Middle East Experience

Attempts to make a breakthrough in the Cabinet formation process ahead of a new visit to Beirut by French President Emmanuel Macron have failed, dashing hopes for the creation of a new government soon to deal with the repercussions of the devastating explosion that struck Beirut earlier this month..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Cabinet formation efforts hit deadlock ahead of Macron’s visit

Authorities closed the union and arrested its leaders on July 25 after it had led a campaign for higher pay in the indebted kingdom whose economy is reeling from coronavirus..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Jordan frees teachers' union chiefs as schools to reopen

Israeli officials helped market and mediate between notorious spyware company NSO and Gulf regimes including UAE and Saudi Arabia, where it has been used to crack down on peaceful dissidents..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Israel 'encouraged' sale of Pegasus spyware to UAE and other Gulf regimes, report finds

The explosion that occurred at the Natanz facility in Iran last month was a result of sabotage operations, Iranian al-Alam television reported citing a spokesperson of the country's atomic association.Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) said last month an accident had taken place at a construction site in the Natanz nuclear site in central Iran without causing casualties.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The damage has dealt a major blow to the Iranian nuclear facility and their ability to mass produce advanced centrifuges, but the authors of the report said the explosion is unlikely to affect Iran’s near-term research and development of centrifuges at the nearby Natanz Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant.The Natanz uranium-enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog.Read more:Explosion at Iran's Natanz nuclear site caused ‘likely irreparable’ damage: ReportTimeline: A look back at recent explosions and fires across IranIran rules out drone or missile attack as cause of nuclear site incident
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Explosion at Iran’s Natanz facility due to sabotage operations: Al-Alam

The Egyptian authorities are advancing their plans to develop the Giza Plateau, where the Pyramids are located, as part of efforts to boost tourism.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Egypt upgrades Giza Plateau to attract tourists back to Pyramids

Two or more pre-existing health issues could translate into a 48 percent higher risk of testing positive for the coronavirus, according to a new study published Friday.A body of research has already linked certain health conditions, in particular diabetes, to a higher chance of testing positive for coronavirus and a higher chance of mortality from the disease.The new study, led by the UK’s University of Glasgow, found that the presence of multiple health conditions can significantly increase the chance of a patient testing positive for the virus.The presence of two or more long-term health conditions, known medically as multimorbidity, and taking multiple medications, known as polypharmacy, was found to equate to a 48 percent higher chance of a patient testing positive for the virus.Visit our dedicated coronavirus site here for all the latest updates.However, in cases where the issues present were cardiometabolic, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, this chance jumped to a 77 percent higher risk.“Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are global healthcare challenges in their own right. Our study shows that having a positive COVID-19 test is more common in those living with these health conditions,” Dr. Barbara Nicholl, a lead in the study from the University of Glasgow said in a statement published by the University.“These results will be important for public health and clinical decisions in the future as we continue to manage the health of those at greatest risk of a severe COVID-19 infection during this pandemic,” she added.The greater the understanding that scientists and health authorities can have on who is most at risk of the coronavirus will help tailor future responses to the pandemic and prevent further loss of life, Professor Frances Mair, the University of Glasgow Norie Miller Professor of General Practice, explained in the statement.“Given the high prevalence of multimorbidity, particularly in older age groups, the more detailed understanding of the associations between these complex health needs and COVID-19, as provided in this study, will improve our understanding of the risks and help us better advise those most vulnerable to severe infection,” he said.Read more:Coronavirus: Rise in childhood type 1 diabetes linked to COVID-19 in new studyCoronavirus: Largest COVID-19 study finds age, gender, diabetes increase death rateCoronavirus: COVID-19 may be causing diabetes, research says
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Long-term health issues linked to 48 pct higher COVID-19 infection risk

The UAE reported on Sunday three new coronavirus-related deaths and 390 new infections, bringing the death toll to 375 and the total registered cases to 67,007.The Gulf country also reported 80 new recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries since the beginning of the pandemic to 58,488.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Subtracting the deaths and recoveries from the total number of registered cases, it is concluded that there are currently 8,144 active cases in the country.Also read: Iran could bear responsibility for UAE-Israel reconciliation: Veteran US diplomatCoronavirus: UAE denies COVID-19 death of five family membersCoronavirus: Most UAE COVID-19 infections detected in 20-40 age group, says official
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: UAE reports three COVID-19 deaths, 390 new infections

