Archives for February, 2025

Syrian-American Rabbi Youssef Hamra leads the first Jewish group prayer in Syria since the 1990s, in the Ifrange Synagogue in the Jewish quarter of Damascus's Old City.

Syrian Jews say held first group prayer in decades in Damascus synagogue

Agence France-Presse

Aryna Sabalenka has struggled in the Gulf after reaching the final of last month's Australian Open

Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini's title defence ends

Agence France-Presse

Antiquities ministry pictures showing the location and entrance to the tomb

Egypt unveils first ancient royal tomb since Tutankhamun

Agence France-Presse

Qatar web summit

Culture

AL-Monitor Doha: Web Summit Qatar 2025 brings top innovators

Hafez Gallery

Culture

AL-Monitor Riyadh: Lebanese artist Lana Khayat at Hafez Gallery

This week, we take you through the opening of a new exhibition by Lebanese artist Lana Khayat at Hafez Gallery in Riyadh.

tomb

Culture

Egypt celebrates first royal tomb discovery since 1922: What we know

The 3,500-year-old tomb belongs to King Thutmose II, who ruled Egypt during its 18th dynasty.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) walks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as they meet at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, on Feb. 19, 2025.

UAE conveys frustrations to US' top diplomat Rubio over Gaza, Ukraine

Arab states have grown increasingly frustrated over the US administration's rhetoric about displacing 2.1 million Gazans from the enclave.

United Arab Emirates

The bronze head of Septimius Severus at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

Culture

AL-Monitor Istanbul: Bronze head of Roman emperor returns to Antalya Museum

The sculpture has made it home from Denmark and will soon take its place in the treasure-packed Antalya Museum.

Tehran

Iran's IRGC dismantles alleged spy network linked to Israel, US: What to know

The announcement comes as Iran and Israel are exchanging threats over the former’s nuclear program.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (L) and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (R) signed a declaration upgrading their countries' relations to a 'strategic partnership'

Egypt, Spain reject US plan to displace Gazans

Agence France-Presse

A demonstrator in Tel Aviv holds placards bearing pictures of members of the Bibas family

Heartbreaking day ahead for Israel, says Netanyahu

Agence France-Presse

The color orange has come to be associated with the red-headed Bibas boys

Anguish over Bibas family in Israel as Hamas says to release bodies

Agence France-Presse

Israeli soldiers walk along the buffer zone between northern Israel and southern Lebanon, Feb. 18, 2025.

Analysis

Israel facing 3 options after extending military presence in south Lebanon

Israeli forces remain at five outposts after their deadline to withdrew, and the parameters for their departure remain unclear.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

Jabalia

World Bank puts Gaza reconstruction cost at $52B as Arab leaders mull plan

The World Bank has estimated that damage to physical structures alone will take around $30 billion to address, with housing accounting for 53% of the damage.

usaid

Feature

How Trump's USAID cuts threw Lebanon's education system into tailspin

Students benefitting from USAID programs in Lebanon have been left in limbo after President Donald Trump ordered a freeze of international aid.

Mayah Hamadeh

By Mayah Hamadeh

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Jordanian King Abdullah II as he departs the White House, Washington, DC, Feb. 11, 2025.

Analysis

As Trump’s aid freeze tests Jordan’s economic stability, can Gulf and China offer lifeline?

The tensions created by the American president pressing Jordan to accept forcibly displaced Palestinians could lead Amman to boost ties with US rival China, Europe and others.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech