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22 August 2016
MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN 22 AUGUST 2016 NO: 2216 1. IRAQ, .................................................................................................................................... 4 MJ Akbar's visit to Karbala signals India's commitment to a stable, unified Iraq ........................4 Boy Suicide Bomber Stripped of Explosive Belt in Iraq ................................................................4 Iraqi commander rejects claim on assassination plot against Saudi envoy .................................4 Chaos could be the reward of victory over ISIS in Iraq: Brian Stewart ........................................5 22 ISIS militants killed in Iraq........................................................................................................5 Iraq will boost oil exports after agreement on Kirkuk fields ........................................................5 Iraq Hangs 36 over Speicher Massacre ........................................................................................5 Iraq exports more cargoes of LPG, condensates ..........................................................................6 Child suicide bomber stripped of explosives, arrested in Iraq .....................................................6 Mail on Sunday wrong to use picture of a gun-toting journalist in Iraq ......................................6 Senior Member of Anti-Iran MKO Escapes from Camp Liberty in Iraq ........................................6 Child labour a growing problem in war-torn Iraq.........................................................................7 Battle for Mosul exposes fractures that threaten to haunt post-ISIL Iraq ...................................7 Iraq executes 36 men convicted in massacre carried out by Islamic State ..................................7 Security forces foil 2 suicide bomb attacks in Iraq's Kirkuk .........................................................8 Tehran Has Top Place in Iraq’s Foreign Policy ..............................................................................8 Iraq dares to hope for brighter future..........................................................................................8 Belgian Citizens Join ISIS in Syria and Iraq ....................................................................................8 Russia asks Iraq to suspend operations of Erbil and Sulimaniyah airports ..................................9 SYRIA .................................................................................................................................... 9 France Carries out Air Raid on Raqqa in Syria, AFP Says ..............................................................9 A Lawless Plan to Target Syria’s Allies ..........................................................................................9 Syria: The Glaring Hole in America's Islamic State Strategy ...................................................... 10 The people of Aleppo are not waiting for US elections ............................................................ 10 Aleppo Fightings Engulfing, SAA Advancing, 2 Terror Commanders Killed ............................... 10 Syrian Army Starts Vital Offensive in Latakia’s Kabani against Nusra Stronghold .................... 10 ‘No story in Syria has a happy ending’ ...................................................................................... 11 Syrian Refugees Support each other in Britain ......................................................................... 11 Islamic State threat: India, Syria to intensify security consultations ........................................ 11 Qatari bakery reopens in Syria .................................................................................................. 11 IRAN ....................................................................................................................................12 Iran determined to enhance ties with LatAm states: Foreign Minister Zarif ............................ 12 South Korea keen to invest in Iran rail projects ........................................................................ 12 Iran holds ceremony to honour great Iranian polymath Avicenna ........................................... 12 Iran regime’s IRGC is developing a "Shiite Liberation Army" .................................................... 12 Post-sanction Iran seeks to jolt economic ties with Latin America ........................................... 13 Iran’s FM Pledges Push to Facilitate Trade with Latin America ................................................ 13 Iran's president unveils first indigenous turbo jet engine......................................................... 13 Zarif: Iran spares no efforts to foster ties with LatAm countries .............................................. 13 2. 3. Sayfa 1 Russian businessmen to visit Iran.............................................................................................. 13 Russia Stops Using Iran's Hamadan Airbase - Iranian Foreign Ministry .................................... 14 ISRAEL – PALESTINE..............................................................................................................14 Hamas accuses Israel of seeking to change balance ................................................................. 14 Two Palestinians Injured as Israel Pounds Gaza Strip ............................................................... 14 Israel launches air strikes over Gaza in response to rocket attack ........................................... 14 Hundreds of Palestine’s Hamas Fighters Join Rafah Parade in Gaza Strip ................................ 