Arab World

Trump allegedly complained to Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that after the 2015 nuclear deal, the Iranians “think they can do anything they want.” Presumably Trump was referring to Iran’s geopolitical reach in the Middle East, where it had gathered up allies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. It is likely that Trump’s violation of […]

Saudi Arabia

Retro Saudi Soap Opera set in Imaginary “Unveiled, Liberal” 1970s Infuriates Hardliners

Middle East Monitor

With scenes of unveiled women and mixed-sex musical soirees, a new Saudi Arabian soap opera, set in the 1970s, is evoking nostalgia about the kingdom’s modern past. A period before the rise of religious fundamentalism. But, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s liberalising plans for the country, it is also giving viewers an unintended taste […]

Yemen

Yemen: Will the Battle for Hodeidah Bring a Solution or Disaster?

Brian Whitaker

London ( al-Bab.com) – In Yemen, the long-expected military assault on the port city of Hodeidah began this morning. Hodeida is currently held by the Houthis who control much of northern Yemen. According to local reports it is being attacked from the south by the Amaliqa (“Giants”) Brigades – a surviving section of Yemen’s national […]

Houthi

Yemen: Huthis Pledge to ‘Confront Tyranny’ as Saudi-Led Forces Kill Dozens in Attack Key Port

Fawaz al-Haidari

With Alison Tahmizian Meuse in Dubai Al Duraihimi (Yemen) (AFP) – Yemen’s rebel chief urged his forces to fight on against pro-government troops pressing a Saudi-backed offensive to retake the key aid hub of Hodeida, as the UN called for the Red sea port to be kept open. Heavy fighting left 39 people dead on […]

Yemen

Saudi & UAE-Backed Forces Attack Key Yemen Port of Hodeida, Risking Humanitarian Disaster

Fawaz al-Haidari

Al Jah (Yemen) (AFP) – Yemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive Wednesday to retake the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, a key aid hub, sparking calls from the international community for restraint. Pro-government troops began the assault despite mounting international fears about the humanitarian fallout, pressing toward Hodeida airport south of […]

Yemen

Yemen: US won’t stop UAE from Launching “Bloody, Prolonged” Battle for Hodeida

Fawaz al-Haidari

by Fawaz al-Haidari Khokha (Yemen) (AFP) – Pro-government forces fighting Yemen’s Huthi rebels are sending reinforcements towards the port of Hodeida, military sources said Tuesday, amid UN warnings against a high-stakes battle for the key aid gateway. AFP / NABIL HASSAN. A pro-government Yemeni soldier looks through binoculars on June 7, 2018, near al-Jah in […]

Syria

Nearly 1 Mn. Syrians made Homeless Already this Year, & UN Fears 2 Mn. to Come

Nina Larson

Geneva (AFP) – More than 920,000 people were displaced inside Syria during the first four months of 2018, the highest level in the seven-year conflict, the United Nations said Monday. “We are seeing a massive displacement inside Syria… From January to April, there were over 920,000 newly displaced people,” Panos Moumtzis, the UN regional humanitarian […]

Yemen

Saudi-led Attack on Yemen’s Hudaydah Port Could Cost 250,000 Lives: UN

Middle East Monitor

Clashes between troops backed by a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthis intensified near Yemen’s Hudaydah over the weekend as the United Nations tries to negotiate a ceasefire to avert a possible assault on the main port city, military sources said. A military attack or siege on the Houthi-held western city, long a target in […]

Iraq

Iraq Election Winner Muqtada al-Sadr calls on Militias to Disarm

Middle East Monitor

Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called on Friday for a nationwide disarmament campaign and announced his Baghdad stronghold would be first to disarm just two days after an ammunitions cache exploded there and killed 18 people. Sadr, whose political bloc won Iraq’s parliamentary election in May, called on all armed groups to hand in their weapons […]