Middle East Experience

Without surveillance cameras, the UN agency will soon be unable to declare whether the Iranian nuclear programme is “peaceful” or not..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UN agency calls on Iran to resume nuclear talks ‘now’

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai voiced the hope that efforts will be made to “form a new government as soon as possible so that it can carry out its duties of an executive authority.”..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Maronite Patriarch calls for early presidential election in Lebanon

What does the US president hope to accomplish in his diplomatic trip to the Middle East?
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Biden trip to Jerusalem and Riyadh - what’s he trying to achieve?

The Jerusalem Post spoke to Israelis in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market to understand exactly how they are feeling about Israel's coalition government, one year after its formation.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: What do Israelis think of Bennett's coalition, one year later?

Spanish Economy Minister Nadia Calvino at the meeting of the IMF in April remarked on a growing rapprochement between Algeria and Russia..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: In growing row, Spain accuses Algeria of increasingly aligning with Russia

"The science presented by the IPCC is irrefutable, a vegan diet is an optimal diet for the planet," said Yael Hanna Gabay, the founder of the Freedom4Animals organization.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israeli activists demand action against animal agriculture at climate conference

Doctors across the United Arab Emirates have urged all residents to continue wearing face masks and follow other safety protocols to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19.Their comments come a day after health officials announced it would strictly enforce its mask rule – with penalties for those flouting the protocol – and announced it would tighten its rules on the Al Hosn green pass system amid rising coronavirus cases across the country.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.At a televised media briefing on Monday, the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) also said there had been cases of people infected with COVID-19 who had breached the mandatory 10-day at-home isolation period; a breach which they warned would be considered – and treated as - a criminal offense.Across the country, health experts said it is vital that everyone followed the rules to limit the rise of new infections.Speaking to Al Arabiya English, Dr. Niyas Khalid, a specialist in internal medicine at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, said it is essential to follow precautionary measures amid the global rise of COVID-19 cases.Reluctance to follow rules“People have been under the COVID-19 cloud for around three years,” he said. “Many people have become complacent and reluctant to follow the rules, maybe because the death rate compared to the previous wave is low now.“But we must understand that the death rate is low because of all the preventive measures such as vaccinations, the booster doses, and the world-class treatment that have been given to the citizens of this country.“We should adhere to precautions because it will impact the vulnerable sections of society, including those with existing diseases, the elderly or people with complex diseases or comorbid conditions.“We must ensure that the vulnerable group doesn’t suffer because we are negligent in following the rules. To protect the entire society, we must follow the rules so that nobody is harmed.“We should ensure that no life is lost because we don’t take precautions.”Dr Khalid said it is the responsibility of each individual to not spread the disease to another.“We may not develop any complications, but the other person may get into trouble. We must be careful and adhere to the precautions laid down by the authorities.“If everyone is wearing a mask, it significantly reduces the chances of transmitting the disease from one person to another.”Dr Pawan Kumar Shrivastava, a consultant in internal Medicine at Dubai’s NMC Specialty Hospital, also urged residents to follow UAE rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.He said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our life as we know it.“Many had lost their family members and friends in the last wave. Once again, COVID-19 cases are increasing and we need to control the spread of disease earliest by following certain measures.“So, make sure to wear masks correctly when you are in closed and crowded places. Wearing a mask is not a restriction of our freedom, rather helps us to regain freedom by reducing virus transmission in the community.”Dr Shrivastava said multiple studies have shown that face coverings can contain droplets expelled from the wearer which are responsible for the majority of transition of the virus.“It is estimated that 40 percent of persons with COVID 19 are asymptomatic but potentially able to transmit the virus,” he said. “Also remember to regularly hand wash, socially distance, avoid going to crowded places, stay at home and self-isolate with minor symptoms - mild fever, cough, or body ache – and get your COVID-19 PCR done at the earliest.“Most importantly, make sure to complete your immunization against COVID-19.“If anyone in your family has still not received vaccine get them vaccinated. By vaccination only we control this disease completely.“Because of mass vaccination in our country we are observing that the disease severity also has reduced to very mild. Once again, we have to follow all measures recommended by authorities, they are for our protection.“We have to win this battle against this deadly virus.”Dr. Neema Madhusoodanan Nambiar, a GP at Bareen International Hospital in MBZ City, also urged against mask complacency.“It is important to continue wearing the face mask and follow basic health and safety protocols as it can protect individuals and prevent persons from transmitting the COVID-19 virus to others.“Most COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic but can transmit the virus to others, even to those high-risk categories. So let us be responsible, continue wearing face mask and continue adhering to health and safety rules to help reduce virus transmission in the community.”Changes to Al Hosn Green PassOfficials leading the NCEMA briefing on Monday said the validity of the Al Hosn Green Pass app would be reduced from 30 days to 14 days as a “precautionary and preventive measure.The decision “aims to ensure the accuracy of the testing process and encourage more periodic checks.”The update will be activated on Wednesday, except for employees in the education sector and students, who will have the update on their Al Hosn apps by next Monday, June 20.This comes as the UAE’s COVID-19 cases surged dramatically, accounting for a more than two-fold increase in infections in less than a week, NCEMA said.The UAE registered 1,319 new coronavirus cases on Monday, marking the highest number of daily recorded cases since February, but no deaths were recorded during the 24-hour period.NCEMA said that it has recently “monitored some behaviors that have become a danger to society and public health,” referring to people not adhering to COVID-19 precautionary and preventative measures and how it has “negatively” impacted “recovery efforts.“Negligence and recklessness in following precautionary measures, and failure in the societal role in maintaining public health and acquired immunity, has resulted in a rise in the number of infections and new waves of the virus,” the authority spokesman said in the briefing.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Studies have proven that wearing masks is one of the most important factors in maintaining health and safety, and from the risk of contracting a COVID-19 infection,” NCEMA said.“The effectiveness of the mask lies in reducing the speed and strength of the spread of the disease, especially in closed and crowded places.”The authority reaffirmed the need to wear masks in closed public spaces, reiterating that it was mandatory and that not adhering to this rule would result in a fine of up to $816 (AED 3,000).Read more:UAE urges public to adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures amid spike in casesUAE reports highest number of new daily COVID-19 cases in four monthsSaudi Arabia drops COVID-19 measures including indoor masks, vaccine requirement
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: UAE doctors urge against ‘mask complacency’, urge residents to follow COVID-19 rules