15 Obama’s behavior toward Israel is not Netanyahu’s fault ........................................................ 15 Israeli Soldiers Kidnap Nine Palestinians In The West Bank ...................................................... 15 If You Love Israel, Trump is the Only Possible Choice ............................................................... 15 IDF 'not interested in an escalation' after targeting dozens of Gaza terror sites ..................... 15 Lebanese civil defense members protest for full-time employment near Israeli border ......... 16 US, Israel Created Daesh to Distract Muslims from Palestine, Al Aqsa..................................... 16 JORDAN and LEBANON.........................................................................................................16 FPM rules out Cabinet resignations over extensions ................................................................ 16 Less than 40% of eligible voters will go to polls, 19% undecided ............................................. 17 IEC to call lists with identical names or codes ........................................................................... 17 Military Appointments to Decide Govt.'s Fate as FPM Mulls Responses.................................. 17 King urges all state agencies to back IEC ................................................................................... 17 Rahi presides over Mass in Seoul marking International Peace Conference's closing ............. 18 Jordan-EU trade deal may benefit economy and refugee crisis ............................................... 18 Israel: Hezbollah behind explosives found near Lebanon border ............................................. 18 Lebanon May File Complaint With UN Over Israeli Incursions ................................................. 19 Raising Lebanon flag in occupied Shebaa farms, 500 Zionist troops deployed to area ............ 19 ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA ....................................................................19 4. 5. 6. 'Saudi Arabia raising the flag of sectarianism in Islamic World' - says Sheikh Araki at Yemen intl conference in London ........................................................................................................................ 19 Saudi Arabia Defends its Leadership of Oil Market with Two Weapons................................... 19 Saudi Arabia hits another school in Yemen ............................................................................... 20 Yemen on Table of Gulf-U.S.-British Discussions in Jeddah ...................................................... 20 'Stop the War Coalition' concerns about worsening Human Rights situation in Bahrain, Saudi crimes in Yemen ................................................................................................................................ 20 Ex-Yemen Leader Ready to Work with Russia to 'Fight Terrorism' ........................................... 20 Tajikistan and Qatar will cooperate in the field of security ...................................................... 21 UK MP calls FCO to pressure Bahrain to release HR defender 'Nabeel Rajab'.......................... 21 Envoy briefs US meeting on Qatar’s preparations for 2022...................................................... 21 Oman Cricket Board Chairman Meets Pakistani Ambassador .................................................. 21 7. EGYPT ..................................................................................................................................22 MP resigns amid parliamentary spat over foreign trip ............................................................. 22 Parliamentary committees approve PBDAC Act, transfer of its ownership to the CBE ............ 22 Security cooperation protocol with Russia for Egypt’s airports is pending: Civil Aviation Minister ............................................................................................................................................. 22 Egyptian president: Putin willing to host Netanyahu and Abbas .............................................. 22 Egyptian koshary: The taste of the dollar crisis ......................................................................... 23 Sayfa 2 Sisi meets with state-run newspaper editors-in-chief .............................................................. 23 Three gunmen kill two police in attack on checkpoint north of Cairo ...................................... 23 Egypt launches $1.8bn project for 116,000 homes................................................................... 23 Putin wants to be Middle East peacemaker, Egypt's Sisi says .................................................. 24 Occupied areas unhappy with Egypt-Cyprus natural gas plans ................................................ 24 NORTH AFRICA.....................................................................................................................24 Africa remains top priority of Morocco's foreign policy: Moroccan king ................................. 24 King of Morocco calls on diaspora to reject extremism and uphold Muslim values of peace.. 24 Tunisia’s Ennahda party has ‘reservations' about new cabinet line-up .................................... 25 Second cultural forum on "civilization of Iran and Islam" planned in Tunisia .......................... 25 In Tunisia, returning migrants find a ray of hope ...................................................................... 25 Chahed nominates women and youth to new Tunisia government ......................................... 26 Libya forces launch air raid to cut off Daesh ............................................................................. 