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☆ U.S. Strikes Iranian-Linked Targets in Syria
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Eric Schmitt | More About Eric Schmitt | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

The targets represent a significant escalation in striking facilities used by Iran’s own forces in the region, not just the militias in Iraq and Syria that it helps arm and train. “These narrowly tailored strikes in self-defense were intended solely to protect and defend U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria,” Mr. Austin said. Since Oct. 17, Iran-backed militia have carried out at least 12 rocket or one-way attack drone strikes against U.S. troops in Iraq and at least four attacks in Syria, Brig. There are 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, mainly helping local allies conduct counterterrorism missions against the Islamic State. “I believe there is concern that our bases in Syria and Iraq, especially Syria, could be attacked by a wave of drones and it could overwhelm the defenses currently there,” Mick Mulroy, a former defense official and retired C.I.A.

Persons: Biden, Lloyd J, Austin III, Mr, Austin, ” Mr, “, Patrick S, Ryder, ” Mick Mulroy, General Ryder, Al Asad, we’ve, ” Organizations: Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, American, U.S, ”, Hamas, U.S ., Pentagon, Iran, The Defense Department, Al Asad, Al Asad Air Base, Islamic Locations: States, Syria, Iraq, Iran, East, U.S, Iranian, United States, Israel, Lebanon, Persian, Erbil, Al Asad Air, Brig, Islamic State

☆ Economists fear major disruption if the Israel-Hamas conflict is not contained
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

ReutersAny possible escalation of the Israel-Hamas war poses a major risk to the global economy, driving up energy prices and disrupting key trade routes, economists have warned. Israel's subsequent bombardment of Gaza in a bid to eliminate Hamas has increased the risk of a spillover to the wider Middle East region. The events in recent days have deepened the greatest fear among economists, that the conflict engulfs the region and begins to pose a long-term threat to global energy and trade infrastructure. Back then oil prices gained 30% in a matter of two weeks before settling at around 15% above pre-war levels," said J. Safra Sarasin Equity Strategist Wolf von Rotberg. "You choke off those points and you create major disruption not just to oil prices, but the whole supply chain of the world for energy and other goods as well."

Persons: Israel's, Isaac Herzog, Pat Thaker, Thaker, Brent, J . Safra Sarasin, J, Wolf von Rotberg, Elijah Oliveros, Rosen, Oliveros, Paul Gruenwald, Gruenwald Organizations: Hamas, Reuters, Palestinian, Lebanese, Hezbollah, Economist Intelligence Unit, CNBC, Fed, ECB, West Texas, J ., Safra Sarasin Equity Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, Lebanon, East, Africa, Saudi, Ukraine, Europe, Iran, Tehran, Saudi Arabia, Suez, Persian, Hormuz, U.S, Chile, Turkey, Thailand, Philippines, India, Egypt

☆ China's quiet campaign to win over Middle Eastern countries has run into a problem Beijing isn't really ready to deal with
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Paul Iddon | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Until recently, 2023 looked to be a major year for Chinese outreach in the Middle East. Until this month, 2023 looked to be a landmark year for China's outreach to the Middle East. Zhai, China's Middle East envoy, began a tour of the region last week, stopping in Qatar first on October 19. "It's the kind of role we've played for the last half-century in the Middle East. Paul Iddon is a freelance journalist and columnist who writes about Middle East developments, military affairs, politics, and history.

Persons: —, Xi Jinping, Bashar Assad, Benjamin Netanyahu, Kim Kyung, Yoav Gallant, Ariel Hermoni, Zhai Jun, Wang Yi, Chuck Schumer, Xi, Nicholas Burns, Burns, Michael Singh, Abraham, Singh, Mahmud Abbas, Jade Gao, Alexus Grynkewich, Grynkewich, Abu Dhabi, ATTA KENARE, it's, Zhai, we've, Paul Iddon Organizations: Service, Initiative, Israeli, REUTERS, Saudi, UAE, Israeli Defense Ministry, Getty Images, Washington, The Washington Institute, White House, Israel, US Air Forces, Defense Writers, Huawei, Getty Locations: East, Beijing, Israel, China, Iran, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Gaza, Anadolu, Getty Images Beijing, Saudi, Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Iraq, Abu, AFP, Qatar, Palestine

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The border crossing between Egypt and Gaza opened on Saturday to let desperately needed aid flow to Palestinians running short of food, medicine and water in the territory that is under an Israeli siege. More than 200 trucks carrying roughly 3,000 tons of aid, which had been positioned near the crossing for days, began heading into Gaza. Many in Gaza, reduced to eating one meal a day and without enough water to drink, are waiting desperately for the aid. Hundreds of foreign passport holders also waited to cross from Gaza to Egypt to escape the conflict. Israel said Friday it does not plan to take long-term control over the tiny territory, home to some 2.3 million Palestinians.

