Middle East Experience

Erdogan had sought a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince during a visit to Qatar last month..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Turkey’s Erdogan eyes closer ties with Riyadh through February visit

Two armed drones targeting an air base in western Iraq were shot down on Tuesday, an official of the US-led coalition fighting ISIS revealed.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Two fixed-wing drones rigged with explosives were engaged and destroyed by defensive capabilities at the Iraqi Al-Asad Air Base early this morning,” the official detailed.“The attempted attack was unsuccessful. All forces are accounted for.”It is the second such attack in 24 hours aimed for the coalition in Iraq. On Monday, the coalition shot down two armed drones targeting its compound at Baghdad airport.The attacks come as Tehran and its allies across the Middle East held emotional commemorations marking Monday's second anniversary of the assassination of Iranian commander General Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant in a US drone strike at Baghdad airport.Coalition troops switched to a training and advisory role with the end of their combat mission early last month.“While we have ended our combat mission, we maintain the inherent right of self-defense,” the official said.“These are attacks against Iraqi installations, and an attack against the Iraqi people and the military that protects them. We maintain a minimal footprint on Iraqi bases - the coalition no longer has its own bases in Iraq.”Read more: Two armed drones shot down in Baghdad: Anti-ISIS coalition sourceSaudi Arabia’s defenses intercepted, destroyed five drones targeting KingdomArab Coalition carries out air strikes on four targets in Sanaa
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Two drones shot down targeting Iraq base: Anti-ISIS coalition

In the governor’s compound of Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, a new exhibit is unveiled before a rapt audience of Taliban fighters -- sections of blast walls from a former US military base.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.One concrete slab is inscribed with the names and regiments of US troops who served in the province during America’s longest war.Like soldiers throughout history, US troops regularly daubed their names on the walls of bases and fixed positions they occupied.But now the towering block is on public display -- being used to bolster the Taliban’s narrative of toppling US-led forces after 20 years of fighting.“We have to show this so that Afghans, the world, and future generations know that we beat the Americans,” Taliban provincial culture chief Mullah Habibullah Mujahid told AFP.“Even if they called themselves the greatest power in the world.”Taliban forces took the city of Ghazni -- 150 kilometres (95 miles) south of Kabul -- three days before the capital fell on August 15.The region has 3,500 years of rich recorded history, and the Taliban are now busy writing the latest chapter with proof of their military triumph.The propaganda push comes as Afghanistan’s new rulers struggle to evolve from an insurgency to a governing power in a country on the brink of economic collapse, with the UN estimating more than half the population is facing acute hunger.On roads outside the city of nearly 200,000, another informal exhibition to the Taliban victory has been erected.Rusting hulks of destroyed American armored vehicles are on display, their weapons removed, their tires flat and frayed.Children clamber around and over the wreckage, which also features skeletons of abandoned Soviet tanks from the decade-long occupation of Afghanistan.That invasion ended in humiliation for the Soviets, and -- alongside the defeat of British troops in the 19th century -- Afghans are quick to remind visitors that the country has now triumphed over three foreign empires.“We are proud of our achievement when we see this,” said 18-year-old Taliban fighter Ozair, who like many in the country goes by only one name.“We showed that Afghans born here could beat America, a powerful country,” he added, surveying the crumpled humvees and charred personnel carriers.Reminders and relics of two decades of the US-led occupation of Afghanistan are scattered across the nation -- some of them usable.Much military hardware gifted to Afghan police and armed forces fell into the hands of the Taliban in the last chaotic days of the US-backed government.The windfall of weapons, vehicles and uniforms has given the new rulers of Kabul tangible spoils of victory.But curating those trophies into a credible homage to the Taliban’s return to power remains a challenge.Standing at the blast walls, Mullah Habibullah Mujahid boasted that the 20 or so names inscribed included “important commanders and generals” killed in combat.The ranks listed, however, were all junior -- and none of the names feature on databases of Americans killed in the war.Read more: Afghanistan’s blue mountain lakes deserted as tourists stay awayGhani blames US deal with Taliban for fall of AfghanistanAfghan agents pour 3,000 liters of liquor into Kabul canal
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Spoils of war: Taliban put victory over US on display

