Latest in Region Highlight
Latest in Region
Al-Sisi warns of prolonged military conflict in Yemen
President meets Yemeni prime minister, along with a governmental delegation
Foreign minister discusses internal relations with DRC intelligence head
Both officials also discussed ways to develop bilateral relations and a number of mutual interest and regional issues
‘Islamic State’ abducts 2,000 civilians in northern Syria
An alliance of Kurdish and Arab forces have liberated the city of Manbij from the militant group. But some “IS” fighters fled the city, reportedly using hundreds of kidnapped civilians as “human shields.”
Saudi Arabia tries 14 over Mecca crane collapse
Last year’s crane collapse in Mecca has resulted in 14 people going on trial in Saudi Arabia. Local media say they face charges of negligence and violating safety rules. The tragedy claimed the lives of 111 pilgrims.
Libyan forces capture ‘Islamic State’ Sirte headquarters
Pro-government forces have launched a major push to uproot the militant group from the coastal city of Sirte. The announcement comes as the US launched airstrikes on “Islamic State” targets at the government’s request.
Syria, Iraq and the future of jihad
The terror organization ‘Islamic State’ (IS) has suffered serious losses in Syria, and even more in Iraq. It can no longer count on public support. Yet, it still has a few aces up its sleeve.
Eastern Europe and the lucrative Middle East arms trade
Many eastern European countries supply arms to the Middle East. The trade is said to be worth more than a billion euros, with the majority of goods going to Saudi Arabia. But the weapons don’t stay there.
Report: MSF-supported hospital bombed in Idlib, Syria
Weekend airstrikes by unspecified belligerents have destroyed a hospital in northern Syria, Doctors Without Borders reports. Elsewhere, recent attacks by Russia have flattened opposition areas of Aleppo.
Iraqi Defence Minister survives assassination attempt in Mosul
Al-Obaidi’s motorcade was sprayed by mortar shells while inspecting forces in Mosul, says Iraqi Defense Ministry
Saudi Arabia’s ambivalent relationship to terrorism
Saudi Arabia is often accused of supporting jihadist groups. Now, the monarchy is helping Berlin’s security authorities in the fight against terror. What appears to be a contradiction is not.
Egyptian member of YPG killed in fight against IS in Syria
El-Imam was the first Egyptian in the YPG to be killed in the fight against IS
Saudi Arabia to aid German investigators over attacks: report
A German news report says Saudi authorities have offered to help investigate two Islamist attacks in July. It said this comes after both attackers were found to have had contact with possible IS backers in the kingdom.
US-backed Syrian forces seize ‘Islamic State’ stronghold Manbij
The Syrian Democratic Forces have cleared 90 percent of the strategic city of “Islamic State” militants. Manjib had been “a citadel of foreign terrorists,” said a spokesman for the US-led coalition against the group.
In Video: What we know so far about the Emirati aeroplane
Ethiopia reasserts that GERD will not impose any negative effects on Egypt
Ethiopia will cooperate with Egypt and Sudan to reduce any potential hazards, says Ethiopian water minister
Talks resume in Kuwait after standoff between Houthis, Hadi over UN peace deal
Houthis call for protests to enforce formation of a political council to take power in Yemen
UN extends new Syria peace talks invitation to Damascus
The Syrian government has confirmed its participation in the latest talks aimed at a political solution to the conflict. A UN official said he spoke with Damascus about the need for a UN-backed transition.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels reject UN draft peace plan
Rebels in Sanaa have dismissed a UN proposal to end fighting in their country. The plan, which had been accepted by the government, was no more than a “media stunt,” they said.
Egypt explains rejection to UN police intervention in Burundi
UNSC vast majority rejected African delegations’ suggestion to modify the decision to include coordination with Burundi
Parliament condemns Israeli settlement expansion in West Bank
Netanyahu praised Egypt’s efforts towards reviving peace talks between Palestine and Israel
Syria’s Nusra Front splits with al-Qaeda
A senior al-Qaeda figure has urged the group to do what is necessary to protect the “holy struggle of the Syrian people.” Washington voiced skepticism over the split, saying it could be an exercise in rebranding.
Knesset members to visit Saudi, recognised relations with Israel come to the light
Pronounced relations between the two countries have been rapidly developing since the Egyptian-Saudi maritime agreement
Egypt concerned over UN decision to eliminate chemical weapons in Libya
Libya has a small amount of chemical weapons, but a large quantity of arms, says expert
Fire rips through 75-story Dubai tower
A residential skyscraper has caught fire in Dubai, prompting the authorities to evacuate the apartment block and cordon off the area. The flames spread to at least 30 levels of the 75-story building.
Iran starts trial over Saudi embassy burning
Iranian protesters accused of storming the embassy of Saudi Arabia have attended their first hearing before a Tehran court. Forty-eight people, including four clerics, face charges over the January incident.
Rebel-held areas of Aleppo ‘completely besieged’
A UK-based observer group says Syrian regime fighters have seized the only road into the rebel-held area of Aleppo. More than 30 civilians were killed in the besieged city on Saturday.
Yemen peace talks resume in Kuwait City
Yemen’s internationally-backed government and Shiite Houthi rebels have resumed peace talks in Kuwait City. The ongoing conflict which began in March 2015 has claimed 9,000 lives to date.
In Cartoon: Iraq’s Future!
Kerry meets Putin in bid to rescue Syria peace plan
US Secretary of State John Kerry has met Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of an effort to salvage the stalled Syria peace process. The pair discussed cooperation against Islamic State and other militant groups.
‘Islamic State’ says top commander Shishani killed in Iraq
An “Islamic State” linked news agency has reported the death of the group’s “minister of war,” Omar al-Shishani. The US claimed to have killed him in March.