Middle East Experience

Sources indicate that the Foreign Ministry has taken a bigger role in Israeli-Sudanese relations since the government formed in June.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Why was Mossad meeting in Sudan with coup leaders? - analysis

Azekah is described in the book of Joshua as one of the cities of the Amorite kings.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: How did people live (and die) in biblical Azekah? 4 skeletons shed light

The regime of President Bashar al-Assad is seemingly being re-accepted into the Arab world.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel, Russia share common goal of ousting Iran from Syria

Authorities in Addis Ababa told residents to register their arms and prepare to defend their neighborhoods.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Ethiopia declares state of emergency amid Tigray mayhem

“Cello,” an English and Arabic language horror film written by Turki Al al-Sheikh and starring Oscar winner Jeremy Irons has wrapped up production in Saudi Arabia.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Al al-Sheikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, shared the film’s poster in a Twitter post with the caption “2022.” He wrote the script of the film, which is based on one of his novels.The film, which will be released in 2022, follows the story of an aspiring cellist who learns that the cost of his brand-new cello is a lot more insidious than he first thought, according to Deadline.The film was reportedly shot on location in Saudi Arabia and in Prague, Czech Republic.It was financed by Saudi Arabia’s Rozam Media, which also owns the rights to the film.Starring English actor Irons, the film was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who is best known for his directing four the “Saw” horror films.“Cello” will also star Tobin Bell, Samir Ismail, Elham Ali, and Muhannad al-Hamdi. Souad Abdullah and Ghassan Massoud are set to appear in the film.Read more:Saudi Arabia’s AlUla and Saudia airline will launch world’s first flying museumIn pictures: Riyadh Season’s Boulevard Riyadh City in Saudi ArabiaRiyadh Season: MBC, Saudi Arabia’s GEA to debut ‘Boulevard al-Mawaheb’ talent show
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Turki Al al-Sheikh’s English horror film ‘Cello’ wraps up production in Saudi Arabia

Iran said on Wednesday it seized control of a tanker which Tehran claimed the US used to “steal” Iranian oil from another tanker in the Sea of Oman, state media reported.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.US forces seized a tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Sea of Oman and transferred its oil shipment to a second tanker heading to an “unknown” location, Iran’s state TV said, without specifying the date of the incident.Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces then descended on the second tanker, took control of it, and led it toward Iranian waters, state TV added.The IRGC released a statement later on Wednesday saying the tanker docked at Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas on the morning of October 25.“Clear and undeniable footage of this event will be made available to the media in the next few hours,” the statement read.US forces used helicopters and warships to try to take back the tanker but failed, Iranian state TV said, adding that the tanker is currently in Iran’s territorial waters.Iran’s Oil Minister Javad Owji thanked the IRGC for “rescuing the Iranian oil tanker from American pirates,” the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.Reuters cited the US Navy’s Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet as saying it had seen reports of the incident but at present had no information to provide.The Red Sea has witnessed many incidents involving attacks on tankers over the past few years. The US and its allies blame Iran for orchestrating attacks on tankers in the key waterway, threatening international trade routes. Tehran denies the accusations.Iran nuclear dealThe purported incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s return to talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal which offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its controversial nuclear program.Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Washington had lifted its sanctions on Iran’s oil exports in return for strict limits on its nuclear activities.But in 2018, then President Donald Trump abandoned the agreement and reimposed the sweeping sanctions.President Joe Biden has expressed willingness to rejoin the deal in exchange for Iran returning to the limits on its nuclear activities, but talks on the practicalities have been suspended since June.With AFPRead more:Iran navy thwarts pirate attack on oil tanker in Gulf of Aden: ReportsNew US sanctions contradict Washington claim to seek return to nuclear deal: IranIran warns nuclear talks would fail unless Biden provides guarantees
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iran says seized tanker involved in US attempt to ‘steal’ Iranian oil in Sea of Oman

The takeover of English football club Newcastle United by the Saudi Public Investment Fund is more than an attempt by the Kingdom to boost its own image. There are strategic economic interests behind the deal. Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman is also looking to consolidate his position at home. By Sebastian Sons..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi PIF: Mohammed bin Salman and the Premier League: more than a game

As a young man, I admired him deeply. Today, I wrestle with my own desire for justice..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Colin Powell Showed Black Excellence Is Not Enough

The Gulf state was among the participants at the global COP26 Summit. Qatar is the world’s largest producer of liquefied natural gas. The latest cabinet reshuffle by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani last month saw the re-creation of an environment and climate change ministry, headed by Minister Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani. ..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: COP26 and Climate Action Plan: Is Qatar getting serious about global warming? – Doha News | Qatar

The top US envoy for the Horn of Africa is heading to Ethiopia later this week as Washington and the international community look on with concern over the deteriorating situation.“United States Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman will travel to Ethiopia November 4 and 5,” a State Department spokesperson told Al Arabiya English.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“The United States is increasingly troubled by the expansion of combat operations and intercommunal violence in Ethiopia and is closely monitoring the situation,” the official said.He added: “We call on all Ethiopians to commit to peace and resolution of grievances through dialogue.”On Tuesday, Feltman threatened sanctions over the ongoing fighting in Ethiopia.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Senior US official flying to Ethiopia this week: State Department