Middle East Experience

The residents of villages lying along a critical Syrian border were once forced to flee their homes due to terror wreaked by ISIS, but for those that made the decision to return, they now face a new enemy: the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army.For years, Kurdish, Arab and Assyrian Christian villages housed families living side-by-side amicably in the town of Tal Tamr, in western al-Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria. Now they live in fear of Turkish militias which hunker down not far away.Since the 2019 invasion by Turkey, Syrian rebel forces, backed by Turkish airstrikes and artillery have continued to push on against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) capturing villages on the outskirts of Tal Tamr and threatening the town itself.Residents of the surrounding villages are leaving in masses as the fighting draws closer.Those that have chosen to stay tell of homes demolished by airstrikes, of killing and stabbings.In a new 11-part series, Al Arabiya goes into camps and villages in Syria and Iraq where journalist Rola al-Khatib sits down with former ISIS members and their families, former members of the Syrian government forces and residents in the two countries to tell their stories in the latest “Face to Face” interview.In the third episode, ‘Face-to-Face: Turkey in Syria,’ Al Arabiya spoke to residents of Tal Tamr, many of whom survive with no, or limited, running water and electricity.One resident describes how her house was attacked by shells during an airstrike carried out by the Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army. For months, her and her family have lived in fear – not only of air attacks, but brutality on the ground.“(It is) the Free Syrian Army, who else would want to harm us, attack us? The bombing hit us,” she told Al Arabiya.Showing the remains of her house, the woman demonstrated how she lives in just two rooms unscathed in the attack with her daughter and her grandchildren. He home – like many others - lacks furniture, and even doors and windows. There is frequent shelling and airstrikes on the villages around Tal Tamr.Another spoke to Al Arabiya on the 32-kilometer line that separates the villages from the Turkish enemy.Another resident, only giving her first name – Mariam - spoke from her home in the village of Tal Jumaa. Despite the threats of bombings, she told Al Arabiya that she refused to leave her home.“We are strong, we do not leave! We do not leave!” she said.But many fellow villagers have fled, she added.Another, an Assyrian Christian, who agreed to talk to Al Arabiya too spoke of her refusal to leave the place she calls home.“Whether there is bombing or not we are staying here,” she said. “Where are we supposed to go? “This is our property, this is our land, these are our houses.“We do not want to go anywhere; we will stay home.”The mother-of-four says two of her children have stayed in the village. Her other two have moved abroad.Many others have fled the village, especially those with daughters, according to the residents.Another local resident said families feared their daughters would be kidnapped by the Free Syrian Army and have left to seek refuge elsewhere.“They are scared. Anyone who had one or two girls at home left.”Once the village was bustling, said another resident, a young Syrian.He said after ISIS left the area, many villagers who had fled returned.But the arrival of the Free Syrian Army meant many were forced to leave their homes for a second time as rebel forces continue to fight over the geopolitical border.“Tal Taweel was a demarcation line since 2015. It was one of the most sensitive areas during the war or at frontlines, the same events are happening again now,” the resident said. “The villagers’ lands here are on the demarcation line between us and the Turkish forces or between us and the mercenaries. What we are fighting now is an enemy with great technologies and heavy weapons and developed military power.”'A new ISIS'As shelling and gunfire peppers the skies, a group of young Syrian men make plans to leave for safety.One spoke of an era of a ‘new ISIS’ – the same threats weary Syrians have faced for years, but now under a different guise.“What we experienced today is, of course, just a part of our daily events,” he said. “Today, of course, what we are seeing is ISIS returning with different names. Before it was Daesh terroristic organization today it is Sultan Murad or Ahrar al-Sharqiya, etc.”Read more:Life after ISIS: Haunted by their experience, former militia plead for second chanceHiding in plain sight, Iranian militias disguised to carry out atrocities in SyriaFormer ISIS members tell their stories in Al Arabiya’s latest ‘Face to Face’ series
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Syrians tell of a new enemy after ISIS: Turkish-backed militia

Worshippers in Dubai must wear masks and maintain social distancing measures in mosques during the holy month of Ramadan and Isha and Taraweeh prayer times have been capped at 30 minutes under new mandatory precautionary guidelines released on Thursday.The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) said that prayers can be performed in mosques provided worshippers continue to observe the precautionary guidelines.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The guidelines also state that worshippers praying in mosques must bring their own prayer mats. While at the mosque, worshippers should strictly avoid handshakes and any other physical greetings that breach physical distancing protocols.They must also maintain a safe distance from other worshippers as guided by floor stickers.Dr. Hamad Al Sheikh Ahmed Al Shaibani, director general of IACAD, said ensuring the health and safety of the community is one of the department’s highest priorities.“Crowding in the mosques or its precincts is strictly prohibited. The duration of prayers remains the same as previously announced. However, Isha and Taraweeh prayers are capped at 30 minutes (including Azan and Iqama). Mosques will be closed immediately after Taraweeh prayers are completed.”Al Shaibani said that the guidelines are part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19Lectures and seminars in mosques remain suspended. However, worshipers have the option to virtually attend lectures. At mosques, worshippers are also advised to read the Quran through smart devices.Al Shaibani said that the department will evaluate the situation before making a decision on Qiyam-ul-layl (late night prayers) performed during the last ten days of Ramadan.The Supreme Committee will be updating its guidelines in this regard.Organizing Ramdan, Iftar and donation tents and Iftar tables is strictly prohibited, he said.Donations should be channeled through accredited charity organizations in Dubai.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The general guidelines for praying in mosques are as follows:*The mosque will remain open from the time of azan until the end of obligatory prayer.*Maximum duration of Isha and Taraweeh prayers in mosques is capped at 30 minutes.*Isha prayers will be held five minutes after the azan.*The mosque’s doors will be kept open from the beginning of the azan until the end of congregational obligatory prayer.*Performing a second congregational prayer or praying alone after the completion of main prayers is not permitted; worshippers must avoid crowding.*All mosques will close immediately after the prayers.*The distribution of food or any other items such as face masks at the entrance of the mosque is strictly prohibited.*Individuals with chronic illnesses or compromised immunity are advised not to pray in mosques and avoid crowds.*Intensive inspections will be conducted to ensure strict adherence to precautionary guidelines during Ramadan; violators will face penalties.Al Shaibani said that all mosques in Dubai will be frequently sterilized throughout the day during Ramadan to ensure the highest levels of safety and prevention in the community.Read more:UAE records 1,883 new COVID-19 cases, four deathsPatients with ‘severe,’ long COVID-19 should not fast during Ramadan: UAE doctorCOVID-19 vaccines ‘safe to use while fasting’ during Ramadan: UAE doctors
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Dubai announces mandatory guidelines for praying in mosques during Ramadan

The Arab Coalition intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia towards Saudi Arabia, the coalition’s spokesperson Colonel Turki al-Maliki said on Thursday.The drone was intercepted over Yemeni airspace, he added.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The militia continues its hostile attempts to target civilians in the Kingdom, which should be considered as a war crime, al-Maliki said.The coalition is taking operational measures to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law, according to al-Maliki.The Iran-backed group has launched dozens of aerial attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent months, targeting civilian areas and energy facilities in the Kingdom with explosive-laden drones and ballistic missiles.Last month, Saudi Arabia proposed a new peace initiative to end the ongoing conflict in Yemen between the internationally-recognized government and the Iran-backed Houthis.“We will work with the international community, with our partners and with the government of Yemen to push toward this initiative being implemented. We will do all we can to put the necessary pressure on the Houthis to accept and to come to the negotiating table and to lay down arms, because we believe that a stop to the fighting and a focus on a political solution is the only way forward,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal said at the time.The Houthis’ continuous attacks on the Kingdom confirm the group’s rejection of all peace efforts put forth by the Kingdom, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense said after the militia attacked a petroleum distribution terminal in Jazan last month. Read more:Arab Coalition intercepts 2 Houthi explosive drones fired at Saudi’s Khamis MushaitArab Coalition destroys two Houthi drones; One targeting Saudi Arabia’s JizanExplosive drone targeting Saudi Arabia’s Khamis Mushait destroyed: Arab Coalition
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Arab Coalition intercepts Houthi drone in Yemen airspace heading towards Saudi Arabia

