https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:21:59 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230808-rights-group-accuses-egypt-of-disappearing-2-men-detained-in-bahrain/ Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:33:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658671 Their Right, a human rights organisation which specialises in defending prisoners of conscience in Egypt, yesterday accused the Egyptian authorities of disappearing two citizens who were detained in Bahrain and deported. The organisation posted on Facebook that Al-Sayyed Al-Ajez and Muhammad Al-Iraqi, both Egyptian citizens, were detained in Bahrain and forcibly deported to Egypt, but were not presented to the public prosecution, and their current whereabouts are unknown. Earlier, Egyptian human rights organisations said the Bahraini authorities had arrested the two Egyptian citizens on political grounds, although they had been legally residing in the country for eight years. Fifty-nine-year-old Al-Sayyed Al-Ajez, a father of eight who hails from Dakahlia Governorate, was arrested on 2 August over a 2014 judicial order […]]]> 658671 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230806-will-saudi-arabia-make-friday-a-working-day/ Sun, 06 Aug 2023 15:45:33 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=658192 In a thought-provoking op-ed published on Friday by Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Okaz, entitled "Friday is a working day," writer Mona Al-Otaibi questions whether the Kingdom's traditional Friday-Saturday weekend needs an overhaul, igniting a debate on social media. The piece highlighted the potential financial losses incurred due to Friday being an important workday in the financial world, and it has sparked discussions about whether Saudi Arabia should consider shifting its weekend to Saturday-Sunday, following in the footsteps of neighbouring UAE which made the controversial change last year, after plans were announced in 2021. At the time, the Emirati the government said it would "ensure smooth financial, trade and economic transactions with countries that follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend, facilitating stronger international […]]]> 658192 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230729-bahrain-announces-postponement-of-israel-foreign-minister-visit/ Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:34:09 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656396 Israel's Kan channel reported on Friday night that Bahrain had postponed the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to the country. According to the Israeli channel, commentators believe Bahrain postponed Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's visit, scheduled for next week, because Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday. The number of visits by senior Israeli officials to Arab countries during the first six months of the current government's term is much less compared to the same period of the Naftali Bennett-Yair Lapid government's term. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant did not visit any Arab countries, while his predecessor Benny Gantz visited Morocco and Bahrain. READ: Israel Air Force chief warns of security threat from judicial reform crisis]]> 656396 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230728-top-biden-adviser-in-saudi-arabia-for-high-level-talks/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:06:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=656084 US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, met Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, on Thursday in Jeddah, the White House said, as US officials search for ways to reach a deal normalising ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, Reuters reports. US officials have sought for months to reach what would be a historic agreement between the long-time adversaries, but the Saudis have been resistant. President Joe Biden said on CNN in early July that Israel and Saudi Arabia are a long way from a normalisation agreement that would involve a defence treaty and a civilian nuclear program from the United States. Sullivan, who was joined by White House Middle East coordinator, Brett McGurk, met bin Salman and senior Saudi officials and […]]]> 656084 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-qatar-appoints-its-first-ambassador-to-uae-since-2017/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:03:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654841 Qatar on Sunday announced the appointment of its first ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in more than six years after the UAE, along with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, severed ties with Doha in 2017. The Emir of Qatar appointed Dr Sultan Salmeen Saeed Al Mansouri as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Arab Emirates. Al Mansouri will be the first Qatari ambassador to the UAE since 2017. The decision was published in the official gazette. Last month, Qatar and the UAE agreed to restore their diplomatic representation and reopen embassies. READ: Turkiye, Qatar determined to boost bilateral ties: joint declaration]]> 654841 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230708-israel-us-plan-trade-corridor-connecting-israel-with-gulf-states/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 11:10:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650524 Israel and the US have been working on a secret plan to build a trade land bridge connecting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel, Israel's Ynet News revealed on Friday. This land bridge will lead from Dubai to Israel's seaports in Haifa, Ynet News disclosed, noting it is intended to export goods from the East to Europe through Israel and later for tourist movement. According to Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post, the plan was drafted by Shira Greenberg, the chief economist of the Finance Ministry during the former government of Yair Lapid. Trucks will be able to transport goods through this trade corridor, significantly reducing transportation costs and time. The idea is to enable the arrival […]]]> 650524 