Archives for October, 2022

British-American detainee Tahbaz returned to Iran's Evin Prison

Morad Tahbaz, who also holds Iranian citizenship, was released on a temporary furlough in July.

Iran

Analysis

The Takeaway: US weighs options amid Iran’s protest crackdown   

The Biden administration has rolled out new sanctions on Iranian officials linked to the widening crackdown on protesters, but is facing pressure to do more from activists who want the regime toppled.  

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti

Fifteen dead in Iran attack on Shiite shrine

Agence France-Presse

Biden discusses Iranian drones in Ukraine with Israeli president

Agence France-Presse

Iran denies its drones are being used in Ukraine war

Iran's foreign minister warned Europe against taking an "unconstructive" path with further sanctions.

Iran

Iran film festival faces membership suspension and withdrawals amid unrest 

The Tehran International Short Film Festival’s credibility hangs in the balance after the international Short Film Conference found its board supportive of “disgraceful government actions” during the Iran uprisings and suspended its membership in response.  

Iran

At least 15 shot dead at Iranian shrine

The Islamic State reportedly claimed the attack.

Iran

Siege tightens around Turkey’s critical newsrooms ahead of election

Government opponents fear Ankara will use all of its means to stifle unfavorable news and public debate ahead of crucial elections next year.

Turkey

Turkey detains head of medical association on terror charges 

Sebnem Korur Fincanci was detained for allegedly disseminating "terrorist propaganda" a day after a political ally of the government demanded her Turkish citizenship be revoked and the Turkish Medical Association be closed down. 

Turkey

Blinken sees some 'positive' signs by Saudis after oil cut

Agence France-Presse

Qatar scraps COVID testing ahead of World Cup

Many of the region's pandemic restrictions are ending and the United Arab Emirates also recently removed its longstanding mask mandate.

Gulf

Breaking | Last Updated: October 26, 2022, 12:41 pm

US targets Iranian officials with new wave of sanctions

The sanctions targeting 14 individuals and three entities came as Iranian mourners marked 40 days since Mahsa Amini’s death in custody.

Iran

Lebanon presidential hopeful slams Hezbollah's dominance

Agence France-Presse

Palestinians in crisis-hit Lebanon plunge deeper into poverty: UN

Agence France-Presse

Changing tactics, Netanyahu embraces far-right legislator

With the elections a week away, opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to include ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir in his government.

Israel

IMF loan unlikely to save Tunisia's economy

Funds from the global lender of last resort may be too little, too late.

North Africa