Archives for February, 2023

Turkey's Kurdish opposition says government obstructing quake relief efforts

Opposition politicians say the usurping of municipalities by government appointees has weakened their ability to respond to Turkey's Feb. 6 earthquake disaster.

Turkey

Analysis

As Germany's relations sour with Iran, pressure grows on Berlin to do more

Activists in Germany are doubtful whether the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats will thwart the death sentence of German-Iranian national Jamshid Sharmahd.

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Armenia’s FM in Syria as Turkey’s opposition declares solidarity with Assad

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Munich Security Conference and others, called for "urgent action to overcome the political obstacles that are blocking humanitarian assistance" to Syria.

Syria

New charges filed against Lebanon central bank chief

Agence France-Presse

In shift away from US dollar, Iraq to allow trade with China in yuan

Some countries in the region are increasingly looking away from the dollar.

Iraq

Hot meals, kids' theatre: volunteers help Syria quake survivors

Agence France-Presse

Oman opens airspace to Israeli flights, following Saudi Arabia

Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has thanked the Sultan of Oman and the Biden administration for an airspace agreement that will shorten Israeli flight times to Asia considerably.

Israel

Turkey’s Central Bank slashes interest rates after devastating earthquakes

The move is likely aimed at weathering the fallout from the devastating earthquakes in accordance with the Turkish government's economy policy to prioritize economic growth at the expense of inflation.

Turkey

Analysis

Israel raises interest rates in eighth consecutive hike in 10 months

Fighting rising inflation, Bank of Israel Gov. Amir Yaron took the unpopular decision of increasing the interest rates to 4.25%.

By Danny Zaken

In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel

Palestinian Oslo accords negotiator Ahmed Qorei dies at 85

Agence France-Presse

Violence flares around Gaza after deadly Israeli West Bank raid

Agence France-Presse

Israel's transgender Jews struggle in Orthodox circles

Agence France-Presse

Dubai housing boom buoys buyers, burdens tenants

Agence France-Presse

One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN

Agence France-Presse

Analysis

Iran floats adherence to NPT, dialogue on Ukraine as JCPOA fades

Iranian officials say a nuclear deal is still possible, but US says it’s up to Tehran.

By Week in Review , Andrew Parasiliti

Ukraine war at year 1: Russia-Iran alignment threatens delicate Middle East balance

US officials say Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given Iran a chance to hone its drone warfare skills while potentially expanding its proxies' footprint in Syria, risking escalation with Israel.

Iran