Economic Crisis Does Little to Dampen Saudi Pricey Ambitions
The hiring by Saudi Arabia of an international public relations firm to counter doubts about Mohammed bin Salman’s $500 billion USD dream of a futuristic city on the Red Sea…
UN Raises $7.7bn in Humanitarian Aid for Syria
On 30 June 2020, the UN raised a total of $7.7 billion in humanitarian aid for Syria at the virtual UN donor conference on Syria in Brussels, Belgium. Syria…
Gulf States and Worryig Chinese Policy towards Sri Lanka
China was quick to aid coronavirus-stricken Sri Lanka. Chinese magnanimity and speed in responding to the Indian Ocean Island’s request contrasted starkly with Beijing’s more measured response to Africa’s needs,…
Morocco Signs Deal for 24 AH-64 Apache Helicopters
Morocco has ordered the 24 attack helicopters from Boeing in a deal worth $440 million, following a request of the aircraft in late 2019.
Egypt Reportedly Signs Agreement for 500 Russian T-90MS Tanks
Egypt has reportedly signed an agreement for the production of 500 Russian T-90MS tanks in the country.
Why the Palestinians Say No
The plan proposes four years in which to come to an accord. It is time that should not be wasted in unproductive rejection for rejection’s sake.
Egypt Arrests Another Independent Media Journalist
On 24 June 2020, Egyptian security forces raided the offices of the online al-Manassa news agency and arrested its editor-in-chief, Noura Younis, reported the agency on Twitter.
Egypt Sentences 16 People for Links with Terrorist Al-Nusra
On 21 June 2020, the Cairo Criminal Court sentenced 16 people for links with the terrorist Al-Nusra group in Syria. The court sentenced 13 defendants to life in prison, and…
Assad Faces the Syrian People’s Fury
Early June saw Syria erupt into nationwide demonstrations against the president, Bashar al-Assad. A beleaguered population, exhausted by years of civil conflict, were at the end of their tether. Spiralling…
Saudi Arabia Contemplates Cancelling Hajj for First Time
For the first time since it was founded in 1932, Saudi Arabia is contemplating the cancellation of the most important annual Muslim ritual – Hajj pilgrimage – this year after…