Middle East Experience

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education announced on Wednesday that students of all levels in schools, and higher education institutions will continue with distance learning for the second semester of the academic year due to the pandemic.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The ministry published a press release which stated distance learning will continue for the time being until the end of the 10th week of the second semester, with the only exceptions covering university practical science and University and Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) training courses. These will take place with a physical presence for students required.“The distance learning classes for the intermediate and secondary phases of school education will start from 9 am while the remote classes for the elementary level will start from 3 pm. This will be in accordance with the powers entrusted to the concerned authorities and councils while taking all precautionary measures and health protocols,” the statement read.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the appWhen the current academic year started in late August last year, students signed up to the new online distance learning platform Madrasati (My School).The platform enables teachers to set up classes virtually and provides students with the necessary means to create their own presentations, access textbooks, attend online course and watch educational videos.The Kingdom also set up a 24 hour hotline, featuring an artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot for students, teachers and parents to refer to in an effort to seamlessly and efficiently facilitate the learning process.Read more:Saudi Arabia warns against travel to 12 countries without permissionSaudi Arabia records 175 new COVID-19 cases, 156 recoveries, 4 deathsAs vaccines gain ground, revenge consumerism on the way: Experts
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Remote learning to continue in Saudi Arabian schools

Syria remains one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists, who face repression and violence from the Syrian regime as well as opposition forces.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syria's journalists live in constant fear of arrest, assassination

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Moscow on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations with his Russian counterpart, according to the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app. “Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan holds an official session of talks with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, during which they discussed bilateral relations and joint coordination on a number of issues of common interest,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a Twitter post.The two foreign ministers also held a joint press conference. Prince Faisal said “we look forward to making use of this [Saudi-Russian] relationship to coordinate positions and serve the common interests of the two countries.”“We discussed extensively ways to develop and strengthen relations between the two countries in various fields, the most important of which are investment, development and exchange of technical expertise based on the historic visit of King Salman to Russia and President Putin’s visit to the Kingdom,” he added.The Saudi foreign minister said one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two countries is the “cooperation under the umbrella of OPEC +, which contributed to energy stability during the difficult period of the year 2020 – which was affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” adding that this cooperation also contributed to protecting the global economic system.Prince Faisal denounced Iran’s “interventions” in the Middle East region.The Saudi minister said that Iran’s proxy militias were obstructing a solution for the war in Syria, adding that the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen is obstructing peace efforts in that country.Read more: Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Sudan for official visit
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Moscow for official visit

Despite a security crackdown carried out by the Syrian Democratic Forces, in coordination with the US-led coalition, in Deir ez-Zor, the Islamic State is kidnapping, threatening and killing civilians for money.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Despite crackdown, IS continues to kill, kidnap civilians in east Syria

For nearly a month, residents of the Iranian capital have been exposed to record-high air pollution amid the government’s confusing explanations and failure to work out a solution.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Iran’s capital suffocating amid blame game over pollution

The UN has urged the US to cancel its decision to classify Yemen's….
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UN calls on US to reverse labelling Houthi rebels 'terrorists'

An international tribunal charged with investigating the 2005 murder of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri announced Wednesday the start of the appeals phase in the case of four suspects, including one sentenced to life..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: International tribunal announces start of appeals in Hariri case

Palestinian workers at the Yamit factory in a West Bank industrial zone are striking for their first substantial raise in decades.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Palestinian factory workers strike in West Bank industrial zone

In addition to blocking the payments owed to Giuliani, White House aides were also ordered not to field calls from him.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Trump refuses to pay Giuliani for failed attempt to overturn election

Turkey’s defence minister has called on the United States to reopen talks about Ankara’s controversial purchase of a Russian air defence system, urging Washington to move past sanctions and threats..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Wary of sanctions, Turkey hopes to reopen talks with US