Middle East Experience

NGOs say toll could be as high as 37 after hundreds of people break into border control area in attempt to reach Melilla enclave..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Calls for investigation over deaths in Moroccan-Spanish border crossing

A simple slip exposed links to the Assad regime, fake accounts and a deliberate disinformation campaign. Sensationalist headlines, clickbait videos and wild accusations of support for terrorism stormed the virtual…..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: QLeaks unmasked: Who is behind the major anti-Qatar disinformation platform?

The summit brought together technology pioneers, investors, and Insurtech startup finalists from ‘InsurHack MENA’. The InsurTech MENA Summit 2022, organised by Qatar Insurance Company Group (QIC), marked a seminal moment in insurance change,…..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: QIC hosts first-of-its-kind InsurTech MENA Summit in region

It will be critical to learn how successful the launch was, something that was not fully clear from the video, though the satellite was seen traveling for an extended period and then blowing up.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Iran tests Zuljanah satellite launcher a 2nd time

Chided by Ukraine for not going far enough to punish Russia, G7 leaders were also having "really constructive" talks on a possible price cap on Russian oil.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Biden urges G7 to stay together as leaders target Russian gold

Even if the far-Right can eke out a 61-seat coalition, if the last year has taught the country anything, it is that this state cannot be governed by that narrow of a majority.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: No light at end of the political tunnel - analysis

Oded Katash returns to Maccabi Tel Aviv while Hapoel Jerusalem tabs colorful Aleksandar Dzikic
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israeli basketball: A tale of two coaches for two cities

Above all, the country needs to get out of the cycle of constant elections. Not only are elections a huge expense, but they damage long-term planning and stability. 
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Constant elections are bad for the economy - editorial

The US is in the process of finalizing the latest arms package to Ukraine, which will include “medium- and long-range air defense capabilities,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Monday.“As the President told his fellow G7 leaders - and as he told President Zelenskyy - we do intend to finalize a package that includes advanced medium- and long-range air defense capabilities for the Ukrainians, along with some other items that are of urgent need, including ammunition for artillery and counterbattery radar systems,” Sullivan told reporters in Germany.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.US President Joe Biden announced another package of weapons on Thursday, including more High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition. Patrol boats will also be given to the Ukrainians, which the White House said would help Kyiv defend its coastlines.During a meeting between G-7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Sullivan said the latter requested further air defense systems. “In particular, at the top of his mind was the set of missile strikes that took place in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine, and his desire to get additional air defense capabilities that could shoot down Russian missiles out in sky.”The latest announcement by the US was the thirteenth time that Biden authorized what is referred to as a presidential drawdown since Russia invaded Ukraine. Since Feb. 24, the US has provided Ukraine with more than $6 billion in security assistance.On Friday, a senior US defense official told reporters that Russia had tried to stop the supply of military aid to Ukraine but noted no evidence of “any Russian success in intercepting” weapons assistance. “That is unlikely to change,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.Read more: Third US citizen reported missing in Ukraine after going to fight Russian forcesRussia trying to stop flow of Western weapons to Ukraine, no evidence of success: USRussia says strikes hit Ukraine military training centers
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US finalizing medium- and long-range air-defense systems for Ukraine: White House

Dubai Customs made 936 drug seizures across its land, sea, air and passenger ports in the first four months of 2022, the governmental body told Al Arabiya English.This compares to 558 seizures in the same period last year, Dubai Customs said, speaking on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on June 26.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Dubai Customs thwarted several attempts to smuggle narcotic substances, which included tramadol tablets, captagon, opium, heroin, hemp seeds, crystal meth, marijuana, and other narcotics.Major seizures in first four months of 2022 include:• An attempt to smuggle 2,968 boxes of coffee creamer containing amphetamine was thwarted at Jebel Ali port.• At Dubai International Airport, Dubai Customs officers thwarted an attempt to smuggle 97 capsules weighing 955 grams of heroin, swallowed by a passenger.• The Inland Customs Centers Management made 10 crystal meth seizures during the first four months of this year.• The smuggling of 42 kilograms of marijuana was thwarted. They were possessed by an African passenger at Dubai International Airport and were hidden inside the bags of dried hot peppers. The Passenger Operations Department made 222 seizures between January and April 2022 compared to 198 seizures in the corresponding period last year. The Inland Customs Centers Management made 501 seizures compared to 32 seizures in the first 4 months of 2021, whereas Air Cargo Centers Management made 207 seizures compared to 325 in the corresponding period in 2021. The Sea Customs Centers Management made six seizures compared to three in the first 4 months of 2021.“Protecting the community is a major strategic goal in Dubai Customs and its five-year plan, and we are giving this role a great priority in light of the increasing risks, and as part of our commitment to our national duty,” Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said.“With Dubai's progress in the global leadership race, the emirate has become an international model in fighting drugs and curbing their health and social damages. Dubai Customs actively participates in these efforts by developing the capabilities of its human resources, especially customs officers, in accordance with the best standards in customs inspection. The government department constantly updates and develops its systems and programs for monitoring suspicious shipments. We adopt an integrated series of procedures and techniques to address all smuggling attempts, in line with the department’s strategy 2021-2026 to lead safe customs globally.”The customs centers are provided with the latest inspection devices, including the advanced container inspection system; the latest integrated global system for scanning and inspecting containers and moving trucks. It is capable of scanning 160 trucks per hour. Siyaj program, the border security initiative, is constantly updated using the latest AI technologies.Read more: UK to remove visa requirement for GCC nationals wishing to visit by 2023India customs officials seize stack of gold smuggled from Saudi ArabiaDubai’s DXB airport gears up for 2.4 mln travelers in 11 days amid Eid holiday rush
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Dubai Customs makes 936 seizures in four months, including crystal meth, marijuana