Persons: Israel, Judith Raanan, Natalie, Ben, Joe Biden, “, Israel —, Yoav Gallant, ”, ” Gallant, Gallant, Mohammed Abu Selmia, ___ Magdy, Bassem Mroue Organizations: Hamas, U.S, International Committee, Associated Press, Health Ministry, Israel, Shifa, Palestine Red Crescent Society Locations: RAFAH, Gaza, Egypt, Israel, American, Qatar, Persian, Chicago, Nahal Oz, Rafah, Gaza’s, Palestine, Quds, Cairo, Krauss, Jerusalem, Beirut

☆ From Russia to the Middle East: Why China can’t afford another big conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Now, as Israel’s war against Palestinian militant group Hamas threatens to spiral into a broader conflict that could shatter stability in the Middle East, China has called for a ceasefire while criticizing Israel’s actions. It also highlights China’s deep economic interests in both Russia and the Middle East, which it wants to safeguard at all cost. The world’s second largest economy depends on Russia and the Middle East for much of its energy needs. The Middle East is also a cornerstone in the Belt and Road Initiative. “Regional conflagration means long instability and long instability means no business for China in the Middle East,” he added.

Persons: ”, Eswar Prasad, refiners, Vladimir Putin, Xi, Sergei Guneyev, Russia’s, Putin, Russia —, Wang Yi, Jean, Loup Samaan, Joe Biden, QatarEnergy, Ahmed Aboudouh, Antony Blinken, Blinken, “ Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Moscow, Palestinian, Cornell University, Getty, Initiative, Shanghai’s Fudan University, United, China’s, Middle East Institute of, National University of Singapore, Wednesday, Jihad, Energy, China Petroleum & Chemical Co, Sinopec, Fudan University, Chatham House, US Department of State Locations: China, Hong Kong, Hong Kong CNN — Beijing, Ukraine, East, Palestine, Israel, United States, Russia, Beijing, Moscow, Saudi Arabia, Russian, AFP, Pakistan, Iran, Hamas, Tehran, Gaza, Qatar, China’s, Qatari, London, “, Persian, ”

☆ Opinion | To Win the War, Defeat Hamas and Stop Settlements
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Thomas L. Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +11 min

After that rocket failed and fell on the Palestinian hospital in Gaza, killing scores of people, Hamas and the P.I.J. (Netanyahu’s coalition agreement actually vows to annex the whole of the West Bank.) I am well aware that Hamas has been committed to eliminating the Jewish state since its inception — not because Israel has expanded settlements in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority, which is ready to coexist with the Jewish state, needs to be able to actually win a free and fair election against Hamas in the West Bank or Gaza. So no, we’re not telling Netanyahu what to do in Gaza — Israel is a sovereign country.

Persons: Biden, —, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Israel’s, Hassan Nasrallah, Nahum Barnea, beseeching Biden, beseech, it’s, “, Gazans, there’s, Bibi Netanyahu’s, Abraham, Netanyahu, Sam’s, we’re, Netanyahu’s, Dan Ben, David, ” Mr, Ben, Yuval Noah Harari, ” Organizations: West Bank . Settlers, Palestinian Authority, West Bank, U.S, U.S . Navy, Pentagon, Arab Hospital, United, Israel, Hamas, Peace Communications, Times, Abraham Accords, Ministry of Defense, Tel Aviv University, Technion, Israel’s Locations: Israel, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Jerusalem, —, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, United States, U.S, Tehran, Persian, Gaza ”, America, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Gaza — Israel, We’re, Israeli

☆ Iran’s Call for Oil Embargo on Israel Roils Markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Stanley Reed | More About Stanley Reed | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The prospect of an oil embargo arising from the conflict between Israel and militant groups contributed to a sharp but brief jolt in oil prices on Wednesday. Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, called for Islamic countries to boycott Israel, including stopping oil shipments, according to Iranian media. He was speaking at a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Although Israel imports nearly all its oil, analysts said that such an embargo would probably have little immediate impact, because the country does not buy oil from major Persian Gulf producers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates or Iran. Instead, Kazakhstan, where oil is mostly produced by joint ventures involving Western companies including Chevron and Exxon Mobil, and Azerbaijan are among Israel’s biggest suppliers.