Sudanese security forces have spread out around Khartoum and neighboring cities ahead of planned anti-coup protests, days after the resignation of the country’s civilian prime minister, witnesses said Tuesday.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Streets leading to the army headquarters in central Khartoum were sealed off amid a heavy presence of riot police, paramilitary forces and army personnel, the witnesses said.Pro-democracy activists have stepped up calls for protests against an October 25 military coup led by top general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who detained then-prime minister Abdalla Hamdok and cabinet ministers.The coup has triggered mass demonstrations and a violent crackdown that has so far left at least 57 dead and hundreds wounded. At least 13 women have been raped during the unrest.On November 21, Burhan reinstated Hamdok in a deal promising elections in mid-2023. The protest movement slammed the deal as “betrayal” and has kept up street pressure.Late Sunday, Hamdok announced that he was stepping down, saying he had tried to prevent the country “from sliding toward disaster” but that it was now at a “dangerous crossroads threatening its very survival.”Pro-democracy activists have urged protesters to take to the streets Tuesday and to head to the presidential palace in Khartoum “until victory is achieved.”Sudan has been navigating a fragile transition towards full civilian rule since the April 2019 ouster of veteran president Omar al-Bashir following an unprecedented wave of youth-led protests.Burhan last month issued a decree allowing security forces to arrest individuals “over crimes related to the state of emergency,” effectively banning street protests.Security forces are allowed to enter and search “any building or individual” and impose “surveillance of any property and facility.”Since the coup, authorities have often blocked internet services and disrupted communication lines to prevent mass gatherings.Read more: Analysis: Hamdok resigning, Sudan’s future and need for international interventionSudan PM’s decision to resign throws country further into the abyssSudan’s PM announces resignation amid political deadlock
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Sudanese security forces deploy ahead of planned anti-coup protests

Saudi Arabia’s daily new COVID-19 cases rose by 32 percent to 2,585 on Tuesday, according to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The daily case count is at its highest since July 2020, although numbers are some way off the June 2020 peak of 4,301.As well as the new cases, two virus-related deaths were recorded in 24 hours and there were 375 recoveries.A total of 543,129 cases have now been detected in the Kingdom since the beginning of the pandemic.Deaths from the virus have reached 8,883.Case numbers have been climbing worldwide as the highly-transmissible omicron COVID-19 variant spreads.Saudi Arabia detected its first case of the omicron variant on December 1 that came from a North African country, the health ministry confirmed.The Kingdom suspended flights from Malawi, Zambia, Madagascar, Angola, Seychelles, Mauritius and Comoros in response.Saudi Arabia last week reimposed social distancing measures at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, as case numbers climbed.Workers returned floor markings guiding people to social distance, which were removed on October 17.Read more: Saudi Arabia’s COVID-19 cases continue to riseSaudi Arabia tightens COVID-19 measures in MeccaSaudi Arabia reports increase in COVID-19 cases, reinforces wearing masks in public
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia’s daily COVID-19 case numbers rise by one-third

