Middle East – Page 151 – THE OVAL CIRCLE

Arms in the air? UAE-Israel peace deal kickstarts long-stalled F-35 purchase from Washington

Posted on August 22, 2020August 22, 2020By Editor

The UAE-Israeli peace deal could sprout into a lucrative arms contract, as the UAE’s foreign minister said it had removed the obstacles for purchasing F-35 fighters from the US. Washington said such a deal is already under review. … Read More >Arms in the air? UAE-Israel peace deal kickstarts long-stalled F-35 purchase from Washington

US imposes sanctions on Syrian military commanders & officials ‘for their efforts to prevent a ceasefire’

Posted on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020By Editor

Washington has announced sanctions on senior Syrian government officials and the leaders of several military units, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accusing top National Defense Forces members of subverting a ceasefire. … Read More >US imposes sanctions on Syrian military commanders & officials ‘for their efforts to prevent a ceasefire’

Saudi Arabia committed to Arab Initiative, but Israeli annexations undermine peace efforts – FM

Posted on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020By Editor

Riyadh is still committed to peace with Israel on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has said, but remains concerned over Israel’s unilateral moves on settlements. … Read More >Saudi Arabia committed to Arab Initiative, but Israeli annexations undermine peace efforts – FM

‘He duped us’: Israeli settler leaders in West Bank accuse Netanyahu of backtracking on annexation promise

Posted on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020By Editor

Jewish settlers say that by signing a deal to normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, the Israeli prime minister has defrauded them of their dream of annexing the occupied West Bank. … Read More >‘He duped us’: Israeli settler leaders in West Bank accuse Netanyahu of backtracking on annexation promise

Sign of things to come? Iran shows off missiles named after Quds Force chief Soleimani & his Iraqi ally killed by US strike

Posted on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020By Editor

Tehran has exhibited an anti-ship and ballistic missile bearing the names of the renowned General Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi ally who perished in a US airstrike in January. … Read More >Sign of things to come? Iran shows off missiles named after Quds Force chief Soleimani & his Iraqi ally killed by US strike

UAE vessel seized by Iran for violating territorial waters, Tehran announces

Posted on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020By Editor

Iran has disclosed that it seized a ship from the United Arab Emirates earlier this week, after the vessel trespassed in its territorial waters. Two Iranian fishermen were reportedly also killed by UAE coast guards the same day. … Read More >UAE vessel seized by Iran for violating territorial waters, Tehran announces

Two American drones reportedly COLLIDE & go down over Syria’s Idlib (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Posted on August 20, 2020August 20, 2020By Editor

A pair of American drones crashed following a midair collision in Syria, destroying both craft, the Military Times reported. The cause and exact circumstances of the smash-up remain unclear, however, leaving rumors to swirl. … Read More >Two American drones reportedly COLLIDE & go down over Syria’s Idlib (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Israel invites UAE’s de facto leader to Jerusalem in move condemned by Palestinians

Posted on August 20, 2020August 20, 2020By Editor

President of Israel Reuven Rivlin has said the crown prince of Abu Dhabi will be an honored guest in Jerusalem after Israel and the United Arab Emirates began forging formal ties under a US-sponsored agreement. … Read More >Israel invites UAE’s de facto leader to Jerusalem in move condemned by Palestinians

UN-backed tribunal names main culprit behind 2005 bombing of Lebanese PM Hariri, didn’t find proof of Syria or Hezbollah links

Posted on August 20, 2020August 20, 2020By Editor

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon has convicted a suspected Hezbollah member for playing a lead role in the killing of Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri 15 years ago, but found no proof Syria or the militant group were behind the bombing. … Read More >UN-backed tribunal names main culprit behind 2005 bombing of Lebanese PM Hariri, didn’t find proof of Syria or Hezbollah links

Gaza shuts down its only power plant after Israel suspends fuel shipments

Posted on August 20, 2020August 20, 2020By Editor

Gaza hospitals and vital facilities are said to be at risk after the lone power plant in Hamas-run Gaza shut down, less than a week after Israel suspended fuel shipments to the Palestinian enclave. … Read More >Gaza shuts down its only power plant after Israel suspends fuel shipments