Persons: Hossein Amir Organizations: Israel, of Islamic Cooperation, United Arab, Chevron, Exxon Mobil Locations: Israel, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Gulf, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Nigeria

☆ Russia's Putin speaks at China's Belt and Road forum in rare international appearance
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

In a rare international appearance since the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed a live audience at the third Belt and Road forum in Beijing Wednesday. In the opening ceremony speech, Putin invited other countries to participate in the development of the Northern Sea Route. The meeting marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) summit. Speaking to 1,000 delegates represented by over 130 countries, Putin said he agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping that the Belt and Road idea "folds logically within multilateral efforts" to increase global cooperation. The Northern Sea Route is a 3,480 mile-long shipping route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans which runs from the entrances of Novaya Zemiya straits in the west along the Russian Arctic Coast above Siberia.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Putin, Xi Jinping Organizations: Initiative, Pacific, Foreign Policy Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Beijing, Russia, Persian, Novaya Zemiya, Siberia, Asia, Europe

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the organization was closely monitoring the economic impact of the war, especially on oil markets, where prices have fluctuated. The IMF expects economic growth to slow to 2% this year in the Middle East and North Africa, from 5.6% last year, as countries keep interest rates higher and contend with rising oil prices and local challenges. That's below the IMF's forecast for global economic growth of 3% this year but above next year's expected 2.9%. Political Cartoons View All 1207 ImagesWealthy countries in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere will benefit from higher oil prices, while Egypt and Lebanon are still contending with soaring inflation, the IMF said. Egypt secured a $3 billion IMF bailout last year that requires a raft of economic reforms, including a shift to a flexible exchange rate and a higher borrowing costs.

Persons: Kristalina Georgieva, Jihad Azour, ”, “, Azour, ” Azour, Jordan Organizations: United Arab Emirates, International Monetary Fund, IMF, Central Asia Department Locations: DUBAI, United Arab, Ukraine, Israel, Marrakech, Morocco, East, North Africa, That's, Persian, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan

☆ What does the US carrier strike group near Israel bring? Tremendous firepower and an unmistakable message
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was deployed in the eastern Mediterranean amid a growing crisis in Israel. Carrier strike groups host significant airpower and firepower, and the Ford's new technological capabilities make it a major presence. US officials announced the movement of the carrier strike group toward Israel on Sunday, the day after Hamas carried out deadly terror attacks against the US ally. The amount of firepower each vessel brings adds up, especially considering the capabilities of the air wing aboard USS Gerald R. Ford. It set out on a short maiden deployment last year and its first full deployment as part of a fully certified carrier strike group earlier this year.

Persons: Gerald R, —, Burke, Thomas Hudner, Ramage, USS Carney, Roosevelt, Bryan Clark, Maxwell, Ford, Clark, Gray, Jackson Adkins, Dwight D, Eisenhower, Bryan Goodman, William Sum, Israel Organizations: Ford Carrier Strike, Israel . Aircraft, Carrier, Service, US, Sunday, Israel, Ford, Ticonderoga, Arleigh, US Navy, Hudson Institute, Nimitz, Central Command, Hornets, EA, Electronic Attack, U.S . Navy, Pentagon, Defense, US Central Command, Hamas, British Royal Navy, Wall, US Department of Defense, Airborne Command, Control Squadron, Jackson Adkins US, US State Department, Israeli Defense Force, IDF Locations: Israel, Normandy, United States, Ticonderoga, Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Wellington , Florida, Panorama City , California, Persian

☆ An 'extended war'? Markets may be underestimating the Israel-Hamas conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Oil prices jumped 4% on Monday before shrugging off those gains in subsequent sessions, and gold prices have inched higher by a little over 1% since the attack. "Global markets have yet to fully price the inflation risks from developments — from higher oil prices and more defense spending," Savage cautioned. That would cause the premium [of oil prices] to go higher," said Rapidan Energy Group's President Bob McNally. This could spike oil prices well north of $150 per barrel," Alpine Macro said in a note following the incursion. One analyst is of the view that even if the conflict prolongs, its implications on global markets is still largely contained.

