Middle East Experience

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati faces unexpected hurdles in forming a new government as required by international donors for his crisis-stricken country to receive financial aid..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Contrary to optimistic expectations, Lebanon’s cabinet formation falters

The United Nations and Qatar signed a deal for the resumption of Qatari cash payments to needy families in Gaza.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Deal reached for Qatari cash to Gaza ahead of Bennett-Biden parley

Bennett in Taibe: "Safeguard the dignity and lives of your grandfather and grandmother"
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Why young Arab Israelis are not vaccinating, and what we can do about it

Comparisons will be made between US President Biden's first meeting with PM Bennett and the first meeting of Netanyahu, with then-president Obama, what will these meetings have in common?
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Forecast for Bennett in Washington is sunny- analysis

The massive Jerusalem area fire, contained on Tuesday, has reignited. Some 12 teams of firefighters responded and four firefighting planes are assisting efforts.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Shin Bet assisting with investigation of Jerusalem fire - report

Afghan female TV presenter Shabnam Dawran said the Taliban refused to let her work after the group seized control of the country, adding that her life is in danger.Dawran, who worked for Afghanistan's state-owned Radio Television Mili, took to Twitter to share her story, saying: “When I heard that the new system's [Taliban] rules have changed. With the courage that I had in me I went to the office to start my work, [but] the current system's soldiers didn't give me permission to start my work.”For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.She added: “They told me that the regime has changed. You are not allowed, go home. I am asking the world to help me because my life is in danger.”After the extremist group took control of Afghanistan, they launched a charm offensive in an effort to change their hardline image.The Taliban insisted they have changed from their 1996-2001 era, promising to not seek revenge on government employees and soldiers, to respect the rights of women and rule the country “benevolently” under Islamic Sharia law.The group’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, addressed the general public on Wednesday, saying: “Nobody is going to harm you, nobody is going to knock on your doors.”And two days after the fall of Kabul, the group allowed an Afghan female presenter for the Tolo news channel to interview one of its officials. And the Afghani version of Sesame Street introduced the character Zeerak whose sole purpose is to promote respecting women.However, Afghan female politicians and activists have said that they expect women to be treated as “lower class” citizens and some went as far as saying they were awaiting Taliban fighters to come and kill them.Read more:Afghan female politicians stand their ground against Taliban, refusing to fleeOn Independence Day, Afghan protestors show defiance as Taliban struggles to governWatch: ‘Desperate’ Afghans hand babies to soldiers, UK says can’t take minors
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: ‘My life is in danger’: Afghan female presenter says Taliban refused to let her work

A key oil company in Lebanon said Thursday it would stop supplying its gas stations with fuel amid severe shortages that have brought the crisis-hit country to a halt.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Coral Oil Company, operating in Lebanon since 1926, said the “unprecedented” halt to its operations comes as its current stocks run dry.“The Coral Company apologizes to the Lebanese people and to its customers for not being able to provide, for the first since it was established, petroleum to gas stations,” Coral said in a statement.“When remaining stocks run out of (Coral) gas stations, they will stop servicing people’s needs.”A vessel carrying additional fuel shipments has been docked in Lebanese waters for more than a week.But the nearly bankrupt Lebanese state has not completed the steps needed to unload the cargo, added the statement, carried by the official National News Agency.Lebanon is grappling with an economic crisis branded by the World Bank as one of the planet’s worse since the mid-19th century.The currency has lost 90 percent of its value on the black market, with more than three-quarters of the population now in poverty.On top of shortages of medicine, gas and bread, the country has been hard hit by severe fuel shortages leading to massive queues at pumping stations.Diesel shortages have aggravated power cuts which now last up to 22 hours a day, forcing shut businesses, government offices and even hospitals.Read more: Iranian fuel oil shipment for Lebanon to sail within hours, Hezbollah saysN. Korea, Iran supported in building Hezbollah’s 45 kilometer tunnel: ReportHezbollah’s insistence on control is major cause of Lebanon’s problems: Saudi FM
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coral Oil Company stops supplying Lebanon with petrol

The Emirati government said it welcomed Ashraf Ghani into the country on "humanitarian grounds."
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Afghan president surfaces in UAE

Families laid to rest Wednesday victims of a fuel tank blast that killed at least 30 people in Akkar amid anger and sorrow over the country's latest tragedy..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Akkar buries victims of fuel tank blast

The UAE says it has welcomed the president and his family on humanitarian grounds..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani in UAE, officials say