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230708-has-the-normalisation-train-reached-the-end-of-the-line-in-morocco/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 10:17:51 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650510 In the past few days, two important positions were expressed that provide important information regarding the normalisation path between Morocco and Israel and the point it has reached. The first position was issued by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, who announced the postponement of the Negev Forum until political conditions develop. This was against the backdrop of the Israeli escalation and settlement policies. Bourita expressed during a press conference with his Swiss counterpart Ignacio Cassis in Rabat that the forum needs objective conditions to be met to achieve its objectives to support security and peace in the region. It is hoped to be organised at the beginning of the next season. The second position was issued by Israeli Foreign Minister […]]]> 650510 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230704-abraham-accord-arab-states-seen-sticking-with-israel-despite-jenin-violence/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:47:00 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649679 Public fury is growing in the Arab world over one of Israel's biggest military operations in the Occupied West Bank in years, yet Arab states which normalised ties with Israel are unlikely to turn their condemnation of the Israeli assault into action. Thousands of people were evacuated from the Jenin refugee camp as the Israeli operation continued for a second day on Tuesday, and Palestinian officials said at least 10 people had been killed. Israel says its army is destroying infrastructure and weapons of Iran-backed militant groups in the camp. The military operation is diplomatically awkward for the four Arab states that have signed peace pacts – known as the Abraham Accords – with Israel, and it makes the already distant prospect of […]]]> 649679 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230630-report-israel-escalations-in-west-bank-cast-shadow-on-ties-with-arab-world/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 08:36:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=648267 Israeli escalations in the occupied West Bank have cast a shadow over the occupation state's relations with the Arab world, leading to a significant drop in the number of visits by senior Israeli officials to Arab countries, Haaretz newspaper reported. According to the paper, since taking office as prime minister about six months ago, Benjamin Netanyahu has only visited Jordan, compared to Naftali Bennett, who visited the UAE, Jordan and Egypt during the same period. Bennett's visit to the UAE was the first of its kind by an Israeli prime minister, while his visit to Egypt was the first in a decade, the paper said. At the beginning of his term, the incumbent Israeli Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, visited Sudan for the first time, and has since […]]]> 648267 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230624-weighing-expansion-brics-increasingly-draws-membership-requests/ Sat, 24 Jun 2023 15:36:09 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=646894 The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, continues to attract applications from numerous countries as it explores expansion opportunities, Anadolu Agency reports. Anadolu compiled the developments regarding the enlargement process of BRICS. Amid the search for a multipolar world, Brazil, Russia, India and China laid the foundations in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2010. BRICS, while criticising the unequal structures and resolutions of the Group of Seven (G-7) and the UN Security Council, calls for reforms in international structures and norms to establish a multipolar order. With a combined population representing nearly 42 per cent of the world's population, the BRICS countries control 18 per cent of global exports. The collective gross domestic product (GDP) of […]]]> 646894 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230621-morocco-pulls-out-of-hosting-negev-forum-over-israeli-settlement-plans/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:22:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=646091 Morocco has pulled out of hosting the second Negev Forum scheduled for next month, the Times of Israel reported on Tuesday. The forum includes officials from Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt and the US. The newspaper reported US and Israeli officials as saying that the reason for cancelled the event is the Israeli government's recent decision to expand illegal Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. The Forum brings together the foreign ministers from the Palestinian Authority as well as the US and the Arab states which have ties or peace treaties with Israel. Its main function is to mobilise collective security efforts in favour of the apartheid state. The second gathering should have been held in March, but […]]]> 646091 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230619-qatar-and-uae-resume-diplomatic-ties/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:57:01 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645553 Qatar and the UAE have announced today that they have resumed full diplomatic relations, with the reopening of their respective embassies. Qatar's Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai, as well as the UAE Embassy in Doha have now resumed operations. The restoration of ties comes two years after the Al-Ula summit, which brought an end to the Saudi-led blockade against Doha, which triggered the Gulf diplomatic crisis between Qatar and several neighbouring Gulf Arab states as well as Egypt. Bahrain is yet to reopen its embassy in Doha, but ties have also thawed, the two having resumed relations in April. Qatar, UAE Announce Restoration of Diplomatic Representation#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/LkokHj5sRr — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 19, […]]]> 645553 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230619-oman-sets-conditions-for-full-normalisation-with-israel/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:05:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645462 