Middle East Experience

A meta-analysis of 34 different studies on various lockdown policies has shown that they had little-to-no effect was had on COVID-19 mortality.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Pandemic lockdowns had little effect on COVID-19 mortality - study

Netflix's new documentary The Tinder Swindler tells the story of one Israeli man who cheated women out of millions.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israeli ‘Tinder Swindler’ exposed in new Netflix film

A group led by Syria's former al-Qaeda affiliate on Sunday denied it knew that the head of the Islamic State group, killed in a US raid, lived in an area under its control..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: HTS denies prior knowledge of US raid on ISIS in Syria

Millions of Syrians remain without shelter, scattered in refugee camps across different countries. Now, thousands will finally have a safe home to sleep at night..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Qatar Charity builds housing complex for thousands of Syrians

The top US diplomat for the Middle East met with Saudi officials in Riyadh Monday to discuss regional stability, including the situations in Yemen and Lebanon.Acting US Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Yael Lempert held meetings with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir and Hodaal-Helaissi of the Saudi Shura Council.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Prince Faisal and Lempert discussed bilateral ties and ways to strengthen relations between Washington and Riyadh, the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.The pair also spoke about the continued Houthi attacks on civilians and the Iran-backed group’s persistence in blocking a political solution to the yearslong war in Yemen, the SPA said.For her part, Lempert “reaffirmed support for Saudi defense of its territory.”With al-Jubeir, talks focused on Lebanon, “and cooperation to strengthen multilateral efforts for a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the conflict in Yemen,” the State Department said.Lempert and Helaissi discussed how recent advances had changed the lives of Saudi women, including major increases in women’s participation in the workforce.The US diplomat also met with GCC Secretary-General Nayef Al-Hajraf to review “security cooperation and efforts to build a more peaceful, stable, prosperous future for all countries in the Gulf region.”Lempert is on a tour of countries in the region, which have seen her make stops in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. She’s also set to visit Kuwait and Bahrain before returning to Washington.In Amman, she led an interagency delegation, which also included Senior National Security Director Barbara Leaf. Both sides discussed security cooperation and the US officials thanked Jordan for its work to advance regional peace and stability, according to the State Department.Read more: UN Security Council issues veiled criticism of Lebanon’s Hezbollah
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Senior US diplomat talks Yemen, Lebanon with Saudi officials

According to opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu, the delay in the third round of vaccines was the cause for the first thousand deaths this wave.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Netanyahu blames Bennett for 3,000 COVID deaths

Dishdashas, the elegant robes that are a hallmark of the sultanate, have fallen prey to rising hemlines and elaborate embroidery..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Rogue dishdashas prompt Oman to take tough action

Last month, a gunman entered Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville and took the congregants present hostage.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: In light of Colleyville attack, House committee to discuss nonprofit security grants

Bennett said that things are happening "very slowly and gradually," a day after President Isaac Herzog office made its first public statement that it is planning a trip to Ankara.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel-Turkey ties are slow but steady - Bennett

The US is offering up to $10 million for any information on the whereabouts of ISIS-K leader Sanuallah Ghafari, the State Department announced on Monday.Ghafari is said to have been appointed by ISIS to lead its regional affiliate in June 2020. “Ghafari is responsible for approving all ISIS-K operations throughout Afghanistan and arranging funding to conduct operations,” the State Department said in a statement.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.He was designated by the US as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in November 2021.Meanwhile, the US also offered millions of dollars in rewards for any information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the August 2021 blast at Kabul airport, which killed 13 US service members and over 170 Afghans during the chaotic withdrawal ordered by President Joe Biden.Last August, the attack claimed by ISIS-K wounded another 150 people, including US service members.A Pentagon review released last week said that there was one individual and one blast.Also, last week, the top US military general for the Middle East voiced concerns over ISIS-K and the threat it poses to Afghanistan and the region.But following Biden’s decision to end the US military mission in Afghanistan, American forces have lost integral parts of their ability to combat terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and neighboring countries.Read more: UN report states Taliban has killed scores of former Afghan officials and others
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US offers millions of dollars for information on ISIS-K leader, Kabul airport bombing