evacuations from conflict zones. 

The State of Qatar is home to many UN bodies, including the ESCWA (Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia), IAU (International Astronomical Union), IOM (International Organization for Migration), ILO (International Labor Organization), ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). Qatar also hosts the UN’s flagship initiative to promote sustainable development by creating a network of knowledge hubs across the world; the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific (UNASDA).

Climate Change Awareness

The fight against climate change is one the world is facing together. Taking into account the challenges facing humanity, the UN has set 17 global goals to be achieved by 2030. Amongst these, is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Qatar is leading the way in addressing climate change globally through its support of the UN’s projections. The State of Qatar is one of the world’s largest per capita emitters of greenhouse gases. Qatar has been heavily investing in new technologies to reduce emissions, including solar and wind power. Qatar has also contributed financially to several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions across the globe. In October 2017, Qatar pledged $50 million toward the UN’s Global Climate Change Alliance.

Conclusion

Qatar and the United Nations have been partners in progress since 1968 when the State of Qatar became the first Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with the United Nations. Over the past 51 years, Qatar has consistently shown its commitment to multilateralism and its role as a responsible member of the global community. In this regard, Qatar has consistently and generously contributed to UN efforts to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. With Qatar’s support, the United Nations has been able to accomplish a great deal in the world. The people of Qatar and the United Nations have a shared vision for the future and are committed to working together to achieve it.

Image Credit: UN DPI

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday for the first face-to-face talks between leaders of the U.S.-allied nations since 2008, Lapid’s office said.

Relations between the two countries have warmed in recent months, with the announcement of the restoration of full diplomatic relations in mid-August. They are expected to exchange new ambassadors soon. One point of contention over the years has been NATO-member Turkey’s hosting of members of Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist movement that rules Gaza and which much of the West designates as a terrorist group.

Lapid thanked Erdogan for the countries’ intelligence sharing and highlighted Israel’s demand for the return of four of its citizens, two of them soldiers that have been missing in the Gaza Strip since a 2014 war, Lapid’s office said.

Photo of Erdogan at the podium - Article Image

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Monday that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “biased” statements regarding the clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan “sabotage diplomacy efforts” and were simply unacceptable.

These statements follow Pelosi’s visit to Armenia this past weekend, in an unprecedented show of U.S. support for the country, which has been locked into a conflict with its neighbour, Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh spanning over three decades.

On Twitter, Oktay also called on Washington to clarify whether Pelosi’s statements reflect the official U.S. position.

Image Credit: Hayk Baghdasaryan/Photolure via AP

The Indian government said on Monday that it had discussed the possibility of institutionalising rupee-riyal trade with its South Arabian counterpart.

Both governments reaffirmed cooperation in joint projects including a refinery in western India, LNG infrastructure investment and the development of strategic petroleum storage facilities in India, the statement added.

Image Credit: Piyush Goyal Twitter account

France’s foreign minister called Monday on Iran to accept a proposal to revive a nuclear deal, warning that it will not get anything better.

Western diplomats have said there are no active negotiations at the moment and that it is unlikely that a breakthrough could happen before the U.S. mid-term elections in November. 

At the start of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna did not rule out that President Emmanuel Macron would meet his counterpart Ebrahim Raisi.

The foreign minister’s remarks come amid months of indirect talks between Iran and the United States which have foundered over several issues. These issues include Tehran’s insistence that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) close an investigation into uranium traces found at three undeclared sites before the pact is revived as well as a guarantee that the US would not walk out of any nuclear agreement again as former President Donald Trump did in 2018.

Image Credit: Iranian President

The United Arab Emirates will launch its first lunar rover in November, the mission manager said Monday.

Hamad Al Marzooqi told The National, a state-linked newspaper, that the “Rashid” rover, named for Dubai’s ruling family, would be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida sometime between Nov. 9 and Nov. 15. The exact date will be announced next month, he said.

The rover is to be launched aboard a Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket and deposited on the moon by a Japanese ispace lander sometime in March.

“We’ve finished with the testing of the rover and we are happy with the results,” Al Marzooqi was quoted as saying. “The rover has been integrated with the lander and it is ready for launch.”

The lunar mission is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to become a major player in the field of space exploration. If the moon mission succeeds, the UAE and Japan would join the ranks of only the U.S., Russia and China as nations that have put a spacecraft on the lunar surface.

Currently, an Emirati satellite is orbiting Mars to study the red planet’s atmosphere. The UAE has also partnered with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to launch that probe, which swung into Mars’ orbit in February 2021.

The Rashid rover is anticipated to study the lunar surface, mobility on the moon’s surface and how different surfaces interact with lunar particles. The 10-kilogram (22-pound) rover will carry two high-resolution cameras, a microscopic camera, a thermal imagery camera, a probe and other devices.

The UAE has plans to develop the Middle East’s most advanced commercial satellite to produce high-resolution satellite imagery. It has also set the ambitious goal of building a human colony on Mars by 2117.

Image Credit Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Twitter account

Five people were killed in Iran’s Kurdish region on Monday when security forces opened fire during protests over the death of a woman in police custody, a Kurdish rights group said, on a third day of turmoil over an incident that has ignited nationwide anger.

Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old from Iran’s Kurdistan province, fell into a coma and died following her arrest in Tehran last week by the morality police, sparking demonstrations in numerous areas including the capital.

Two of the people were killed as security forces opened fire on protesters in the Kurdish city of Saqez, Amini’s hometown, the Hengaw Human Rights Organization said on Twitter.

It said two more were killed in the town of Divandarreh “by direct fire” from security forces, and a fifth was killed in Dehgolan, also in the Kurdish region.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

There was no official confirmation of the deaths. The official news agency IRNA said there were “limited” protests in a number of cities in seven provinces that were dispersed by police.

State TV said a number of protesters had been arrested but rejected “some claims of deaths on social media” by showing two injured youths who denied reports they had been killed.

In the nationwide condemnations of Amini’s death, the Persian hashtag #MahsaAmini reached nearly 2 million Twitter mentions.

The police have said Amini fell ill as she waited with other women held by the morality police, who enforce strict rules in the Islamic republic requiring women to cover their hair and wear loose fitting clothes in public.

But her father has repeatedly said his daughter had no health problems, adding that she had suffered bruises to her legs. He held the police responsible for her death.

The protests have been most intense in the Kurdish region, where the authorities have previously put down unrest by the Kurdish minority numbering 8 million to 10 million.

Hengaw said 75 people were injured on Monday.

A video posted on Twitter by Hengaw showed protesters throwing rocks while a man could be heard saying “there is a war in Divandarreh” and accusing the police of attacking.

Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the video.

Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks reported “near-total disruption to internet connectivity in Sanandaj” – the provincial capital of the Kurdish region – on Monday, linking it to the protests, according to its Twitter account.

While Hengaw reported deadly force by security forces in the Kurdish region, there were no immediate reports of protest fatalities in other parts of Iran.

Videos on social media showed demonstrations in Tehran and spreading to cities such as Rasht, Mashhad and Isfahan.

A video shared by the 1500tasvir Twitter account, which publishes footage sent by its 70,000 followers, showed police cars with their windows smashed in Tehran, as a nearby security forces’ vehicle fired water canon towards protesters.

“People throwing rocks have advanced against the police. Death to the dictator!” a woman can be heard saying.

It also shared footage showing what it said was a protest at a Tehran university against the paramilitary Basij, a militia.

Reuters could not independently verify the videos.

It marks some of Iran’s worst unrest since street clashes that began in late 2021 over water shortages.

‘UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT’

The United States demanded accountability for Amini’s death.

“Mahsa Amini’s death after injuries sustained while in police custody for wearing an ‘improper’ hijab is an appalling and egregious affront to human rights,” a White House spokesperson said. read more

France condemned her arrest, “and the violence that caused her death”, the foreign ministry said, calling for a transparent investigation.

Earlier on Monday, Tehran Police commander Hossein Rahimi said “cowardly accusations” had been made against police, that Amini suffered no physical harm, and the police had “done everything” to keep her alive.

“This incident was unfortunate for us and we wish to never witness such incidents,” Rahimi said.

The police have released closed-circuit television footage apparently supporting their version of events. Reuters could not authenticate the video.

Offenders against Iran’s sharia, or Islamic law, and hijab rules face fines or arrest. But activists have recently urged women to remove veils despite the hardline rulers’ crackdown on “immoral behaviour”. read more

Amini’s death could raise tension between the establishment and the Kurdish minority.

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards have put down unrest in the country’s Kurdish areas for decades, and many Kurdish activists have been sentenced to long jail terms or death.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun announced on Monday that negotiations to demarcate the southern maritime borders have reached the “final stages” in a way that guarantees the nation’s rights to explore for oil and gas.

This follows the arrival of  Amos Hochstein, the U.S diplomat mediating talks between Lebanon and Israel over their shared maritime border in Beirut almost two weeks ago.

Lebanon and Israel have been locked in US-mediated negotiations for over a year to delineate a shared maritime border that would help determine which oil and gas resources belong to which country and pave the way for more exploration.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra via AP

Iranian police fired tear gas to disperse a protest in the western, mainly Kurdish city of Sanandaj, where hundreds rallied to decry the death of a young woman while in police custody in Tehran last week, reports said.

The semiofficial Fars news agency reported late Sunday that police also arrested several people from about 500 protesters who had gathered on Sunday at Azadi Square in Sanandaj, the capital of Iran’s Kurdistan province.

Fars also said the protesters smashed car windows and set fire to street garbage cans. The agency’s website carried a brief video showing scores of men and women protesting, claiming the police’s explanation about Amini’s death was “not reasonable.”

Mahssa Amini, 22, was detained last Tuesday by Iran’s so-called “morality police” who reportedly found fault with her hijab. Police said she died of a heart attack and have subsequently denied any allegations of torture or abuse.

After Amini’s death, police last week also released closed circuit footage from the police station, which they say shows the moment Amini collapsed. A relative has said she had no history of heart disease.

Amini, who was Kurdish, was buried on Saturday in her home city of Saqez, also in western Iran. Protests erupted there after her funeral and police also then fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

The case of the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained last Tuesday after Iran’s so-called “morality police” found fault with her headscarf, or hijab, has set off a public outcry in the country, mainly on social media. Police said she died of a heart attack and have denied any allegations of torture or abuse. The case of Amini has caused widespread public outcry in Iran, with many taking to the streets and removing hijab’s in solidarity with Amini.

The headscarf has been mandatory for women in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and members of the morality police enforce the strict dress code. The force has been criticized in recent years over its treatment of people, especially young women.

iran embassy Azerbaijan Jamshid Sharmahd

An ornate Byzantine floor mosaic depicting a variety of colourful birds and other animals has been discovered in Gaza after a Palestinian farmer tried to plant new trees on his land.

Salman al-Nabahin unearthed the relic six months ago while working in his olive orchard in Bureij refugee camp, about a kilometre (0.5 mile) from the border with Israel.

Trying to figure out why some trees had not properly taken root, Nabahin said he and his son began digging. Then the son’s axe hit something hard and unfamiliar in appearance. Mr Nabahin told Reuters news agency he had realised the mosaic belonged to the Byzantine era after searching on the internet. The Byzantine Empire was the eastern half of the Roman Empire, which can be traced back to 330 AD, and survived for more than a thousand years.

Experts have called it one of the greatest archaeological treasures ever found in Gaza.

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the flooring included several mosaic panels depicting animals and other features of social life during the Byzantine era.

Whilst several discoveries have been made in recent years, due to a lack of funds and relevant professionals, Gaza has usually invited international groups to help with the process of excavation and preservation.

Image Credit: Reuters

Saudi Arabia’s de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is no longer expected to attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on Monday, contrary to Britain’s earlier expectations that he would, amid backlash at his visit to the UK.

A source said the change had been made by Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported. This comes after human rights groups have criticised the decision to invite the Crown Prince to the funeral, who has been accused by Western intelligence of ordering the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Hatice Cengiz, the fiancée of Khashoggi has also condemned the controversial invitation. She insisted that his presence at Her Majesty’s state funeral would ‘stain her memory’, amid reports that the de facto ruler, known as MBS, is trying to ‘whitewash’ his human rights record.

Saudi Arabia is expected to be represented instead by Prince Turki bin Mohammed al Saud. Prince Turki is a minister of state and has been a member of the cabinet since 2018. He is the grandson of late King Fahd and part of the new generation that has been brought to power by Prince Mohammed.

Britain has invited heads of state from its allies to attend, but it is up to those nations who to send. Approximately 2,000 people are expected to attend the Queen’s service on Monday, including world leaders and members of other royal families. The televised funeral is expected to be watched by 4.1billion people.

After days of lying-in-state, the body of the late Queen Elizabeth II will begin its final journey on Monday morning as part of a grand state funeral – first to Westminster Abbey, for a religious service in front of a congregation of thousands, and then on to Windsor Castle for a more intimate committal service and, finally, a private burial.

It will be a day of emotion and ceremony which has not been seen since the last state funeral, of Winston Churchill, almost 60 years ago. Buckingham Palace has said that the Queen made personal additions to the funeral plans.

Here is a breakdown of the day’s events on Monday 19 September

The Queen’s lying-in-state at Westminster Hall in the heart of London has now finished to an end. Close by, at Westminster Abbey, the doors will be opened for guests to start arriving ahead of the funeral service at 11:00.

Heads of state from across the world have been flying in to London in recent days to join members of the Royal Family to remember the Queen’s life and service. Senior UK politicians and former prime ministers will also be there. As well as members of royal families from across Europe, many of whom were blood relatives of the Queen are expected to attend – Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia will be there.

From the Middle East, leaders such as Jordan’s King Abdullah as well as the crown prince of Morocco Moulay Hassan are expected to pay their respects. Gulf royalty paying their respects include the crown prince of Kuwait Sheikh Meshak al-Ahmad al-Sabah, the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarek, and the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Mohammed Shtayyeh, prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, will represent Palestine at the funeral. The invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has caused a stir in Britain and elsewhere, although it was revealed yesterday that he is not expected to attend the funeral following backlash from human rights groups.

The Queen’s coffin will then be lifted from the catafalque where it has been resting since Wednesday afternoon, and taken to Westminster Abbey, for her funeral service. She will be carried on the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy, drawn by 142 sailors. The carriage was last seen in 1979 for the funeral of Prince Philip’s uncle, Lord Mountbatten and was also used for the Queen’s father, George VI, in 1952.

Senior members of the Royal Family, including the new king and his sons Prince William and Prince Harry, will follow the gun carriage in procession.

The Pipes and Drums of the Scottish and Irish regiments will lead the ceremony, along with members of the Royal Air Force and the Gurkhas. The route will be lined by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and a guard of honour will stand in Parliament Square made up of all three military services, accompanied by a Royal Marines band.

The Queen’s funeral service, expected to be attended by 2,000 guests, will begin at Westminster Abbey at 11am local time. As it is a state funeral, it will follow strict rules of protocol such as a military procession and the lying-in-state.

The service will be conducted by the Dean of Westminster David Hoyle, with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby giving the sermon. Prime Minister Liz Truss will read a lesson.

Towards the end of the funeral service the Last Post – a short bugle call – will be played followed by a two-minute national silence. The national anthem and a lament played by the Queen’s piper will bring the service to an end at about midday.

Following the service, the Queen’s coffin will be drawn in a walking procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, at London’s Hyde Park Corner. With the route lined with military personnel and police, Big Ben will toll at one-minute intervals as the procession moves slowly through the streets of the capital. Gun salutes will also fire every minute from Hyde Park.