Oman has set its conditions for full and official normalisation of ties with the occupation state of Israel, Sama news agency reported yesterday. Quoting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Al-Busaidi, Sama said the creation of an independent Palestinian state is a prerequisite for the normalisation of ties with Israel, noting that Oman's neutrality "is not negative, but positive, constructive and proactive." Al-Busaidi reiterated that Oman "is open in its relations with Israel," stressing that "this is not at the expense of closing the door in the face of the Palestinians." The minister stated that any agreement with Israel "must be complete and recognises the State of Palestine." He also said that his country is ready to help advance the peace process, "but when […]]]> 645462 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230617-morocco-israel-sign-mou-to-enhance-health-cooperation/ Sat, 17 Jun 2023 15:06:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645304 Morocco and Israel have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance their cooperation in the field of health, Anadolu reports. The deal was signed between Moroccan Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb and his Israeli counterpart Moshe Arbel, who is currently visiting the North African nation. In a statement, the Moroccan Health Ministry said the agreement allows for the exchange of expertise and best practices in medical and technological innovation, and the fight against non-communicable diseases. READ: Morocco asks to postpone Negev-2 Forum, again According to the statement, the two ministers discussed bilateral efforts in managing public health issues and enhancing innovation in the health field. Ties between Morocco and Israel have improved in recent months after the two countries signed […]]]> 645304 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230614-us-lawmakers-vote-to-appoint-envoy-to-advance-abraham-accords/ Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:20:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644688 The US House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday that mandates the Biden Administration to appoint an envoy for the Abraham Accords to help advance Israel's normalisation with Arab States, particularly with Saudi Arabia. The bill, which was first introduced in February, would create a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords with the rank of ambassador who would be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. According to the bill, which passed with 413 votes in favour and 13 against, the new envoy "would serve as the primary advisor to, and coordinate efforts across, the US Government relating to expanding and strengthening the Abraham Accords." That envoy would "engage in discussions with nation-state officials lacking official diplomatic relations […]]]> 644688 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230613-israel-reports-record-12-5bn-defence-exports-24-of-them-to-arab-partners/ Tue, 13 Jun 2023 13:51:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644429 Israel exported a record $12.556 billion in defence products last year, with new Arab partners under the US-sponsored 2020 Abraham Accords accounting for almost a quarter of the business, the Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. It said the 2022 figures marked a 50 per cent increase over the previous three years and a doubling in volume over the previous decade. Drones accounted for 25 per cent of the 2022 exports and missiles, rockets or air defence systems for 19 per cent, it said, Reuters reports. Without naming specific clients, the Ministry said 24 per cent of defence exports were to Abraham Accords countries. United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were signatories to those Accords, and Israel often counts Morocco and Sudan […]]]> 644429 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230612-iran-saudi-arabia-ties-what-comes-next-after-smooth-restart/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:00:56 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644162 Less than three months after agreeing to restore diplomatic ties, long-time regional rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia, have recently taken another significant step toward full reconciliation. In the presence of senior officials from both sides, the Iranian Embassy in the affluent diplomatic enclave in north-western Riyadh was re-opened last week, seven years after it was locked down. A day later, Iran's Consulate-General and its permanent mission to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the port city of Jeddah were also re-opened. The Consulate-General in Jeddah had been active ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, but a formal re-opening took place on Wednesday in the presence of Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alireza Begdali, and other officials. Although Saudi Arabia is […]]]> 644162 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230608-saudi-bahrain-embassies-in-sudan-attacked-by-armed-groups/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:22:35 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643521 The embassies of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in Sudan have been attacked by armed groups, amid the ongoing conflict raging within the country. In a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it condemned "the sabotage and violence carried out by some armed groups" on the embassy in Sudan yesterday, which risked the safety of its Ambassador and embassy staff. The Ministry called for "confronting these groups that are trying to undermine [the] security and stability [of] Sudan and its people". Bahrain's Foreign Ministry also stated that its embassy and its Ambassador's residence were attacked and vandalised, which caused damage to the building. It highlighted "the need to stop acts of violence and vandalism in Sudan and to provide […]]]> 643521 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230608-israel-netanyahu-to-recognise-moroccos-sovereignty-over-sahara-knesset-speaker/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:05:38 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643473 The Speaker of Israel's