Category: Middle East
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Israel’s parliament has approved the first readings of two contentious bills — one introducing the death penalty for convicted terrorists, and another granting the government power to close foreign media outlets without court oversight. The proposed death penalty bill, backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party, passed 39–16. It would apply to…
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Iraqis began voting to elect a new 329-member parliament on Tuesday (Nov. 11). Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seeking a second term as public confidence in the political system wanes. Turnout is expected to fall below the record low of 41% seen in 2021, reflecting voter disillusionment and a boycott led by Shi’ite cleric…
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Tens of thousands protested in Lisbon against Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s proposed labour reforms, which unions say threaten workers’ rights. The bill, backed by Chega, would ease dismissals and extend working hours. Critics warn it risks deepening inequality as most Portuguese workers earn under €1,000 monthly — among Europe’s lowest wages.
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The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has intensified cloud seeding operations across the UAE as part of efforts to enhance rainfall during a period of reduced precipitation. The programme, active since the early 2000s, combines AI, advanced radar systems, and nanotechnology to stimulate rain formation. Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that introduces substances…
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that Tehran could face severe water shortages and may even have to be evacuated if rainfall does not occur soon. Speaking in Sanandaj on Thursday (Nov. 6), Pezeshkian said Iran was confronting “a combination of economic, environmental, and social crises.” He attributed inflation and high prices to both domestic…
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The UN Security Council voted to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab on Thursday (Nov. 6), marking a key step in Syria’s reintegration after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The resolution — backed by 14 members with China abstaining — follows earlier moves by the US,…
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The United States is reportedly preparing to establish a military presence at an airbase in Damascus as part of efforts to advance a security pact between Syria and Israel, according to a Reuters report citing six sources familiar with the discussions. The move marks a potential strategic realignment of Syria following the fall of former…
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday (3 November) that Türkiye and six partner nations agreed Israel is “regularly violating” the ceasefire and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The meeting in Istanbul included ministers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Fidan warned the situation had reached “a very critical stage,”…
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Iran’s capital Tehran could run out of drinking water within two weeks, officials have warned, as the Amir Kabir Dam — one of five key reservoirs — falls to just 8% capacity. Behzad Parsa, head of the Tehran Water Company, told IRNA that the dam now holds only 14 million cubic metres of water, compared…
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Israel has warned it will escalate attacks against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, a day after Beirut’s Health Ministry reported four deaths from an Israeli airstrike in Kfar Reman. Despite the November 2024 US-brokered ceasefire, Israel retains troops in five southern areas and continues regular strikes. Defence Minister Israel Katz accused President Joseph Aoun’s government of…
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