Oil-rich Iraqi Kurdistan votes, shadowed by economic struggles
The KDP is the largest party in the outgoing parliament, with 45 seats against 21 for the PUK. The KDP's...
Geostrategy
Arab-American mayor warns Biden has not ‘earned my vote’
Hammoud sidesteps the question of whether he could ultimately endorse Biden under the right circumstances, emphasizing that whatever he might...
Geostrategy
Beirut blast victims’ relatives rally for probe judge
Families of victims killed in the 2020 Beirut blast rallied to support the judge probing the disaster, after he was...
- The August 4, 2020 blast destroyed much of the Lebanese capital's port and surrounding areas, killing more than 215 people and injuring over 6,500.
- Relatives of the victims and rights groups have blamed the disaster on an entrenched political class.
Economy
Sharjah Consultative Council approves DVA policy recommendations
SHARJAH, UAE - The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has approved its recommendations regarding the Districts and Villages Affairs Department (DVA)...
- The recommendations touched on the importance of providing social and psychological specialists in the suburb councils.
- They also called for expanding the establishment of a suburb festival to include various cities and regions of Sharjah.
Geostrategy
Tunisia president’s former top aide jailed in absentia, say media reports
TUNIS, TUNISIA - Tunisian President Kais Saied's former chief of staff was sentenced in absentia on Tuesday to prison over audio...
- Nadia Akacha had been a key aide to Saied until she quit in January last year, citing "fundamental differences of opinion" over the national interest.
- A constitutional lawyer like the president, she was appointed as Saied's legal adviser in late 2019 before becoming his chief of staff in January 2020.
Geostrategy
Iran releases celebrity chef held in crackdown, say activists
PARIS, FRANCE - Iran has released a prominent chef and Instagram influencer who was detained earlier this month in its crackdown...
- Navab Ebrahimi, known for his videos promoting Persian cooking, was arrested in Tehran on January 4 and taken to the city's Evin prison.
- Iran has arrested at least 14,000 people in protests sparked by the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman.
Economy
Tunisians protest against government as economy deteriorates
Hundreds of Tunisians, including supporters of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, marched Saturday after opponents of President Kais Saied called for...
- "The people want what you don't want. Down with Saied," chanted the activists, including supporters of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party
- Saturday's protests were staged in the capital Tunis by two different opposition groups and were held far apart with a heavy police presence
Geostrategy
Iran executes two more men in connection with protests
PARIS, FRANCE - Iran on Saturday executed two men for killing a paramilitary force member during unprecedented protests sparked by the...
- The latest hangings double the number of executions to four over the nationwide protests.
- Two men were put to death in December, sparking global outrage and new Western sanctions against Iran.
Geostrategy
Iran protester on death row granted retrial, says judiciary
TEHRAN, IRAN - Iran's top court has ordered the retrial of a third man reportedly sentenced to death over nationwide protests,...
- The Islamic republic has been rocked by protests since the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini.
- Iranian officials say hundreds of people have been killed in the unrest, including members of the security forces, and thousands have been arrested.
Geostrategy
Benjamin Netanyahu sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel
Israel's hawkish veteran Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as prime minister after a stint in opposition, heading what analysts call...
- Netanyahu, 73, who is fighting corruption charges in court, already served as premier longer than anyone in Israeli history, leading the country from 1996-1999 and 2009-2021
- Netanyahu was ousted in June 2021 by a motley coalition of leftists, centrists and Arab parties headed by Naftali Bennett and former TV news anchor Yair Lapid.
Analysis
Over 200 days of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed as UAE President: Decisions, contributions and meetings
The UAE's policy will always support peace and stability in the region and the entire world, based on wisdom and...
- The foreign visits by President Sheikh Mohamed have helped the country in diversifying relations and strengthening strategic partnerships regionally and globally
- He has issued a number of laws and decisions that contribute to supporting the state's development and progress, and consolidating its position internationally
Geostrategy
Israeli president asks Netanyahu to form government
Israel's veteran ex-premier Benjamin Netanyahu secured a mandate to form a new government, paving the way for his comeback at...
- The 73-year-old right-wing politician widely known as "Bibi" vowed to serve all Israelis.
- Netanyahu, who is fighting corruption allegations in court, will have at least 28 days to build a coalition with his allies.
Oil-rich Iraqi Kurdistan votes, shadowed by economic struggles
The KDP is the largest party in the outgoing parliament, with 45 seats against 21 for the PUK. The KDP's...
Geostrategy
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Israel army orders evacuation of northern city after Lebanon clashes
KIRYAT SHMONA, ISRAEL - The Israeli military announced plans to evacuate the northern city of Kiryat Shmona on Friday, after days...
Geostrategy
Thousands rally in support of Gaza across Egypt, says media
CAIRO, EGYPT – Tens of thousands of protesters rallied across Egypt in support of war-torn Gaza on Friday, with large crowds...
Geostrategy
Russia ready to discuss Turkey’s idea about guarantors for Israel, Palestine, says Lavrov
PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA - Russia is ready to discuss and consider Turkey’s initiative to establish a guarantor system in the...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Aid meant for Gaza stuck in Egypt as Rafah crossing is closed
ISMAILIA, EGYPT - Convoys of humanitarian aid stacked up near Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip on Sunday, unable to enter...
- Witnesses said concrete blocks installed by the Egyptians to fortify the border following Israel's bombings were still in place.
- The Rafah crossing - the only passage in and out of the Gaza Strip not controlled by Israel - has been closed since Tuesday.
Geostrategy
Israel refuses to give more time for Gaza evacuation
Jerusalem - The Israeli military said on Saturday that Gaza City residents must not delay their departure before a military...
- Israel has faced calls from the United Nations, United States and European Union to delay an expected full offensive to give civilians time to leave.
- The Israeli military has indicated that Gaza city will be the focus of its operations because this is the base for the Hamas leadership.
Heeding ‘people’s call,’ Sisi announces run for third term
Cairo, Egypt - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced Monday his candidacy for a third term in office, ahead of December...
- State-aligned television showed thousands of people celebrating the announcement across the country
- A year after deposing Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, Sisi won 96 percent of the vote in 2014