Knesset (parliament), Amir Ohana, said Thursday he is confident Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will soon recognise Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region, Anadolu Agency reports. "The Sahara is Moroccan. I am happy. Today is a great day, and King Mohammed VI is a great man," Ohana said at a press conference in Rabat, following his meeting with Speaker of Morocco's House of Representatives (parliament), Rachid Talbi Alami. Ohana arrived in Morocco on Wednesday for a two-day visit, upon an invitation from Alami. The Western Sahara has been the subject of a dispute between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front for more than four decades. Israel and Morocco resumed their diplomatic relations in December 2020, […]]]> 643473 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230608-tensions-in-us-saudi-ties-cloud-blinken-visit-to-riyadh/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:00:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643460 A visit by the US Secretary of State to Saudi Arabia drew little Saudi media coverage on Thursday, at a time of soured relations despite a US push to defuse rows that have touched on oil prices, human rights and Riyadh's opening to Iran, Reuters reports. Antony Blinken was the second top US official to visit Washington's closest strategic ally in the Middle East in less than a month, following a 7 May trip by White House National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan. However, Blinken's meetings with Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, the Kingdom's de facto ruler, and Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers were relegated to the inside pages of Al-Watan and Okaz, the two major newspapers in Saudi Arabia. Their front pages […]]]> 643460 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230608-us-gulf-cooperation-council-say-no-military-solution-in-sudan/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:43:41 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643442 The foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stressed in a meeting that there is no military solution to the ongoing fighting in Sudan, Anadolu Agency reports. The statement was made following their meeting held in Saudi Arabia late Wednesday, according to the Council, which is made up of six Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. The statement also stressed the Council's support to diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia and the US to achieve a cease-fire in Sudan and to allow access to humanitarian aid without obstacles. READ: Sudan rivals resume ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia "Responding to the latest crisis in Sudan, we're continuing […]]]> 643442 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230607-uk-announces-major-visa-change-for-gulf-countries-to-boost-weak-economy/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:33:24 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643052 The UK government has announced major changes to visa requirements for the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan. Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, UAE and Jordan will be offered an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) lasting two years for just £10 ($12), according to a report in Arabian Business. The change will mean that Gulf travellers and Jordanians will have entry requirements in line with citizens of the US and Australia. READ UK-GCC partnership 'post-Brexit priority,' says MP Under the previous system, nationals from the seven Arab countries had to apply for a £30 ($37) document for every separate visit. The new system announced by the UK government yesterday will require them to pay […]]]> 643052 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230605-saudi-executes-3-men-from-eastern-region/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:43:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642574 Saudi Arabia has executed three men from the predominantly Shia region in the east of the kingdom, the Ministry of the Interior announced yesterday. The ministry said the three men were found guilty of "joining a terrorist cell, possessing weapons and training in using them, as well as carrying out an armed assault on security centres and security men with the intent to kill them." It added that one of the men was convicted of raping a person at gunpoint and filming him, while another was convicted of committing adultery with a number of women. The three were identified as Hussein Al-Muhaishi, Zakaria Al-Muhaishi and Fadel Anseef. The ministry affirmed the kingdom's keenness to establish security and achieve justice but […]]]> 642574 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230605-bahrain-marks-75th-israel-anniversary/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:33:58 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642556 READ: Despite peace and normalisation deals, Israel remains an alien state]]> 642556 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230525-bahrain-shia-cleric-released-from-jail-following-protests/ Thu, 25 May 2023 15:39:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639898 A prominent Bahraini Shia scholar has been released by authorities, days after being arrested over calling for the release of political prisoners. Sheikh Muhammad Sanqour's release was announced today by the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) and comes after protestors were joined by scholars to denounce the recent arrest of prominent Shia imam Sheikh Muhammad Sanqour and have called for his release. UPDATE: Senior Shia cleric Sheikh Mohamed Sanquor has been released in #Bahrain. He was arrested on Monday after giving a speech during Friday prayers calling for the release of political prisoners. pic.twitter.com/IzpUT33YAO — BIRD (@BirdBahrain_) May 25, 2023 Sheikh Sanqour, the Friday prayers leader of Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in Diraz village, was detained on Monday. According to the Gulf state's main, yet outlawed, opposition group AlWefaq National Islamic Society, a number […]]]> 639898 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230525-qatar-bahrain-resume-direct-flights-after-6-year-break/ Thu, 25 