The Iraqi parliament is divided into three main blocs: Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds. The parliament holds 328 seats, with the Shiites holding a majority occupying 179 seats. Sunnis are given 53 seats
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: VIRTUAL EXPLAINER: All you need to know about Iraq’s political parties
Candidates' past ties to Saddam create uproar in Iraq's Kurdistan Region
Despite the Kurdistan Regional Government's strong rhetoric against Saddam Hussein and his collaborators, several Kurdish figures who worked with the former Iraqi president's Baath regime are participating in the upcoming elections.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Candidates' past ties to Saddam create uproar in Iraq's Kurdistan Region
As tensions flare with Iran, Israel embraces Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role as mediator between Israel and Tehran is gaining importance as turmoil threatens to boil over in Syria.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: As tensions flare with Iran, Israel embraces Russia
Congress wants return on $1.5 billion investment in Israel missile shield
US taxpayers fork over millions of dollars every year for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. As worldwide threats grow, Congress wants deployed US troops to reap the benefits.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Congress wants return on .5 billion investment in Israel missile shield
Israel’s Liberman advances ‘Pay to Slay’ bill
Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman promotes the ‘Pay to Slay’ bill, deducting payouts to families of assailants from tax revenues of the Palestinian Authority.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel’s Liberman advances ‘Pay to Slay’ bill
Will Iraqi elections avoid traditional sectarian divides?
While the May 12 elections include Shiite candidates running in predominantly Sunni areas and vice versa, Iraqis are divided over whether or not this represents a step toward overcoming sectarian divides.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Will Iraqi elections avoid traditional sectarian divides?
Lockheed Martin sponsors school robotics lab in Jordan
Research facility will support STEM teaching at King's Academy in Jordan
Source: ITP.net
Full Article: Lockheed Martin sponsors school robotics lab in Jordan
Uber flying taxis plans move focus from Dubai
Doubts raised as US tech giant launches search for international city in which to carry out tests
Source: ITP.net
Full Article: Uber flying taxis plans move focus from Dubai
Revealed: rising Gulf stars in the World Economic Forum's Class of 2018
Faisal Abbas, the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News among under 40s invited to join Young Global Leaders community
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Revealed: rising Gulf stars in the World Economic Forum's Class of 2018
Bahrain launches new $1bn energy fund
Bahrain Energy Fund will receive initial seed capital from entities in Bahrain, including Nogaholding, Osool and SICO
Source: Arabian Business
Full Article: Bahrain launches new bn energy fund