Archives for January, 2024

As Captagon war heats up, Jordan escalates airstrikes in Syria

Jordan has clashed with and struck alleged drug smugglers several times in recent weeks as the Captagon trade continues to thrive the region.

Syria

Loeb bounces back with Dakar stage four win

Agence France-Presse

Culture

'Costumes of Egypt: Lost Legacies': An author's bid to save forgotten identities

Art expert Shahira Mehrez talks about her quest to recollect and preserve the Egyptian women’s traditional costumes.

Egypt

Mother of French Gaza hostage demands ceasefire

Agence France-Presse

Day 95 of Hamas-Israel war blog: Tuesday, Jan. 9

Israel

Analysis

Can Blinken restrain Israel from war with Hezbollah as Lebanon front escalates?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived to Israel with two goals: preventing Israel and Hezbollah from engaging in a full-blown war and pushing the Israeli military to scale down its operations in the Gaza Strip.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Blinken tells Israel civilian toll in Gaza 'far too high'

Agence France-Presse

Breaking | Last Updated: January 22, 2024, 4:25 pm

Turkey's parliament to vote on Sweden’s NATO accession this week

The progress follows intense diplomatic contacts between Ankara and Washington.

Israeli drone strike in Lebanon leaves three Hezbollah fighters dead

The latest strike comes as the cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel intensifies.

Lebanon

Top US diplomat to meet Israeli PM as fears of escalation rise

Agence France-Presse

Qatar under pressure in Asian Cup defence after abrupt Queiroz axing

Agence France-Presse

Blinken to Israel: Reducing Gaza casualties an 'absolute imperative'

The top US diplomat's meetings with Israeli officials come after President Joe Biden said he was “quietly working” to get Israel out of Gaza.

Israel

Pentagon: No impact on Middle East ops following Austin's hospitalization

Senior Pentagon officials were alerted a day after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had been admitted to intensive care, but failed to notify White House.

By Jared Szuba

In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military

UAE President MBZ in Azerbaijan eyeing energy, investment cooperation

Emirati entities have inked several energy deals with Azerbaijan in the past year.

Legacy: Gulf

Syrian Kurdish village breeds ancient Saluki dogs amid ravages of war

Wealthy Arabs from the Gulf — sheikhs, emirs and princes included — are some of the top customers of Syria's Saluki breeders.

Syria

Breaking | Last Updated: January 11, 2024, 4:42 pm

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna out as France changes cabinet

With French President Emmanuel Macron still in charge of his country's foreign policies, Colonna's exit is unlikely to affect Paris' Middle East positions.