May 2023 12:59:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639861 Qatar and Bahrain resume direct flights, Thursday, according to Qatar Airways, Anadolu News Agency reports. "Daily flights to Bahrain are starting today. We will increase frequency to three daily flights from 1 June," the air carrier tweeted. The decision came about a month after Qatar and Bahrain announced in a joint statement their decision to restore diplomatic ties. On 16 May, Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs announced "the resumption of flights between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar, as of 25 May, in accordance with what was agreed upon between the concerned authorities in the two brotherly countries," according to the Bahrain News Agency. Bahrain's flag carrier, Gulf Air, also said it will operate three daily flights from […]]]> 639861 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230523-bahrain-abolishes-law-pardoning-rapists-who-marry-victims/ Tue, 23 May 2023 20:00:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639148 Bahrain's Parliament has voted to abolish a law that exempts rapists from punishment if they marry their victims, joining other countries in the region in reforming such legislation. Under Article 353 of Bahrain's penal code, those who committed rape or sexual assault were able to avoid punishment if they married their victim. This week, however, Bahrain's Shura Council – its Upper House of Parliament – unanimously voted to remove that law in a landmark reform in the country's legal system. During the weekly session of Parliament, Nawaf Al Maawada, Bahraini Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, stated that "rapists will not escape punishment. Bahrain is a country with a traditional Muslim culture with respect offered to many religions". He added that […]]]> 639148 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-saudi-arabia-israel-in-advanced-contact-for-direct-hajj-travel/ Mon, 22 May 2023 20:01:00 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638563 Saudi Arabia and Israel are continuing to cultivate "advanced contact" to facilitate direct flights to the Kingdom for Palestinians and Israeli Muslims intending to travel for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. According to the Israeli Channel 12, the two countries are holding discussions regarding the launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Saudi airports in order to enable Israel's Muslim citizens to perform the pilgrimage. Citing two Israeli officials, the Channel reported that Saudi Arabia was approaching the discussions with positivity, with the contacts reportedly taking place with "Saudi support and encouragement". As part of the initiative, Israel is reported to have already approached airlines in Jordan and Bahrain – both of which Tel Aviv has open ties with – […]]]> 638563 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-as-19-countries-seek-to-join-brics-is-the-world-experiencing-a-change-in-the-balance-of-power/ Mon, 22 May 2023 13:13:18 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638270 Since its formation in 2006, the BRICS group has only accepted one new member in 2010. Now, 19 countries have formally or informally approached the body to become members as it prepares to hold its annual summit in South Africa. Five Arab countries are among those who have expressed their interest in joining the BRICS group, South Africa's Ambassador Anil Sooklal said in an interview. Saudi Arabia and Iran have made formal requests to join, while the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain and Algeria have joined Argentina and Indonesia and a number of African states in expressing an interest in joining. "What will be discussed is the expansion of Brics and the modalities of how this will happen," Sooklal said. "Thirteen countries […]]]> 638270 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230521-bahrain-to-resume-diplomatic-representation-with-lebanon/ Sun, 21 May 2023 13:06:46 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638153 Bahrain's foreign ministry will resume diplomatic representation with Lebanon by exchanging ambassadors, the state news agency said on Saturday, Reuters reports. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf countries expelled Lebanon's envoys in October 2021 in response to critical comments made by a Lebanese minister about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen. Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed Bahrain's decision. "We appreciate this decision and welcome it in the context of the brotherly relations between the two countries," he added in a statement. READ: Bahrain, Qatar to resume direct flights]]> 638153 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230518-qatar-takes-diplomatic-back-seat-as-saudi-flexes-political-muscle/ Thu, 18 May 2023 21:00:16 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637843 The Arab League's welcoming back of Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad into its ranks highlights how far behind Qatar has fallen in its bid to be a diplomatic voice that carries weight in the Middle East. Earlier this month, Qatar reluctantly withdrew its opposition to Saudi Arabia's initiative to re-admit Syria. It made clear it opposed normalising its own ties with Damascus, but said it would not stand in the way of an Arab consensus. The dismay in the diplomatic mission in Doha of a Syrian opposition group, which Qatar recognises as Syria's official embassy to the state, was a stark reminder of the shifting tides. "Qatar did not accept this decision, but they did not stand in the way," Belal Tourkya, […]]]> 637843 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230516-bahrain-qatar-to-resume-direct-flights/ Tue, 16 May 2023 14:49:35 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637352 Bahrain's official carrier Gulf Air said today that it will operate three daily flights to the Qatari capital Doha starting 25 May. The announcement comes a day after Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs announced the resumption of direct flights with Qatar. On Monday, Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs stated that the decision to resume flights with Qatar was taken in accordance with "what was