(2020-10-03). Pregnant Ethiopians languish in 'hellish' Saudi detention centres: Amnesty International. middleeasteye.net 
Pregnant Ethiopians languish in 'hellish' Saudi detention centres: Amnesty International | Detainees say they were forced to stay in crowded cells and to use their cell floors as toilets | Sat, 10/03/2020 – 11: 38 | Ethiopia has called for a halt in repatriations because of Covid-19. It brought back nearly 4,000 Ethiopians from Saudi Arabia between April and September 2020 (AFP) | Ethiopian migrants impr…
(2020-10-03). First Person: 'I'm happy to be able to give back'. news.un.org Luis Jose Faife, a UN refugee agency (UNHCR) worker from Mozambique, survived the devastation of Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, which killed more than 600 people in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, and displaced some 2.2. million people, in March 2019. Now COVID-19 is posing a new challenge to humanitarian workers, and they people they help.
(2020-10-03). Sudan's transitional government signs landmark deal with rebel groups. middleeasteye.net 
Sudan's transitional government signs landmark deal with rebel groups | The historic deal signed in Juba could end decades of conflict that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives in western and southern Sudan | Sat, 10/03/2020 – 14: 57 | Paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, pictured in August 2020, signed the deal on behalf of the Sudanese government in Juba, South Sudan (AFP) | Sud…
(2020-10-03). Spike in Boycotts of Turkish Goods and Services. indybay.org For years, Turkey has injected itself, often militarily, into the sovereign affairs of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Greece, Cyprus, India, and now, Armenia and Artsakh. On October 2, reports emerged that Turkey is using NATO and American facilities to attack Armenia and Artsakh. Since NATO is unable or unwilling to rein in this rogue nation that many consider to be the single greatest threat to global security, public boycotts are increasingly gaining favor.
(2020-10-02). US military seeks to "create new base in Syria" — Syrian journalist. thegrayzone.com Red Lines host Anya Parampil speaks with Syrian journalist Bashar Barazi, the correspondent for HispanTV in Damascus, about recent developments in the country. By Anya Parampil They discuss the impact of the new "Cesar sanctions" on the Syrian public, US and Turkish maneuvers within Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's recent visit to the country, as well as the average Syrian's response to efforts from Gulf countries to normalize relations with Israel. Barazi explains why he believes the US is …
(2020-10-02). Sudan alert: Flooding and surging inflation threaten humanitarian assistance. news.un.org Catastrophic flooding and rising food and health costs in Sudan, have driven up the number of people in need, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Friday.
(2020-10-02). Arabic press review: Plans for Israel-UAE canal enrage Egypt. middleeasteye.net 
Arabic press review: Plans for Israel-UAE canal enrage Egypt | Meanwhile, Jordan expels former Palestinian prisoner Nizar al-Tamimi, and three ministers of Arab origin join new Belgian government | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 15: 14 | Egypt is reportedly worried that a new canal between Israel and the UAE might threaten its crucial income from the Suez Canal (AFP/file photo, November 2019) | Canal tri…
(2020-10-02). Israel-UAE musical collaborations spark social media debate. middleeasteye.net 
Israel-UAE musical collaborations spark social media debate | An instrumental cover and a Hebrew-English-Arabic mashup have caused a stir online, as cultural ties between Israel and the UAE strengthen | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 15: 45 | Two collaborations between Israeli and UAE musicians celebrating normalisation have received mixed reactions online (Screengrabs) | Less than two months since Israel and the…
(2020-10-02). Clashes in Egypt's Luxor after police kill man for defending his father. middleeasteye.net 
Clashes in Egypt's Luxor after police kill man for defending his father | Awais al-Rawi was shot in the head as he confronted a police officer who slapped his father during a home raid | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 20: 53 | "> | Egyptians take to streets in Luxor after man 'shot dead' by police | The Egyptian city of Luxor has turned into a militarised area, with heavi…
(2020-10-02). Sudan sending hundreds of troops to Yemen via Saudi Arabia. middleeasteye.net 
Sudan sending hundreds of troops to Yemen via Saudi Arabia | Sources say officers and soldiers arrived in the kingdom last week, despite Khartoum supposedly winding down its involvement in the conflict | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 13: 37 | Sudanese troops with a military coalition in Yemen backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates detect mines in the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah (AFP) | Hundreds of Sudanese s…
(2020-10-02). EU removes east Libya powerbroker Aguila Saleh from sanctions blacklist. middleeasteye.net 
EU removes east Libya powerbroker Aguila Saleh from sanctions blacklist | European Union says lifting sanctions, including travel ban, is due to Saleh's 'constructive engagement' in support of peace talks | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 21: 59 | Aguila Saleh is seen as a counterweight to Khalifa Haftar in east (AFP/File photo) | The European Union has removed an east Libyan powerbroker from its sanctions blacklist to enco…
(2020-10-02). Mossad chief holds talks with Bahrain as ties with Israel deepen. middleeasteye.net 
Mossad chief holds talks with Bahrain as ties with Israel deepen | Yossi Cohen reported to have discussed 'mutual interests' with his Bahraini counterparts during visit | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 11: 16 | Mossad chief Yossi Cohen pictured in 2017 (AFP) | Israel's top spy chief Yossi Cohen has held talks with Bahrain's intelligence services following the two countries recent normalisation of relat…
