Middle East Experience

With Kuwait running out of money to pay salaries of public servants, the country’s parliament on Wednesday approved a law to make transfers of state revenue to one of its sovereign wealth funds conditional on budget surpluses, a move that will provide more than $12 billion in much needed liquidity to the treasury..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Kuwait parliament delays public debt reform

Israel’s political left is doing so badly that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s most serious challenger currently is right-wing politician Naftali Bennett.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Netanyahu challenged from the right, not from the left

An inspector general's report redacted by the State Department says that while the department found ways to legally bypass congressional restrictions on arms sales to Saudi Arabia, measures that Congress had called for were not taken.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: State Department legally skirted Congress freeze on Saudi arms sales, inquiry finds

Egypt has reportedly discussed with the Somaliland government Cairo’s suggestion to establish a military facility in the country, raising the anger of Ethiopia.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Ethiopia angered by Egypt’s alleged plan to establish military base in Somaliland

Israeli women are excluded from the government’s decision-making process on the coronavirus, even though they are the first ones to suffer the social and economic consequences of the pandemic.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israeli women excluded from decision-making on coronavirus

Teenagers and young adults that vape are at substantially higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, according to new research led by scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine in the US.The study, published Tuesday, was the first to examine links between vaping use in young people and coronavirus infection and found that those that vape are between five and seven times more likely to contract the virus compared to those that did not.“This study tells us pretty clearly that youth who are using vapes or are dual-using [e-cigarettes and cigarettes] are at elevated risk, and it’s not just a small increase in risk; it’s a big one,” the study’s lead author Shivani Mathur Gaiha, PhD., said in a statement published by Stanford Medicine.For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.The authors surveyed 4,351 participants aged 13 to 24 across the US, asking about vaping use and COVID-19 symptoms and whether they had been tested for the virus. Those that had used e-cigarettes within the past month were found to be five times more likely to have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, compared to those that did not vape.Those that had used both e-cigarettes and normal cigarettes were found to be nearly seven times more likely be diagnosed with the virus.The study did not, however, find a connection between COVID-19 infection and normal cigarettes alone, with the authors suggesting that this may be due to a pattern of youths generally using both vaping and conventional cigarettes.“Young people may believe their age protects them from contracting the virus or that they will not experience symptoms of COVID-19, but the data show this isn’t true among those who vape,” Gaiha added.The World Health Organization (WHO) warned last month that those who smoke normal cigarettes are at a higher risk of severe illness and death from the coronavirus, but it has not been able to specify exactly how much greater the risk is.The announcement followed a small study conducted by French researchers in April, which suggested that smokers were at less risk of catching COVID-19, but scientists questioned the results at the time for lacking definitive data.Read more:Coronavirus: Smoking linked to higher risk of severe COVID-19, death, says WHOTwo million people in UK may be smoking more amid coronavirus crisis: Survey‘Smoking status appears to be a protective factor against coronavirus’: French study
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Vaping linked to COVID-19 infection risk in young adults, teenagers

French President Emmanuel Macron told Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday that all concerned parties should refrain from external interference in Lebanon, the Elysee office said.Macron also told Rouhani that parties should support the formation of a new government in Lebanon, it said.An Iranian official claimed last week that Macron’s statements during his visit to Lebanon in the wake of the deadly Beirut explosion are an “interference” in Lebanese internal affairs.“Macron’s speech is an interference in Lebanese internal affairs, increasing the suffering of Lebanon’s people. Macron must apologize to the Lebanese nation,” said Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council, a powerful state body and a former the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).“Instead of focusing all of his attention on finding out what led to the explosion, Macron is pushing for political change and an explosion of the stability in Lebanon,” Rezaei added.Macron arrived in Lebanon on Thursday and visited sites of the wreckage caused by the blast where he was swarmed by Lebanese people asking for his help and demanding that whatever aid France sends not be given to the government for fear of it being stolen by corrupt officials.Read more:Beirut explosion: France’s Macron interfering in Lebanese affairs, says Iran officialBeirut explosion: Six sources explain details, shine light on Hezbollah linkLebanon’s people are calling out the disease of corruption, but say cure out of reach
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: France’s Macron tells Iran external interference in Lebanon should cease