The US envoy mediating between Lebanon and Israel over their disputed maritime border met Lebanese President Michel Aoun on Tuesday in Beirut, the president’s office said. The talks focused on ways of reaching a solution amid rising tensions along the tense boundary.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser for energy security at the US State Department, arrived in Beirut on Monday following an invitation by the Lebanese government. The invitation came after Israel set up a gas rig at its designated location at the Karish field, which Israel says is part of its UN-recognized exclusive economic zone. Lebanon insists it is in a disputed area.Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed militant Hezbollah have been exchanging threats, with Hezbollah’s leader last week warning he would strike the gas rig at Karish. The heavily armed Hezbollah, which has fought several wars with Israel, has repeatedly said in the past that it would use its weapons to protect Lebanon’s economic rights.Days later, Israel’s army Chief Aviv Kochavi threatened Lebanon with “unprecedented bombing” saying that a future war would be very large.The US-mediated indirect talks between Lebanon and Israel have been stalled since last year amid disagreements within Lebanon over how big the disputed area is.The two countries, which have been officially at war since Israel’s creation in 1948, both claim some 860 square kilometers (330 square miles) of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon hopes to unleash offshore oil and gas production as it grapples with the worst economic crisis in its modern history.Last year, the Lebanese delegation in the talks — a mix of army generals and professionals — offered a new map that pushes for an additional 1,430 square kilometers (550 square miles) as Lebanese territory.Hochstein did not speak to reporters after his 40-minute meeting with Aoun. Lebanese media reported ahead of Tuesday’s meeting that Aoun would put forward several proposals, including one which shows readiness to give Israel full control of Karish field in return for Lebanon getting the Qana field, part of which stretches deep into the disputed area.During a visit to Lebanon in February, Hochstein handed Lebanese officials a proposal which gives more than half the disputed area to Lebanon. Lebanon did not respond to the proposal.Asked what the United Nations could do to advance the negotiations, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, said the UN can “work with the parties to help them find a solution through dialogues, through discussion, between both sides.”The dispute over the maritime border is more than a decade old. In 2012, Lebanon rejected an American proposal of getting 550 square kilometers (212 square miles), or almost two thirds of the area, while Israel would have gotten the remaining third.The offer was known at the time as the “Hoff Line,” after US diplomat Frederick Hoff who was mediating then between the two countries.Read more: Lebanon preparing to offer compromise on maritime spat with Israel, officials sayLebanese protest Israel vessel at disputed gas fieldUS envoy to Beirut for talks on Lebanon energy crisis, border dispute with Israel
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US envoy talks with Lebanese president on border dispute with Israel

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) said on Tuesday the Iranian-flagged Lana tanker ship seized in April by Greece is no longer impounded and its oil cargo will be returned to its owner, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“With the swift and authoritative action of Iran, the Greek government finally issued an order and we are now witnessing the lifting of the ship’s seizure and the return of its cargo to its owner,” the PMO told Mehr.The ship, previously called Pegas and renamed Lana in March, had reported an engine problem in April. It was headed to the southern Peloponnese peninsula to offload its cargo on to another tanker but rough seas forced it to moor just off Karystos where it was seized, according to the Athens News Agency.A Greek court overturned an earlier ruling last week that allowed the confiscation by the US of part of the Iranian-flagged tanker’s Iranian oil cargo off the Greek coast, three sources familiar with the matter said.The incident led to an angry response from Iran, with Iranian forces last month seizing two Greek tankers in the Gulf after Tehran warned it would take “punitive action” against Athens. Read more: Iran expects confiscated oil cargo by US to be returned in full: EnvoyIran says tankers seized because Greece ‘stole’ oilIran slams French, German ‘interference’ in seizure of Greek oil tankers
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Greece frees seized Iranian oil tanker: Report

