Middle East Experience

After a year of relentless war, Gaza's olive harvest is set to suffer, while in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian farmers fear to tend their groves due to settler attacks.For generations, olive harvests have been central to Palestinian life and culture. "We are happy that the olive season has started but we are afraid because we are in a state of war," said Rami Abu Asad, who owns a farm in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza.Workers picking the olives by hand stay alert, listening for drones or warplanes that could bomb without warning.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Gaza war, settler attacks ruin Palestinian olive harvest

With Iran-backed Hezbollah on the defensive after a series of heavy Israeli blows, the United States and Iran are locked in a showdown over Lebanon's future, analysts said.Hezbollah, the most powerful regional force backed by Iran, which arms and finances it, has long held sway in Lebanon.But the group's influence is now in question after Israel's assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a significant setback.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: US, Iran in 'tug of war' over Lebanon: analysts

She described the sexual harassment she experienced from her captor, who "kept reminding me that he had seen me without underwear."
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: 'Left with no underwear or pants': Mia Schem recounts harrowing moments from Hamas captivity

"We are essentially moving from a situation of defeating the enemy in all the contact villages to a state of destruction."
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: 'They are afraid': Gallant addresses troops as IDF engages Hezbollah

The downgrade dropped Israel by two notches, from A2 to Baa1—the country's lowest score ever—and maintained a negative outlook for its rating.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Finance Ministry officials to 'Post': Moody's rating drop was premature, a step too far

Just a month ago, south Beirut's bustling streets were packed with traffic, families strolling about and youths in cafes, but now silence dominates the abandoned Hezbollah bastion, interrupted only by the sound of Israeli bombs.Escalating Israeli attacks since late September, after nearly a year of low-intensity cross-border exchanges, have reduced much of the Lebanese capital's once densely-packed southern suburbs to rubble and sent many of its residents fleeing.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Once bursting with life, south Beirut gutted by Israeli bombs

The elections come as the region grapples with the fallout from the suspension of its oil exports, a critical source of revenue.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Iraqi Kurds vote in regional election amid oil export crisis and political rifts

Daxa is considered to be the highest-ranking officer to die in ground combat since the start of the war.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: 401st Brigade commander Col. Ehsan Daxa killed in northern Gaza

People living near an Israeli army base hit by a Hezbollah drone strike described a loud explosion then multiple ambulances arriving, as fresh rocket fire and air raid sirens sent them rushing to shelters on Monday. Four soldiers were killed Sunday night by a Hezbollah drone at the base in the Binyamina area -- the deadliest strike on Israeli soil since the war between Israel and the Lebanese armed group intensified last month.Emergency services that helped transport the wounded to hospital said more than 60 were injured.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: People near Israeli army base shaken by Hezbollah drone attack

Turkish-American Daron Acemoglu has become Turkey's third Nobel laureate.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Turkish-American economist Daron Acemoglu wins joint Nobel Prize