The Donald Trump administration stepped up its criticism of Russia’s role in Libya’s civil war on Thursday.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Intel: Trump administration singles out Russia’s role in Libya war
Turkish soccer to welcome back players — but not fans
Turkey's professional soccer teams will begin playing in empty stadiums in June, the Turkish Football Federation president said Wednesday.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Turkish soccer to welcome back players — but not fans
In Lebanon, pandemic provides no respite from anti-Palestinian racism
The decision to bar Palestinians from returning to Lebanon amid a repatriation drive highlights entrenched discrimination in the country..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: In Lebanon, pandemic provides no respite from anti-Palestinian racism
Iran-linked hackers recently targeted coronavirus drugmaker Gilead
In one case, a fake email login page designed to steal passwords was sent in April to a top Gilead executive involved in legal and corporate affairs.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Iran-linked hackers recently targeted coronavirus drugmaker Gilead
Coronavirus: Kuwait to impose full lockdown, curfew for 20 days starting May 10
Kuwait will enact a ‘total curfew’ from 4 p.m on Sunday through May 30 to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus, the Information Ministry said on Twitter on Friday.Further details of the curfew will be announced soon, it said.Kuwait on April 20 expanded a nationwide curfew to 16 hours a day, from 4 p.m to 8 a.m, and extended a suspension of work in the public sector, including government ministries, until May 31.For more on coronavirus, visit our dedicated section. On Friday the Gulf state announced 641 new coronavirus cases and three deaths, bringing its total number of confirmed cases to 7,208, with 47 deaths.The number of cases in the six Gulf Arab states has risen steadily to almost 86,000, with 486 deaths, despite containment measures including curfews, the grounding of passenger flights and the closure of most public venues.The number of coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia exceeded 35,000 on Friday.Read more:Coronavirus: Kuwait announces 641 new infections, total now 7,208Coronavirus: UAE announces 553 new infections, total now 16,973, 9 new deathsCoronavirus: Qatar records 1,311 new infections, total now over 20,000
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Kuwait to impose full lockdown, curfew for 20 days starting May 10
Trump, King Salman reaffirm strong US-Saudi Arabian defense partnership: White House
US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman reaffirmed the strong ties between Riyadh and Washington in terms of their defense partnership, according to a statement from a White House spokesperson.“Today, President Donald J. Trump spoke with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The President and King Salman discussed the latest positive developments in defeating the coronavirus pandemic and re-energizing global economies,” according to a statement from White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere.“The two leaders agreed on the importance of stability in global energy markets, and reaffirmed the strong United States-Saudi defense partnership. The President and King Salman also discussed other critical regional and bilateral issues and their cooperation as leaders of the G7 and G20, respectively,” Deere added.A statement from the Saudi Press Agency also confirmed the call between the two leaders, adding that both addressed the historical and strategic ties between the two countries.“The two sides affirmed their keenness to continue their joint efforts to enhance the security and stability of the region. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, may God preserve him, also referred to the Kingdom's efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen and to the ceasefire alliance initiative in support of the efforts of the UN envoy in this regard,” the statement from SPA added.Trump also reiterated that the United States is “committed to protecting its interests and the security of its allies in the region and its determination to confront everything that destabilizes security and stability.”
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Trump, King Salman reaffirm strong US-Saudi Arabian defense partnership: White House
Shells strike near Turkish, Italian embassies in central Tripoli, Libya
Turkey supports the embattled Tripoli government against rebel forces from the east led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Shells strike near Turkish, Italian embassies in central Tripoli, Libya
Report: Child soldiers deployed to Libya by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army
An exclusive report, citing sources on the ground in Syria and Libya, says Syrian teenagers are being sent to Libya to take part in the civil war there.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Report: Child soldiers deployed to Libya by Turkish-backed Syrian National Army
Five priorities for the US-Iraq strategic dialogue include recognizing regional role for Iraq
US diplomacy during Iraqi transition sets tone for relationship.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Five priorities for the US-Iraq strategic dialogue include recognizing regional role for Iraq
Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq
The US commander of Operation Inherent Resolve hopes allied forces will return to Iraq once the COVID-19 crisis subsides.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Pentagon waiting out coronavirus to invite allies back to Iraq