Archives for August, 2022

A visitor takes pictures of the hieroglyph-adorned walls in KV11, the Tomb of Pharaoh Ramses III, at the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of the Nile River, Luxor, Egypt, Jan. 18, 2022.

Culture

Egypt restores Golden Shrine at ancient temple in Luxor

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the completion of restoration works at the Golden Shrine in the Temple of Habu in Luxor, built in memory of King Ramses III.

A ballerina dress is submerged in the Dead Sea and encrusted with salt, a project by Israeli artist Sigalit Landau

Salt of the earth: Israeli artist's Dead Sea sculptures

Agence France-Presse

Shiite Muslims re-enact the Battle of Karbala.

Suicide attack thwarted as Iraqi Shiites celebrate Ashura

While the history of al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Islamic State continue to haunt Iraq, the start of the annual Shiite religious mourning celebration was largely uneventful — though Diyala province remains problematic.

Former national security adviser John Bolton.

US charges Iranian over alleged plot to kill John Bolton

This is the second high-profile case in two years where Iranian operatives allegedly sought to harm a US citizen.

The flag of Iran is seen in front of the building of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Headquarters ahead of a press conference by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, about the agency's monitoring of Iran's nuclear energy program on May 24, 2021 in Vienna, Austria. The IAEA has been in talks with Iran over extending the agency's monitoring program. Meanwhile Iranian and international representatives have been in talks in recent weeks in Vienna over reviving the JCPOA Iran nuclear deal.

Analysis

The Takeaway: Iran deal’s fate could again hinge on IAEA probe

Hamas sits out Gaza war; Israel pursues Islamic Jihad in West Bank; Gaza’s eroding beaches; Turkey’s Alevis fear attacks; Iran trains Russians on drones.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Andrew Parasiliti

By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Andrew Parasiliti

A general view of the Egyptian Stock Market in Cairo on Jan. 6, 2013.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund acquires stakes in Egyptian state-owned firms

The acquisitions help make good on Saudi Arabia’s pledge to invest billions in Egypt.

An Iraqi supporter of Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Baghdad's high-security Green Zone on Aug. 4, 2022.

Iraq's Sadr calls on judiciary to dissolve parliament

Populist Shiite cleric Muqtada Sadr presses on the Judiciary to dissolve the parliament as a preparation for early elections.

Pervin Chakar

Kurdish diva brokenhearted but resolute in face of language discrimination in Turkey

The "brutal" quashing of Kurdishness in Turkey continues to be state policy — even in entertainment.

A banner reading "Bring Austin Home" hangs outside the headquarters of The Washington Post to mark the 10th anniversary of his abduction

Biden calls on Syria to help secure release of journalist Austin Tice

Agence France-Presse

Supporters of the Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr raise a portrait of their leader

Iraq's Sadr sets deadline to dissolve parliament

Agence France-Presse

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, pictured at a press conference in Tehran on July 13, 2022

Iran brands US claim of assassination plot 'fiction'

Agence France-Presse

A handout picture provided by the Iranian army's official website on Sept. 11, 2020, shows an Iranian Simorgh drone carrying a weapon.

Iran trained Russians on using armed drones, US intel says

The Pentagon has warned Iran not to provide armed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Russia / Mideast

oil pumpjacks

Oil prices fall to lowest since February

The price of oil is bouncing near levels around the time of the Russian invasion of Ukraine since Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers agreed to a small supply boost.

Al-Monitor Staff

By Al-Monitor Staff

Israeli Prime Minister and Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid speaks during the party's opening election campaign rally ahead of Israel's general elections, Tel Aviv, Israel, Aug. 3, 2022.

Comparing Ukraine with Gaza, Russia accuses Israel of hypocrisy

Moscow argues that Prime Minister Yair Lapid cannot condemn Russia for alleged war crimes while attacking the Gaza Strip.

Pope Francis stands with Iraqi religious figures during an interfaith service.

Culture

Iraq to hold interfaith dialogue with Vatican participation

Iraq has launched a new round of interfaith dialogues in the wake of achievements related to tolerance and the recognition of others.

US President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up during a signing ceremony for the PACT Act for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits

Biden signs bill aiding veterans exposed to toxins

Agence France-Presse