The procession, led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, will be made up of seven groups, each with its own band. Members of the armed services from the UK and the Commonwealth, the police and the NHS will also be involved. Once again the King will lead members of the Royal Family walking behind the gun carriage bearing the Queen’s coffin. Camilla, the Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales, the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Sussex will join the procession in cars. Once at Wellington Arch, at about 1pm local time, the coffin will be transferred to the new State Hearse for its final journey to Windsor Castle.

The hearse is expected to arrive for a walking procession up Windsor Castle’s Long Walk. The three-mile (5km) avenue will be lined with members of the armed forces. Then the coffin will enter St George’s Chapel for a committal service.

Attended by a smaller, more personal congregation of about 800 guests, the committal service will be conducted by Dean of Windsor David Conner, with a blessing from Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

The service will include traditions symbolising the end of the Queen’s reign.

The Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s orb and sceptre will be removed from the top of the coffin by the Crown Jeweller, separating the Queen from her crown for the final time.

At the end of the last hymn, the King will then place the Queen’s company camp colour, or flag, of the Grenadier Guards on the coffin. During this time, the Lord Chamberlain, former MI5 chief Baron Parker, will “break” his wand of office and place it on the coffin. The snapping of the white staff will signal the end of his service to the sovereign as her most senior official in the Royal Household.

The Queen will then be lowered into the royal vault and the Sovereign’s piper will play before a blessing and the singing of God Save the King. The performance by the piper at Windsor was something the Queen had personally requested, Buckingham Palace said.

Later that evening, at a private family service, the Queen will be buried together with her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the King George VI memorial chapel, located inside St George’s Chapel.

Her marble slab will be engraved ELIZABETH II 1926-2022.

Image Credit: Aaron Chown/Pool Photo via AP

Queen Elizabeth’s funeral is set for tomorrow, September 19 in London. The funeral will host world leaders from across the globe including current and former presidents, and prime ministers. Among all the invitees, one name stands out as the center of controversy, the question over the arrival of Saudi crown prince Muhammad Bin Salman.

The controversy was initiated by the comments by Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancee, Hatice Cengiz. Upon the crown prince’s statement that he intended to attend the funeral, Cengiz called for the arrest of the crown prince upon his arrival in the UK. She further insisted that Bin Salman should not be “allowed to stain the Queen’s memory”.

Further dilemmas circle around the crown prince concerning the upcoming funeral. The world’s eyes will be focused on his encounter with US President Joe Biden, who essentially accused Bin Salman and the Saudi leadership of the murder of Khashoggi. Whether the two will shake hands remains to be seen, as his encounter with several other world leaders.

Bin Salman’s arrival itself remains a mystery, as there is yet to be a clear indication of his arrival. Regardless of his decision, his arrival or refrain from attending will stand at the center of controversy and political tension.

The Queen of Jordan has described the late Queen Elizabeth II as “public service personified” and a role model “she always looked up to”.

In a special interview with ITV News presenter Mary Nightingale, Queen Rania said the late monarch “really demonstrated what it means to be queen”.
“For all of us – I think she set that bar really high.”
“She experienced so much over her life, that it’s actually hard to believe that one person could have been exposed to so much in one lifetime,” she adds.

Queen Rania of Jordan was born in Kuwait and was forced to flee during the first Gulf War in 1991, Queen Rania’s early life was much like thousands of other Palestinians’. In 1993 she met Prince Abdullah II bin al-Hussein of Jordan at a party, and the two were married six months later.

Rania is seen as a strong progressive female voice in the Arab world and a powerful global advocate for education, health and women’s rights. She told ITV News that she would often turn to the Queen for advice about how to balance her public duties with personal life and “how to keep strong in the face of challenges”.

“She gave me a lot of guidance, just even small tips,” Queen Rania said.

“For that, I’m eternally grateful.”

Queen Rania also spoke of her special bond with the Queen, as King Hussein” – Rania’s father-in-law ascended the throne in Jordan just months after Queen Elizabeth II’s accession in February 1952.

While Rania only met Britain’s longest reigning monarch a few times, she says this made those few occasions “more special”.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II left the kingdom yesterday on a visit to the UK, where he will attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in London on Monday. 2,000 people, including hundreds of world leaders and royalty, have been invited to the funeral, including US President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Japanese Emperor Naruhito and French President Emmanuel Macron.

In the not-too-distant future, desalination could be the secret weapon of another major world power: Saudi Arabia. The country is already one of the largest producers of desalinated water in the world, and that’s just a minor use case for this process. With almost no natural freshwater sources left, Saudi Arabia has begun to ramp up its desalination efforts. Neom, Saudi Arabia’s sustainable city is set to build a water desalination plant by 2024. As a result, we could see an increased supply of fresh water from this nation sooner than we think. 

What is Desalination?

Desalination, which is also known as desalinization, is the process of converting salty water into fresh water. It’s a technique that has been around since at least the 7th century when the Chinese first used it. Although the process has been around for a while, it’s only in the last few decades that it has become an important process in many parts of the world. There are three main methods of desalination: thermal, osmotic, and reverse osmosis desalination.

How Does Desalination Work?

Let’s start with thermal desalination. This method uses a series of steps to convert salty water into fresh water. First, salty water is heated so that the salt becomes a liquid. Then the heated saltwater is put into a vacuum chamber, where the salt vaporizes and is captured. The remaining water is cooled and returned to a liquid state. This water is then run through a series of filters to remove as much of the salt as possible. Next, we have osmotic desalination. This method works by reducing the amount of salt in the water until it is almost completely gone. The water is then purified and turned into fresh water. Osmotic desalination is often combined with reverse osmosis desalination. Finally, we have reverse osmosis desalination. This method uses a special membrane to filter out any impurities in the salty water. The resulting fresh water is then pumped out and used for drinking, growing crops, or watering livestock.

Why is Saudi Arabia Doing This?

Saudi Arabia has been hit hard by water shortages in recent years. The country’s aquifers are being depleted, and the country is experiencing unsustainable rates of water use. As a result, Saudi Arabia has begun to look for solutions to its water crisis. And that’s where desalination comes in. Desalination has been around for a long time. But recent breakthroughs have made it much more efficient and affordable. For example, new energy-efficient desalination plants can use as much as 50% less energy than previous models. The cost of desalination is also dropping. Thanks to the falling price of renewable energy, it’s now cheaper to run desalination plants than to pump groundwater.

The NEOM Green Hydrogen renewable energy project is a joint venture among NEOM, ACWA Power and USA’s Air Products. It is set to produce 650 tons of hydrogen daily and mitigate the impact of 3 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. NEOM will be climate-friendly and cost-effective as wind speeds can go up to 11 meters a second and the country is solar-intensive. Using renewable energy in water desalination will also boost the city’s green hydrogen production, which could be supplied to other countries. 

Desalination is a process that has been used for thousands of years. It has been used by cultures all over the world, and it has now become a central part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to deal with water shortages. As technology improves, we will see even more desalination plants pop up in Saudi Arabia, as well as other countries facing water shortages. That will help ensure that countries have enough water for drinking, farming, and other uses. It’ll also help prevent people from having to go without water in times of drought.

Protests broke out in western Iran on Saturday at the funeral of a young woman who died after being detained by morality police enforcing strict hijab rules, and security forces used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

Videos posted on social media showed protesters shouting anti-government slogans after gathering in Saqez, hometown of Mahsa Amini. They came from nearby cities in Iran’s Kurdistan province to mourn the 22-year-old who died in a hospital in the capital Tehran on Friday.

“Death to the dictator” – a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, chanted the crowd, while some women took off their headscarves. Police were seen firing tear gas and one man can be seen on a video with an injury to the head that someone could be heard saying was caused by birdshot. The authenticity of the videos could not be verified.

Protests also spread to the provincial capital, Sanandaj where they continued late into the night. Social media videos showed crowds chanting “Saqez is not alone, it’s supported by Sanandaj”. Marchers were also seen confronting riot police amid the sound of sporadic gunfire. Other posted videos showed youths setting fire to tyres and throwing rocks at riot police across clouds of tear gas.

In recent months, rights activists have urged women to publicly remove their veils, a gesture that would risk their arrest for defying the Islamic dress code as the country’s hardline rulers crack down on “immoral behaviour”. 

Videos posted on social media have shown cases of what appeared to be heavy-handed action by morality police units against women who had removed their hijab.

Authorities have launched probes into the death of Amini, but a medical examiner said on Saturday results of forensic tests may take up to three weeks. Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli told state TV there was no report she was beaten.

Police said Amini became ill as she waited with other detained women at a morality police station, rejecting allegations on social media that she was likely beaten.

iran embassy Azerbaijan Jamshid Sharmahd

Lebanese dance troupe Mayyas have won America’s Got Talent season 17.

During the emotional two-hour finale show, in which the results from public voting were revealed, the 11 finalists performed for a final time on the America’s Got Talent stage. Mayyas took the stage alongside Sellars for a mesmerising performance to a backdrop of gold lighting and received a standing ovation from all four judges — Vergara, Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel. The dancers gifted Vergara a necklace with a symbol of the Lebanese cedar tree that she showed off in her interview with LBCI Lebanon after the episode aired.

Earlier this month, the group delivered a hypnotic dance in the semi-finals, performing a serpentine-esque routine to Arabesque melodies, wearing gold body suits and masks, while the lead dancer wore bedlah-style attire, with a gold skirt and green long-sleeved top.

The group have received popular backing from their Lebanese fans throughout the competition. In a show of support, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International launched an advertising campaign in the US with the slogan “Kermalak Ya Lebnen” — which translates to ‘For You Lebanon’ — to promote and support Mayyas. Several celebrities including Lebanese singer Maya Diab wrote on her Instagram Stories that the performance “ raised the name of Lebanon just by showcasing art in this beautiful way that made the world talk about it. We love you and we are proud of you no matter what the result is.”

The group not only take home the $1 million prize, but also the opportunity to headline a Las Vegas show. Runners up include dancer Kristy Sellars with Drake Milligan, Metaphysic and Chapel Hart being in the top five.

Image Credit: Twitter

The world’s most exciting race on water is heading to Dubai for the first time, the first Dubai Sail Grand Prix is set to launch from Mina Rashid in the heart of Old Dubai on Nov. 12-13.

The global league’s calendar includes iconic venues including Bermuda, Saint-Topez, Chicago, Singapore, San Fransisco, Sydney and Dubai is the seventh stop in it. National teams from Australia, Denmark, Canada, Great Britain, France, Spain, New Zealand, the United States, and Switzerland will compete in Dubai over two days.

The race has been organized in partnership with P&O Marinas, the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. Tickets for the event are currently available. Fans will be able to athletes racing identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans which are capable to reach 100 km/h.

Image Credit: Andrew Baker/SailGP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to withdraw Turkey’s membership from the Istanbul Convention regarding violence against women in 2021 was upheld by Turkey’s top administrative court in July. The Istanbul Convention, also known as the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence was designed in 2011 to protect women’s rights and prevent domestic violence in societies among member countries of the Council of Europe.

Prior to the court’s decision, various women’s rights advocates had petitioned the Council of State, arguing that Erdogan’s decision to withdraw from the treaty via a presidential decree was unlawful. However, most of Turkey’s top administrative court judges, in a 40-page ruling, denied the petition and insisted that Erdogan’s decision was valid, citing that the president has the “right of discretion” when interpreting Turkish laws. In context, Turkey is the first-ever member of the Council of Europe to have withdrawn from an international human rights convention. The contentious move was amplified by Erdogan’s Islamic conservative supporters, who claim that the treaty’s language harmed traditional family values and promoted LGBTQ rights.

Erdogan’s ruling party welcomed the administrative court’s decision. Although Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the main opposition leader of the center-left party, was disappointed with the current government’s actions and pledged that Turkey would return to the convention immediately if it succeeds in the upcoming election next year.

The Turkish court’s judgment has sparked outrage among local and international women’s rights groups and several Western countries. Unfortunately, the controversial ruling in Turkey isn’t the only blow to women’s rights. A month ago, the United Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling that granted women the constitutional right to abortion in 1973. This shocking development will illegalize or severely restrict abortion in all states, thus, prompting women’s rights advocates to protest outside the US Supreme Court.

Ironically, women in Turkey can legally have an abortion without restriction permitting that they are within the first ten weeks of pregnancy. However, abortion is not easily accessible as there are only a limited number of private hospitals that offers this kind of service. Since the law legalizing abortion in Turkey was introduced in 1983, the number of procedures has risen over the first five years since its implementation. Unfortunately, a study conducted by Kadir Has University, one of Turkey’s most influential research institutions, found that the accessibility rate of healthcare facilities offering free and safe medical abortions has declined in the past few years due to the government blockading such procedures in public hospitals even though it is technically legal for women to avail. Nonetheless, this occurrence threatens the essence of the 1983 law, and the recent controversial changes in the United States with its abortion rights could intensify an ongoing conservative campaign in Turkey to follow suit and overturn Turkish women’s freedom to have an abortion. It is also an occurrence that President Erdogan and his administration will welcome, as the current government has always been vocal about its plans to scrap abortion.

According to women’s rights advocates in Turkey, the current government’s actions appear to prioritize economic prosperity over women’s rights due to the increasing Islamic conservative movement among the current Turkish society that desires to accelerate the country’s population as they see women’s ability to procreate be determining factors to weigh in the balance of global competition.

Recently, the Stockholm Center for Freedom, a non-profit advocacy organization that promotes human rights in Turkey, conducted a report in June 2022 claiming that Article 29 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) is often used by perpetrators of gender-based violence to gain reduced sentences from Turkish courts by claiming that the victim “provoked” them to commit a crime. Women’s rights activists in Turkey have been longing for the amendment of the law, as violence against women is becoming more prevalent in the country, but the current government appears to be mum on the serious calls for change.

Turkey is known to have a significant tourism industry. It has three cities that made it in the list of top 100 most popular destinations worldwide in 2020 as Turkey has become a hotspot for cheap cosmetic procedures. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war affected Turkey’s current decline in its tourism industry, which is now in recovery mode, while the increasing rate of cases relating to violence against women also won’t help attract tourists, and its recent withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention might have redirected prospective visitors.

It is apparent that women’s rights in Turkey have taken a setback due to the controversial changes that have transpired in the past few years, both local and international. Turkey’s finalization of its withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention might set a domino effect among conservative-led nations within the Council of Europe. Whilst President Erdogan assured women that their rights would remain to be intact even if they pulled out of the Istanbul Convention, women’s rights advocates believe that it is a terrifying situation for Turkish women to have a government that doesn’t want to abide by an international agreement on women’s rights.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Millions of Shia Muslims from all around the world are currently in Karbala in Iraq for the holiday Arbaeen (40 in English), which commemorates 40 days of the war of Karbala, the war that created the split in Islam, and the emergence of the two sects: Sunni and Shia.


The split began with the passing of the fourth Caliph, Ali Bin Abi Taleb. Ali’s eldest son Hassan attempted to succeed his father as the fifth Caliph. This notion was opposed by his challenger for the role, Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufian, who declared that the role of Caliph has been selected by the wise and elders of the Muslim tribes, and not by birthright succession In order not to create a split, Hassan did not pursue his own ambition and withdrew his nomination.

Upon his death, Muawiyah’s son Yazid attempted to declare himself Caliph and succeed his father. To ensure his reign, he demanded allegiance from the late Hassan’s younger son Hussein and his followers who remained loyal to the house of Ali. Hussein refused Yazid’s demands and challenged Yazid for the Caliph, particularly since Hussien’s brother gave up the Caliph role because of the claim that the role must not be passed by birth, and despite this claim by Muawiyah, his son is attempting to obtain the Caliph with the exact method his father initially opposed.