Persons: Sameh, BNY Mellon, shrugging, BNY, Bob Savage, Savage, Amir Cohen, Bob McNally, McNally, Antony Blinken, Marko Papic, Mahmud Hams Organizations: Nurphoto, Hamas, U.S ., Swiss, BNY, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Reuters, Energy, United Nations, U.S, ., NBC News, Palestinian Health Ministry, Clocktower Group, CNBC, Brigades, Afp, Getty Locations: Gaza City, Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, Ukraine, Stockholm, U.S, Ashkelon, Iran, United States, Persian, Mahmud

The usual seasonal pattern for the spot price is a rally heading into the northern winter and summer peak demand periods, followed by a lull in the shoulder seasons in between. This figure already exceeds the 20.22 million metric tons from October last year and is likely to be revised upwards as more cargoes are assessed. Demand in top importer Japan is still following the usual seasonal pattern, which generally sees soft arrivals in October followed by strength as the colder weather arrives. India's imports have been trending higher, with September arrivals of 2.15 million metric tons the most since October 2021. Europe's LNG imports are also showing signs of life, with Kpler estimating October arrivals at 8.58 million metric tons, up from 7.4 million in September.

Persons: Snow, Gary Cameron, Wheatstone, Lincoln Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Japan, LNG, El, Chevron, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Lusby , Maryland, Rights LAUNCESTON, Australia, Asia, Ukraine, China, Japan, South Korea, Europe, EUROPE, El Nino, Western Australia, Israel, Persian, Qatar, United States

☆ Israel is launching airstrikes against Hamas across Gaza, causing immense destruction, and asking for more US-made weapons to do it
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Israel's Air Force is conducting devastating airstrikes on Gaza. Israel has used these weapons to strike targets in Gaza from the air in the past, like during Operation Guardian of the Walls in May 2021. Smoke and flame rise after Israeli air forces targeting a shopping center in Gaza Strip, Gaza on October 07, 2023. —Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) October 10, 2023Other videos showed compilations of JDAM attacks, as the munitions obliterated buildings leveled entire areas. IDF actions also appears to include launching Hellfire missiles from Apache helicopters against Hamas groups, resulting in massive destruction.

Persons: —, Yoav Gallant, Mark Cancian, Ashraf Amra, Cancian, gunning, Israel Organizations: Israel's Air Force, Service, Israel Defense Forces, Israeli Air Force, Israel's, Air Force, doesn't, CNN, Hamas, Attack Munitions, Guardian, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Marine Corps, Anadolu Agency, Getty, US Air Force, US Navy, Air, IDF, US Defense Department, Pentagon, Apache, United Nations Locations: Gaza, Israel, US, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Israeli

☆ Oil prices jump 4% in wake of Hamas attack on Israel
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesOil prices jumped 4% as the Israel-Hamas conflict extended into its third day following a surprise attack on Israel by Palestinian militants Hamas. At dawn on Saturday during a major Jewish holiday, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a multi-pronged infiltration into Israel — by land, sea and air using paragliders. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Oil prices jump following Hamas attack on IsraelWhile there is a surge in crude prices, analysts believe it will be a knee-jerk reaction, and likely temporary. Neither side is a major oil player. "If western countries officially link Iranian intelligence to the Hamas attack, then Iran's oil supply and exports face imminent downside risks," Dhar said.

