News Brief Middle East Minute: Erdogan threatens new military operation in northeast Syria Turkey’s president on Monday said his country would soon launch a new military incursion into northeast Syria to combat terrorism threats. In just one minute, Al-Monitor's Joe Snell catches you up on this story and more from around the Middle East and North Africa.
Egypt Ancient temple to Greek god Zeus discovered in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula Egyptian archeologists have unearthed the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to Zeus in the Sinai Peninsula, continuing excavation work that first began in the early 20th century. Joe Snell reports. Read the full report by Rasha Mahmoud here: Ancient temple to Zeus uncovered in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula
Middle East Minute: Finland holds "open and direct" talks with Turkey Finland’s President on Saturday said he had "open and direct" talks with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss his country’s bid for NATO membership. In just one minute, Al-Monitor's Joe Snell catches you up on this story and more from around the Middle East and North Africa.
Lebanon Lebanese elections in one word: خرق More than a dozen independent candidates on Sunday won the right to sit in the country’s parliament following Lebanon's parliamentary election. Meanwhile, mainstay political parties like Hezbollah and its allies lost majority positions. Former Sunni Leader and ex-prime minister Saad Hariri’s political party boycotted the election, reducing the party’s representation. And important and renowned political figures lost their seats. These are among the biggest headlines to emerge from Lebanon’s parliamentary election on Sunday. Joe Snell reports.
Cultural Heritage Ancient gate to iconic Hagia Sophia vandalized One of the world’s most significant historical sites has been damaged. The head of the Turkish Union of Art History said it could be the first of many disasters in the world heritage site due to neglect. If no precautions are taken to protect these heritage sites, Serif Yaser said, “The dome of the Hagia Sophia might collapse on worshippers by 2050.” Read more here: Experts warn Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia at risk as ancient gate damaged
Syria Arabian horses in northwest Syria at risk of being forgotten Arabian horses are among the oldest bred horses in the world, tracing their history back 4,500 years to the Bedouins of the Arabian desert and in artwork from ancient Egypt. But this lineage is now endangered as horse owners in northwest Syria are unable to register their animals and acquire the certificates that confirm their ancestry. Mohammed Hardan and Joe Snell report.
Iraq Iraqi army launches offensive on Sinjar The Iraqi army launched an operation into Sinjar, a Yazidi area in northern Iraq, seeking to dislodge fighters that Turkey says are linked to the PKK. Meanwhile, thousands of civilians are once again having to flee the area. Joe Snell reports. Read more: Is Turkey behind border wall, Iraqi deployment in Sinjar? Iran-backed militias, PKK coordinated vs. Turkish troops in Iraq Yazidi militia says Iraqi army attacks linked to Turkey’s anti-PKK campaign
Turkey Turkish civil rights activist, philanthropist Osman Kavala jailed for life A Turkish court on Monday sentenced civil rights activist and philanthropist Osman Kavala to life in jail without parole. Kavala has been behind bars for 4 1/2 years, accused of attempting to overthrow the government. The case has been widely condemned by Western leaders. Following Monday's decision, the US State Department said it was "deeply troubled and disappointed." Joe Snell reports.
Lebanon Boat carrying Lebanese, Syrians capsizes off coast of Lebanon On Saturday, a boat carrying about 80 Lebanese and Syrians sank off the coast of Tripoli. Seven people have so far been found dead, but dozens are still missing and Lebanese across the country are demanding answers. Joe Snell reports.
Syria The storyteller of Ramadan tours Syria's displaced camps During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a storyteller is touring displaced camps across northwest Syria's Idlib province to help children forget about the war. Video by Joe Snell. Shots and story by Mouneb Taim.
Four Pakistanis killed in rare Oman attack near Shiite mosque Agence France-Presse | AFP | Jul 16, 2024