Archives for January, 2021

Syrian elite army unit on offense against opposition in Daraa region

The Syrian regime forces’ 4th Division is trying to storm the city of Tafas in the western countryside of Daraa, in search of wanted persons whom the regime forces call jihadists.

TOPSHOT - Lebanese anti-government protesters clash with security forces near the Serail (headquarters of the Governorate), in the northern port city of Tripoli, during a demonstration to protest against the economic situation, on January 28, 2021. - Tripoli was already one of Lebanon's poorest areas before the coronavirus pandemic piled new misery onto a chronic economic crisis. Many of its residents have been left without an income since Lebanon imposed a full lockdown earlier this month in a bid to stem

Angry Lebanese protest ongoing lockdown amid looming poverty

Many Lebanese are growing more concerned about how to make ends meet as the country edges more toward economic collapse, made worse by the coronavirus pandemic and a complete lockdown.

Members of the Palestinian security forces stand guard outside the Legislative Council building in the occupied-West Bank town of Ramallah, on January 16, 202. - Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas announced yesterday dates for the first Palestinian elections in more than 15 years, setting legislative polls for May 22 and a July 31 presidential vote.
Abbas's Fatah party, which controls the Palestinian Authority based in the occupied West Bank, and the Hamas Islamists, who hold power in Gaza, have for years

Hamas leaders in West Bank warn of Israeli intimidation ahead of elections

Israeli intelligence warned a prominent Hamas leader in the West Bank against running in the Palestinian elections.

Egyptian men living in Saudi Arabia queue to casts their ballots in the early voting for the presidential elections on May 26-27, at the Egyptian embassy in Riyadh, on May 15, 2014. Egyptians abroad started voting in their country's first presidential elections since the military deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi nearly a year ago. Around 680,000 Egyptians, in 124 countries have registered to vote and have until May 18, to cast their ballots at diplomatic missions in their countries of residence, sta

Egyptians living in Saudi Arabia face attacks

The repeated attacks against Egyptian nationals in Saudi Arabia may have become a phenomenon that has even escalated into killings lately in the absence of any deterrence.

Iranians check a display board at a currency exchange shop in the capital Tehran, on September 29, 2020. - For Iran, struggling from sanctions imposed under Washington's policy of "maximum pressure", the US presidential race raises hope of change -- but also fears that life could get even worse. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Could humanitarian bank project advance US, Iranian interests?

The complex network of sanctions on Iran means that even exempted humanitarian transactions remain difficult, and a humanitarian bank could provide the Iranian-American community with a legitimate, closely monitored channel to conduct business as well as prevent black market activities.

The Takeaway: Timing of return to nuclear deal depends on Iran

Blinken reiterates Biden policy to return to nuclear deal, once Iran is in compliance; Israel readies its war room as possible last resort.

Protests in northern Lebanon against virus-related lockdowns turn deadly

Lebanon's 24/7 lockdown has angered people in Tripoli amid a crippling economic crisis, and clashes have left hundreds injured and at least one dead.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses reporters during his first press briefing at the State Department in Washington, DC, on January 27, 2021. (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CARLOS BARRIA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

'A prudent first step': State Department reviewing UAE, Saudi arms sales

The administration has suspended major foreign arms sales in what the State Department characterized as a routine decision.

Biden administration pauses arms sales to Gulf pending review

The freeze includes the F-35 deal for the United Arab Emirates and bombs for Saudi Arabia.

Iran hosts Taliban delegation to discuss US presence in Afghanistan

Both Iranian and Taliban officials criticized the United States' role in Afghanistan during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, amid peace talks in Qatar.

Algerian courts use cover of pandemic to reverse protesters' gains

Reforms sought by Algeria's Harek, or mass movement, are "stillborn" as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Popular Lebanese music streaming platform Anghami moving to Abu Dhabi

The Beirut-based company said they failed to attract investment in Lebanon amid the financial crisis.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MAY 01: Two B-52 Bombers and two F-15 fighter jets fly over the University Medical Center on May 01, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The flyover was done as a salute to first responders and hospital workers in some of the hardest hit areas of the coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Biden Administration increases B-52 bombers in region as deterrent to Iran

The United States Air Force has sent a sixth sortie of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over the Middle East.

Turkish firms fined over 'exorbitant' food prices as inflation soars

Turkey’s Ministry of Commerce announced Wednesday it would issue nearly $500,000 in fines for companies it found to be charging "exorbitant" prices for food as the nation grapples with high inflation.

Iran’s Rouhani in tug of war with hard-liners over internet bans

The Iranian president attacked the hard-line judiciary’s move to summon his telecommunications minister over ambitious internet access improvement plans.

Iraq is planning to host Gulf Cup soccer tournament

Adnan Dirjal, Iraq's minister of youth and sports, has gotten the ministry to promote health and fitness and is spearheading the nation's bid to host the 25th Arab Gulf Cup in Basra.