May, 2021

• 20 May

  Germany bans Hezbollah-linked groups, conducts raids – ministry

  Germany has banned three associations that are accused of donating to Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday. Police conducted early morning raids at several premises in seven German states, a spokesman for the ministry said on Twitter. “Those who support terror will not be safe in …

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• 20 May

  Deadly Mediterranean Migrant Route Claims More Lives

  At least 57 migrants and refugees have been confirmed dead after drowning off the Tunisian coast while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisian authorities reported Tuesday. Local workers on a nearby oil rig managed to rescue 33 of the passengers on board the capsized boat, which set sail from …

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• 20 May

  Israel, Hamas Exchange More Rockets, Airstrikes

  The 10th day of Operation Guardian of the Walls began on Wednesday with yet another volley of rockets fired by Hamas at southern Israeli towns. As of noon Wednesday, no injuries were reported. Throughout Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, Israeli fighter jets again conducted widespread air raids against military …

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• 19 May

  Poll: Biden Gets High Marks for Foreign Policy

  

  A survey of academics shows early and overwhelming support for the U.S. president, but he will be tested by China, Russia, and national security issues. After nearly four months in office, U.S. President Joe Biden already enjoys strong public approval ratings for his handling of foreign policy. So far, international …

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• 19 May

  Perspectives | The OSCE’s Minsk Group: A unipolar artifact in a multipolar world

  

  How did diplomacy become so irrelevant to resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict? For 26 years, the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) worked fruitlessly to bring the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict to a peaceful resolution. Then, in just six weeks, the Second Karabakh War radically altered the …

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• 19 May

  State Department makes first visit to northeast Syria under Biden administration

  

  A delegation from the United States State Department travelled to northeast Syria in the first visit to the region since President Joe Biden came to office in January. On May 16, the department issued a press release that said the trip was made by Acting Assistant Secretary Joey Hood, joined …

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• 19 May

  US Targets Islamic State Moneymen in Turkey, Syria

  

  The United States is taking new steps to make it more difficult for the Islamic State terror group to move money, including donations from international supporters, through Syria and Turkey. The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions on Monday against three people and one company, all of which played key roles …

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• 19 May

  Iron Dome intercepts drone during combat for first time, says Israeli military

  

  Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system has intercepted a drone belonging to the Hamas militant group, a first for the platform, according to the country’s defense forces. In total, Israel has intercepted six drones using multiple countermeasures since hostilities began between Israel and Hamas on May 10, the Israel Defense …

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• 19 May

  Jordan’s parliament calls for expulsion of Israel envoy

  

  Jordanian lawmakers on Monday unanimously carried a motion urging the government to expel Israel’s ambassador to Amman in protest against Israeli “crimes” against Palestinians. Speaker of Parliament Abdul Monem Odat announced the move live on television after a parliamentary session devoted to “the situation in Palestine and the crimes committed …

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• 19 May

  Biden, Netanyahu discuss US talks with Egypt on possible ceasefire

  

  The President expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end. US President Joe Biden spoke on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It was the third conversation between the two leaders since the beginning of Operation Guardian of the …

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