A flawless, vivid yellow sapphire has been unveiled at the Sri Lanka Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai to coincide with the National Day celebrations of the tropical island republic.The sparkling Mushan Vibrant Golden Yellow Sapphire is a 203-carat, cushion-cut gem, and has been brought to Expo 2020 Dubai by Mushan International, a leading sapphire exporter of Sri Lanka. It was mined in 2016 in Ratnapura, the sapphire capital of the world, and weighed 429 carats as a rough stone.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.A picture has not been made available.Mushan Salahudeen, Director of Mushan International, said: “We decided to bring this rare gem to Expo 2020 to showcase and promote a symbol of Sri Lanka’s natural resources. Our company is making its debut in the Middle East market, and we are setting up our head office in Dubai. The UAE has a great infrastructure, and business-friendly policies conducive to startups. There is a huge potential for colored gemstones here – a niche market.”Sapphires are a source of great national pride for Sri Lanka. Some of the rarest sapphires in the world have been mined there, and grace the private collections of billionaires and royalty.The Mushan Vibrant Golden Yellow Sapphire is priced at approximately AED 15 million ($4 million), and the company plans to auction it in the UAE.It is being exhibited at the Sri Lanka Pavilion in Expo’s Opportunity District until January 5.Meanwhile, Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded 8,958,132 visits during its first three months, boosted by a slate of spectacular events across the December festive season and with more world-class sport, music and cultural performances expected in the second half of its six-month run. From October to December 2021, Expo hosted a total of 8,902 government leaders, including ministers, presidents, prime ministers and heads of state – all speaking at numerous official events, including Expo National Days, which provide a unique opportunity to spotlight a nation’s culture, achievements, pavilion and event-time programming. Almost half of all visits (47 per cent) have been generated by Expo’s Seasons Passes, with the number of repeat visits to Expo in the first three months reaching 3.5 million – a reflection of the myriad of experiences that require more than one visit. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We enter a new year having built solid friendships that will enable us to drive urgent action on some of the greatest challenges facing us all. “Our latest figures are testament to the determination and hard work of everyone involved in Expo as we pass our half-way mark. And with the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone continuing to be of the highest priority, the numbers also reflect the strength of our ongoing stringent COVID-19 safety measures, which continue to protect visitors, staff and Expo participants alike.” December highlights included fireworks and electrifying New Year’s Eve sets from world-renowned DJs Armin van Buuren and Dmitri Vegas. The celebrations topped an incredible month that began with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee and included a show-stopping performance from Alicia Keys and a concert from A.R. Rahman – his first in almost two years. With just 87 days left, each jam-packed with more experiences – from a visit from British boxing star Anthony Joshua on January 5 to the first ever Global Goals Week to be held outside New York later this month – visitors are encouraged to grab their tickets as soon as possible. Between October 1 and December 31, almost one third (30 per cent) of all visitors came from outside the UAE, with the top international visitor countries including India, Germany, France, the UK, the USA, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Many people also continue to travel to the site using RTA transport, honoring Expo 2020’s sustainability subtheme. Between 1 October and end-December, almost 675,000 rides were made to and from the site using taxis, more than a million trips were made on the free Expo Rider bus service, and more than 3.4 million users entered and exited Expo via the Dubai Metro. Expo 2020’s virtual visitation crossed the 50 million mark, driven by the offering of Live@Expo, which enables visitors to take a bespoke live virtual tour through the site, as well as headline acts which have seen millions of viewers tune in from around the globe. The Expo School program attracted 334,110 visits from private and public schools over 41 school days, representing around a third of the total student population in the UAE. The program’s virtual series, Expo Adventures, saw visits soar to 3.9 million up to 31 December with students attending from more than 60 countries. As the most significant global gathering to be held since the start of the pandemic, Expo 2020’s stringent COVID-19 safety measures are designed to protect everyone visiting and working on site. They include mask-wearing – indoors and outdoors – for visitors, staff and participants, and on-site PCR testing facilities for Country Pavilion staff, frontline workers, and entertainers. All Expo and International Participant staff, volunteers, contractors and service providers must be vaccinated, while visitors ages 18 and above must present proof of any vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.Read more:Expo 2020 Dubai to host ‘world’s longest New Year’s Eve celebration'Expo 2020 Dubai continues to operate safely, responsibly amid COVID-19: Organizers
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Expo 2020 Dubai: Rare yellow 203-carat sapphire worth mln sparkles at world fair‎

A canceled presidential election might be just what the country needs..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Elections Can’t Fix What’s Wrong With Libya

Recent talks over airport management have been delayed due to members of the technical teams contracting Covid-19. Qatari and Turkish companies are set to manage technical operations at Afghanistan’s airports, with a deal expected to be finalised within two weeks, an official from the Afghan Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said on Monday. ..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Qatar and Turkey 'to run technical parts of Afghanistan's airports'

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said it was “not in Lebanon’s interest to offend any Arab country, especially the Gulf states.”..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Mikati distances Lebanon from Hezbollah hostilities against Saudi Arabia

The annual revenues of Egypt’s Suez Canal reached $6.3 billion last year, the highest in the crucial waterway’s history..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Egypt’s Suez Canal to offer incentives for eco-friendly ships