Last Tuesday, millions of Lebanese people around the world watched in horror as footage emerged of the deadly explosion in Beirut shattering lives across the city.One concerned onlooker was Abu Dhabi-based Lebanese businessman Sufyan al-Saleh who immediately began thinking of ways to help his homeland.“I was sitting at home, watching the horrible footage and wondering about the imminent need for the people of Beirut,” said al-Saleh, head of the Lebanese Business Council of Abu Dhabi (LBC), in an interview with Al Arabiya English.In the span of one week, al-Saleh and the LBC have spearheaded two major initiatives: a UAE fundraiser and the shipment of 138 tonnes of glass from the UAE to Beirut.The glass will be used for restoring windowpanes in one thousand homes in Lebanon’s capital city.How people in UAE can support victims of Beirut explosionThe fundraiser, which began on Tuesday, is in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and enables monetary donations to those suffering in Beirut through the UAE Red Crescent website, the toll-free phone number 800-733, and the Emirates RC mobile application.The funds will be used to procure and deliver urgently needed supplies and provisions to people in Beirut. The fundraiser ends on August 20.In addition, those in the UAE can donate new clothing and bed linens, non-perishable food supplies, and medical supplies at any Red Crescent center in the UAE.Glass for 1,000 homes in BeirutOn Wednesday, the Lebanese Business Council of Abu Dhabi also additionally facilitated the shipment of 138 tonnes of glass to Lebanon’s port of Tripoli.Al-Saleh, who runs construction companies in Lebanon and the UAE, came up with the idea to ship glass for windowpanes while watching footage of the destruction.“The explosion was huge, I saw the radius of the area affected and realized the immediate and greater area surrounding the explosion would all suffer from broken glass,” he said.“My background in the construction business helped me to quickly understand the requirements of glazing, of the certain type of glass, and how to source and procure in the quickest time possible,” said al-Saleh.Al-Saleh’s prediction proved correct. The streets of Beirut have had piles of shattered glass on their corners ever since the explosion, and homes and stores that had their windows blown out are still without secure facades.“Because of the economic crisis in the country, there will be obstacles for people to repair their houses,” said al-Saleh, adding that the stock of glass in the country will likely soon dry up due to desperately needed repairs in Beirut.The Lebanese Business Council of Abu Dhabi used its contacts in the Lebanese community in the UAE, as well as a partnership with the multinational courier company Aramex, to procure and transport enough glass to repair around 1,000 moderate size homes in Beirut.Once the glass arrives in Beirut, a representative from the council and a major non-governmental organization (NGO) will help ensure proper distribution to those most in need.“The glass will go to people of modest means, who have had their houses or stores totally exposed due to the impact of the explosion,” al-Saleh said.The Lebanese community in the UAE is just one example of how Lebanon’s diaspora is mobilizing to help the country, which is facing unprecedented tragedy, economic and political unrest, and the coronavirus pandemic.Despite the daunting challenges, al-Saleh said he has hope for his country.“I see the huge disaster - but I see behind the wreckage. Once it is cleared, I see a new Lebanon coming,” he said.Read more:Lebanon’s people are calling out the disease of corruption, but say cure out of reachAfter Beirut explosion, Lebanese American politicians stand with LebanonLebanon’s Tripoli to serve as chief port following Beirut blast: Minister
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Beirut explosion: Lebanese diaspora launch UAE fundraiser, ship 138 tonnes of glass