As the war in Ukraine surpasses its 100th day, Dubai-based Ukrainian expats have told Al Arabiya English of their despair and devastation as the conflict rages on.Having previously shared their ordeal at the start of the invasion, for many Ukrainians, the prolonged fighting in their home country has only heighted fears for the families they have left behind.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 in what it calls a “special military operation,” that has caused mass displacement within the country and across the world.“Almost all my family is in Western Ukraine now, except my sister,” said 33-year-old Ukrainian expat Olga, referring to her pregnant sister, who decided to leave the capital city Kyiv at the beginning of the Russian invasion.“She was pregnant when the war started, and she had to leave Kyiv literally under the missiles attack. When she joined the rest of our family in the West [of Ukraine], she hoped it is going to be more or less safe there.“But then in the middle of March, Russian troops started to gather at the Belarus border, and if they crossed it, they would have reached the city in one hour.“She was very scared for the baby and took a decision to leave the country,” Olga explained, adding that her sister was now in Berlin, Germany.“We have friends in Koln, Germany; they were supposed to help her with everything, so she went there by car. [But] maybe because of the stress, the contractions started earlier, and she had to stop in Berlin,” Olga said.Her sister had to give birth to her child a little earlier than expected.“[Berlin] is where my nephew Artem was born… still can't believe it happened to my family.”‘I want to scream’ Olga expressed her frustration with the reduction of media coverage on the Ukraine war, her biggest concern being that the world would forget about the war.“Lots of people think the war is over. We still have shellings everyday and people dying every minute… a few days ago, my colleague at work was trying to prove to me that everything was fine in Ukraine and I have nothing to complain about.“That was the day my city, Kyiv, was hit by six missiles… sometimes I feel really hopeless. I want to scream: the war is not over. People are still being killed for nothing.”Russia has denied targeting Ukrainian civilians in military action on multiple occasions, although the incursion has caused thousands of casualties and has left many Ukrainian towns destroyed.The United Nations on Monday confirmed over 4,000 civilian deaths and 5,390 injuries in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, however, this number is expected to be much higher in reality.Starting from scratch Dubai-based expat and operations manager at a media firm, Anna, 31, said her parents had to leave their business behind and start their lives again from scratch.“My family members try to start their lives from beginning,” she told Al Arabiya English. “It’s very hard, sometimes I feel that my parents lost their sense of the life, because they left their house and business. They always were busy and helpful, and now they just sit and wait to receive news to go back home.”“Most of my family and friends are inside the Ukraine. They just relocated to other cities, where it is safer. They are scattered all over Ukraine. Men are not allowed to leave the country due to martial law, so women prefer to stay with them.”Anna said that she was mostly concerned about more people and children dying.“People left their houses, work, and unfulfilled plans for the future... Infrastructure, schools, churches, historical and cultural facilities have been destroyed,” she said. “I believe that the truth will prevail, and Ukraine will win. We will rebuild our country again and our economy will grow.”Hopes fade as Russian aggression intensifies Echoing Anna’s sentiment, Olga said, “I truly believe in my country, but every time I think about the price we pay every day for [a stable] future, it breaks my heart.”“I had a hope it [the war] will end sooner, but I do understand whom we’re dealing with. Us, Ukrainians, we don't agree to give up on a single centimeter of our territory and our people this time,” Olga added.“In 2014, when Russia occupied Crimea and the part of Donbas, the world didn't take actions. This led to the situation we have now, this gave Russia the idea they can do whatever they want without the consequences.”“Now some European countries advise us to give up on the territories, occupied by Russia. For me, this is nonsense. The European leaders have forgotten the history… the policy of appeasing an aggressor led to World War II,” said Olga.Dubai-based Ukrainian expat, Maria, 32, also shared some of her concerns with Al Arabiya English.The 32-year-old is from the Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, which has witnessed relentless shelling from Russia. Ukrainian forces pushed the Russians away from the city last month and it has been estimated that around 606 civilians were killed there and 600,000 evacuated.“The more time this war will take, the more losses we will have. My main concern is the ability of Russian federation to pay reparations in future. But even so, they will not bring our [dead] soldiers and civilian people back to life, which is the saddest part,” she said.The 32-year-old, whose family evacuated to Bordeuax in France, said that she expected the war to last this long, “due to the Russian president’s ambitions.”“The war will finish anyway. And I truly believe we will be able to be a part of European [Union] family.”Read more:Food security was ‘deteriorating’ before Ukraine war, but has worsened since: ExpertAmnesty says Russia guilty of war crimes in Kharkiv shelling‘I feel empty, scared’: Dubai-based Ukrainian expats share their ordeal amid invasion
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: ‘It breaks my heart’: Ukrainian expats share despair as Russian invasion rages on