Hussien’s supporters and followers were a small group that resided primarily in areas of Iraq, where Hussien resided. Since his reign, Ali placed great emphasis on his and his family’s unique position in Islam, and as a higher entity than others due to their heritage. Ali was the prophet’s cousin, and he was also his brother in breastfeeding. (the prophet’s mother died shortly after birth and Ali’s mother breasted both as they were at similar ages). Moreover, Ali also married the prophet’s daughter Aysha, therefore, his children were also the prophet’s grandchildren. Thus, Ali’s supporters, and Hussien’s supporters, in turn, believed that the Ali family is the one that must continue to lead the Muslim nation, and they forced Hussien to battle against Yazid forces, which occurred in the area known today as Karbala, Iraq.

The small army of Hussien’s supporters was crushed by the might of Yazid’s army, which was composed of the Caliphate’s army. Yazid declared Hussien and his followers as traitors to the Muslim nation for their opposition to the Caliph, and at the end of the battle, the prophet’s own grandson, Hussein, was killed along with his followers. The remaining of Hussein’s followers, along with his sister Zeinab, detached from the Muslim nation that murdered their leader and thus established the Shia sect in Islam, whilst the continued path of the Caliph and the Muslim nation became known as Sunni.

Forty days is the traditional period of mourning for the dead in many Muslim traditions. Therefore, 40 days after Ashura, Shias commemorate Arbaeen, forty days to the battle and to the death of Hussien, and they mourn the suffering of Hussien at the hands of what they perceive as the unjust Sunnis who have skewed from the path of Islam.

Yemenia Airways have been handed the maximum fine by a French court over a fatal plane crash in Comoros in 2009. The airline was ordered to pay a 225,000 euro ($225,045) fin, as well as more than one million euros in damages and legal costs.

“French justice has acknowledged that Yemenia committed serious mistakes,” said Said Assoumani, head of the victims’ families association. “The ruling is excellent and consistent with our expectations.”

It has always denied any responsibility for the crash that killed 152 people, including 65 French citizens. Yemenia has indicated that it will appeal the verdict,  the company has 10 days to appeal the court’s decision.

Flight 626 was heading from Paris to Moroni, the capital of the Comoros islands, after stopping in Marseille and Sanaa in Yemen.

The aircraft went down during strong winds in the Indian Ocean, around 15 kilometres off the Comorian coast on 30 June. All but one of the 142 passengers and 11 crew members on board the Airbus A310 died.

Image Credit: Sayyid Azim/AP, File

The foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for an official visit to Israel, marking two years since the countries signed the so-called Abraham Accords.

The U.S.-brokered agreements have ushered in public rapprochements between Israel and several Arab states, with the UAE and Bahrain the first to sign the accords with Israel in September 2020, at the White House.

Both the Emirati and Israeli leaderships have welcomed the Abraham Accords and presented the diplomatic achievement to their citizens as a powerful political tool that would allow the two countries to better deliver on their national priorities. Although the normalisation deal has brought about unprecedented opportunities for cooperation between the UAE and Israel during the past two years, differences in their strategic interests have come to the surface and slowed down the initial momentum.

Image Credit: Shlomi Amsalem/Government Press Office

The Biden administration has chosen to withhold $130 million of foreign military aid to Egypt over its failure to fulfil its human rights conditions, U.S. officials said on Wednesday, but permitted some funds to go through due to its determination that Cairo has made progress on political detentions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has determined that Cairo, by releasing hundreds of jailed individuals, had made some progress on political detentions and due process, the officials said. Human rights groups have pushed for withholding all of a $300 million portion of aid to Egypt placed under conditions by the U.S. Congress, citing widespread human rights abuses under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government including torture and enforced disappearances.

The aid that Blinken has decided to withhold accounts for only ten percent of the $1.3 billion allocated for Egypt annually. Washington is allowing $75 million to be released to Egypt, citing progress related to political detentions and due process, including the release of around 500 political detainees this year.

U.S. officials say the relationship with Egypt is complex. The most populous Arab country is a vital ally and Washington is still committed to support it for its “legitimate defense needs.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

The United States announced Wednesday that it intends to provide more than $750 million in additional humanitarian funding for the Syrian people.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the U.N. Security Council that the new donation is in addition to the over $800 million in added U.S. humanitarian aid for Syria that she announced at a donor’s conference in Brussels in May.

She said the new $756 million in assistance “will bring immediate relief to millions of refugees and displaced persons.”

“ It will help humanitarian partners provide clean water, food, hygiene and relief supplies, shelter, protection services, and critical health and nutrition assistance, and it will include support for early recovery programs across the entire country,” she said.

Thomas-Greenfield, who visited Syrian refugees and aid deliveries across the Syria-Turkey border this summer, said “the United States remains the world’s largest donor to Syria because we are committed …. to serving the people of the world.” In her visit, she said the sole border crossing to deliver aid into Syria must remain open despite Russian threats to veto a resolution to protect it.

Palestinian gunmen opened fire on Israeli troops near a military checkpoint in the occupied West Bank Wednesday, killing an Israeli army officer, Israel’s military said. Palestinian officials said that troops killed the two gunmen.

The overnight incident was the latest in a string of deadly clashes in recent months in the northern West Bank, where Israeli troops conduct nightly raids. Most of that fighting, including Wednesday’s, has taken place near the city of Jenin, which is known as a bastion of Palestinian militants.

The military said soldiers spotted the two militants approaching Israel’s separation barrier in the northern West Bank and that it dispatched forces to the area. It said the two suspects began shooting automatic weapons at troops, who returned fire.

The Israeli army said that Maj. Bar Falah, 30, was killed in the shootout.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the Israeli army was holding the bodies of the two men. It identified them as Ahmad Abed, 23, and Abd al-Rahman Abed, 22, both from a village near Jenin.

The Israeli military confirmed that Ahmad Abed was a member of the Palestinian Authority security services, which coordinate with Israel in an uneasy alliance against their common foe, the Hamas militant group.

Late Wednesday, Israeli authorities said they were temporarily closing a pair of crossings into Israel, including the checkpoint where the shooting took place. They said they were also suspending Israeli entry and work permits for all residents of the attackers’ hometown.

Hamas praised the attack, hailing the two gunmen as “heroic martyrs.”

In a phone briefing with reporters, Barbara Leaf, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, said the security conditions in the West Bank “concern us greatly.”

She said the U.S. was working to maintain and strengthen security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. She said that during a recent swing through the region, she also discussed ways to improve the Palestinian economy, saying this would also improve the security situation.

Israel has been carrying out nightly arrest raids in West Bank cities, towns and villages since a spate of attacks against Israelis in the spring killed 19 people.

Israeli fire has killed scores of Palestinians during that time, making it the deadliest year in the occupied territory since 2016.

The Israeli military says the vast majority of those killed were militants or stone-throwers who endangered the soldiers. But several civilians have also been killed during Israel’s monthslong operation, including a veteran journalist and a lawyer who apparently drove unwittingly into a battle zone. Local youths who took to the streets in response to the invasion of their neighborhoods have also been killed.

Israel says the arrest raids are meant to dismantle militant networks. The Palestinians say the operations are aimed at maintaining Israel’s 55-year military occupation of territories they want for an independent state.

Israel captured the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war and the Palestinians seek those territories for a future state.

A Lebanese woman held up a bank branch with what she described as a toy pistol yesterday to recover $13,000 of her savings to pay for her sister’s cancer treatment.

Sali Hafez stormed into a branch of Blom Bank in Beirut with a realistic looking firearm and a group of activists. They were protesting against currency controls imposed due to the national financial crisis. The activists forced bank employees to hand over $12,000 and the equivalent of about $1,000 in Lebanese pounds.

Sali Hafez told the local Al-Jadeed TV that she needed the money to fund her sister’s cancer treatment. She said she had repeatedly visited the bank to ask for her money and was told she could only receive $200 a month in Lebanese pounds.  She said she had already sold many of her personal belongings and had considered selling her kidney to fund her 23 year-old sister’s cancer treatment. Hafez said the toy pistol belonged to her nephew.

This is the second hostage situation at a Lebanese bank in weeks, as millions of people continue to be locked out of their accounts due to strict limits on withdrawlas of foreign currency, a move introduced in 2019. About three-quarters of the population has slipped into poverty as the Lebanese economy continues to spiral.

The country has so far failed to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a recovery programme that would unlock billions of dollars in international loans and aid.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi arrived in Qatar on Tuesday on a two-day visit that caps a reconciliation between the two Arab nations after a four-year rift ended last year. The visit, announced on Twitter by the royal palace in Doha and Mr El Sisi’s office, was described by the Qatari news agency as the start of a “new era” in relations between the two countries.

The image of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warmly shaking hands with Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani would have been unthinkable years ago, when three Gulf Arab states and Egypt imposed a boycott on Doha over its sympathy to Islamists and other contentious issues. Relations between Cairo and Doha frayed in 2013, when el-Sissi, as defense minister, led the military’s overthrow of Egypt’s Islamist President Mohamed Morsi following a short-lived and divisive rule, and outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood. Morsi, who hailed from the Brotherhood, was backed by Qatar.

The visit comes at a time when the Egypt is in the midst of an economic crisis, caused, largely by the damaging fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war, with Egypt relying heavily on Russia for wheat imports and the coronavirus pandemic before it.

During his visit, Mr El Sisi will meet representatives of Qatari companies and members of the Egyptian-Qatari business council, Reuters reported.

Image Credit: Egyptian Presidency Media Office

Saudi authorities have arrested a man who claimed to have travelled to the Muslim holy city of Mecca to perform an umrah pilgrimage on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II. The pilgrim, who was not identified by name, had posted footage earlier this week that showed him holding a banner honouring the late queen from inside the courtyard of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.


The clip quickly went viral on Saudi social media, sparking anger among devout Muslims with Twitter users calling for the man’s arrest. The man in question was arrested Monday for “violating the regulations and instructions” of the holy site. Security forces referred him to the public prosecutor to face charges.

The Grand Mosque, among the holiest sites in Islam, is off-limits to non-Muslims. Saudi Arabia also bans signs and political slogans from the sacred courtyard for fear of offending Islamic sensibilities. Queen Elizabeth, who died last week, was head of the Church of England. “Umrah for the soul of Queen Elizabeth II, may Allah grant her peace in heaven and accept her among the righteous,” the banner read in English and Arabic.

Image Credit: ekrem osmanoglu on Unsplash

The outbreak of cholera in Syria presents a serious threat to people in Syria and the wider region, a U.N. official said Tuesday, insisting that urgent action is needed to prevent further cases and deaths.

The statement by the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Imran Riza, came after health officials in the country reported at least five deaths and more than two dozen cases in different provinces. “Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity,” Riza said, adding that the outbreak is an indicator of severe water shortages in Syria.

The statement also said that chlorination activities to disinfect water are being increased and dosing rates are being increased in fragile and highly vulnerable communities to curb the spread of the disease.

The war-torn country has faced catastrophic impacts to its infrastructure since the conflict began in March 2011, leaving residents in some areas of Syria with no access to clean water. Many residents have been displaced, leaving many in tent settlements located around the country.

A four-story residential building collapsed in the Jordanian capital on Tuesday, killing at least two people and wounding 11 others, officials said.

Although it was not immediately clear what brought down the building, which state media said was an older structure located in Jabal al-Weibdeh. The Public Security Directorate confirmed the toll, and authorities said rescuers were still searching for survivors.

Prime Minister Bishr al-Khasawneh directed authorities to investigate the cause of the collapse.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Raad Adayleh

Germany is in talks to buy the Arrow 3 missile defence system from Israel intended to strengthen the German armed forces following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said on a visit to the German capital on Monday.

Germany has increased up its military spending after Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February, while providing Kyiv with aid and heavy weapons as part of an international response.

“Israel … will play a part in building Germany’s new defence force, mainly in the field of air defence,” Lapid told reporters, speaking alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“… it has to do with our total commitment to the safety of Germany, to the safety of Europe, to the ability of liberal democracies to defend themselves,” he added.

Lapid described their talks as leading to a “future possible deal” but declined to outline the cost. Scholz said Germany would strengthen its defences by purchasing more air defence systems in the future and called the Arrow 3 system a “high-performance offer” but also declined to go into specifics.

Arrow 3 interceptors are currently Israel’s most advanced long-range missile defense system. They are unique and designed to fly beyond the earth’s atmosphere, where their warheads detach to become “kamikaze” satellites, or “kill vehicles” that track and slam into the targets. Such high-altitude shoot-downs are meant to safely destroy incoming nuclear, biological or chemical missiles. The innovative Arrow 3 interceptor is designed to intercept and destroy the newest, longer-range threats, especially those carrying weapons of mass destruction.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Michael Sohn

The Saudi capital of Riyadh witnessed on Sunday the launch of a torch relay for the Saudi Games 2022, the largest sporting event in the Kingdom’s history. The relay commences just weeks before the debut of the Kingdom’s most significant national sporting event.

Traveling 3,500 kilometers across the country for a total of 22 days, the torch relay’s mission is to promote the positive values ​​of the Saudi Games 2022 and convey peace and friendship to residents and visitors alike throughout its journey.

Sunday’s launch ceremony was attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Director of the Saudi Games, and Princess Dilayl Bint Nahar Al Saud, deputy director of the Saudi Games.

Also in attendance were members of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Saudi Games, in addition to a host of sports and social personalities.

By September 24, the relay will have reached the Eastern Province, stopping by Dhahran, Al-Khobar, and Dammam, before heading to Al-Ahsa Governorate, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Taif, Al-Baha, and Asir region. It then travels to Jazan, followed by the Najran region, Al-Ula, and back to Riyadh. The torch relay will finish on Oct. 10 in Al-Dir’iyyah Governorate.

The torch will visit some of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent cultural and historical attractions by traveling on a route that features 57 famous landmarks in 13 regions.

The Islamic State group killed six U.S.-backed Syrian fighters in eastern Syria saying on Monday that the killing was in retaliation for an ongoing operation inside a sprawling camp housing tens of thousands of family members of the extremist group.

The IS-linked Aamaq news agency released a video showing the shooting of the six members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces near the eastern village of Ruwaished where they were captured alive and later shot dead late Sunday.

Despite their defeat in Syria in 2019, when IS lost the last sliver of land its fighters once controlled, the extremists’ sleepers cells have continued to carry out deadly attacks in Syria and Iraq where they once held large parts of the two countries.

The latest attack occurred in Syria’s eastern province of Deir el-Zour bordering Iraq, and where U.S. troops are based at an oil facility known as the Omar Field.

Last week, the U.S. military said SDF fighters arrested dozens of IS militants and rescued four women who were being held chained inside tents at the massive al-Hol camp that houses IS families.

The operation that has been ongoing for three weeks is part of an effort to dissolve a major IS network at the camp, which is widely seen as a breeding ground for the next generation of IS extremists.

The al-Hol camp in Syria’s northeastern Hassakeh Province, has long been viewed as a growing problem and there have been a number of military operations and raids there to root out IS threats.

Some 50,000 Syrians and Iraqis are crowded into tents in the fenced-in camp. Nearly 20,000 of them are children; most of the rest are women, the wives and widows of IS fighters. In a separate, heavily guarded section of the camp known as the annex are an additional 2,000 women from 57 other countries — they are considered the most die-hard IS supporters — along with their children, numbering about 8,000.

Israeli missile strike Syria

Lebanon’s central bank has lifted its remaining subsidies on fuel on Monday, gas station owners said, ending a year-long process of scaling back on the costly program.