After the August 4 Beirut explosions, Lebanon no longer has its main port, which it used for almost all of its imports. And with an already dire economy and freefalling currency, the country has been dealt what some diplomats and analysts called a “knockout blow.”The bad news is that there is no government to draw a roadmap to recovery. The good news is that the government’s resignation, which was backed by the traditional ruling parties who allowed Lebanon to fall into such a disastrous situation, has opened the door for a new chapter of governance.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.It is not yet clear who will step in to lead Lebanon, but the presence of Iran-backed Hezbollah in the ruling elite complicates the matter for the international community, whose funds and support Lebanon desperately needs to rebuild its shattered capital.Since Syrian troops formally withdrew from Lebanon in 2005, Hezbollah has served as a vehicle for Syrian and Iranian influence in the country. Hezbollah and its partners have been involved in the formation of the country’s recent governments, but so too have their so-called political opponents – with the exception of the latest government led by Prime Minister Hassan Diab, which was not backed by elements of the anti-Hezbollah March 14 coalition.Following the deadly Beirut blasts, thousands of Lebanese took to the streets to demand the downfall of the entire ruling elite. Pictures and models of every leading Lebanese politician were torched and ripped up.President Michel Aoun’s portrait was torn down from the Foreign Ministry and stomped on. Hezbollah’s secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) Walid Joumblatt, Parliament speaker Nabih Berri, Aoun’s son-in-law Gebran Bassil and several other politicians were jeered in the streets.But, as had been customary since the nationwide anti-government protests broke out last October, no Hezbollah, Amal Movement or Hariri supporters could stop the chants against the ruling class.Diab resigned after the protesters’ pressure and demands, but the political forces that appointed him also appeared to have turned on him. Berri, whose party is the other major Shia force alongside Hezbollah, called for a parliamentary session where it was reported that MPs would withdraw their vote of confidence from the government. Diab was left with two choices: resign voluntarily or allow the parliament to end the government.Read more: Analysis: Will the Beirut explosion be a catalyst for change in Lebanon?Closed-door meetings quickly started with senior officials of Hezbollah, Amal, Free Patriotic Movement and the PSP meeting the night Diab resigned.On the other side, Hariri - considered one of the favorites to return to the premiership - held his own set of meetings to discuss the coming period.International community:The makeup of Lebanon’s next government is tied to geopolitical developments, including its conflict with Israel and its need to secure the financial support and approval of the US, European and Arab allies.The US State Department’s number three official will land in Beirut Thursday and hold meetings with officials on Friday. A senior political source told Al Arabiya English that David Hale would bring the latest proposal for a solution to the Lebanese-Israeli border dispute.Hale’s visit is also expected to rock the momentum of a new government one way or another. “If the border dispute is resolved, it will facilitate the quick formation of a new government,” the source said.And according to this source and other Arab and Western diplomats, Hale will look to make progress on the matter.Read more: Senior US officials will head to Beirut in coming days in wake of Lebanon explosionThere are 842 square kilometers of disputed waters between Beirut and Tel Aviv. According to the sources Al Arabiya English spoke to, Hale will propose to award Lebanon 560 square kilometers of these waters. US envoy Frederic Hof notably proposed 500 square kilometers to Lebanon in 2012. That line has become known as the “Hof Line.”“If Lebanon accepts this proposal, then the land border points that Lebanon opposes in the UN-demarcated Blue Line will be given to them,” the senior political source said.Lebanon’s next prime minister: Baasiri, Salam, Hariri?The international community will also likely have a say in who becomes Lebanon’s next prime minister.“Macron was clear that he would return in September and Lebanese officials needed to agree on a national unity government,” said the political source, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Beirut following the explosions.Two of the candidates being circulated are Lebanon’s former ambassador to the UN, Nawaf Salam, and former vice-governor at Lebanon’s central bank, Mohammed Baasiri.Salam was proposed as a candidate after Hariri resigned last October, but Hezbollah and its allies vehemently rejected.Hezbollah saw Salam and Baasiri as too close to the US and not independent. Due to Lebanon’s sectarian makeup, all the major sects need to be included in political decisionmaking, including the formation of a government, meaning that Hezbollah and Amal – who control all the Shia seats – will likely need to be involved.In Diab’s government, the largest Sunni party – Hariri’s Future Movement – sat out and refused to participate, leaving Diab himself to appoint all the Sunni ministers, all seen as pro-Hezbollah.Nevertheless, the political source ruled out Salam and Baasiri because if Hezbollah and Amal refused, it would be difficult to form a government.Berri controls the parliament, which must give its vote of confidence to any government.“Saad [Hariri] or someone he names, such as [former Interior Minister] Raya El Hassan. This style of character,” the source said.Washington and Paris are seen as favoring Hariri’s return. Protesters are expected to continue their opposition to the political elite after their demonstrations forced the fall of Hariri’s government in October 2019 before Hezbollah and its allies named Diab and formed his one-sided government.Western diplomats also fear the response of the protesters. “People don’t have confidence in the political class period. Washington and France need to understand that includes Hariri,” one Western diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.Asked about Hezbollah refusing Salam or Baasiri, the diplomat said that Hezbollah “loves Saad.”A second political source close from the Lebanese presidency told Al Arabiya English that Hariri was the only viable candidate. “These other names are being thrown around so that card can be burned,” the source said. “The Shia duo will not accept Baasiri or Salam whatsoever.”Hariri struck a deal with Aoun and Hezbollah to return as prime minister in 2016, sparking a backlash from some in the Sunni community. Hezbollah has been accused of being behind the killing of Saad’s father, Rafiq Hariri, and turned its weapons against Lebanese citizens in 2008 after the government attempted to dismantle its telecommunications network.Although Hariri is seen as anti-Hezbollah, placing him in line with many protesters, these same demonstrators also view him as a member of the corrupt ruling elite.The second political source said that Hariri was being positioned by political parties to be the next PM. “If it’s not him, it will be someone he names and accepts.”Read more: Fire, blast, mushroom smoke cloud, wreckage: Timeline of Beirut explosion footage
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Beirut explosion: Protesters demand fresh faces; local, int'l officials want Hariri

The newly revealed documents show how Israeli officials proposed offering Palestinians money to 'relocate' to the South American country..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Israel planned to pay Palestinians to move to Paraguay after 1967 war: report