Middle East
IMF: Mideast loses US$270 bn oil income amid virus, recession
July 13, 2020
IMF: Mideast loses US$270 bn oil income amid virus, recession
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Middle East’s energy producers are expected to earn US$270 billion less in oil…
Turkey will inform UNESCO about Hagia Sophia moves, minister says
July 13, 2020
Turkey will inform UNESCO about Hagia Sophia moves, minister says
ISTANBUL (Reuters) — Turkey will inform the United Nation’s cultural body UNESCO about steps being taken regarding Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia,…
Israeli police break up anti-Netanyahu protest in Jerusalem
July 13, 2020
Israeli police break up anti-Netanyahu protest in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police and Jerusalem municipal officials scuffled with protesters demonstrating against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday…
Jordan presses sweeping tax evasion crackdown to aid ailing economy
July 13, 2020
Jordan presses sweeping tax evasion crackdown to aid ailing economy
AMMAN (Reuters) — Jordan’s Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz promised on Sunday to deepen a crackdown on tax evasion that officials…
Tunisian parties seek to oust parliament speaker, Islamists want new government
July 13, 2020
Tunisian parties seek to oust parliament speaker, Islamists want new government
TUNIS (Reuters) — At least five Tunisian parties plan to launch a vote of no confidence in parliamentary speaker Rached…
Lebanese Christian cleric seen to criticize Hezbollah, allies over crisis
July 13, 2020
Lebanese Christian cleric seen to criticize Hezbollah, allies over crisis
BEIRUT (Reuters) — Lebanon’s top Christian cleric stepped up criticism of the Iran-backed Shia group Hezbollah and its allies without…
Arab states target extremism online — but are they effective?
July 13, 2020
Arab states target extremism online — but are they effective?
With the rise of the “Islamic State,” a host of Arab-led initiatives were created to disrupt extremist content online. But…
Sudan to allow drinking alcohol for non-Muslims, ban FGM
July 12, 2020
Sudan to allow drinking alcohol for non-Muslims, ban FGM
KHARTOUM (Reuters) — Sudan will permit non-Muslims to consume alcohol and strengthen women’s rights, including banning female genital mutilation (FGM),…
Iran blames bad communication, alignment for jet shootdown
July 12, 2020
Iran blames bad communication, alignment for jet shootdown
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A misaligned missile battery, miscommunication between troops and their commanders and a decision to fire without…
Abu Dhabi fund suspends debt service repayments for countries, companies
July 12, 2020
Abu Dhabi fund suspends debt service repayments for countries, companies
DUBAI (Reuters) — Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has suspended debt service repayments for some countries and companies for the…