Over a year ago the Central Bank announced it would gradually lift fuel subsidies, to slow down the draining of its foreign exchange reserves. Fuel subsidies once cost the cash-strapped country some $3 billion annually. Last week, it subsidized just 20% of the cost of fuel imports.

Lebanon is in the midst of a crippling economic crisis that has plunged three-quarters of its population into poverty and decimated the value of the Lebanese pound against the dollar by around 90 percent. The World Bank has described the collapse as one of the worst in the world in the last 150 years.

Now, gas station owners will price fuel at the country’s “parallel market rate” — also known as the black market rate, Gas Station Owners’ Syndicate spokesperson George Brax told The Associated Press.

The local currency is still officially pegged at 1,500 Lebanese pounds to the U.S. dollar, but now trades at about 35,250 pounds at the black market rate.

A liter of 95 octane gasoline currently cost just less than a dollar, but topping up the average car costs almost the monthly minimum wage. The black market rate heavily fluctuates with little transparency, possibly risking arbitrary price hikes regardless of global fuel prices.

Image Credit: Dawn McDonald on Unsplash

Five people died of cholera due to the contamination of drinking water in Syria. The Kurdish administration has appealed to international organizations to provide support to limit its spread.

The main cause of the spread appears to be people drinking polluted water as well as watering plants in some areas with unclean water. The symptoms have appeared in civilians such as vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, high body temperature, hypotension, and muscle spasms. Cholera usually appears in residential areas with scarce drinking water or no sanitation systems. It is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and leads to diarrhea and vomiting.

Syria’s infrastructure has suffered damage since the country’s conflict began in March 2011 where residents of some areas have no access to clean water.

Image Credit: Twitter

The death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, has consumed social media and the media worldwide. Following months of speculation and concern about her health, as the longest-reigning British monarch missed numerous official functions and began to appear increasingly fragile, Queen Elizabeth II died surrounded by close family members at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She has visited 125 different countries on 7 continents during her reign, many of which have been Commonwealth countries. However, there are a few that stand out for their Arab origin – the Arab states that the Queen has visited throughout her reign.

Elizabeth’s first visit to the Middle East as Queen was to Libya, then a monarchy. It would be over a decade until she would visit an Arab state again, witnessed by her trips to Khartoum and El-Obeid in Sudan in February 1965, aged 38.

1957 – Kuwait

The Queen first visited Kuwait in 1957, whilst it was still under the rule of the al-Sabah family. It was only declared a fully independent nation in 1961, at which point the British withdrew from their base there. Many people believe that the Kuwaiti ruling family is related to the British Royal Family, although there has never been any confirmed proof of this.

1961 – Iraq and Syria

The Queen visited Iraq in 1961 and Syria in the same year. At the time, Iraq was still under the rule of King Feisal II, who had been in control since he was three years old. Upon his death in the 1970s, Iraq became a republic. Syria’s ruler was President Shukri al-Quwatli, who was in power until his death in 1963. He was replaced by Dr. Nazim al-Suwaydani, who was in charge of the country until 1965, when he was overthrown by President Amin al-Hafiz.

1969 – Qatar and Bahrain

In 1969, the Queen visited both Qatar and Bahrain. Qatar at the time was under the rule of Sheikh Ahmad ibn al-Thani. In the case of Bahrain, the ruler was Sheikh Isa ibn Sulman al-Qahtani. At the time of the Queen’s visit, both countries were still under British protection.

1977 – Oman and United Arab Emirates

The Queen visited Oman in 1977 as part of a tour of the Arabian peninsula. At the time of this visit, the ruler of Oman was Sultan Qaboos, who was in power from 1970 until his death in 2016. The ruler of the United Arab Emirates at this time was Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is still in charge of the state today.

1997-99 – Egypt, Yemen and Jordan

The Queen made a visit to Egypt in 1997, where she met with President Hosni Mubarak. He was in power until 2011, when the Egyptian revolution occurred. The Queen also made a visit to Yemen in 1997, as well as to Jordan in the same year. The ruler of Egypt at this time was President Hosni Mubarak, who was in power until 2011, when the Egyptian revolution occurred. The ruler of Yemen was President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who was President until his death, which occurred in 2017. In the case of Jordan, King Hussein was still in power at the time of the Queen’s visit.

2002 – Morocco

The Queen made a visit to Morocco in 2002. At the time of this visit, the country was still under the rule of King Mohammed VI. He was in power until he died in 2019. The Queen has visited many Arab nations, and continues to do so as part of her extensive international travel. Many of the nations that she has visited have been in the Middle East, which is an area that will likely remain relevant for years to come.

 She has visited 125 different countries on 7 continents during her reign, many of which have been Commonwealth countries. However, there are a few that stand out for their Arab origin – the Arab states that the Queen has visited throughout her reign. Many of the nations that she has visited have been in the Middle East, which is an area that will remain relevant for the UK for years to come.

Image Credit: Mark de Jong

Yemen’s information minister has called for stronger international action to rein in Iran’s destructive activities, warning that Iran is arming the Houthis to weaken the country and gain control over international trade and energy through the Red Sea.

Muammar Al-Eryani wrote for the Atlantic Council that Iran is establishing a Yemeni Hezbollah model by arming and financing the Houthi militia with the goal of using it to seize control of Yemen as well as using it as a launch pad for attacks against neighbouring countries and international maritime activities via Bab Al-Mandab and the Red Sea.

“The international community seems indifferent to the risks of Iranian hostile behaviour and intrusion through its support of Yemen’s Houthi rebels and efforts to clone another Lebanese Hezbollah in Yemen,” the Yemeni minister said.

“The Iranian regime’s interest in Yemen goes beyond the country’s internal conflict. It also seeks to impose its influence on the south of the Arabian Peninsula and to tighten its control over the 2,500 km-long coastal strip along the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the strategic Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Indian Ocean.”

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), reported on Sunday that the s General Directorate for Narcotics Control seized 249,779 amphetamine pills that were smuggled into Jeddah via the Jeddah Islamic Port.

According to the SPA, the pills were hidden inside drilling equipment when the authorities discovered them. A citizen from Riyadh was also arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution.

In late August, the authorities in Saudi Arabia said they seized 46 million amphetamine pills hidden in a flour shipment in what is believed to be the country’s biggest drug bust.

This comes as Saudi Arabian authorities have said that they will continue to crack down on smuggling attempts into the country.

Image Credit: SPA

Israel does not anticipate a renewal of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers before the U.S. mid-term elections in November, an Israeli official said on Sunday. This follows European parties to the negotiations voicing frustration with Tehran’s latest demands.

Israel previously supported then-U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from a 2015 Iranian nuclear deal and has since tried to convince the U.S. and other parties in the negotiations not to re-enter another deal.

On Saturday, Britain, France and Germany said they had “serious doubts” about Iran’s intentions after it tried to link a revival of the deal with a closure of U.N. watchdog probes into uranium traces at three of its nuclear sites.

Tehran called the European statement “unconstructive”.

“At this point in time, it appears that a nuclear agreement with Iran will not be signed at least until after the (U.S.) mid-term elections,” the Israeli official told Reuters reporters on condition of anonymity.

Image Credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP

Four Turkish soldiers were killed in a clash with militants in northern Iraq, Turkey’s defence ministry said late on Sunday.

The ministry said the incident took place in a region where Turkey was carrying out a cross border operation.

Image Credit: Tarik Haiga on Unsplash

Greece’s prime minister says that he cannot imagine that tensions with neighbouring NATO ally Turkey could ever escalate into armed conflict.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke at a press conference Sunday at the Thessaloniki International Fair, where he gave the keynote speech Saturday outlining his government’s economic policy goals.

When asked by The Associated Press whether a recent escalation in rhetoric from Turkey, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, could be the prelude to an armed conflict, Mitsotakis replied negatively.

“I don’t believe this will ever happen. And if, God forbid, it happened, Turkey would receive an absolutely devastating response. And I think they know it very well. Turkey knows the competence of the Greek (armed) forces,” he said.

Erdogan has accused Greece of occupying supposedly demilitarized islands in the Aegean Sea and has threatened that Turkey would take action.

Mitsotakis added that, despite Erdogan’s “unacceptable” comments, he was still open to dialogue and a meeting with him.

Mitsotakis linked Greece’s unequivocal support for Ukraine to concerns that, if Russia prevails, it could serve as an example to other countries with expansionist designs.

“There is a dividing line between the countries that respect the inviolability of borders (and) the rules of international law and those who believe that, based on the law of the strongest, they can target countries they believe are weaker and change the borders on a whim,” Mitsotakis said.

Mitsotakis added “it is very important to give Ukraine the chance to negotiate a peace with Russia on its own terms and certainly not as the loser in this war.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos

It’s been 21 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. For many of us, it feels like yesterday. We remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news. We remember the shock and the disbelief.

For some of us, 9/11 was a personal tragedy. We lost friends or loved ones in the attacks. We still grieve for them today.

For all of us, 9/11 was a national tragedy. It changed our country forever. We became more security-conscious and less trusting of strangers. We also became more united as a country. In the aftermath of 9/11, we came together to support one another and to rebuild our lives.

21 years later, we honor the victims of 9/11 and those who responded with courage and heroism. We also remember how our country came together in the wake of this tragedy.

The Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world for nearly 30 years, until they were surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. They were originally built as part of the World Trade Center complex in New York City.

The Gulf region could become a hub for blockchain technology after a London-based crypto firm Blockchain.com has reportedly been awarded provisional approval to operate in Dubai.

The company, which offers users a crypto wallet and is also a crypto exchange, said on Friday it had signed an agreement with Dubai’s crypto regulator Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and would open an office in the region and begin hiring.

This comes as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pushes to develop virtual asset regulation intended to attract new forms of business after Dubai adopted its first law governing virtual assets and establishing VARA as a regulator for the sector in March. Since then, crypto giants Binance and FTX have also been granted virtual asset licenses.

Image Credit: Choong Deng Xiang on Unsplash

Egypt’s prosecutors have charged four journalists from one of the country’s few remaining independent news outlets of spreading false news and disturbing public peace, the news website said in a statement.

Mada Masr said late Wednesday that the journalists were released on bail following their interrogation. At issue is an article saying that senior members of a pro-government political party were implicated in a corruption case.

Mada Masr Editor-in-Chief Lina Attalah and the three female authors of the article — Rana Mamdouh, Sara Seif Eddin and Beesan Kassab — were also charged with slander and defamation of Nation’s Future Party members, according to the outlet’s statement.

After Wednesday’s interrogation, Attalah was charged with running an unlicensed news website. The outlet has said in previous statements that it has applied for a license but did not receive a response.

Bail for Atallah was set at LE20,000 ($1,052) and at LE5,000 ($263) for the three other journalists, according to Mada Masr statement.

An Egyptian government media officer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new charges filed against the journalists.

Media are required to have permission to work in Egypt, but that requirement is often used as a pretext to silence reporting the state sees as critical.

Egypt is ranked as having one of the highest prosecution rates of journalists according to 2021 data gathered by the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists.

Egypt to offer citizenship

Albania’s Interior Ministry said Saturday that one of its border systems was hit by a cyberattack that came from the same Iranian source as an earlier attack that led the country to break diplomatic relations with Iran.

It said in a statement that the previous evening an Albanian police transmitting system was found to be “under a cyberattack similar to the one that (government portal) e-Albania suffered in July.”

“Preliminary results show the attack was committed by the same hand,” the statement said, adding that authorities temporarily closed down all the systems, including the Total Information Management System (TIMS), which records entries and exits at the border crossing. Local media reported long queues in at least two border crossings in the south.

Albania, a NATO member, cut diplomatic ties with Iran and expelled its embassy staff this week. It was the first known case of a country cutting diplomatic relations over a cyberattack. The Albanian government has accused Iran of carrying out the July 15 attack, which temporarily shut down numerous Albanian government digital services and websites.

“Another cyberattack from the same aggressors already exposed and denounced by Albania’s allies and friendly countries, was seen last evening on the TIMS system,” Prime Minister Edi Rama tweeted on Saturday, adding that officials are coordinating defensive work with allies.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Franc Zhurda

The U.S. envoy mediating between Lebanon and Israel over the two countries’ disputed maritime border said Friday some progress has been made but that more work needs to be done to resolve the issue.

Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser for energy security at the U.S. State Department, has been mediating between the two countries and shuttling between Beirut and Jerusalem as tensions remain high near the tense border after Lebanon’s Iran-backed militant Hezbollah group and Israel exchanged threats recently.

He spoke on Friday, at the end of a brief visit to Beirut where he met with top officials, including President Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

“I think we’re making very good progress. I’m very hopeful that we can reach an agreement,” he said after the meeting with Aoun.

Later, Hochstein told reporters at the airport before leaving that “I’m very hopeful with what we discussed today but still more work needs to be done.”

Mikati’s office said in a statement that the two discussed ideas that Hochstein brought with him, adding that Lebanese officials will study them and “give an answer soon.”

A Lebanese official who attended the talks told The Associated Press that the proposal put forward by the U.S. envoy gives Lebanon the right to the Qana field, which is partly in Israel’s domain. A part of it stretches deep into the disputed area. The official added that the main point now is how to draw the demarcation line in a way that stretches south of Qana.

In 2017, Lebanon approved licenses for an international consortium by France’s Total, Italy’s ENI and Russia’s Novatek to move forward with offshore oil and gas development for two of 10 blocks in the Mediterranean Sea, including one that is disputed in part with neighboring Israel.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said that France’s Total said that as soon as a deal is reached it will start exploration in the border area.

Last month, Novatek announced it is withdrawing from the consortium. Lebanese media reported that a Qatari company will take over from the Russian firm.

This was Hochstein’s first visit to Lebanon since late July. The previous visit came after Israel set up a gas rig at its designated location at the Karish field. Israel says the field is part of its U.N.-recognized exclusive economic zone, while Lebanon insists Karish is in a disputed area.

In July, the Israeli military shot down three unarmed Hezbollah drones flying over the Karish field. Last month, Hezbollah’s leader issued a warning to Israel over the maritime dispute, saying that “any arm” that reaches to steal Lebanon’s wealth “will be cut off.”

The heavily armed Hezbollah, which has fought several wars with Israel, has repeatedly said in the past that it would use its weapons to protect Lebanon’s economic rights. Still, Hezbollah officials have said they would endorse a deal reached between Lebanon’s government and Israel.

The U.S.-mediated indirect talks between Lebanon and Israel have been stalled since last year amid disagreements within Lebanon over how big the disputed area is.

The two countries, which have been officially at war since Israel’s creation in 1948, both claim some 860 square kilometers (330 square miles) of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon hopes to unleash offshore oil and gas production as it grapples with the worst economic crisis in its modern history.

Last year, the Lebanese delegation in the talks — a mix of army generals and professionals — offered a new map that pushes for an additional 1,430 square kilometers (550 square miles) as Lebanese territory.

Hochstein had said that a solution to the border crisis would help Lebanon pull out of its economic meltdown that began in October 2019, leaving more than 75% of its people in poverty.

Image Credit: Dalati Nohra via AP

France, Germany and Britain have urged Iran to agree to a proposed relaunch of the agreement limiting its nuclear program, saying final texts of a deal have been readied but Iran “has chosen not to seize this critical diplomatic opportunity.”

The three European governments said in a joint statement Saturday that Iran has instead raised “separate issues” and “continues to escalate its nuclear program way beyond any plausible civilian justification.”

The statement comes amid efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which eased sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. The United States unilaterally pulled out of the accord in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to start backing away from the deal’s terms.

The U.N. atomic watchdog said Wednesday it believes Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium that is highly enriched to one short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels.

