Middle Orient

UAE-Israel oil deal freeze is first real test for Abraham Accords

Decision to delay controversial pipeline project over environmental concerns unlikely to lead to major crisis, however. Israel’s decision to freeze a proposed oil pipeline deal with the United Arab Emirates marks the first real test of the Abraham Accords that normalized Israel-UAE relations but is unlikely to lead to a …

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Sisi, Safadi discuss latest regional developments, ME peace process

Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi arrived in Cairo earlier today Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi the latest developments in the region in a meeting on Monday afternoon, including the situation in Lebanon, Syria, Libya. They also …

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Benny Gantz to meet with French defense minister for security dialogue

Among other matters, they will discuss the NSO affair. Defense Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron’s phone was on a list of targets that were possibly under …

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Former PM Najib Mikati named Lebanon’s prime minister-designate

President Michel Aoun designated Mikati after the wealthy businessman secured the backing of a majority of lawmakers. Lebanon’s president has appointed Najib Mikati as the country’s new prime minister-designate after the billionaire businessman won the approval of a majority of lawmakers. The two-time prime minister secured 72 of 118 votes …

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Iraq’s military disputes militia claim about drone attack

The Imam Ali Division militia claimed two drones attacked one of its storage facilities near Najaf. Iraq’s military pushed back on a claim by a pro-Iran militia that one of the militia’s storage facilities in Najaf had been attacked by a drone. Iraq’s security media cell said that an explosion …

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Biden announces end to US combat mission in Iraq

Following a White House meeting today between US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the two side announced an agreement that the US combat mission in Iraq will end by Dec. 31, 2021. US President Joe Biden on Monday announced that the US military’s role in Iraq …

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Israel concerned over possible new Russian policy on Syria

Israel is perplexed over the recent statement by Russian Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit concerning the interception in Syria of alleged Israeli missiles. The claims by Russian Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit that Russian-made defense systems intercepted missiles fired last week by two Israeli F16 fighter jets toward targets near the Syrian …

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Iran claims arrest of spy group linked to Israel’s Mossad

Iran’s state TV reported on Tuesday that authorities arrested members of a group linked to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency amid ongoing protests over water shortages in the country’s southwest. The report said “a network of spy agents, with a large amount of weapons and ammunition” was arrested after sneaking into …

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