Persons: Vivek Dhar, Mohammed Abed, Dhar, Donald Trump Organizations: Persian Gulf Star Co, Bloomberg, Getty, Hamas, Global, Brent, U.S . West Texas, NBC News, Palestinian Health Ministry, Israel, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Palestinian, Citi Locations: Bandar Abbas, Iran, Israel, U.S, Gaza, Commonwealth, Gaza City, Tehran

☆ How Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman went from pariah to pragmatic diplomat
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is trying to transform the oil-rich Persian Gulf kingdom. AdvertisementAdvertisementSaudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on a mission to transform his country. Billboards show portraits of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) and his father and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz. US President Joe Biden (L) being welcomed by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) at Alsalam Royal Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 15, 2022. President Joe Biden gives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a handshake at the G20 summit this September.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he's, —, Prince Mohammed didn't, King Salman, Fahda bint Falah, Saud, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz, AAMIR QURESHI, Muhammad bin Nayef, Prince Mohammed, Rash, Chris Doyle, GIUSEPPE CACACE, Doyle, he'd, Jamal Khashoggi, Emmanuel Macron, Joe Biden, Prince Mohammed a, Grant Shapps, Vladimir Putin's, Sanam Vakil, Biden, Evelyn Hockstein, Vakil, Duaa, Pierre Crom, Dhainy, Prince Organizations: Service, Saudi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabian Crown, Guardian, Ritz, Carlton, Council, Arab, CIA, Royal, Anadolu Agency, Bloomberg, Washington, Chatham House, Associated Press, Fox News, European Saudi Organization for Human Rights, MBS, United Nations, Getty Images, Human Rights Locations: Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Riyadh, British, Istanbul, Jeddah, Ukraine, Iran, China, Israel, East, North Africa, Delhi, Neom, The Hague, Netherlands, Getty Images Saudi Arabia

☆ The US Navy turned the tables on Iran, sending drones that look like speedboats to spy on its warships and troublesome gunboats
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. US Navy photoAn undated still image released on Oct. 6 from video taken by an Arabian Fox MAST-13 unmanned surface vessel of an Iranian Navy AB-212 helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz. AdvertisementAdvertisementOther images from the September operation that were released by the US Navy on Friday showed an IRGCN warship and an Iranian Navy frigate. An L3Harris Arabian Fox MAST-13 unmanned surface vessel sails in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 22, during exercise Neon Defender 23. US Navy photoA MARTAC T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessel operates in the Gulf of Aqaba, Mar.

Persons: —, NAVCENT, Joe Baggett, Ray USV, Brad Cooper, Cooper, Arleigh Burke, Alexus, Grynkewich, they'll Organizations: US Navy, Navy, Service, Washington, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, US Naval Forces Central Command, Iranian, Fleet, Iranian Navy, Arabian Fox, US Marines, Coast Guard, Pentagon, Bataan, Ready, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, US Air Forces Central Command, Defense Writers Locations: Tehran, Hormuz, Persian, Gulf of Oman, Iran, Arabian, Panama, Strait, Iranian Navy, Iranian, NAVCENT, Gulf, Aqaba, Mar

☆ Pope Francis warns planet 'is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point' as he urges climate action
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Anmar Frangoul | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Vatican Pool | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesPope Francis issued a stark reminder about the effects of climate change on Wednesday, warning that "the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point." "Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativize the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident," the pope said in a letter titled Laudate Deum, or Praise God. Highlighting the impact of climate change on human lives, Francis said he now "realized that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point." COP28, fossil fuels and renewables Francis also touched on the upcoming COP28 climate change summit in the United Arab Emirates, which will kick off at the end of November. The UAE has been previously criticized for assuming the COP28 presidency, given its role as a large fossil fuel producer.

Persons: Pope Francis, Francis Organizations: Getty, United Arab Emirates Locations: Vatican City, UAE, Persian

Al-Sudairi was appointed last month and is on his first visit to Ramallah, the seat of President Mahmoud Abbas’ Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. During his two-day trip, the Saudi diplomat planned to meet with Abbas and other senior Palestinian officials. Political Cartoons View All 1179 ImagesAl-Sudairi told senior Palestinian officials Tuesday that Saudi Arabia supported the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to a statement from Palestinian officials. He praised efforts to bring about peace in the region in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative. The Palestinian Authority also has not specified what it is willing to accept from the Israeli government.