Iran last week sent a written response in negotiations over a final draft of a roadmap for parties to return to the tattered nuclear deal, though the U.S. cast doubt on Tehran’s offer. Neither side elaborated on the contents.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

Ahead of COP27, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, African nations are demanding that developed countries provide financing for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This article looks at the reasons behind this demand, and what developed countries are likely to do in response.

African nations demand climate change financing ahead of COP27

As the world prepares for the COP27 climate change conference in November, African nations are stepping up their demands for climate change financing.

African countries are some of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and they say they need more support to adapt to a changing environment.

“We want to see a significant increase in climate finance for Africa,” said Gebru Jember Endalew, chair of the Africa Group of Negotiators at COP26. “This is essential if we are to meet our commitments under the Paris Agreement.”

Endalew said that African countries need support to build resilience to climate shocks, such as droughts and floods. They also need funding to develop clean energy technologies and to adapt their agriculture to a changing climate.

“Climate finance is an important part of the puzzle in addressing climate change,” Endalew said. “Without it, we will not be able to make the necessary investments in adaptation and mitigation.”

African nations are calling on developed countries to provide $100 billion a year in climate finance by 2020. This is an increase from the $62 billion that was pledged in 2015.

So far, developed countries have only delivered on about

Climate Change in Africa

Climate change is a major problem in Africa. The continent is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as drought, flooding, and extreme weather events.

African leaders have been calling for greater financing to help them address the effects of climate change. They argue that developed countries, which are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, should pay more to help developing countries deal with the impacts of climate change.

African nations are also working to increase their resilience to the effects of climate change. They are investing in early warning systems for extreme weather events and working to improve water management and food security.

While there is still much work to be done, African nations are taking steps to address the threat of climate change. They are calling on developed countries to provide more financial assistance and work to improve their resilience.

COP 2027

As the world prepares for the COP 2027 climate talks, African nations are demanding that developed countries provide them with financing to help them adapt to the effects of climate change.

African countries are some of the most vulnerable to climate change, and they say that they need financial assistance to be able to cope with its impacts. They are also calling for more transparency from developed countries on how they are spending the money that has already been pledged to help developing nations deal with climate change.

The African group of negotiators is expected to be a key player at the COP 2027 talks, and their demands will likely be at the top of the agenda. It remains to be seen whether or not developed countries will be willing to meet their demands, but Africa will be a key player in the upcoming negotiations.

Iraq’s future is doomed

The future of Iraq is doomed. The country is in a state of chaos and there is no end in sight. The only thing that seems certain is that more violence and death will come to the people of Iraq.

The people of Iraq are protesting in the streets. They are angry about the government and they want to change. The government is not listening to the people and the situation is getting worse.

The people of Iraq are fed up with corruption and the lack of services. The government is not providing basic needs like water and electricity. The unemployment rate is high and there are no good jobs.

The situation in Iraq is very bad and it seems like the future is doomed. The government needs to listen to the people and make some changes, or else the country will continue to decline.

The economy is also in a dire state. Inflation is soaring, and there are shortages of essential goods such as food and medicine. Violence is also on the rise, with regular bombings and shootings taking place.

All of this means that the future looks very uncertain for Iraq. It is hard to see how the country can recover from its current problems.

Muqtada Sadr and his influence on Iraq’s politics

Muqtada Sadr is an Iraqi Shia cleric and politician who is the leader of the Sadrist Movement, a political party in Iraq. He is also the founder and leader of the Peace Companies, an armed group that fought against the American military presence in Iraq.

Sadr was born in Najaf, Iraq in 1973. His father, Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr, was a highly respected Shia cleric and one of the founders of the Dawa Party. His uncle, Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir al-Sadr, was also a highly respected Shia cleric and one of the leaders of the Iranian Revolution.

Sadr grew up in a religious family and studied at religious schools in Najaf and Qom, Iran. He earned a degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Baghdad in 1999.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, Sadr became involved in Iraqi politics. He formed the Sadrist Movement and ran in the 2004 Iraqi parliamentary elections. The Sadrist Movement won 32 seats in parliament.

In 2006, Sadr led his militia, the Mahdi Army, against American troops in Iraq. The fighting continued until 2008 when a truce was reached between Sadr and

Today, Sadr is using his political leverage and influence to continue the political chaos. Sadr is known for his continued incitement of his Shiite followers against the government, despite the fact he had been one of its members. Sadr mobilized his followers to the streets to demand changes and erupt into chaos when his desires are unmet.

Now, as the status quo continues in failing to form a new government, Sadr and his party dramatically withdrew from the political debate. This proved to be Sad’s’ new strategy to increase his influence in the streets. Now that he is no longer limited in his mobilization of people against the government as a member, he can now increase the level of protests and violence on the streets. Sadr is influencing the political debate and the Sunni-Shite struggle for political power in Iraq, and so long as his influencer remains, Iraq’s political future looks doomed. 

Britain is mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday, September 8.

Elizabeth was the queen of the United Kingdom for more than 60 years and was respected by many for her service to her country. She was also known for her strong sense of duty and her dedication to her family.

Elizabeth’s husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away earin Aril of last year. The couple had four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Elizabeth also had eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth will be succeeded by her eldest son, Prince Charles. Charles is the heir to the throne and has been preparing for this role throughout his life. He is now 72 years old.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is a sad day for Britain. She will be missed by many people around the world.

The history and achievements of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England. She was the first child of Prince Albert, Duke of York (later George VI), and his wife, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Elizabeth became heir to the throne when her grandfather, King George V, died in 1936. Her father ascended the throne the following year, and she became queen at the age of 25 upon his death in 1952.

During her more than 60-year reign, Elizabeth has seen Great Britain through some of its most turbulent times. She has been a steadying force during periods of social upheaval and technological change. The world has changed vastly during her time as queen, but Elizabeth has remained a consistent and revered symbol of her country.

Elizabeth’s long reign has also been marked by an extraordinary level of personal tragedy. In 2002, her beloved daughter Princess Margaret died at the age of 71. And in 1997, her husband of more than 50 years, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, suffered a serious car accident while traveling near their summer home in Scotland. He survived and recovered from his injuries, but the incident was a reminder that even royalty is not immune to the ravages of time.

During her long reign, Queen Elizabeth II oversaw some of the biggest changes in British history. She was a constitutional monarch who modernized the role, and she will be remembered as a queen who cared deeply about her people.

She was also a keen supporter of the arts, and her patronage helped to nurture some of Britain’s most talented artists, writers, and musicians. She will be fondly remembered by those in the creative industries who benefited from her support.

Queen Elizabeth II was a trailblazer in many ways, and she will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The Lebanese all-female dance crew Mayyas made a spectacular return to the “America’s Got Talent” stage, earning a golden buzzer and hugs from “Modern Family” star and judge Sofia Vergara on the semi-final on Tuesday night.

The all-female group received high praise as well as a standing ovation from all four judges — Vergara, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel.

Cowell also remarked that, “Every single one of us in this room, I promise you, are going to remember this moment. This is not just going to change your lives, and this is going to sound very dramatic, this is a performance that changes the world. It was as good as it gets … respect.”

Just eleven acts competed on Tuesday for two spots in the final,a chance to win the $1 million prize and the opportunity to headline a show in Las Vegas. The semi-finals will run with biweekly episodes until Wednesday. The finals will be shown on September 13 and 14.

This is not their first talent show experience for Mayyas. The group previously won season six of “Arabs Got Talent” in 2019 and participated in “Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions” in the same year as well. 

Image Credit: Instagram

Jason Derulo is set to perform at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on October 28.

Known for his iconic hits such as Watcha SayWiggle and Swalla Jason Derulo will be performing live at the Coca-Cola Arena, his first performance since hosting the  Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Abu Dhabi in 2019 as well as White Dubai and Drai’s Dubai.

In the wider region, Derulo has performed for crowds in Saudi Arabia, performing at at at Riyadh’s The Nexus festival in 2019 and the Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Formula One race in Jeddah in 2021.

Image Credit: AFP

In the past few years, the Middle East has made significant strides in the field of space exploration. In February 2021the UAE became the first Middle East country to successfully send a spacecraft into orbit around Mars and only the fifth country to do so. Achievements like this are the result of a long history of space exploration in the region. 

In February 2021, the UAE Space Agency became the first Arab country to send a spacecraft to another planet. This spacecraft was part of the Mars Exploration Program, which began in 2013. The program’s goals are to build capacity in the region, increase knowledge about the “Red Planet”, and inspire the next generation of scientists. 

The UAE Mars spacecraft will travel to Mars with the ExoMars 2020 rover, which is part of a joint mission between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Russia’s Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities. The UAE Mars spacecraft is the first spacecraft ever to be fully designed, built, and operated by a developing country. 

It is also the Arab world’s first attempt at interplanetary exploration. In the 2020 launch window, the ExoMars 2020 mission will deliver the UAE Mars spacecraft to Mars. The spacecraft will then enter orbit around Mars and study its atmosphere as the ExoMars rover explores the planet’s surface. The UAE Mars mission will study the planet’s atmosphere for at least six months, and it will remain operational for one Martian year.

In October 2018, Saudi Arabia announced its plans to launch a satellite in 2021. The satellite will be Saudi Arabia’s first foray into the field of space exploration, and it will be used to advance several fields of science. The Saudi Arabian Space Authority (SASA) has not yet specified what kind of satellite it plans to launch, but it said that the satellite will be used to improve air traffic control, disaster management, and telecommunications. SASA also said that the satellite will be used to study climate change and advance scientific research. The satellite will be built by Airbus and will be positioned in a geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometres above Earth. 

In March 2021, Saudi Arabia launched two satellites, including the first one to be launched by a local university. CubeSat is the first satellite to be launched by a Saudi university. It is an educational project aiming to prepare and qualify engineering students and the university in the field of satellite design and programming. In total, KACST has launched 17 satellites during the past 20 years. The country has said that it plans to launch additional satellites in the future.

The history of space exploration in the Middle East began in the 1950s when the then Soviet Union and the United States began to explore the possibility of sending satellites into space. By the early 1960s, both countries had successfully launched satellites into orbit, and the race to the Moon had begun.

At the time, most of the global space exploration efforts were concentrated in the United States and the Soviet Union, but several Middle Eastern countries also began to explore the field. 

In the late 1950s, the Arabsat, an organization now known as the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (ARSSAT), was founded. The organization was intended to facilitate the exchange of information between countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq. 

In the 1960s, the Iraqi Space and Rocket Society (ISRS) was founded. And in the 1970s and 1980s, Iran also made attempts to launch satellites. Although many of these organizations existed in the past, they are no longer active.

If Saudi Arabia’s and the UAE’s recent efforts are any indications, the Middle East may soon emerge as a significant player in the field of space exploration. However, there are significant barriers that could impede this progress. 

First and foremost, the countries in the region do not have their own launch sites. Currently, they must launch their satellites from European or Russian facilities, which increases their costs and makes it more difficult to schedule launches. In the future, the Middle East could address this issue by building its own launch sites. 

Another important issue is funding. To advance existing efforts and launch new projects, Middle Eastern countries need additional funding. They also need to attract new talent to the field of space exploration. This will require significant investment in education and outreach programs. Going forward, Middle Eastern governments must also find ways to work together to advance their shared interests in the field of space exploration.

In recent years, the Middle East has entered a new era of space exploration. Several countries in the region are now actively exploring the possibility of sending satellites into orbit. As these countries continue to make advances in this field, it will become increasingly clear that the Middle East has a bright future in space.

Image Credit: NASA

The Middle East is no stranger to floods. In recent years, the region has been hit by devastating floods that have killed hundreds of people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Just last month heavy rains caused flash floods that killed migrant workers in the UAE and forced more than 3,800 people to evacuate, damaging homes and critical infrastructure. Also last month, flash flooding in southern Iran killed at least 22 people and left one person missing. The latest flooding in Pakistan which has left over 1,200 people dead should be a wake-up call for the Middle East. 

Floods are not uncommon in the Middle East. The number of floods each year varies depending on rainfall, but the average number of floods per year in the region is more than 40. The intensity of floods also varies. Some floods, like those in the UAE in 2014, cause very little damage. But others, like those in Iran in 2012, were devastating. In 2012, floods killed more than 50 people, caused damage of more than $10 billion, and left more than 2 million people homeless. For many years, the Middle East has remained largely oblivious to the effects of climate change. But recent floods prove that the region is extremely vulnerable to climatic change. This means that the Middle East must invest in infrastructure to mitigate the risk of future floods.

In recent years, Middle Eastern countries have suffered billions of dollars in damage from floods. In 2015, heavy rains caused flash floods in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, killing more than 400 people and causing damage estimated at $28 billion. And in 2012, floods killed more than 50 people, caused damage of more than $10 billion, and left more than 2 million people homeless. Floods not only impose a heavy burden on the Middle East but they also have the potential to kill hundreds of people, cause billions of dollars in damage, and disrupt economic growth.

Investing in infrastructure can help the Middle East combat climate change and reduce the risk of future floods. Building more dams, reservoirs, and lakes can reduce the risk of floods by holding back water. Building stronger flood defences, like river levees and storm surge barriers, can protect people and property from floods. Increasing the use of renewable energy can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and help combat climate change.

Raising funds to invest in infrastructure can be a challenge for many Middle Eastern countries given the current socio-economic challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. The region is home to many oil producers, which means it has a large portion of sovereign wealth funds. But investing in infrastructure can be a challenge because there are other competing priorities, like paying down debt. Investing in infrastructure can be a challenge for the Middle East. But it can help protect the region from the effects of climate change, create jobs, and boost the economy. Investing in infrastructure can be expensive, but it can help protect the region from the effects of climate change, create jobs, and boost the economy. This should be made a priority at the climate summit Cop27 in Egypt in November, as well as allocating more resources to bolster disaster management strategies. 

Image Credit: AP Photo/Zahid Hussein

The former Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz will reportedly lead Iran into the 2022 World Cup, where Iran will face USA, England and Wales in the group-stage at Qatar.

Queiroz was hired to replace Dragan Skocic, and he will be reunited with Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj, who was re-elected last month.

Queiroz will now go to his fourth World Cup — he coached his native Portugal in 2010, then Iran in 2014 and 2018 — after failing to lead Egypt to this year’s tournament. After leading Iran through qualification, Iran’s former coach Dragan Skocicwas was sacked in July but then reinstated six days later.

Two more World Cup coaches, Ghana’s Otto Addo and Tunisia’s Jalen Kadri, got their jobs only this year. Both were appointed weeks ahead of winning in the African playoffs.

Iran has never advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The team’s first match this year will be on Nov. 21 — the second day of the tournament — against England, where Queiroz worked for several years. He had two spells at Manchester United as assistant to Alex Ferguson, and between those coached Real Madrid in the 2003-4 season.

Quieroz’s first preparation games with Iran will be friendlies against Uruguay on Sept. 23 in Austria and Senegal four days later.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday pledged his country’s support in resolving long-standing disputes in the Balkans that continue to threaten stability in the troubled region.

Speaking in the Serbian capital Belgrade, Erdogan expressed hope that a recent agreement settling a travel document dispute between Serbia and Kosovo can help further bolster regional stability.

Tensions recently soared between Serbia and Kosovo over a mutual refusal to recognize each other’s travel documents. The dispute was resolved through Western mediation but other problems remain. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 which Belgrade won’t recognize.

“We are ready to extend our support and I hope that there is now a positive acceleration which will be sustained in the Balkans, because the Balkans can no longer tolerate these kind of problems,” Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic.

