Israel signs gas deal with Egypt, becomes major energy exporter

With expected boon, Israel plans to wean itself off coal and potentially revolutionize its economy, potentially aided by EU as it aims to reduce dependence on Russian gas with new delivery routes, something that could also curtail Iranian ambitions to use Syria as gateway to Mediterranean Associated Press Updated: 12.16.19 , 21:08 Israel became a […]

King James Bible, first edition, to be displayed in Saudi Arabia

The bible being displayed is being loaned to the King Faisal Center by a private Saudi collector. ZACHARY KEYSER DECEMBER 16, 2019 21:13 A rare first edition of the King James Bible will be put on display early next year at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according […]

Erdoğan under Political Siege

By: Dr. Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak,  expert on contemporary Turkish politics and foreign policy, Turkish-Israeli relations, and the Kurds. As of 2002, Turkey has been ruled by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). It is not a secret that one of the most important reasons for the AKP’s constant success in all general election campaigns […]

Iran denies secret negotiations with Saudi Arabia

The denial comes after The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran and Saudi Arabia had been in direct context and also through intermediaries such as Oman, Kuwait, Pakistan and others. SETH J. FRANTZMAN DECEMBER 16, 2019 11:06 Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied that secret negotiations are taking place with Saudi Arabia as rumors mounted that Iran […]

Aoun postpones consultations to name PM for second time

Annahar Staff BEIRUT: President Michel Aoun has postponed the binding parliamentary consultations until December 19, according to a statement from his office. This comes after caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri requested further deliberations between the different stakeholders.

Steinitz’s EastMed gas pipeline stirring up regional conflict

The European pipeline project initiated by the Israeli Energy Minister is provoking regional tension after Turkey claims economic waters to thwart it, angering Egypt, Cyprus and Greece. Will Israel be dragged into a regional conflict developing in the Eastern Mediterranean between Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus? Israeli sources sought to make it clear that Israel […]

Russian bombers now transit Iran’s airspace to Syria – rejoinder for US-Israeli air force cooperation

Long-range, heavy Russian bombers are flying from their home bases via Iranian airspace for combat operations in Syria, thereby cutting short flying time. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran‘s Supreme National Security Council, said on Sunday, Dec. 15, that Iranian and Russian coordination “is comprehensive, embracing different aspects.” He also told the Mehr news agency that, […]

Lebanon’s Interior Minister blames ‘foreign forces’ for protests

Protesters threw fireworks at security forces in Beirut, despite Hasan Nasrallah’s speech blaming the US and Israel for masterminding the demonstrations. YASSER OKBI/MAARIV DECEMBER 16, 2019 05:44  Hezbollah’s leader, Hasan Nasrallah has accused Israel and the United States of being behind the economic protests in Lebanon Tensions continued to run high on Sunday night between […]

Iraq’s former prime minister slams US sanctions on pro-Iran militia leader

Abdul Mahdi also condemned protesters for insulting Iraqi leaders and tearing down posters of them. SETH J. FRANTZMAN DECEMBER 16, 2019 08:02 Former Iraqi prime minister Abdul Mahdi, who resigned in late November, slammed recent US sanctions that targeted a pro-Iranian militia leader in Iraq. On December 6 the US Treasury department sanctioned Qais Khazali […]

US envoy to North Korea: We’re here, you know how to reach us

US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, arrived in Seoul on Sunday amid speculation he might try to salvage negotiations by reaching out to North Korea. By REUTERS DECEMBER 16, 2019 07:34 SEOUL – US special envoy for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, urged Pyongyang on Monday to return offers of talks, dismissing leader Kim […]

The British working class saves Britain … and its Jews

December 15, 2019 by Melanie Phillips – JNS.org Read on for article The relief was overwhelming. When the exit polls on Thursday evening correctly predicted a large majority for Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party, British Jews allowed themselves to breathe again. Overcome by the sense of deliverance from a great evil, some even wept. Melanie Phillips […]

For second night, violent protests rock Lebanese capital

Security forces use tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons to disperse demonstrators who railed against expected reappointment of Saad Hariri as PM HUSSEIN MALLADALAL MAWAD BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons Sunday to disperse hundreds of protesters for a second straight day, ending what started as […]

Hamas delegation tells Erdogan of Gaza’s dire situation, Temple Mount ‘danger’

Officials led by Ismail Haniyeh praise the Turkish president for supporting the Palestinians, the terror group’s website reports; Al-Aqsa TV says Haniyeh to attend Malaysia summit By Adam Rasgon 15 December 2019, 1:31 pm Adam Rasgon is the Palestinian affairs reporter at The Times of Israel A Hamas delegation led by its chief, Ismail Haniyeh, […]

Erdogan threatens to shutter 2 strategic US military bases

Turkish president responds to threat of US sanctions over Ankara’s decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defense system By AFP Today, 11:03 pm   Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday threatened to close two strategic military bases used by the United States in Turkey, after Washington warned Ankara of sanctions for buying Russian arms. […]