(2020-10-02). Amnesty presses Egypt to release detainees after rare protests. middleeasteye.net 
Amnesty presses Egypt to release detainees after rare protests | Rights group reports at least 496 people have been detained by Cairo since crackdown on protests began last month | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 18: 37 | Police had fired tear gas and in some instances live ammunition at demonstrators (AFP/File photo) | Amnesty International has called on Egyptian authorities to release hundreds of people who were arrested…
(2020-10-02). Middle East countries deported exiled Uighurs to China: Report. middleeasteye.net 
Middle East countries deported exiled Uighurs to China: Report | Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt arrested exiled Uighur Muslims and deported them to China in collaboration with Beijing, BBC reports | Fri, 10/02/2020 – 21: 52 | At least one million Uighurs are said to be held in internment camps where they are undergoing political "re-education" (AFP/File photo) | Some Uighur Muslims who fled China and sought refug…
(2020-10-02). Protest against the Bahrain's normalization with Israel. thealtworld.com Exclusive- Ever since the Sep 15th US-brokered normalization rapprochement, and defying Manama's trigger-ready security forces, defiant Bahrainis have taken to streets on masses to head off vociferous protest, waving Bahraini and Palestinian flags, as well as placards that condemn the deal. New massive protests are being held this Friday, this time under the title of "Friday of Collapse of the Betrayal Agreement", stressing they will never clinch any ties with the Zionists that might trample on the interests of their fellow Palestinians and their righteous cause. | According to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Manama y…
(2020-10-02). Dragging Lebanon toward normalisation. thealtworld.com Lebanese politicians browbeaten into agreeing a deal with Israel ahead of US elections | After the Beirut Port explosion destroyed half the Lebanese capital, killed and injured thousands of people and made 300,000 homeless; and after a contrived banking crisis caused the collapse of the Lebanon's currency and drove more than 60% of the population below the poverty line; Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri announced on Thursday that, as a result of US mediation, a 'framework agreement' had been reached with Israel to demarcate the maritime boundary. | Direct talks on delineation are to be conducted by Lebanese army chi…
(2020-10-02). Venezuela Succeeds in Normalizing Fuel Supplies. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's government on Thursday said it has succeeded in "normalizing" the supply of fuel throughout the South American country, following weeks of severe shortages and disrupted distribution. | RELATED: | Starting Monday, the country's 1,568 gasoline service stations will be reactivated after production at two of the country's main refineries was restored, Oil Minister Tareck El Aissami said. | "We are making a…
(2020-10-01). Khashoggi murder: US lawmakers pledge to push for accountability. middleeasteye.net 
Khashoggi murder: US lawmakers pledge to push for accountability | Speaking at event commemorating slain journalist, members of Congress slam Trump for 'forfeiting responsibility' to protect human rights | Thu, 10/01/2020 – 17: 10 | Tom Malinowski, Ro Khanna, Chris Van Hollen and Tim Kaine (L-R) speak at POMED event honouring Khashoggi ahead of murder anniversary (AFP/File photo) | On the eve of the second annive…
(2020-10-01). Turkish cross-border, peacekeeping missions up for extension. yenisafak.com Turkey's parliament is due to consider a motion extending authorization to launch cross-border anti-terrorist operations in northern Iraq and Syria, as well as deploy peacekeeping forces to the countries of Lebanon, Mali, and the Central African Republic.The motion, submitted on Thursday by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, would allow the Turkish military to carry out cross-border operations in northern Iraq and Syria for another year, from Oct. 30, 2020 until Oct. 30, 2021.The motion states that Turkey places great importance on protecting Iraq's territorial integrity, national unity, and stability."
(2020-10-01). In face of government threats, Zimbabwe's teachers continue to stay off work. peoplesdispatch.org Teachers in Zimbabwe whose salaries have declined from the equivalent of US$550 to a mere US$30-35 over the past two years launched a protest on Monday. The government has threatened to replace them…
(2020-10-01). Crisis in Lebanon—MES EP.74. thealtworld.com Lebanon's prime minister-designate Mostafa Adib quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet, dealing a blow to a French bid aimed at rallying sectarian leaders to tackle the worst crisis since the nation's 1975-1990 civil war. | Adib's resignation comes a few days after President Michel Aoun himself bluntly told reporters that Lebanon would be going to "hell" if a new government was not formed soon. | To discuss this issue with us from Beirut Omar Nashabi political commentator. | With the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain having joined Egypt and Jordan in declaring peac…
(2020-10-01). Beware Self-Serving Messengers: Logging Will Not Prevent Destructive Wildfires. counterpunch.org My community of Big Bear City, in the mountains east of Los Angeles, had a tense week recently. For a few nerve-racking days, the El Dorado fire, which has burned more than 20,000 acres in and around the San Bernardino National Forest, threatened to move our way. The fire had seen little movement in the
(2020-10-01). Central African Republic: elections are 'unique opportunity' for peace – Guterres. news.un.org The UN Secretary-General has called for parties in the Central African Republic (CAR) to prioritize national dialogue and consensus-building ahead of elections scheduled to begin in December.