Erdogan’s stop in Belgrade was part of a tour of the Balkans. He visited Bosnia on Tuesday and on Thursday travels to Croatia where he will inaugurate a mosque.

Turkey has in recent years ramped up its presence in the Balkans, both politically and economically. Mainly Muslim Bosniak communities in Bosnia and Serbia have close relations with Ankara, while Turkish companies have increased investment in infrastructure projects throughout the region.

Erdogan also said Turkey would like to help three rival ethnic groups in Bosnia “find reconciliation.” Tensions there also have been simmering following the devastating 1992-95 war.

Erdogan and Vucic oversaw the signing of a string of cooperation agreements, including abolishing passports and simplifying travel between the two countries through the use of identity cards only. Serbia also asked for Turkey’s help to supply electricity from Azerbaijan through the coming winter amid a continent-wide energy crisis, Vucic said.

Albania cut diplomatic ties with Iran and expelled the country’s embassy staff over a major cyberattack nearly two months ago that was allegedly carried out by Tehran on Albanian government websites, the prime minister said Wednesday.

The move by NATO member Albania was the first known case of a country cutting diplomatic relations over a cyberattack.

The White House vowed unspecified retaliation Wednesday against Iran for what it called “a troubling precedent for cyberspace.”

In a statement, the White House said it has had experts on the ground for weeks helping Albania and had concluded Iran was behind the “reckless and irresponsible” attack and subsequent hack-and-leak operation.

The government’s decision was formally delivered to the Iranian Embassy in Tirana, the capital, in an official note, Prime Minister Edi Rama said. All embassy staff, including diplomatic and security personnel, were ordered to leave Albania within 24 hours.

On July 15, a cyberattack temporarily shut down numerous Albanian government digital services and websites.

Rama said an investigation determined that the cyberattack wasn’t carried out by individuals or independent groups, calling it “state aggression.”

“The deep investigation put at our disposal undeniable evidence that the cyberattack against our country was orchestrated and sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Iran which had involved four groups for the attack on Albania,” Rama said in a video statement.

Iran on Wednesday condemned the diplomats’ expulsion, calling the action ill-considered and short-sighted, according to Iranian state TV.

In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry denied Tehran was behind any cyberattack on Albanian government websites, adding that it’s Iran which is a target of such attacks on its critical infrastructure.

Tirana said it was working with Microsoft and the FBI in an investigation into the cyberattack.

Mandiant, a leading U.S. cybersecurity firm, expressed “moderate confidence” last month that the attackers were acting in support of Tehran’s anti-dissident efforts.

A group calling itself “HomeLand Justice” claimed credit for the cyberattack that used ransomware to scramble data. Ransomware is best known for its use in for-profit criminal extortion, but is being increasingly wielded for political ends, particularly by Iran.

The claim by “HomeLand Justice” came on a Telegram channel in which documents purported to be Albanian residence permits of members of the Iranian opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq group — best known as MEK — were posted, along with video of the ransomware being activated. The channel alleged corruption in the Albanian government and used hashtags including #Manez.

Albania, a NATO member since 2009, shelters about 3,000 Iranian MEK dissidents who live at Ashraf 3 camp in Manez, which is 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Tirana.

“This activity poses an active threat to public and private organizations in other NATO member states,” Mandiant said. “As negotiations surrounding the Iran nuclear deal continue to stall, this activity indicates Iran may feel less restraint in conducting cyber network attack operations going forward.”

At the time, the Albanian government said the hackers’ methods was identical to attacks last year in other NATO countries, including Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Rama on Wednesday accused Tehran of recruiting one of the most notorious international cyberattack groups that was involved in similar attacks on Israel, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait and Cyprus. He said Tirana had shared the data and the investigation results with strategic partners and NATO countries.

The Biden administration said it supported the move by Albania to cut ties with Tehran.

“The United States strongly condemns Iran’s cyberattack,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement. “We join in Prime Minister Rama’s call for Iran to be held accountable for this unprecedented cyber incident.”

“The United States will take further action to hold Iran accountable for actions that threaten the security of a U.S. ally and set a troubling precedent for cyberspace,” Watson said.

Albanian Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka said Tirana “communicated closely with our partners, at NATO and the European Union, and also at the bilateral level, and asked for their support in Albania’s decision-making and, no doubt, for the future to address such kind of threats the best way possible.”

“The aggressiveness of the attack, the level of attack and moreover the fact that it was a fully unprovoked attack left no space for any other decision,” Xhacka said.

Mandiant Vice President John Hultquist told The Associated Press that the attacks on Albania and an earlier one on Montenegro show how “critical government systems in NATO countries are vulnerable and under attack.”

“The attack on Albania is a reminder that while the most aggressive Iranian cyber activity is generally focused in the Middle East region, it is by no means limited to it,” Hultquist said. “Iran will carry out disruptive and destructive cyberattacks as well as complex information operations globally.”

In July, MEK had planned to hold the Free Iran World Summit at the Manez camp with U.S. lawmakers among the invitees. The meeting was canceled “for security reasons and due to terrorist threats and conspiracies.”

In two separate instances in 2020 and 2018, Tirana expelled four Iranian diplomats for “threatening national security.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Franc Zhurda

——-

Dozens of relatives of the victims of Beirut’s massive port blast protested Wednesday against the judiciary’s plan to name a second investigative judge, calling the move an attempt by the country’s political class to prevent justice into one of the world’s largest non-nuclear explosions.

The investigation into the blast, which killed 218 people, injured thousands and caused billions of dollars in damage has been blocked since December by Lebanon’s political powers. That’s after three former Cabinet ministers filed legal challenges against investigative judge Tarek Bitar.

Now, Justice Minister Henri Khoury and the Higher Judicial Council, Lebanon’s top judicial body, are looking into naming a second judge to release some port and customs officials as well as workers who have been detained without charges since the blast.

“What is happening is an attempt to remove the case from judge Bitar,” Youssef Diab, a Lebanese journalist who covers legal affairs told The Associated Press during the protest outside the office of the justice minister. “By naming a second investigative judge to approve the releases, it means that judge Bitar has been ripped of his powers.”

Many blame the tragedy on the Lebanese government’s longtime corruption, but the elite’s decades-old lock on power has ensured they are untouchable. The Aug. 4, 2020 explosions occurred when hundreds of tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, a material used in fertilizers, detonated at the port.

It later emerged that the ammonium nitrate had been shipped to Lebanon in 2013 and stored improperly at a port warehouse ever since. Senior political and security officials knew of its presence but did nothing.

Bitar has been the the subject of harsh criticism by Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Nasrallah called Bitar’s investigation a “big mistake” and said it was biased. He asked authorities to remove Bitar.

Bitar is the second judge to take the case. The first judge, Fadi Sawwan, was forced out after complaints of bias by two Cabinet ministers. if the same happens to Bitar, it could be the final blow to the investigation.

Lebanon’s factional political leaders, who have divvied up power among themselves for decades, closed ranks to thwart any accountability.

Diab, the journalist, said that Bitar should have been allowed to resume his work to issue the releases himself then continue the investigation.

Some independent legislators issued a statement calling the move by the justice minister to name a second judge “a fatal blow to the role of investigative judge Tarek Bitar.” The 13 legislators vowed not to give up and to use all means available to keep the investigation going.

Bitar charged four former senior government officials with intentional killing and negligence that led to the deaths of dozens of people. He also charged several top security officials in the case.

“Today this is a small part of this ridiculous scenario that started two years ago,” said Michael Awad whose 3-year-old granddaughter, Alexandra Naggear, was killed in the blast.

“We are with those people who are innocent inside the prison. But I think also as victims of the families, we are on the top of the list of justice,” Awad said. “They should start with us first and then they can proceed with that with whatever they want.”

Image Credit: AP Photo/Hussein Malla

Iraq’s top court ruled Wednesday that it does not have the legal right to dissolve parliament, a much anticipated decision that raises the stakes in the country’s unprecedented 11-month political crisis.

The ruling by the Supreme Federal Court states the court does not have the legal authority under Iraq’s constitution to dissolve the legislature, which was a key demand by influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

The Federal Supreme Court said in a statement on Wednesday that parliament must dissolve itself if it is deemed to have not performed its duties.

Iraq’s parliament is a powerful body that chooses a president and prime minister and must approve all laws.

Iraq’s government has been deadlocked since al Sadr’s party won the largest share of seats in October parliamentary elections but not enough to secure a majority government. Al Sadr’s followers stormed the parliament in late July to prevent their rivals from Iran-backed Shiite groups from forming the government.

With ensuing rallies, clashes with security forces, counter-rallies and a sit-in outside parliament, at the end of August after Sadr announced he would be quitting politics over the deadlock the government formation process has stalled.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Anmar Khalil

Israeli forces killed a young Palestinian man during a raid on the northern occupied West Bank governorate of Tubas.

The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the man as Younis Ghassan Tayeh, 21, and said he had been killed after being shot in the chest on Wednesday in the al-Faraa refugee camp, a few kilometers south of Tubas city.

Israeli forces had raided the refugee camp at 6:00am (03:00GMT) in the latest of what have become daily incursions by the army across the occupied West Bank. The Israeli forces said Wednesday that troops killed a Palestinian after he threw a firebomb at them during clashes as they carried out an overnight arrest raid and attempted to arrest a wanted person in the Faraa refugee camp.

This comes as the Palestinian Ministry of Health has said that Israeli forces have killed more than 140 Palestinians in the 1967-occupied territories so far in 2022, including 49 people killed during Israel’s recent three-day offensive on the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, more than 6,960 Palestinians have been wounded in the occupied West Bank by the Israeli army in the same time period, according to OCHA.

Nineteen people have also been killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel and the occupied West Bank in 2022.

Qatar Museums have announced that the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is due to reopen on October 5 following several facility enhancements and a restructuring of its permanent collection.

The museum, which originally opened in 2008, has been closed since April 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reopening will feature a reinstallation of its permanent collection galleries, reconfigured according to “broad historical and cultural themes, periods and geography,” and will explore “the great traditions of Islamic craftsmanship,” said officials.

Not only will there be almost 1,000 newly acquired works on display but MIA will host an exhibition called Baghdad: Eye’s Delight. The exhibit will provide a look at Iraq’s cultural history as one of the most important cities in the Islamic world, with a special focus on the Abbasid caliphs (750-1258 CE) and its legacy in the 20th century, when the city again became a thriving centre for the arts, culture, and commerce.

“The opening of the Museum of Islamic Art was a transformational moment for Qatar, marking the nation’s emergence as a new global cultural destination and paving the way for establishing other major museums and cultural institutions in the region,” said H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani in a statement. “We are excited for locals to have a chance to rediscover the museum, and we invite visitors who are coming to attend World Cup matches to experience this foremost expression of our heritage and culture.”

MIA will reopen on October 5, less than a month before the 2022 FIFA World CupBaghdad: Eye’s Delight will open shortly after on October 26 and run through February 25, 2023.

Image Credit: Museum of Islamic Art

In November, Qatar will be hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the tiny Gulf state prepares to welcome more than a million-soccer fans. According to Qatar’s Central Bank, the government expects its gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 3.5 percent in 2022 from the world cup. But there is one problem, many of them can’t or won’t stay there.

However, even though Qatar’s economy will most certainly benefit from the FIFA World Cup, they are facing significant issues particularly hotel shortages and accommodation of an estimated 1.5 million visitors expected to attend the games. Additionally, Qatar’s low tolerance for alcohol and partying in the conservating Muslim nation means that many fans will base themselves in neighboring countries for the monthlong tournament. Since Qatar can only accommodate 130,000 people, its neighboring countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman, are already preparing to host visitors during the event.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has this month implemented a multi-entry visit visa for FIFA World Cup fans possessing a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya Card. In context, the Hayya Card is mandatory, as it is one of the most significant credentials for fans to enter Qatar and attend prestigious sporting events in stadiums. These visas that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new policy will allow fans a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning ten days before the tournament kicks off.

Furthermore, other countries in the Arab region, such as Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, can also adopt what Saudi Arabia has recently implemented to maximize the region’s probability of accommodating the influx of tourists from across the globe. Indeed, Qatar will not only host a significant event, but due to the accommodation-related challenges that the country is currently facing, it opens various opportunities for neighboring countries to gain economically and introduce or clarify cultural misconceptions. Match-day flights from major Middle Eastern cities will shuttle spectators to games, which will benefit airlines, hotels, and hospitality venues in the region.

Many people especially people from Western countries are skeptical about the 2022 FIFA World Cup’s venue in Qatar due to the common misconception that the Arab region is not safe for visiting fans. More specifically, many people are concerned about the political instability in the region, corruption scandals, human rights violations, and Qatar’s alcohol ban. Regardless, biased misjudgments about the Middle East negatively affect the region’s cultural identity.

Nonetheless, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will provide an opportunity for the Middle East not just to showcase its prowess in hosting such massive events but also to reveal its true cultural identity to the millions of tourists expected to visit the region, which could help shatter such misconceptions.

Indeed, sports is one of the most effective tools in introducing a particular country’s culture and forging diplomatic ties among the international community. Even though sports enable competition, their values fueled with mutual respect are vital factors that help promote peace worldwide as it opens opportunities for countries to convey and communicate with one another. With the way the world has evolved, especially with the increasing polarization, sports and culture play a huge role in diplomacy as it offers world leaders and diplomats across the globe to engage in discussions while watching sporting events. It is why the FIFA World Cup, aside from the Olympics, is an integral part of keeping the peace, promoting culture, and promoting economic opportunities, among participating countries.

Image Credit: Ambitious Creative Co. – Rick Barrett on Unsplash

Referee corruption in Egypt

International human rights groups Tuesday condemned acts of torture in Lebanese prisons following the death of a Syrian refugee in detention and urged authorities to transfer the investigation into his death from a military to a civil court.

Photos surfaced last week of the battered body of a Syrian who had been held for questioning. The grisly visual made headlines in Lebanon and was followed by a video of a coroner assessing the body, which was covered in gashes and bruises. The body was later identified as that of Bashar Abdel-Saud, 30, a Syrian refugee who fled the war-torn country in 2014.

“To ensure transparency and impartiality, Abdel-Saud’s case must urgently be referred to a civilian court,” Amnesty’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Heba Morayef said in the statement. “His family deserves justice and reparations for their tragic loss.”

According to Abdel-Saud’s lawyer, officers from Lebanon’s State Security agency arrested the Syrian at his home in a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut last week, before calling his family four days later asking them to retrieve his body.

State Security in a press statement said Abdel-Saud was arrested for the possession of a fake $50 bill and had confessed during the interrogation that he was combatant for the Islamic State group.

His lawyer denied the charges and State Security first promised an internal investigation, before the case was transferred to Lebanon’s military court.

Lebanon’s military court government commissioner ordered the arrest of five State Security personnel from the branch that held Abdel-Saud in southern Lebanon, according to Amnesty.

State Security released a second statement on Monday, requesting media outlets to “not broadcast news related to the matter, aiming to stir strife and incite tensions especially in these sensitive circumstances Lebanon is going through.”

Senior Lebanese officials have not commented on the recent incident.

The only minister under Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s caretaker government to do so was Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, who in a tweet condemned the incident and called for prosecutors to investigate.

Meanwhile, several of Lebanon’s recently elected independent legislators penned critical statements.

“What happened completely contradicts our aspirations for Lebanon,” Ibrahim Mneimneh, a member of Parliament, told The Associated Press. “We need human rights to be a key reference point to all the work we do.”

He added that the security agency conducting an internal investigation is a “conflict of interest.”

Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, and other human rights groups have echoed similar sentiments. Human rights organizations have frequently criticized Lebanon for what they say is an incomplete 2017 anti-torture law, and authorities not putting it into practice five years later.

Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa Director Lama Fakih said torture in the crisis-hit country has been a years-long problem.

“Lebanon suffers from a legacy of impunity for torture,” Fakih told the AP. “We have not yet seen steps taken to ensure that robust investigations are undertaken and that responsible individuals are held accountable.”

Several cases of alleged torture in Lebanon have surfaced in recent years, including actor and writer Ziad Itani, Syrian refugees arrested in camp raids and checkpoints, and protesters in Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon during Lebanon’s antigovernment uprisings in late 2019.

Egypt’s foreign minister withdrew Tuesday from an Arab League session chaired by the chief diplomat of one of Libya’s two rival governments. The move was an apparent protest against her representing Libya at the pan-Arab summit. Egypt supports her administration’s rival.

The seats of the Egyptian delegation were seen empty as Najla Mangoush, the foreign minister of the Tripoli-based administration, was addressing a meeting for the Arab foreign ministers in Cairo.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry left the meeting room in the Arab League headquarters when Mangoush took her seat to chair the meeting. Egypt sees the chaos in neighboring Libya as a threat to its stability, with militants using the Libyan desert as a safe haven from which to launch deadly attacks on Egyptian security forces and Christians.

Egypt’s government has argued the mandate of the Tripoli-based government of Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Dbeibah has ended after Libya’s east-based parliament appointed a rival premier earlier this year.

In a news conference following the meeting, Mangoush attempted to downplay Shukry’s withdrawal, saying that it was “not a crisis but a divergence of views” regarding the legitimacy of Dbeibah’s government.

Libya’s current political stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December and Dbeibah’s refusal to step down. In response, the country’s east-based parliament appointed a rival prime minister, Fathy Bashagha, who has for months sought to install his government in Tripoli.

The parliament cancelled its session Monday in the eastern city of Benghazi after it said lawmakers were prevented from leaving the capital, Tripoli, which is controlled by Dbeibah-allied militias.

The divisions have contributed to fresh fighting in the war-torn country. Deadly clashes between militias backed by its two rival administrations killed 23 people last month in Libya’s capital, portending a return to violence amid a long political stalemate.

The escalation threatens to shatter the relative calm Libya has enjoyed for most of the past two years. The oil-rich nation plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

Tens of thousands of Egyptians have sought work in neighboring Libya over the years, although the number has declined since the 2011 uprising.

Egypt was a key backer of eastern aligned military commander Khalifa Hifter, who is now allied with Bashagha.

Image Credit: Alyssa Bernstein/Flickr

A group of Gulf Arab countries on Tuesday asked Netflix to remove “offensive content” on the streaming service, apparently targeting programs that show people who are gay and lesbian.

A joint statement issued on behalf of a committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council made the request, saying the unspecified programs “contradict Islamic and societal values ​​and principles.” They have threatened Netflix with legal action if it continues to broadcast content that “contradicts” Islam

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates each published the statement via their respective governments as well. They, along with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, make up the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi state television aired video of an interview it conducted with a woman identified as a “behavioral consultant” who described Netflix as being an “official sponsor of homosexuality.” It aired footage at the same time of a cartoon, “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous,” in which two women kissed, though the footage was blurred out.

There was no immediate response from Netflix.

This comes as Gulf countries have repeatedly clashed with US film distributors over content related to sexual minorities, particularly in films.

The United Arab Emirates in June banned the Disney animated film Lightyear which contains a lesbian kiss.

Whilst the UAE is considered one of the more liberal countries in the Gulf region, films with adult content are routinely cut or edited.

Saudi Arabia, which only recently opened cinemas in 2017, asked Disney in April to cut “LGBTQ references” in the Marvel superhero film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Disney refused to comply and the film was not screened in the kingdom.

Image Credit: Ad Age

Suspected al-Qaida militants on Tuesday attacked a security post in southern Yemen, sparking clashes that killed at least 21 troops and six militants, military officials said.

The early morning attack in Ahwar, in the province of Abyan, targeted a post manned by troops from the Security Belt, a security force loyal to the secessionist Southern Transitional Council.

The separatist council is backed by the United Arab Emirates and controls much of Yemen’s south. It is at odds with the internationally recognized government.

The armed group fighters are said to have used rocket-propelled grenades, light and medium weapons and military vehicles in the ambush on a security checkpoint in Ahwar district, Mohammed al-Naqib, the spokesman for Southern Transitional Council (STC) forces, told the Reuters news agency on Tuesday.

The officials said at least 21 troops were killed in the attack and the clashes that ensures for hours. Four more troops were also wounded, they said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

Among the dead troops was Yasser Nasser Shaea, a senior commander in the force fighting terror groups in Yemen, the Security Belt said in a statement.

It said six militants were killed and others were detained. It shared images showing bodies claiming to be the dead militants.

No group has yet to claim responsibility for the ambush. But it bears resemblance to previous attacks by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, AQAP.

AQAP has long been considered the global network’s most dangerous branch, and has attempted to carry out attacks on the U.S. mainland.

Egypt has detected the first monkeypox case in the country, an Egyptian man who has a residency in a European country, the health ministry said in statement on Wednesday.

The 42-man was isolated in a hospital and his condition was stable, the statement added.

Image Credit: NIAID

Turkey’s annual inflation passed 80% in August, according to official data on Monday, further hitting consumers facing high energy, food and housing costs.

The Turkish Statistical Institute said consumer prices rose by 80.21% from a year earlier, up 0.6 percentage points from the previous month.

Independent experts say inflation is much higher than official statistics. The Inflation Research Group put the annual rate at 181%.

Turkey’s central bank unexpectedly cut interest rates to 13% in August despite rising prices, a plunging lira and an unbalanced current account. The central bank slashed interest rates by 5 percentage points between September and December last year. The rate then stayed at 14% until last month.

Turkey is currently pursuing what some economists have described as an economic experiment as Turkish president, a notorious opponent of high interest rates, has insisted on maintaining one of the world’s lowest interest rates in real terms and inflation has soared as a result.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the lira’s decline have stoked inflation. The lira has plunged over 50% against the U.S. dollar since the central bank began cutting rates.

Image Credit: ccarlstead/Flickr

Electrical grid problems cut power to parts of Oman for several hours on Monday, authorities said.

The outage is said to have begun in the early afternoon and lasted for many of those affected until around 6 p.m.. The state-run Oman News Agency described the outage as a “partial blackout.”

It said the outages affected Muscat, the country’s capital, and other areas.

Namaa Group, which oversees Oman’s electrical grid, blamed the outage on “a technical failure in one of the transmission lines.”

The sultanate of Oman sits on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula.

Image Credit: Oman Electricity Transmission Company

Iraq’s caretaker prime minister held a second round of talks Monday with Iraqi leaders aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis between rival Shiite blocs, but the representatives of an influential cleric failed once again to attend the gathering.

The seat reserved for Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s party was empty as Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi met with al-Sadr’s chief political rivals in the Iran-backed camp, as well as President Barham Salih and U.N. representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. While Al-Sadr’s representatives failed to attend the meeting, the dissolution of parliament and an immediate election are key demands of Al-Sadr and his bloc.

Al-Sadr’s continued absence from the talks will likely render futile al-Kadhimi’s efforts to broker a solution to Iraq’s 11-month crisis. The participants “renewed the invitation” to al-Sadr’s camp “to participate” in the meetings, according to a statement from al-Kadhimi’s office.

They “agreed to form a technical committee comprising the various political forces … to bridge differences with the aim of reaching early elections,” Al-Kadhimi’s office said after the talks.

Al-Sadr and his Iran-backed political rivals have been at odds since parliamentary elections in October last year. Al-Sadr won the largest share of seats but failed to form a majority government. Since then Iraq has been mired in political deadlock without a new government, president or prime minister.

While al-Sadr’s rivals agree in principle to holding early polls they disagree on how it should be carried out. Al-Sadr is demanding that the judiciary dissolve the legislature but the Coordination Framework insist parliament should convene to do this. The rival camps are also at odds over the electoral law that would govern the polls, which the Coordination Framework wants amended.

Image Credit: Bryan Jones/Flickr

Iran has sentenced two women to death on charges of human trafficking, the country’s official IRNA news agency reported Monday, a penalty that has gained widespread condemnation online.

Authorities accused the women — identified as Zahra Sedighi and Elham Chobdar — of “corruption on earth,” a term often used to describe attempts to undermine the Iranian government, saying they exploited young women. However, foreign-based rights groups described the two women as local gay and lesbian rights activists.

IRNA made no reference to the women’s activism, reporting that they “misused” women and girls in promising better training and job opportunities abroad — a reference to human trafficking. A revolutionary court in the country’s northwestern city of Urmia, some 600 kilometers (370 miles) northwest of Tehran, handed down the death sentences. The women have the right to appeal.

International rights watchdog Amnesty International identified Sedighi earlier this year as an “Iranian gender nonconforming human rights defender,” describing her monthslong detention as stemming from her “sexual orientation and gender identity as well as her social media posts and statements in defense of LGBTI rights.”

A report on Ms Sedighi’s arrest from the Revolutionary Guard said she had been “smuggling Iranian girls and women to neighbouring countries for the purpose of corruption and directing and supporting homosexual groups.”

The sentences were handed down by a “revolutionary court” in the north-west city of Urmia.

While Iran allows people to legally change sex through sex reassignment surgery and boasts the second-highest number of sex changes after Thailand, homosexual activity is still punished by death.

Some campaigners have reported pressure on homosexuals to undergo sex changes so they are attracted to the “right” sex.

Two men were reportedly executed for having sex earlier this year.

Iran Human Rights Monitor says LGBT activists have reported an intensified crackdown on gay rights over the past two years.

Image Credit: Twitter

The fatal shooting of a 19-year-old student after she rejected a marriage proposal has provoked significant outrage at the prevalence of femicide in Egypt.

Amani Abdul-Karim al-Gazzar, a physical education student, was shot in the back outside her family home on Saturday after she and her family turned down a marriage proposal by Ahmed Fathy, 29.

Fathy was found dead having used the weapon on himself, Egypt’s interior minister said. Egypt has been at the heart of surging femicide rates around the Middle East, with the majority of high-profile cases involving young women being killed after rejecting a man’s advances.

Earlier in August, Salma Bahjat, 22 was stabbed seventeen times in similar circumstances. In June, Naiyera Ashraf, 21 was murdered after being repeatedly stabbed outside the gates of her university on her way to her final exams. Her murderer, a fellow student, said he had killed her because she had on several occasions turned him down. He was sentenced to death.

Just three days after Ashraf’s killing, another young female student was shot five times outside her campus, this time in Jordan. According to reports, her killer had sent her a message the day before, reading “Tomorrow I am coming to speak to you and if you don’t accept I am going to kill you just like the Egyptian killed that girl today.”

The copycat nature of these incidents has incited fear among women in Egypt. Sexual violence has long been rampant in Egypt, with critics and rights organisations calling for stronger laws on gender-based attacks in the wake of student femicides.

Image Credit: Twitter

The United States military said Monday it flew a pair of nuclear-capable B-52 long-distance bombers over the Middle East in a show of force, the fourth of its kind this year in the region as tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran.

The bombers took off from the Royal Air Force base at Fairford, England, and flew over the eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea on Sunday in training missions together with Kuwaiti and Saudi warplanes, before departing the region.

“Threats to the U.S. and our partners will not go unanswered.,” Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the top U.S. Air Force officer in the Middle East said in a statement. “Missions like this … showcase our ability to combine forces to deter and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries.”

Although the U.S. military’s Central Command did not mention Iran, Washington has frequently dispatched B-52 bombers to the region as hostilities simmered between the U.S. and Iran. The last such flyover was in June.

Iran’s regional foe, Israel, also joined in the multinational mission. Though unacknowledged by the U.S., three Israeli F-16 fighter jets accompanied the American bombers “through Israel’s skies on their way to the (Persian) Gulf,” the Associated Press reported.

As fighter jets from the United Kingdom, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia escorted the B-52 bombers overhead, Army Central forces simulated firepower on the ground.

Image Credit: U.S. Air Force via AP

The Israeli military on Monday announced the long-awaited results of its investigation into the deadly shooting of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, saying there was a “high probability” an Israeli soldier had mistakenly killed her during a raid in the occupied West Bank last May.

The Palestinian-American, 51, who worked for Al Jazeera, was killed in May when she was hit in the head by a bullet during an army raid on the Jenin refugee camp situated in the West Bank.

This statement is the closest that Israel has come to accepting responsibility for the shooting. The army previously said it was impossible to determine the source of the shot. Abu Akleh was wearing a bulletproof vest marked “Press”. The army also said that no one would be punished for the shooting.

Such conclusions are unlikely to put to rest an issue that has worsened what already were badly strained relations between Israel and the Palestinians. Both Palestinian officials and Abu Akleh’s family accused the army of evading responsibility for her killing.

“Our family is not surprised by this outcome since it’s obvious to anyone that Israeli war criminals cannot investigate their own crimes. However, we remain deeply hurt, frustrated and disappointed,” her family said in a statement.

Image Credit: MOHAMMED ABED / AFP

The new original Netflix series “Mo”, has become a major success worldwide. The story features a young Palestinian on asylum with his family in America, and deals with life situations as his family attempts to secure their residency in the US.

The storyline and experiences Mo goes through do not predominantly focus on his Arabhood or Palestinian identity, which is the secret to the show’s success. The Arabhood and Palestinian identity are the cover of the story and bring with it the humor as well as the struggle of identity, citizenship, and the reality of a refugee.

Amid this complex reality, comes the story of a young man in America, dealing with extreme situations that the protagonist of the story does not necessarily be Arab or Palestinian, to deal with. Instead, these are extreme situations that the protagonist could have been any other figure, and in this sense, an Arab or Palestinian does not have to fill a specific role cast for only a Palestinian, but one that can transcend beyond this limit. And that is the secret behind the success of the show.

I do sincerely hope that the story continues at this fast pace. I first expected this show to be a comedy, but the truth is that it was much more. The level of complexity, humor that only Arabs understand, and that are now being shared by others, and the attention to detail in the aspects of the culture, Palestinian accent, and interactions will sure to maintain the success that the show has reached in future reasons.

 Israel will ban Boeing 747 and similar aircraft with four engines as of March 31, 2023 to reduce noise and air pollution, its airports authority said on Sunday. This is part of a bid to bring down noise and air pollution, the airports authority is quoted saying by Reuters.

The Israel Airports Authority says it has told airlines they will not be able to fly such large planes to Tel Aviv next summer season.

The directive is mainly for cargo aircraft since most, it not all, carriers have stopped using 747 and other four-engine planes on routes to Israel.

Flag carrier El Al has already retired its fleet of 747s and uses twin-engine Boeing 777 and 787 planes on long-haul routes. Competitors also use those Boeing planes or comparable Airbus ones to Ben Gurion, although the 747s are still used by some for cargo.

Operation of aircraft with four engines will be allowed in exceptional cases and only with a special permit.

Image Credit: Mark Harkin/Flickr

A Turkish court has ordered the pre-trial jailing of a pro-Kurdish member of parliament on a terrorism charge, Istanbul police and her lawyer said, while her party called the detention illegitimate and unethical.

Semra Guzel, a member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), had her parliamentary immunity lifted in March after photos of her from several years ago with a militant from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) circulated on Turkish media. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued on a charge of membership of a terrorist organisation.

Guzel was detained in Istanbul on Friday and a court ruled late on Saturday to jail her pending trial, Istanbul police said, in line with a prosecutor’s request.

