Middle East Experience

As Egypt seeks to grow its influence in Congo by boosting investments, Kinshasa takes over the chairmanship of the African Union, which is currently sponsoring the negotiations to resolve the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt boosts investment in Congo, hoping to secure support in Nile dam crisis

Saudi Arabia’s National Scientific Committee for Infectious Diseases has decided that one COVID-19 vaccine dose should be sufficient for those who have previously been infected with the coronavirus, the Ministry of Health reported on Thursday.The dose would be administered six months after their recovery from the coronavirus, and would be considered a “booster for their immunity,” the health ministry said.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Second phase of vaccination campaignSaudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health announced on Thursday the launch of the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign across all regions of the Kingdom, adding that those wishing to take the vaccine can book an appointment through the Sehhaty app.“We have started giving the vaccine in all regions of the Kingdom. I invite everyone to register in the Sehhaty app to get the vaccine,” Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Tawfiq al-Rabiah, said in a tweet.“At this stage, priority will be given to those who register first according to the approved vaccine administration categories,” the minister added.The second stage of the Kingdom’s coronavirus vaccination campaign targets the following groups:• Citizens and residents over 50 years, and health practitioners.• Those with one of the following chronic diseases: asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic heart disease, including coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, active cancer, and those with obesity and a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30-40.Saudi Arabia on Wednesday reported 334 new coronavirus cases and four deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 373,702, and the death toll to 6,445, according to the Ministry of Health.Read more:Saudi Arabia shuts down eight mosques after COVID-19 infections detectedSaudi Arabia reports 322 COVID-19 cases, three deathsSaudi Arabia launches phase two of coronavirus vaccination on Feb. 18
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia: One COVID-19 vaccine dose enough for those who recovered from virus

Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority on Thursday authorized the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The authority “approved the use of the vaccine and allowed its import based on the data provided, which has been reviewed with all its details according to accurate scientific methodology,” SPA said.Health authorities in the Kingdom will initiate procedures for using the AstraZeneca vaccine in accordance with the relevant standards and requirements.The country’s Food and Drug Authority will also analyze samples from each incoming shipment of the vaccine before using it, SPA added.Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health announced on Thursday the launch of the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign across all regions of the Kingdom, adding that those wishing to take the vaccine can book an appointment through the Sehhaty app.Read more:Saudi Arabia launches second phase of COVID-19 vaccination campaignSaudi Arabia reports 334 COVID-19 cases, four deathsSaudi Arabia extends COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, events, dining services
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia authorizes use of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Egypt agreed with the Gulf states on the need to limit Iranian influence in Yemen and support the recent US inclination to end the Yemen war.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: How Egypt-Gulf consensus can advance peace in Yemen

Veteran Arab activists claim that for the new party Chairwoman Merav Michaeli their support is no longer a priority.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israeli Labor sidelines veteran Arab activists

Russia is showing its reach with Palestinian factions in advance of elections, but there is still no sign that Moscow is having an impact.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Russian interactions with Palestinians seen as all talk, no action

Amid an already frosty start with the new US administration, Ankara has renewed accusations that Washington was behind the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Coup row haunts Turkish-US ties

Netanyahu urged grieving families not to ever lose hope.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Ceremony honors Israel's fallen soldiers with unknown burials

Case could have implications for Israeli settlements
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: ICC Prosecutor to decide Cyprus file before exit

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “in the midst of a sensitive negotiation, working to save lives.”
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Prisoner swap begins as Israel releases two shepherds to Syria