Persons: Nayef al, Biden, Sudairi, Mahmoud Abbas, Abbas, Riyad al, Maliki, —, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Organizations: Saudi, Palestinian Authority, West Bank, Peace Initiative, U.S, Initiative, Palestinian Foreign Affairs, Palestinian, United Nations General Assembly, United Arab, Saudi Arabia —, West Locations: RAMALLAH, U.S, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Saudi, Jordan, Palestinian, Riyadh, Gaza, Israel's, Ramallah, Mahmoud Abbas ’, East Jerusalem, New York, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Persian, West Bank

☆ Saudi Arabia and the UAE are battling to become the Middle East's economic superpower
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Saudi Arabia's crown prince is shaking up his economy in a move escalating its UAE rivalry. In March, Saudi Arabia unveiled Riyadh Air , a new airline serving as an alternative to the UAE's Emirates and Etihad Airways. If you want to do business with Saudi Arabia or Saudi state-owned entities, you've got to base your regional HQ in Saudi Arabia." "Saudi Arabia sees the separation project in Yemen as a way to let the Houthis control the north and therefore have a more-threatening border at the south of Saudi Arabia." Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERSHow far the rivalry between the two nations goes largely depends on Saudi Arabia's actions.

Persons: Saudi Arabia's, Mohammed bin Salman, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, MBZ, Obama, You've, Kristian Ulrichsen, Rice, Sheikh Mohamed, Prince Mohammed, Sheikh Mohamed —, —, Leon Neal, Shaybah, Ulrichsen, Sheikh Zayed, Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Neom, Abishur Prakash, Jorg Greuel, Abdullah Alaoudh, Prakash, you've, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed, Ludovic Marin, Mohammed's, Jamal Khashoggi, Biden, Baker Institute's Ulrichsen, Alaoudh, wouldn't Organizations: United Arab Emirates, UAE, Service, Baker Institute, Saudi, UAE —, Qatar, Dubai, United, Freedom Initiative, UAE's Emirates, Etihad Airways, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Newcastle United FC, English Premier League, Manchester City, Saudi Crown, Getty, Ritz Carlton, Saudi Royal Court, REUTERS, Saudi Aramco, United Nations Locations: Saudi, Wall, Silicon, Saudi Arabia, East, Washington, London, UAE, Persian, Al Ain, British, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab, Riyadh, Manchester City . Saudi Arabia, New Delhi, Istanbul, Yemen, Iran, Saudi Arabia's, Bandar, Ukraine

☆ Iran parades new 'longest-range' drone on Iraq war anniversary, state media report
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 22 (Reuters) - Iran on Friday paraded its military hardware on the anniversary of its 1980s war with Iraq, including "the longest-range drone in the world" along with ballistic and hypersonic missiles, Iranian state media said. The United States has accused Iran of providing Mohajer-6 drones, among other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to Russia for its war against Ukraine. [1/8]Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi delivers a speech during the annual military parade in Tehran, Iran, September 22, 2023. The United States issued fresh Iran-related sanctions on Tuesday, targeting multiple people and entities in Iran, Russia, China and Turkey over Tehran's drone and military aircraft development. The Iran-Iraq war erupted on Sept. 22, 1980 when the forces of then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Iran.

Persons: Shahed, Arash, Tehran's, Ebrahim Raisi, Majid Asgaripour, Saddam Hussein, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: United, Ukraine, West Asia News Agency, REUTERS Acquire, Thomson Locations: Iran, Iraq, Republic, United States, Russia, Washington, Tehran, Ukraine, “, Persian, Israel, China, Turkey

☆ Iran Parades New 'Longest-Range' Drone on Iraq War Anniversary -State Media
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - Iran on Friday paraded its military hardware on the anniversary of its 1980s war with Iraq, including "the longest-range drone in the world" along with ballistic and hypersonic missiles, Iranian state media said. It has an operational range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) and can fly for up to 24 hours, state media reported then, adding that its payload could reach 300 kg (661 pounds), double the capacity of the Mohajer-6 drone. U.S. officials have accused Iran of providing Mohajer-6 drones, among other unmanned aerial vehicles, to Russia for its war against Ukraine. The Iran-Iraq war erupted on Sept. 22, 1980 when the forces of then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Iran. The conflict, which was economically devastating and left at least half a million dead, ended in stalemate in August 1988.

