Middle East Experience

Cabinet has announced new regulations amid concerns over the highly contagious Omicron variant..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Qatar announces new COVID restrictions – only vaccinated people allowed in malls

The loud noise heard near the Iranian town Karaj, west of the capital Tehran, was caused by a rocket fired by the Revolutionary Guards during a training exercise, state news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.“The loud noise heard this afternoon in the suburbs of Karaj was caused by the firing of a rocket during a training exercise… managed [by] one of the Guards' headquarters, which has caused some speculations and rumors online,” a spokesman for the IRGC said.“Such exercises are not uncommon, and we call upon our dear compatriots not to pay attention to the rumors spread by the opponents and enemies of the Iranian nation,” the statement added. Karaj is a sensitive location in Iran, as it hosts a centrifuge-parts workshop in the Tessa complex which Tehran said was sabotaged in June last year. Centrifuges are used to enrich uranium.Iran is currently negotiating with Western countries in Vienna to revive the abandoned 2015 nuclear deal.Currently, tensions are high over whether or not the Vienna talks to revive the accord would succeed.The US has long been saying that if diplomacy failed with Iran, it was willing to turn to “plan B”, without specifying details.Meanwhile, Washington-ally Israel has grown impatient and has repeatedly announced it is preparing for a military strike on Iranian nuclear targets and would act unilaterally if necessary.Iran conducted war games in December as a warning to Israel and the Revolutionary Guards said they would respond to any Israeli attacks on its nuclear program by targeting all the sites used to launch the attacks.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Read more:Iran vows sweeping response against any Israeli attacks on nuclear programIsrael might take greater action against Iran, Tehran is now weak: Defense MinisterIsrael can strike Iran ‘tomorrow’, Hezbollah might hit back: New Air Force chief
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iran says loud noise heard near Karaj was rocket fired by IRGC in training exercise

Responding to the ongoing protests in Kazakhstan over soaring energy prices, deteriorating living standards and the repression of peaceful protest, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said: “The protests unfolding in Kazakhstan, which have turned violent, are a direct consequence of the authorities’ widespread repression of basic human rights. For ..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Kazakhstan: Widespread violation of basic rights spurred unprecedented protests

Israel will likely see millions of infected and once again experts stressed that the vaccine is the best tool not to be concerned.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: COVID-19: Should you be worried about catching Omicron?

Social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook were accused of enabling extremists to organize the siege on January 6, 2021.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Twitter creates monitoring team to prepare for Capitol riot anniversary

Zvi Lekach has been a top judge in the courts for decades and will step into Netanel Benishu's shoes in three weeks after the judge concludes an extended nine-year term.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: IDF appoints new chief justice for West Bank Courts over Palestinians

Rabbi Benayahu Brunner, a member of Tzohar and a judge in rabbinical courts, has been appointed to head the Conversion Authority.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Storm sparked as Tzohar rabbi recommended to head Conversion Authority

The pound was trading at 30,000 to a US dollar as the economic crisis continues with no solution expected in the near future..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon’s pound hits new low amid ongoing crisis

Gantz “welcomed the expansion of relations between Jordan and the current Israeli government.”..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: King Abdullah II discusses Palestinian-Israeli peace with Benny Gantz

The IDF released figures of sexual assault for 2020 in February of last year with 1,542 complaints, including 26 cases of rape, 391 obscene acts, and 92 cases of distributing photos and videos.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Out of 1,542 IDF sexual assault complaints, just 31 indictments filed