Veysi Eski, a lawyer for Guzel, said the charge against Guzel was unfounded and called it a continuation of what he said were “political genocide operations” against the HDP.

“A person visiting an acquaintance in the organisation (PKK) camp does not in and of itself constitute the crime of membership of (a terrorist) organisation,” Eski told Reuters.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had announced the detention on Friday, saying Guzel was “busted”.

“Our member of parliament being detained in an unethical way; the government making this into propaganda material using inappropriate and ugly language shows the ruling party’s helplessness,” the HDP said in a statement before the court ruling.

President Tayyip Erdogan’s AK Party and its nationalist allies frequently accuse the HDP of being the PKK’s political wing. Thousands of HDP members have been tried in recent years over similar accusations. The party denies any links to terrorism.

When the photos first surfaced in January, Guzel said the person was her fiance and the photos were taken when she visited him during a peace process between the Turkish state and the PKK that broke down in 2015.

Guzel said the investigation against her, based on material found after the militant was killed in 2017, was not launched until she became a member of parliament a year later.

Critics say Turkish courts bend to Erdogan’s and his party’s will. The government denies this.

The PKK launched an insurgency against the Turkish state in 1984. It is regarded as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

The U.S diplomat mediating talks between Lebanon and Israel over their shared maritime border, Amos Hochstein, is set to arrive in Beirut at the end of the week, a statement from Lebanon’s presidential palace said on Sunday.

The statement said Hochstein would be in Lebanon to follow up on discussions with the Lebanese side on the delineation, without providing more details.

Meanwhile the U.S. embassy in Beirut declined to comment.

Hochstein was last in Beirut in late July for meetings with Lebanese officials.

A Lebanese official said the proposal would allow Lebanon to explore the entire Qana Prospect, an area with the potential to hold hydrocarbons which crosses beyond Line 23, a maritime line that was originally Lebanon’s demand during negotiations.

Hochstein told local broadcaster LBCI after that trip that he expected exploration would move forward in the area once the companies involved had the “legal and diplomatic certainty” that would result from a deal.

“I remain optimistic that we can make continuous progress as we have over the last several weeks and I look forward to being able to come back to the region to make the final arrangement,” Hochstein said.

This comes as Lebanese protesters on Sunday sailed down the country’s coast in dozens of fishing boats and yachts toward Israel carrying Lebanese flags and banners, with slogans in Arabic, French, and Hebrew expressing what they say is Lebanon’s right to its maritime oil and gas fields. Whilst Lebanese and Israel navy vessels were present, no tensions occurred.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari

On the night of 4 September 1972, the Israeli Olympic delegation returned to their apartment at Connollystrasse 31 in the north of Munich. Just hours later, a group of eight Palestinian militants, dressed in tracksuits and carrying weapons in bags, approached the fences of the Olympic village.


Alongside unsuspecting athletes, they climbed the fence and made their way to the two apartments housing the Israeli delegation. The group was later identified as the “Black September” faction of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).


The militants were initially confronted by two members of the Israeli delegation, but quickly overpowered them and forced an injured wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg in an attempt to find more hostages.


Weinburg led the masked attackers to the apartment housing Israeli wrestlers, weightlifters, and other coaches. After fighting the militants, Weinberg and weightlifter Yossef Romano were shot and killed.


The nine remaining hostages were beaten and bound in one room; wrestling referee Yossef Gutfreund, shooting coach Kehat Shorr, track and field coach Amitzur Shapira, fencing coach Andre Spitzer, weightlifting judge Yakov Springer, wrestlers Eliezer Halfin and Mark Slavin, and weightlifters David Berger and Ze’ev Friedman.
Eight other Israelis in the apartment complex managed to hide or escaped during the initial assault and eventually fled. Athletes from Uruguay and Hong Kong that were also housed in the building were released.

The attackers sought the release of over 230 Palestinian prisoners who were being held by Israel, as well as two left-wing extremists in West German jails.
However, Israel refused to negotiate. Germany offered the militants “unlimited” money or replacement hostages but both proposals were rejected.


As the situation drew on, almost 3,000 police officers were stationed in and around the Olympic village, with snipers surrounding the building.
German police officers considered launching an operation to end the hostage-taking. However, they retreated after the attackers threatened to kill the Israelis.

The German authorities finally agreed to transport the attackers and their hostages to Cairo via helicopter. The intention was to take the group to the nearby Fürstenfeldbruck NATO airbase for an armed assault in a bid to end the attack.


Unaware of the true number of assailants and ill-prepared for an assault, the authorities tried to eliminate the militants.

Following a gunfight, the Black September attackers are believed to have opened fire on their hostages and detonated grenades inside the helicopters.
All nine hostages and a West German police officer died during the botched rescue attempt. Five of the attackers also died while the other three were captured.

50 years on from the event and witnesses and survivors continue to be haunted by the massacre. What began as the 1972 Munich Olympic Games fast became a live broadcast of terror that forever changed the world. The coverage that ensued was the first time that TV networks broadcast an act of terrorism to an audience of almost 900 million in real time.

Israel has also criticised Germany. Relatives of the athletes have accused Munich of failing to secure the Olympic Village, despite the funds invested in the Games. Germany has also been accused of ignoring warnings of a possible attack and refusing Israeli help to resolve the hostage-raking.

The decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to continue the Olympics just one day after the massacre was also widely condemned.

The victims of the attack at the 1972 Olympics were finally officially remembered during Tokyo’s opening ceremony last year.

Now, 50 years after the massacre, the victims’ families have finally reached a compensation agreement.

The German government has confirmed the families of the 11 murdered Israeli athletes will receive a total of €28 million.
Relatives of the victims had planned to boycott memorial ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of the attack without the deal.

The athletes’ families have long accused Germany of mistakes before, during, and after the events of 5 September 1972.
But an end to the long-disputed compensation claim can not heal all of the wounds.

Image Credit: Kurt Strumpf/AP

A glider crashed near a skydiving company in Dubai on Sunday and its South African pilot was killed, the country’s state-run news agency reported, just days after a similar incident of a amateur glider crash .

The authorities did not specify the cause of the “amateur glider” crash, or elaborate on where exactly in the city the incident occurred. Dubai is a popular skydiving destination where parachutes can be seen daily over its skyscrapers and beaches. The accident investigation sector at the authority has begun a probe into the incident.

Last Wednesday, a glider hurtled into the parking lot of the country’s largest mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The pilot was injured. Authorities are still investigating the “technical malfunction” that led to the crash of that single-engine, fixed-wing aircraft.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) extended its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. 

Image Credit: Fabrizio Conti on Unsplash

The Tunisian government and the powerful General Labour Union (UGTT), which represents more than a million workers, have completed a third round of talks regarding the socio-economic circumstances of public sector workers as well as Tunisians as a whole.

The UGTT said the proposals made by the government so far have not lived up to their expectations.

While negotiations began last month, the government recently accepted a potential increase in public sector salaries according to the UGTT. This marks a potential breakthrough in the negotiations as it is the first time the government have accepted a potential salary increase.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Najla Bouden held talks with Noureddine Tabboubi, the UGTT secretary general. A statement was released on Ms Bouden’s official Facebook page which stated that the negotiations were progressing well and Mr Tabboubi had presented a report on the economic reforms programme.

However, the UGTT said he “did not present a report but rather an alternative project to the government’s reform plan”.

Tunisia is currently facing its worse economic crisis in a decade and is seeking $4 billion from the IMF in a bid to ease deteriorating socio-economic conditions. The government talks with the IMF grounded to a halt in July, as the IMF wants the UGTT to formally agree to government reforms.

The UGTT is vocal about its opposition to economic reforms proposed by the government, primarily subsidy cuts as well as a public sector wage freeze. It has backed a series of paralysing protests and strikes against the proposals. The UGTT has also claimed that government officials are being secretive about the status of talks with the IMF.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the appointment Friday of former Senegalese minister and U.N. diplomat Abdoulaye Bathily to become the new U.N. envoy to Libya after the Security Council gave its approval, marking the end of a nine-month search amid increasing chaos in the oil-rich north African nation.

Libya’s transitional government, which opposed Bathily’s nomination, reportedly sent a protest letter to Guterres, immediately raising questions about how effective the new envoy can be in trying to resolve the country’s political and economic crisis.

This comes as the last U.N. special representative, Jan Kubis, resigned Nov. 23, 2021, after just 10 months on the job, and a number of candidates proposed by Guterres were rejected by council members, Libya or neighboring countries.

In December, Guterres appointed veteran American diplomat Stephanie Williams, a former U.N. deputy special representative in Libya, as his special adviser — a job that did not require council approval.

She left at the end of July. This means that the mission has been leaderless despite Libyans struggling with a constitutional, political and economic crisis.

Libya has been in a state of chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.

The U.N. has repeatedly warned that failure to resolve Libya’s political crisis and hold delayed elections poses a growing threat in the country, as seen in a recent outbreak of clashes that killed at least 42 people and injured 159 others, according to Libyan authorities.

Image Credit: Paul Kagame

Iran says its navy seized two unmanned US drones from the Red Sea.

Iranian state television aired footage it said came from the deck of the Iranian navy’s Jamaran destroyer, where lifejacket-wearing sailors examined two Saildrone Explorers. They tossed one overboard as another warship could be seen in the distance.

Iran has no coastline along the Red Sea, a crucial international waterway lying between the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa.

The country’s state TV reported the navy took control of them to prevent an accident after “issuing warnings” to the US fleet. They were later released – video showed several crew members pushing the drones into the sea from their vessel.

This is the second such incident in recent days as negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear deal hangs in the balance.

Image Credit: U.S. Navy via AP

Iran sent a written response early Friday in negotiations over a final draft of a roadmap for parties to return to its tattered nuclear deal with world powers, though the U.S. cast doubt on Tehran’s offer.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said in a statement that “the sent text has a constructive approach with the aim of finalizing the negotiations.”

However, as in the last round of written proposals and counters, Iran offered no public acknowledgment of what it said. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all matters of state in the country’s Shiite theocracy, largely has been silent in recent weeks on the negotiations.

In Washington, the State Department confirmed it received Iran’s response through the European Union, which has served as an intermediary for the indirect talks after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018.

“We are studying it and will respond through the EU, but unfortunately it is not constructive,” the State Department said, similarly not elaborating on what the proposal contained.

The 2015 deal saw Iran greatly curtail its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Under the deal, Iran could have only 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 3.67% under constant scrutiny of International Atomic Energy Agency surveillance cameras and inspectors.

Now, however, the last public IAEA count shows Iran has a stockpile of some 3,800 kilograms (8,370 pounds) of enriched uranium. More worrying for nonprofileration experts, Iran now enriches uranium up to 60% purity — a level it never reached before that is a short, technical step away from 90%. Those experts warn Iran has enough 60%-enriched uranium to reprocess into fuel for at least one nuclear bomb.

While Iran long has maintained its program is peaceful, officials now openly discuss Tehran’s ability to seek an atomic bomb if it wanted. Meanwhile, a series of attacks across the wider Mideast since the deal’s collapse have raised tensions of a wider conflict breaking out.

Both the U.S. and Iran have tried to portray the ongoing negotiations as bending in their favor on issues like the American sanctions targeting Tehran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Earlier this week, Iran’s hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi maintained that an IAEA investigation into traces of man-made uranium found at undeclared nuclear sites in the country must be halted.

Image Credit: Iranian Presidency Office via AP

The Hamas movement ruling the Gaza Strip announced on Sunday that it executed five Palestinians. “On Sunday morning, the death sentence was carried out against two condemned over collaboration with the occupation (Israel), and three others in criminal cases,” Hamas said in a statement.


It added that the defendants had previously been given “their full rights to defend themselves.”

Hamas’s interior ministry provided the initials and years of birth of the five executed Palestinians, but did not give their full names. The two executed over “collaboration” with Israel were two men born in 1978 and 1968.

The older of the two was a resident of Khan Yunis in the south of the blockaded Gaza Strip. He was convicted of supplying Israel in 1991 with “information on men of the resistance, their residence… and the location of rocket launchpads,” Hamas said.

The second was condemned for supplying Israel in 2001 with intelligence “that led to the targeting and martyrdom of citizens” by Israeli forces, the statement added. The three others executed on Sunday had been convicted of murder, the statement said.

Image Credit: Reuters

Organizers of the World Cup in Qatar have finalized a policy to serve beer with alcohol to soccer fans at stadiums and fan zones in the Muslim-majority country.

FIFA said Saturday fans will be allowed to buy Budweiser beer with alcohol within the eight stadium compounds — though not at concourse concession stands — before and after games, and during evenings only at the official “Fan Festival.” That is being held in a downtown Doha park.

Game tickets promising access to Champagnes, wine, liquor and beer for hospitality clients at Qatari stadiums have been on sale since February 2021 as part of corporate packages offering “premium beverages.”

The beer policy affecting most fans was announced just 11 weeks before the first game and finally fulfills an expectation since Qatar campaigned 12 years ago to be the first World Cup host in the Middle East.

Budweiser has been the exclusive World Cup beer brand since 1986 and parent company AB InBev renewed its deal through 2022 with FIFA in a 2011 signing after Qatar was confirmed as host.

FIFA said Saturday that Budweiser with alcohol will be sold “within the stadium perimeter prior to kickoff and after the final whistle.”

“Inside the stadium bowl ticket holders will have access to non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero,” soccer’s world body said. “At the FIFA Fan Festival, Budweiser will be available to purchase from 6.30 p.m.”

Qatar’s organizing committee and AB InBev declined comment Saturday on the issue.

Alcohol is more available in Qatar than some Middle East states though it is served only in hotel restaurants and bars that have licenses. It is illegal to consume it elsewhere.

Still, Qatar has had to relax its regulation of alcohol for the 29-day tournament starting Nov. 20. It is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors including fans from 31 other nations to the tiny Emirate.

Qatar has tested its alcohol policies at games soccer including the 2019 Club World Cup that featured Europe’s then-champion Liverpool, South American champion Flamengo and Mexican club Monterrey.

Qatar is not the first World Cup host to ease its stance on alcohol. Before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, pressure from FIFA led local lawmakers to pass a special bill exempting the tournament from a ban on selling alcohol at stadiums.

Qatar beat four rival bids, including the United States, to win a World Cup hosting contest where candidates were expected to respect FIFA’s deals with commercial partners.

At the time of the FIFA hosting vote in 2010, those World Cup deals included MATCH Hospitality selling corporate packages and AB InBev. Both firms re-upped with FIFA one year later.

“It is important to remember,” MATCH Hospitality executive chairman Jaime Byrom told The Associated Press in a recent interview, “that the entire bid process of the FIFA World Cup is designed to deliver the kind of World Cup experience that all fans from around the world have a reason to expect and to look forward to.”

Image Credit: BENCE BOROS on Unsplash

Turkish President Recap Tayypip Erdogan hardened his tone against Greece on Saturday, threatening to “come down suddenly one night.”

Whilst speaking at an aerial technology festival in Samsun, where Turkey displayed the prototype of an unmanned fighter jet, Erdogan lashed out at neighbouring Greece amid political and military tensions.

Turkey has accused Greece of using Russian-made missile systems in Crete to lock onto Turkish jets in August. Turkey also said Greece F-16 fighter jets harassed Turkish planes by putting them under a  radar lock during a NATO mission over the eastern Mediterranean.

Greece on the other hand, has accused Turkey of violating its airspace.

These tensions are not new, both NATO members have faced disputes over several issues, most notably territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and disagreements over airspace there.

Photo of Erdogan at the podium - Article Image