agreed upon between the concerned authorities in the two countries," according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA). The official aviation authority's decision comes "within the framework of the brotherly relations between the two brotherly countries and peoples, and in a manner that achieves the common aspirations of the leaderships and citizens of both countries,"  BNA added. Gulf Air launched its first flight to […]]]> 637352 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230516-gcc-military-official-discusses-military-issues-in-bahrain-saudi/ Tue, 16 May 2023 13:53:20 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637338 A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) senior military official yesterday held meetings in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia where he discussed issues related to the common Gulf military interest, the GCC said in a statement. Lieutenant General Theyab Bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff of the Bahrain Defence Force, met with Major General Isa Bin Rashid Al Mohannadi, assistant secretary for military affairs in the Secretariat General of the GCC. During the meeting, the two reviewed topics of mutual interest and ways to enhance cooperation between the armed forces of GCC member states, according to the statement. After his visit to Bahrain, Al-Mohannadi left for Saudi Arabia and met with officials at the Secure Communications Office in Dhahran. The GCC's statement indicated that the director […]]]> 637338 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230515-52-of-qatar-jobs-susceptible-to-automation-report/ Mon, 15 May 2023 16:40:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637033 52 per cent of work in Qatar is susceptible to automation, the international non-governmental organisation, the World Economic Forum, reports. According to the Forum's 2023 Future of Jobs report, the increasing push towards automation will see data entry clerks, cashiers, ticket clerks and bank tellers among the fastest declining jobs, worldwide. "Most of the fastest-growing roles worldwide are technology-related roles, with technology projected to transform 1 billion jobs by 2030," the report says. 46 per cent of work activities in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are also projected to become automated in the coming years, the report also added. The "Future of Jobs" report surveyed 803 companies employing over 11.3 million workers across 27 industry clusters and 45 economies from all […]]]> 637033 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230515-uae-criticised-for-hosting-israel-independence-day-performance-amid-renewed-assault-on-gaza/ Mon, 15 May 2023 15:48:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637027 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is being heavily criticised by activists and social media users for its celebration of Israel's 'independence day' or the Nakba this month, amid Tel Aviv's renewed assault on Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip and the continuation of its persecution in the Occupied West Bank. Israel, this month, celebrates its so-called 'independence day' on what is known by Palestinians as the Nakba – Arabic for 'catastrophe' – of 1948, when Zionist militias forcefully expelled over 750,000 Palestinians from their homes to ensure the creation of Israel. It was then that the first Israeli Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, on 14 May that year, announced the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel. On 5 […]]]> 637027 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230512-bahrain-schools-ordered-by-king-to-remove-lessons-teaching-about-israel-normalisation-deals/ Fri, 12 May 2023 13:59:34 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=635983 Bahrain's educational institutions have been ordered by King Salman Al Khalifa not to implement any changes to the curriculum that are "not compatible with Bahrain's national values designed to protect religion and its core pillars." According to Alarabiya News, the announcement came on Tuesday following issues raised by critics regarding the inclusion of Israel and changes to the maps of the contested Israeli-Palestinian territories. A statement from the government, shared online, said, "His Royal Highness ordered the Minister of Education to ensure educational curricula adhere to Islamic teachings, in line with the National Action Charter and the Constitution." "His Royal Highness reiterated that the Islamic religion is inviolable and should be respected and protected at all costs," it added. The […]]]> 635983 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230512-the-uaes-unclear-role-in-syrias-return-to-the-fold-of-the-arab-league/ Fri, 12 May 2023 11:45:59 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=635749 I begin this article with prayers for the souls of the righteous martyrs of the Gaza Strip, and curses for the fascist occupation forces that attack our people in occupied Palestine. As the enemy's bombs and missiles hit home in Gaza, the Arab countries remain silent, despite the killing of children, women and Palestinian leaders. And yet, when a Zionist is wounded, the Palestinian people are labelled terrorists by the same countries for carrying out barbaric and uncivilised acts. Last weekend, Israel hosted the first "Independence Day" celebration in the UAE, so I wonder what the government in the UAE wants from returning Syria to the Arab embrace. Is there still something that we can call the Arab embrace? The […]]]> 635749 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230428-egypt-saudi-uae-algeria-bahrain-seek-to-join-brics-bloc/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:48:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=631965 Five Arab countries are among 19 who have expressed their interest in joining the BRICS group, Bloomberg reported. Anil Sooklal, South Africa's ambassador to the group, said that the emerging market bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa would meet in Cape Town on 2-3 June to discuss its expansion. "What will be discussed is the expansion of the BRICS group and the way this can be achieved." "Thirteen countries have formally requested to join, while six others have