Last week Israel and the UAE announced a historic agreement to normalize relations between the two countries, in exchange for the suspension of Israel’s annexation of Palestinian land.One of the architects of the agreement was Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer.Dermer sat down for an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English on Friday, in which he predicts more Israel-Arab agreements will be announced soon. He also responded to critics of the deal and weighed in on remaining obstacles that must be overcome to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Q: It has been rumored that other Gulf countries are considering normalizing relations with Israel. Are you involved behind the scenes in any potential Israeli peace agreements with other Arab countries?DERMER: Yes. But we are very conscious of the fact that doing this behind the scenes is very important, so that you can reach moments like the moment we had last week [with the UAE].There are several countries where there are possibilities [for peace]. I don’t want to say this specific country or not, but there are several countries and we hope that we see another breakthrough very, very, soon - in the weeks, and months ahead.Q: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the UAE-Israeli agreement as a ‘hypocritical’ act by the Emiratis. Yet his country has diplomatic relations with Israel, Erdogan has visited Jerusalem, and Turkey requires Palestinians to obtain tourist visas before traveling to the country - but not Israelis. In light of these facts, why do you think Ankara has condemned the agreement?DERMER: Turkey is condemning the Emirates for moving towards the relations that Turkey has with Israel - and has had for decades. We have an embassy in Ankara and Turkey has an embassy in Israel.Yet they are castigating and excoriating the Emirates for moving their relationship closer to where the Turkish relationship is with Israel.I think unfortunately the Turkish leader in recent years has not been a constructive force, not been a force for modernity in the region, and he perhaps sees himself as leading the Muslim Brotherhood throughout the Middle East.You see very strong connections between [Erdogan] and Hamas, and Muslim Brotherhood populations throughout the Middle East. And I think it’s very, very unfortunate.Q: What are your thoughts on the reactions from other Arab countries to the UAE-Israel agreement?DERMER: I was pleased to see the response to what Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed [bin Zayed Al Nahyan] has done, not only within the Emirates, but beyond. You saw positive statements from Bahrain, positive statements from Oman, and I think that if you understand a little bit about diplomacy in the Middle East, the Saudis said things that were constructive. [Egypt’s] President Sisi backed it.Q: The Palestinian leadership has condemned the UAE-Israel agreement. Why do you think that is? Is it because they were not part of the talks?DERMER: No. I think if they were part of the talks, they would try to undermine it during the talks. And they might have even succeeded at doing that.Unfortunately the rejectionists among the Palestinians towards peace are the ascendant forces. We have had a century of conflict with the Palestinians and unfortunately, we have not had a Palestinian Anwar Sadat, a Palestinian King Hussain, or a Palestinian like Sheikh Mohammed that was willing to cross this Rubicon and make peace.Q: In the US, former Obama officials, such as Ben Rhodes, have argued that this agreement is a publicity stunt to help US President Trump in November’s presidential election. What do you say to that?DERMER: You really got to go out of your way in the United States to find people who aren’t happy with this agreement. I would say 98 to 99 percent of people are happy with it. I have been in Washington for seven years as ambassador and would say this is probably the piece of news that has brought the widest possible consensus around. I’ve seen tremendous support on both sides of the aisle.Q: What do you say to Palestinians condemning the agreement and UAE leadership?DERMER: I don’t think [Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed] did this [agreement] neglecting the Palestinian people at all. I don’t think that’s how he sees it. It’s no question that he’s committed to seeing the Palestinians get self-determination.UAE officials constantly told us throughout this process that they were committed to having a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. They are committed to their future.Q: Does Israeli leadership plan to reach out to the Palestinians to revive talks?DERMER: We are always prepared for talks with the Palestinians. We have consistently said we are prepared to negotiate.We want to be at peace with all our neighbors and we understand our immediate neighbors are the Palestinians. So we would like to see that conflict end. And I think Sheikh Mohammed’s decision helps advance a solution to that conflict.Read more:‘Great news for peace’: Former Israel, US officials react to historic UAE-Israel dealFirst Jewish kosher service launches in UAE, making Gulf food historyUAE’s Jewish community reacts to country’s historic agreement with Israel
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Another Israel-Arab deal expected in coming weeks: Israeli ambassador to US

The United Arab Emirates confirmed 424 new coronavirus cases and two COVID-19 related deaths on Saturday, after conducting an additional 70,079 tests, while the most affected age group in the country is those between 20 and 40 years old, the health ministry said.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.In a statement carried by the state’s news agency WAM, the ministry said it has registered 112 recoveries in the last 24 hours, bringing the total recovered individuals in the country to 58,408.The total number of cases in the UAE has reached 66,617, while the death toll reached 372 fatalities.“Adhering to COVID19 precautionary measures is a national responsibility,” said Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.She attributed the increase in the number of cases during the past two days to some people’s disregard for important preventive measures such as wearing facemasks, social distancing and engaging in social activities such as family gatherings and handshaking, WAM reported.“It has been noticed that the 20 to 40 age group is the most affected due to the wrong perception that their youth will protect them [from] being infected,” she added.Read more: UAE’s G42 to work with Israeli NanoScent to develop COVID-19 detector from scentOn Friday, a government official said that the UAE could reintroduce a de-facto overnight curfew in some areas of the country if there are a high number of COVID-19 infections there.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Most UAE COVID-19 infections detected in 20-40 age group, says official

Around 40 percent of Beirut has been severely damaged due the August 4 port explosion, according to an impact assessment report by strategy consulting firm Strategy&.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The 40-page preliminary report estimates that the blast which killed 181 people and injured thousands of others earlier this month has caused over $20 billion of infrastructural damage. Lebanese President Michel Aoun had previously estimated the damage to exceed $15 billion.The bulk of infrastructural damage – an estimated $15 billion – was in the port itself, the report states.Other buildings represent $5 billion worth of damage, and severely damaged hospitals $66 million, according to Strategy&.A total of 17 hospitals have been damaged, of which four – Saint George, Hopital des Soeurs du Rosaire, Karantina, and Geitawi Hospitals – are non-operational. Beirut’s Saint George Hospital alone requires around $40 million, over half of the report’s total recommended $67 million toward hospitals.Almost 10,000 buildings within a 3 km radius of the blast were damaged, a third of which are now uninhabitable. Of these, 120 schools experienced severe-to-medium damage, affecting 63,000 students and 6,000 teachers and administration staff.The report also includes results of a survey assessing the needs of the Lebanese affected by the blast.Over half of respondents were in “urgent need of mental support,” and 16 percent of vulnerable respondents are in “extreme medical need.”A staggering 92 percent of businesses reported having suffered damage, ranging from moderate glass shattering, to catastrophic and total damage. Half of all businesses have lost a yearly income on repairs and 12 percent of businesses have shut down, according to the report.Read more:Six sources explain details, shine light on Hezbollah linkColonel who died suspiciously had asked for removing ammonium nitrate: Lebanese mediaCaptain of ship that brought ammonium nitrate to port speaks out
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Lebanon explosion: Nearly 40 pct of Beirut severely damaged, new assessment shows