Middle East Experience

Saudi Arabia’s defense forces intercepted two explosive-laden drones that were launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia towards Khamis Mushait, the Arab Coalition said on Sunday. The Houthis continue to deliberately target civilians and civilian objects, the coalition added. For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The coalition is taking the necessary measures to deal with the militia’s attacks on the Kingdom, according to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Iran-backed group has launched ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones towards Saudi Arabia multiple times in recent months, most of which have been thwarted, according to Saudi authorities. Read more:Yemeni army says forces destroyed Houthi drones, armored vehicles in MaribArab Coalition intercepts three drones, ballistic missile targeting Saudi ArabiaArab Coalition intercepts four explosive Houthi drones targeting southern region
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi air defense intercepts Houthi drones launched towards Khamis Mushait

The restoration is seen as essential to the idea that the Iraqi city has moved on from ISIS. But some critics say the plan betrays Iraq’s heritage..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: ‘A Fiasco’: Redesign Around Mosul Landmark Prompts Outcry

Icelandic authorities announced the end of all Covid-19 restrictions on Saturday..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Iceland becomes first European country to lift all Covid-19 restrictions – Doha News | Qatar

Crises-hit Lebanon over the weekend teetered on the verge of complete chaos driven by the Lebanese pound’s dramatic nosedive against the dollar that sent agitated Lebanese to the streets across the country, blocking highways with burning tires in Beirut and other areas and attacking public utilities to protest the deteriorating economic conditions..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon seen drifting toward total chaos amid collapsing pound

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and Jordan’s King Abdullah met in Baghdad on Sunday during the first visit by an Egyptian head of state to Iraq since Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The first Gulf War ruptured diplomatic relations between Iraq and Egypt, but these have improved in recent years with many senior officials from both countries exchanging visits.The US has been urging Iraq to boost ties with Arab nations to counter Iran’s influence and Sisi’s visit is for a third round of talks between Egypt, Jordan and Iraq aimed at closer security, economic, trade and investment cooperation.In recent years, Iraq had signed cooperation deals in the energy, health and education sectors with both countries.On Sunday, the three leaders discussed several areas of regional interest, including the recent development on the Palestinian issue, combating terrorism and economic cooperation, an Egypt presidency statement said.“The leaders stressed the need to intensify consultation and coordination between the three countries on the most important regional issues,” it added.Kadhimi, Sisi and Abdullah held a summit in Amman last year and were due to hold another in Baghdad in April, but this was delayed after a deadly train crash in Egypt.Egypt signed 15 deals and memoranda of understanding in sectors including oil, roads, housing, construction and trade in February after Iraq’s cabinet in December approved renewing its contract to supply the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) with 12 million barrels of Basra light crude for 2021.Iraq is also planning to build a pipeline that is meant to export 1 million barrels per day of Iraqi crude from the southern city of Basra to Jordan’s Red Sea port of Aqaba.“There is genuine economic benefits that come from the “Arab Alliance” for all three partners, notably on energy diplomacy,” Hafsa Halawa, non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, said, adding that there was an expectation that stronger relationships could reinvigorate US engagement in the region.“The hope remains that certain aspects of this alliance can pull Iraq slightly out of Iran’s orbit of influence, but not by rushing back into US arms and falling into the binary of being stuck between Washington and Tehran,” she added.Read more:Iraq paramilitaries show off weaponry in big, anniversary paradeIraq oil minister says gas sector a prioritySenior Iraqi intelligence officer killed in Baghdad: Sources
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: ‘Arab Alliance’ meets in Iraq in first visit in decades for an Egyptian leader

Naor was picked due to her stature leading the entire judicial branch and her experience handling highly complex matters.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Mount Meron: Ex-chief justice appointed to head state inquiry panel

Biden and Rivlin are expected to discuss regional issues, including the indirect Vienna negotiations to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Rivlin lands in the US ahead of Biden meeting

The study found two main factors holding the Arab population back: low digital literacy and poor infrastructure.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: 87% of Arabs lack digital literacy - study

The Emirati dissident previously sought political asylum with her husband Abdulrahman Bajubeir in Qatar in an attempt to flee a crackdown on activists by Abu Dhabi. Hundreds of people attended the funeral prayers and burial of Emirati human rights defender Alaa Al-Siddiq in the Qatari capital on Sunday evening, a week after she was killed ..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Hundreds attend funeral of Emirati dissident Alaa Al-Siddiq in Qatar – Doha News | Qatar

“Israel has some serious reservations about the Iran nuclear deal being put together in Vienna,” Israeli FM Yair Lapid said.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Lapid to Blinken: Disagreements about Iran deal can be worked out quietly