Middle East
TOPIC
 / location

Middle East

Middle East
Middle East
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Middle East. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
28 August, 2024
This satellite photo shows a military base known as Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan, where the 2024 drone attack occurred. File photo: Planet Labs PBC via AP
Italy

Italy releases Iranian wanted by US in deadly drone attack on troops

Mohammad Abedini was arrested in Italy last month at the behest of the US for supplying parts for drone used in 2024 attack.

Israel-Gaza war

Biden and Netanyahu discuss Gaza ceasefire, source says

European Union

Germany’s Baerbock announces aid for Syria, calls for ‘smart’ sanctions

History

Like a giant jigsaw puzzle, Iraq’s historic treasures become whole again

Archaeologists are painstakingly putting together artefacts at Nimrud shattered by Islamic State jihadists, undaunted by the colossal task.

An archaeology expert catalogues destroyed artefacts - which range from bas-reliefs and sculptures to decorated slabs depicting mythical creatures - at the archaeological site of Nimrud, south of Mosul, Iraq, on January 3, 2025. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

Arab, EU diplomats in Saudi for talks on support for Syria

The discussions will take place in two sessions – the first featuring Arab officials and the other with diplomats from other parts of the world.

Israel-Gaza war

Israeli PM sends Mossad chief to Gaza ceasefire talks in sign of progress

Spy agency director David Barnea’s presence means high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are now involved.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Syrian conflict

Syrians sing songs of victory, revolution a month after Assad’s overthrow

Singer Wasfi Maasarani marked his return to Syria after 13 years in exile, having toured the US and Europe in support of the rebels.

Syrians sing and hold a post-Assad flag during a concert by the recently returned ‘revolutionary’ singer Wasfi Maasrani, in Damascus on Wednesday. Photo: AP
India

Indian nurse’s death sentence in Yemen spotlights migrant workers’ woes

Nimisha Priya’s claims of passport confiscation among ‘problematic practices’ experienced by migrant workers in the Middle East, analysts say.

videocam
Israel-Gaza war

Lancet study estimates Gaza death toll 40 per cent higher than recorded

UK-led group of researchers estimated that almost 60 per cent of deaths were women, children and the elderly.

Israel-Gaza war

Poland says won’t arrest Netanyahu if he visits for Auschwitz commemoration

The Israeli leader is subject to a warrant by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the 79th General Debate of the UN General Assembly in New York in September. Photo: dpa
War and conflict

Lebanon’s army chief Aoun elected president, showing regional shifts

Election of Joseph Aoun is seen as a step towards reviving government institutions and securing international aid for Lebanon’s struggling economy.

Lebanese army chief Joseph Aoun has been elected president by the country’s parliament. Photo: AFP
Singapore

3 ‘radicalised’ Singaporeans detained over possible local attacks, to fight Israel

The three Singaporean men were not linked to one other, but their detentions highlight the growing threat of online radicalisation.

Banking & finance

Investing in small businesses an option for wealth funds, Charles Li says

Micro Connect pooled more than 11,000 stores and 688 brands in China in 2023, sharing US$113.2 million of revenue with investors.

Israel-Gaza war

Israel army says body of hostage retrieved from Gaza

The body was found as international mediators kept up a push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

A banner bearing pictures of Bedouin Arab hostages Youssef al-Zayadna and his son Hamza, at the gate of the family home. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

Opinion | China can help Syria transform from conflict corridor to bridge of commerce

An inclusive, tolerant Syria and a China-led grand coalition to rebuild and revive the economy could see regional strife give way to prosperity.

videocam
5
A fighter holds the flag adopted by Syria’s new government, as he visits Mount Qasioun, which was off-limits during the civil war, after the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 29. Photo: Reuters
United States

US moves 11 Guantanamo detainees to Oman after more than 2 decades without charge

Transfer of men leaves 15 people still held at the controversial American base in Cuba.

Banking & finance

Increasing Chinese investments boost Abu Dhabi economy

Investments are creating jobs, developing infrastructure and upping the emirate’s status as a global hub, says investment office director.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Syrian conflict

Opinion | Syria a chance for Middle East to shape its own, better future

The stability of Syria, at the heart of the Middle East, is in the interests of all. It is time for regional actors, not external ones, to lead the change.

videocam
Syrian leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani waits to welcome a Ukrainian delegation in Damascus, Syria, on December 30. The world has been beating a path to his door. Photo: Reuters
France

Macron affirms Trump has ‘solid ally’ in France, urges realism from Ukraine over territory

President Emmanuel Macron outlined France’s foreign policy for the coming year.

videocam
Israel-Gaza war

Hamas official says ready to free 34 Gaza hostages under mooted deal

Israel and Hamas wrangle over the details of a deal to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip and return hostages home.

Israel-Gaza war

UNRWA says 7 babies dead in Gaza from cold weather, lack of shelter

Displaced Palestinians in war-torn Gaza are living in tents with little protection against the elements.

A father holds the blanket-wrapped body of his newborn, who reportedly died of hypothermia. Photo: AFP
Syrian conflict

Red Cross says determining fate of Syria’s missing ‘huge challenge’

The fate of tens of thousands of missing people remains one of the most harrowing legacies of the conflict that started in 2011.

Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Photo: dpa
Syrian conflict

Clashes in Syria between pro-Turkey, Kurdish forces kills 101, monitor says

Clashes have killed 85 fighters from pro-Turkish groups and 16 from the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces.

Yemen

Israeli military says missile from Yemen intercepted

The missile interception comes only days after an attempted missile and drone strike by the Houthis on Israel.

Israel-Gaza war

US Congress notified of planned US$8 billion weapons sale to Israel

Package would add to at least US$17.9 billion in military aid the US has provided Israel since Hamas attacks in 2023 launched the war.

videocam
5
Israeli soldiers on a military vehicle near the border between Israel and Syria. On Saturday the Biden administration notified Congress of a US$8 billion weapons sale to Israel. Photo: EPA-EFE
Israel-Gaza war

Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza as new ceasefire talks begin

At least 17 of those who died were killed in air strikes on 2 houses in Gaza City, bringing the day’s death toll across Gaza to 70.

A Palestinian boy walks amid the destruction following an Israeli strike on a home in the Shujaiya neighbourhood of Gaza City, on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Asean

Opinion | How Global South can resist US hegemony and its isolationism

Open engagement is key to countering both Donald Trump’s transactional nationalism and the US establishment’s drive for global hegemony.

videocam
Israel-Gaza war

Israeli strikes kill Gaza head of police, 67 others, Palestinians say

Thursday’s death toll in war-torn Gaza was among the highest of recent weeks.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
loading