Persons: Shahed, Arash, Ebrahim Raisi, Saddam Hussein, Mark Heinrich Organizations: Reuters Locations: Iran, Iraq, Republic, Russia, Ukraine, Tehran, Persian, “, Israel

The prisoner swap was all arranged, or so the American negotiators thought. After years of painstaking negotiations with Iran, secretly mediated by Persian Gulf nations, top aides to President Biden had finally struck a deal on June 6 that would free four Americans held in one of Iran’s most notorious prisons. In exchange, the United States would unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue and drop charges against Iranians accused of violating U.S. sanctions. The U.S. negotiators knew there could still be last-minute hiccups, but things were moving forward. that Iran had seized another American citizen, a retired woman from California who was doing aid work in Afghanistan.

Persons: Biden Organizations: U.S, White Locations: Iran, Persian Gulf, United States, Tehran, California, Afghanistan

☆ A Subtle Change for Biden
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( David Leonhardt | More About David Leonhardt | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +3 min

These countries tend to be flawed democracies (like Brazil, India, Israel and Nigeria) or autocracies (like Saudi Arabia and Vietnam). If the U.S. suggests that only democracies are welcome in its alliance, that alliance will shrink. But, he added, Biden “has also been clear that in that larger effort, we need constructive relationships with countries of all different traditions and backgrounds.”The C.I.A. The U.S. strengthened its ties with Vietnam — which remains a one-party state — when Biden visited Hanoi this month. All of this may help explain the approach Biden took at the U.N. yesterday.

Persons: ” Walter Russell Mead, ” Mead, Biden, Peter Baker, Jake Sullivan, ” Sullivan, Biden “, Stalin, Saddam Hussein, Narendra Modi, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s, India’s, Edward Wong, Mark Mazzetti, ” Organizations: Washington, Hudson Institute, White House, autocracies, Stalin’s, Vietnam, Saudi Locations: Beijing, Brazil, India, Israel, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, U.S, United States, Stalin’s Soviet, Kuwait, Europe, Japan, South Korea, China, British Columbia, Hanoi, Turkey, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia

☆ Former Indiana congressman sentenced to 22 months in prison for insider trading convictions
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A former Indiana congressman was sentenced Tuesday to 22 months in prison for his insider trading conviction for making illegal stock trades while working as a consultant and lobbyist. Steve Buyer, 64, whose congressional career stretched from 1993 to 2011, was sentenced in Manhattan federal court by Judge Richard M. Berman. The judge also ordered Buyer to forfeit $354,027, representing the amount of illegal gains, and to pay a $10,000 fine. Defense lawyers had requested home confinement and community service as a punishment while prosecutors urged a three-year prison sentence. Buyer was ordered to report to prison on Nov. 28.

Persons: Steve Buyer, Judge Richard M, Berman, Bill Clinton's, Navigant, Guidehouse, I've Organizations: Republican, Persian Gulf, Veterans ' Affairs, Mobile, Sprint Locations: Noblesville , Indiana, Manhattan, Indiana, New York City, Persian

Loved ones, some holding small American flags, enveloped them in hugs and exchanged greetings in English and Farsi, the main language of Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said two of the Iranian prisoners will stay in the U.S. Meanwhile, Nour News, a website believed to be close to Iran’s security apparatus, said two of the Iranian prisoners were in Doha for the swap. In his statement, Biden demanded more information on what happened to Bob Levinson, an American who went missing years ago. The Biden administration also announced fresh sanctions on former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence.

Persons: Joe Biden, Siamak Namazi, ”, Babak, Baquer, “, Biden, Iran’s, Ebrahim Raisi, ” Raisi, — Siamak, Emad, Tahbaz —, Timmy Davis, Namazi, Effie Namazi, Vida Tahbaz, Nasser Kanaani, Nour, Mehrdad Ansari, Reza Sarhangpour Kafrani, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, ” Biden, Bob Levinson, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Neda, ___ Gambrell, Jo, Nasser Karimi, Amir Vahdat, Matthew Lee, Paul Haven, Aamer Madhani, Michelle Phillips, Eric Tucker, Farnoush Amiri Organizations: WASHINGTON, Republican, Democratic, United Nations General Assembly, U.S, South, Iranian Foreign Ministry, Nour News, Mideast, Social, Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, Embassy, Associated Press Locations: Iran, Fort Belvoir , Virginia, Tehran, Doha, Qatar, New York, America, Persian, U.S, Strait, Hormuz, United States, South Korea, Iranian, Korea, Islamic Republic, American, British, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Washington

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