(2020-10-01). Rouhani felicitates Nigeria on Independence Day. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 01 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani congratulated the anniversary of Nigeria's independence from Britain, calling for increased cooperation with the African country.
(2020-10-01). Mali Military Junta Issues Charter for Transition Period – Reports. sputniknews.com MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The military junta that seized power after a military coup in Mali has published a charter for the transition period that establishes a procedure of handing over power to a civilian government, the Journal du Mali website reported on Thursday.
(2020-10-01). Turkish defense chief receives Libyan counterpart in capital Ankara. yenisafak.com Turkey's defense minister on Thursday received his Libyan counterpart in the capital Ankara, said the Turkish National Defense Ministry. | After Turkey's Hulusi Akar welcomed Salahaddin Namroush with military honors, they spoke about the latest situation in Libya, said a ministry statement. | Akar reiterated that Ankara would continue its military and security training and consultation with Libya, adding that Turkey supports Libya's stability, independence, and sovereignty. | Last November, Turkey, and Libya signed a security and military cooperation agreement.Libya has been torn by a civil war since the ouster o…
(2020-10-01). Libya aims to revive economic relations with Turkey. yenisafak.com A Libyan business delegation including business people, civil society leaders and officials will visit Turkey this month to restore economic relations between the two countries.The delegation, under the leadership of Mohammad Abdul Karim Raied — the head of the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Libya — will attend a two-day business event in Istanbul starting on Oct. 15.The event, supported by Turkey's Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and the Libya Economy Ministry, will host over 200 Libyan producers and exporters 100 from Turkey.While Turkish contractors had assumed projects in Libya w…
(2020-10-01). South Africa opens borders for global travelers. yenisafak.com South Africa Thursday opened its borders to international travelers, barring those coming from high-risk countries.The government has listed 60 countries as being high risk, including the US, the UK, Russia, and several countries in the Middle East and Latin America.The country had closed ports of entry in March to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.In a statement, the government said that all travelers visiting the country will be expected to abide by the health regulations which include mandatory wearing of masks, practicing social distancing in public spaces and sanitizing hands.Travelers are also requir…
(2020-09-30). UAE delivered weapons to Libya's Haftar despite UN embargo. middleeasteye.net 
UAE delivered weapons to Libya's Haftar despite UN embargo | More than 150 flights ferried arms to Haftar's territory between January and April this year, according to unpublished UN report | Wed, 09/30/2020 – 18: 19 | UAE dispatched 150 military flights using Russian-made cargo planes to eastern Libya and western Egypt (AFP/File photo) | The United Arab Emirates continued to supply military equipment to Libya…
(2020-09-30). Russia 'deeply concerned' about reports of mercenaries from Syria & Libya being sent to fight in disputed Nagorno-Karabakh. rt.com 
Moscow has condemned the alleged use of "foreign mercenaries and terrorists" in the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, calling them a threat to the entire region that must "immediately" be withdrawn. | "Militants of illegal armed groups, in particular from Syria and Libya" have been transported to the conflict zone "in order to directly participate in the hostilities," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a Wednesday statement commenting on the recent reports, adding it was "deeply concerned" about the development that creates "long-term threats to the security of all countries in t…
(2020-09-30). Canada Has A War Crimes Problem. popularresistance.org Two new reports on Canadian weapons exports reveal that Canadian-based corporate entities (and, by extension, government agencies that support and encourage their exports) are complicit in the commission of war crimes in Yemen, Turkey, Libya, Syria and Iraq. | These findings build on previously raised concerns that the Canadian military was complicit in war crimes during the occupation of Afghanistan (including when current Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan operated there as a soldier). | Earlier this month, the United Nations criticized Canada, among other nations, for continuing to export weapons to all parties th…
(2020-09-30). Politics of Betrayal: Divorce Looms in Kenyan Jubilee Coalition. globalresearch.ca Early campaign hostile statements and divisions in Jubilee Coalition are sparking a storm of confusion and fear in Kenya's politics. Some analysts argue that this environment should awake Kenyans, the region and international community to work hand in hand to …
(2020-09-30). Nigerians in Diaspora Hope for Biafra's Political Autonomy. globalresearch.ca Several reports indicate that Nigeria has reached critical level in its development as there are numerous problems including frequent ethnic and religious attacks, deep-seated corruption, ineffective federal system of governance despite been referred to as the Giant of Africa. Nigeria …
(2020-09-30). Libyan rivals conclude talks on key security and military issues. news.un.org Delegations from Libya's warring sides meeting in Egypt have concluded two days of security and military talks in efforts towards a lasting ceasefire, the UN political mission for the country, UNSMIL, has reported.