informally requested. We receive requests to join every day," he added. China launched discussions on expansion when it chaired the BRICS group last year, as it attempts to build a diplomatic influence to counter the dominance of developed countries […]]]> 631965 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230420-iran-says-forced-us-submarine-to-surface-in-gulf-us-denies/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:27:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630435 Iran's Navy forced a US submarine to surface as it entered the Gulf, Iranian Navy Commander, Shahram Irani, told state television on Thursday, but the United States Navy's Fifth Fleet denied such an incident had taken place, Reuters reports. "The US submarine was approaching while submerged, but the Iranian submarine, Fateh, detected it and carried out … manoeuvres to force it to surface as it went through the Strait (of Hormuz). It had also entered into our territorial waters but … it corrected its course after being warned," Irani said. "This submarine was doing its best, using all its capacities, to pass in total silence and without being detected," Irani said. "We will certainly reflect to international bodies the fact that […]]]> 630435 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230419-diplomat-qatar-uae-to-reopen-embassies-in-coming-weeks/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:03:18 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630179 Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are working to reopen their embassies in each other's countries "in the coming weeks", a senior Qatari diplomat said yesterday. Majid Al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "The technical committees are now doing their work in this context, and it is expected that there will be exchange visits to consider the procedures we need to reopen embassies." For his part, an Emirati official, who asked not to be named, confirmed in a statement sent to AFP "the activation of diplomatic ties, which will include the reopening of embassies, is under process between both countries." He explained that relations between the two countries have resumed since the signing of […]]]> 630179 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230416-palestinian-president-set-to-visit-saudi-arabia-for-talks-on-monday/ Sun, 16 Apr 2023 16:34:56 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=629468 Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Saudi King Salman and his Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Anadolu reports. The visit comes amid reports that Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh will visit the oil-rich kingdom on Monday for the first time in years. Speaking to the official Palestine Voice radio station, Palestinian Ambassador in Riyadh Basem Al-Agha said Abbas will discuss Palestinian developments with the Saudi officials during his visit. Abbas will speak about the "Zionist [Israeli] crimes in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [in occupied East Jerusalem] and the Palestinian suffering from the Israeli occupation," he added. READ: EU calls for 'immediate solution' to Palestine teachers strike On Friday, Saudi Arabia […]]]> 629468 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230416-arab-states-rule-political-solution-is-only-way-to-end-syria-crisis-pushing-back-against-rapprochement-with-assad/ Sun, 16 Apr 2023 08:30:35 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=629375 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and foreign ministers of Arab states have concluded that a political solution is the only way to end the conflict and crisis in Syria, holding off from allowing the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad back into the fold of the Arab League. Saudi Arabia this week hosted a meeting between GCC foreign ministers and their counterparts from other Arab states such as Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt in the coastal city of Jeddah, during which they "discussed the efforts that aim to reach a political solution…which preserves Syria's unity, security, stability and Arab identity and that brings Syria back to the Arab fold," according to a statement by the Saudi Foreign Ministry. The ministers agreed on […]]]> 629375 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230413-its-time-for-the-arab-states-to-renounce-the-abraham-accords-with-israel/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 15:00:05 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=628809 The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan must surely renounce the Abraham Accords with Israel because of the occupation state's ongoing atrocities against the Palestinians and violations of their legitimate rights. The normalisation deals were cobbled together in September 2020 by Jared Kushner, the son in-law and former advisor of the then US President Donald Trump. The accords were signed initially by Israel, the UAE and Bahrain to normalise relations; Morocco and Sudan then followed suit. Israeli atrocities against the Palestinians, notwithstanding the signing of the Abraham Accords, have intensified pressure on these four Arab states to renounce normalisation with Israel. The attack on Muslim worshippers inside Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem last week angered many around the world. […]]]> 628809 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230413-qatar-bahrain-to-restore-diplomatic-relations/ Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:55:58 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=628823 Qatar and Bahrain decided to restore their diplomatic relations in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the provisions of the Vienna Treaty on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. This came at the conclusion of the second meeting of the Qatari-Bahraini Follow-up Committee at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The official Qatar News Agency (QNA) stated late yesterday that the meeting "discussed the topics on the agenda, and reviewed the outcomes of the first meeting of both the Joint Legal Committee and the Joint Security Committee." "It was also decided to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the provisions […]]]> 628823 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230406-in-the-middle-east-once-improbable-ententes-set-new-tone/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:20:41 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=627090 Adversaries across the Middle East have been taking steps to mend relations strained by years of tension and conflict, a trend most recently demonstrated in an agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to re-establish diplomatic ties. The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia met in China for the first formal meeting of their most senior diplomats in more than seven years, Saudi state-run Al Ekhbariya television said. Here is how ententes in the region are playing out. New dynamic Although Iran's nuclear programme remains a source of tension, and violence between Israelis and Palestinians has been surging, diplomacy has eased several of the region's explosive rivalries. The shift comes amid efforts to boost economic development, and geopolitical moves as US allies question Washington's […]]]> 627090 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230406-from-hostility-to-rapprochement-timeline-of-iran-saudi-arabia-ties/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 14:58:15 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=626997 After exactly two years of tension-easing talks that were marked by many ups and downs, the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia met in the Chinese capital, Beijing, on Thursday. The first meeting between the top diplomats in more than seven years came weeks after the two estranged Persian Gulf neighbours agreed to restore diplomatic ties and re-open embassies. Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have traditionally been marked by tension and hostility, dating back to the 1979 Iranian revolution that overthrew the Pahlavi monarchy. Following the revolution, when neighbours Iran and Iraq got embroiled in a protracted eight-year war, Saudi Arabia was seen quietly backing the Saddam Hussein government in Baghdad. Relations between the two regional powers improved […]]]> 626997 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230406-syria-and-tunisia-to-restore-diplomatic-ties/ Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:27:00 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=626963 Syria and Tunisia are planning to restore diplomatic ties and reopen their respective embassies and appoint envoys, the Syrian state news agency, SANA, reported yesterday. The announcement follows a telephone conversation between the top diplomats of both countries. Syria's Foreign Minister Faysal Mikdad discussed the plans with his Tunisian counterpart, Nabil Ammar. They intend to enhance the representation of the North African country's embassy in Damascus and to appoint an envoy to Syria. Mikdad said that Syria will be looking to do the same in Tunis in the coming days. Tunisian President Kais Saied ordered the foreign ministry on Monday to initiate procedures for appointing an ambassador in Damascus. An official statement noted the "necessity of adhering to the principles […]]]> 626963 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230404-the-sports-industry-in-the-middle-east-is-expected-to-grow-by-8-7-by-2026/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 22:16:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=626601 The Middle East's sports industry is expected to grow by 8.7 per cent by 2026 – compared with global sector growth of 3.3 per cent over the same period, the World Economic Forum report says. According to the report, from the excitement on the Formula 1 race circuits of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi to Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo's signing to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr FC, the Middle East's sports industry is making headlines across the globe. Sports tourism is already a $600 billion industry in the Middle East, that is expected to keep growing, the report added. READ: France Football Federation rejects pausing match to break Ramadan fast]]> 626601 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230404-israel-army-intelligence-directorate-warns-israel-of-its-weakening-strategic-position-in-latest-report/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:14:52 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=626496 Israel's strategic position has worsened over the past several months due to the judicial overhaul plan proposed by the Premier, warned the Israeli Army Intelligence Directorate's Research Division. In its latest report sent to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, and National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, it highlighted the risk of the nation's opponents, including Iran, identifying a weakness in the internal divisions due to the planned changes. It noted the recent moves by the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, who held talks last month with the Lebanese group, Hezbollah, on developments in the Occupied Territories. Moreover, it noted the danger of Israel's deteriorating relations with the United States (US) which could impact the relationship with the […]]]> 626496 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230404-israel-and-gulf-states-to-be-connected-by-fibre-optic-cable/ Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:40:52 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=626471 A proposed Israeli-funded internet cable project aims to connect Gulf states with the occupation state after "gaining traction" in Saudi Arabia, according to a report yesterday by Middle East Eye (MEE). If plans go ahead, the "revolutionary" fibre-optic cable, known as the Trans Europe Asia System (TEAS), will be the first infrastructure project directly connecting Israel with Saudi Arabia. It already has the backing of the Saudi-based Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), which is jointly owned by the six GCC member states. In addition to the kingdom, the 20,000-kilometre cable is expected to run through four other Gulf states — the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman — as well as Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories on a route […]]]> 626471