The Jerusalem municipality has moved forward on 540 new housing units in the controversial Har Homa neighborhood across the Green Line, a plan that will encircle Jerusalem on three sides.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israeli construction plan to encircle Jerusalem

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iran passed the two million mark Thursday, the health ministry announced, as the daily caseload reached a new record high.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The virus has infected 2,006,934 people in Iran and killed 63,884, ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said in televised remarks.She added that 22,586 new cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, an increase of more than 1,600 over the previous record high registered just Wednesday.The Islamic republic has been battling the Middle East’s deadliest coronavirus outbreak.Officials have blamed the recent surge in cases on family visits and leisure trips made during the Iranian new year holidays that started on March 21.In January, the daily numbers of deaths and new infections had remained relatively stable at fewer than 100 and fewer than 7,000 respectively, but since late March those numbers have soared.Health Minister Saeed Namaki and other officials have acknowledged that the official figures understate the real impact of the pandemic.Dozens of towns and cities including the capital Tehran are classified as “red”, the highest rating on the country’s coronavirus risk scale, requiring all non-essential businesses to close.Iran has avoided imposing a full lockdown on its population of 82 million since the pandemic started early last year.Instead, it has resorted to piecemeal measures, such as temporary travel bans and business closures.Read more:Iran’s COVID-19 infections shatter daily increase record amid holiday surgeIran’s daily new coronavirus infections reach four-month high
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iran’s COVID-19 cases surpass two million: Health ministry

Forbes has released its annual World’s Billionaires ranking for 2021, including the 22 Arab billionaires who are among the world’s wealthiest people.The top ten richest Arabs are from Egypt, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Oman.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.1. Nassef Sawiris, an Egyptian with a net worth of $8.3 billion.2. Issad Rebrab and family, Algerian, with a net worth of $4.8 billion.3. Majid al-Futtaim and family, UAE, with a net worth of $3.6 billion.4. Naguib Sawiris, an Egyptian with a net worth of $3.2 billion.5. Abdulla bin Ahmad al-Ghurair and family, UAE, with a net worth of $2.8 billion.6. Mohamed Mansour, an Egyptian with a net worth of $2.5 billion.7. Najib Mikati, a Lebanese with a net worth of $2.5 billion.8. Taha Mikati, a Lebanese with a net worth of $2.5 billion.9. Hussain Sajwani, an Emirati with a net worth of $2.4 billion.10. Suhail Bahwan, an Omani with a net worth of $2.3 billion.Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris, the wealthiest Arab worldwide, has a nearly 6 percent stake in sportswear maker Adidas. He also runs OCI, one of the world’s largest nitrogen fertilizer producers, with plants in Texas and Iowa, Forbes reported.Algeria’s only billionaires, Issad Rebrab and family, are the world’s second-richest Arabs. He is the founder and CEO of Cevital, Algeria’s largest privately-held company.Other Arab billionaires on the Forbes list include Lebanese jeweler Robert Mouawad, sons of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon Bahaa, Ayman, and Fahd Hariri, former owner of Harrods Mohamed al-Fayed, and former prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani.Globally, Jeff Bezos is the world’s richest person for the fourth consecutive year with a net worth of $177 billion, while Elon Musk is the second richest with a net worth $151 billion, according to Forbes.Read more:French billionaire politician Olivier Dassault killed in helicopter crashSaudi Aramco chief tops Forbes Middle East CEO rankingsElon Musk leaves behind Amazon’s Bezos to become world’s richest person
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: The world’s top ten richest Arabs in 2021: Forbes

Israeli media outlets hailed EgyptAir’s decision to operate and increase the number of flights to Tel Aviv as a sign of a boost in Israel-Egypt ties.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: EgyptAir seeks additional flights to Tel Aviv

The head of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, Abdelaziz al-Hilu, signed the Declaration of Principles agreement, paving the way for peace in Sudan.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Sudanese rivals sign agreement to separate state from religion

Israeli missiles struck areas around Damascus, according to Syria's state media outlet.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Four soldiers injured in suspected Israeli airstrikes on Syria

A Houthi military spokesperson said the attack on King Khalid Air Base was successful but the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted the drones.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Houthi forces claim drone attack on Saudi airbase