26 ISIS is on verge of collapse in Libya's Sirte................................................................................. 26 Messahel underlines total consistency of views between Algeria, Niger in counterterrorism 26 King Mohammed VI Calls for Rekindling Solidarity between Morocco, Algeria ....................... 27 AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN ..................................................................................................27 8. 9. Indians will always be with Afghans: modi................................................................................ 27 4 prominent Taliban commanders killed in East of Afghanistan .............................................. 27 Friendship gate at Pak-Afghan border remains closed on 4th day ........................................... 27 Mopping-Up Operations Underway In Kunduz, MoD ............................................................... 28 Pakistan keen to steal top spot from India ............................................................................... 28 CPEC excellent opportunity to develop agriculture: FPCCI ....................................................... 28 Tehran, Kabul call for expansion of economic co-op ................................................................ 28 Political tension has negative impact on warfronts: Mohaqiq ................................................. 28 New electoral law to bring transparency .................................................................................. 29 10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................29 Jordan condemns Turkey wedding blast ................................................................................... 29 Turkey Wants to Repair Ties with Egypt: PM ............................................................................ 29 Egypt condemns Turkey’s Gaziantep attack.............................................................................. 29 Algeria condemns Turkey attack, urges for cooperation against terrorism ............................. 30 Sayfa 3 1. IRAQ, MJ Akbar's visit to Karbala signals India's commitment to a stable, unified Iraq Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar, who is on a three-nation West Asia tour (Lebanon, Syria and Iraq) from 17 August to 23 August, is scheduled to visit Iraq on Tuesday. This official visit is an effort to strengthen bilateral ties with the West Asia region. Akbar's visit is significant because it comes at a time when the Islamic State (IS) has captured large parts of Iraq and Syria under its caliphate. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that the visit to these three important countries in West Asia is a "reaffirmation of India's deep interest in promoting bilateral relations as also in the peace and security in the region in its extended neighbourhood." More Details: http://www.firstpost.com/world/mj-akbars-visit-to-karbala-signals-indias-commitment-to-a-stableunified-iraq-2969598.html Boy Suicide Bomber Stripped of Explosive Belt in Iraq Frightening footage has emerged purporting to show Kurdish security forces removing an explosive belt from an alleged Islamic State teenage suicide bomber moments before it was about to be detonated in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Sunday. The chilling scene, caught on camera and uploaded to YouTube by Kurdish channel Kurdistan24, shows the boy’s hands being held by two law enforcement officers as another member of the security establishment attempts to disarm the device. More Details: http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/08/22/watch-boy-suicide-bomber-stripped-of-explosivebelt-in-iraq/? Iraqi commander rejects claim on assassination plot against Saudi envoy A high-ranking Iraqi military official has dismissed a claim by Saudi-linked media that fighters from pro-government Popular Mobilization Units in Iraq plotted to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Baghdad. Speaking to Arabic-language al-Forat news agency on Sunday, Brigadier General Saad Moen, the spokesman for the Baghdad Operations Command, also said that the Saudi diplomatic mission in Baghdad has not communicated with the Iraqi security forces at all concerning any alleged attempt to assassinate Ambassador Thamer al-Sabhan. More Details: http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/22/481146/Iraq-Hashd-alShaabI-Popular-MobilizationUnits-assassination-plot-Saudi-ambassador-Thamer-alSabhan? Sayfa 4 Chaos could be the reward of victory over ISIS in Iraq: Brian Stewart It's one of the grimmest ironies of war in Iraq: the advance of ISIS two years ago terrified foreign governments, but the steady retreat of the same jihadist group now makes diplomats nervous about what's next. The ISIS setback is real. Tikrit, Ramadi, Baiji, Fallujah, all key cities swept up in that original ISIS conquest have been recaptured by the anti-ISIS coalition, which is now preparing to retake Mosul, the country's second largest city, possibly by year's end. More Details: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/isis-canada-middle-east-stewart-1.3728183?cmp=rss 22 ISIS militants killed in Iraq 22 ISIS militants were killed in ground and air operations carried by military forces and backed by the international coalition air force in Iraq. Joint Operations Command said in a statement today that the Iraqi and international coalition air forces carried simultaneous raids killing 19 militants and destroying several positions and equipment in different areas in Anbar and Nineveh. More Details: http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/middle-east/389849/22-isis-militants-killed-in-iraq? Iraq will boost oil exports after agreement on Kirkuk fields Iraq, OPEC’s second-biggest producer, will increase crude exports by about 5% in the next few days after an agreement to resume shipments from three oil fields in Kirkuk. Shipments will increase by about 150,000 bpd as exports resume from the Baba Gorgor, Jambour and Khabbaz fields, Fouad Hussein, a member of the oil and energy committee of the Kirkuk provincial council, said by phone Sunday. The three oil fields are operated by the state-run Northern Oil Co. but their export pipeline is controlled by the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government. More Details: http://www.worldoil.com/news/2016/8/22/iraq-will-boost-oil-exports-after-agreement-on-kirkukfields? Iraq Hangs 36 over Speicher Massacre Justice Minister Haidar al-Zamili told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the trial of Speicher massacre suspects was completed although what happened was clear and defendants already admitted their involvement. Zamili said: “The Ministry of Justice implemented the execution of over 36 convicts after President of Iraq Fuad Masum approved the sentences, according to the constitution. Executions took place in Nasiriyah Prison, 350 km south of Baghdad, and the victims’ families attended.” Sayfa 5 More Details: http://english.aawsat.com/2016/08/article55356858/iraq-hangs-36-speicher-massacre? Iraq exports more cargoes of LPG, condensates Iraq exported two new cargoes of liquefied petroleum gas and one cargo of gas condensates, the oil ministry said in a statement. The shipments were exported from the southern ports, on the Gulf, it said. More Details: http://www.tradearabia.com/news/OGN_312325.html? Child suicide bomber stripped of explosives, arrested in Iraq Shocking images emerged Monday of Iraqi cops tackling a panicked boy — removing his suicide belt before he could detonate it on behalf of ISIS, officials said. The boy, said to be as young as 12, bursts into tears as authorities arrest him Sunday night in Kirkuk, a city claimed by both Iraq’s central government and the country’s Kurdish region. More Details: http://nypost.com/2016/08/22/child-suicide-bomber-stripped-of-explosives-arrested-in-iraq/? Mail on Sunday wrong to use picture of a gun-toting journalist in Iraq Reporters working for western news outlets in the Middle East are routinely accused by Isis, among others, of being spies. Their claims to being impartial observers are scorned. Given the situation, it is surely crucial for front-line journalists to do all they can to illustrate their neutrality. So I’m not sure it was wise for the Mail on Sunday to publish a picture of its correspondent in Iraq, Mark Nicol, posing with a rifle taken from a dead Isis fighter. More Details: https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2016/aug/22/mail-on-sunday-wrong-to-usepicture-of-a-gun-toting-journalist-in-iraq? Senior Member of Anti-Iran MKO Escapes from Camp Liberty in Iraq A ringleader of the anti-Iran Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) along with several other members of the terrorist group has fled from Camp Liberty near the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Sorayya Shahri and several other members of the MKO secretly escaped from the former US military Camp Liberty outside Baghdad. For many years, she had been regarded as one of the highest-ranking commanders of Camp Ashraf, the former headquarters of the MKO. Sayfa 6 More Details: http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/08/22/1164927/senior-member-of-anti-iran-mkoescapes-from-camp-liberty-in-iraq? Child labour a growing problem in war-torn Iraq "I have friends," eight-year-old Abdul Karim says from his soft-drink stand inside Iraq's Ameriat alFallujah camp, "but I can't play with them because I have to work to support my family." He is just one of more than half a million Iraqi children being forced to leave school and work as their country remains embroiled in crisis, according to UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency. More Details: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/child-labour-growing-problem-war-torn-iraq160808111630367.html? Battle for Mosul exposes fractures that threaten to haunt post-ISIL Iraq The run-up to the battle for Mosul, the northern Iraqi city held by ISIL since June 2014, is slow but steady. Government troops are engaged in fierce battles with the militants south of the city while US engineers are busy upgrading an airbase recaptured from the extremist group last month to serve as the main military hub for the operations. But the months leading up to the final push for Iraq’s second largest city have laid bare some of the fractures that will haunt post-ISIL Iraq. From the growing influence of the Iranian-backed Shiite militias sanctioned by the government to the simmering tensions between Baghdad and authorities in the autonomous Kurdish region. More Details: http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/battle-for-mosul-exposes-fractures-that-threaten-tohaunt-post-isil-iraq? Iraq executes 36 men convicted in massacre carried out by Islamic State Even in a country where killings had become almost routine for more than a decade, the June 2014 massacre at Camp Speicher was unique in its brutality. Islamic State jihadis rounded up and shot, choked and beheaded 1,500 to 1,700 Iraqi army cadets, filming the executions with unabashed glee. Since then, the families of those killed have clamored for justice, if not revenge. More Details: http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-iraq-executions-20160821-snap-story.html? Sayfa 7 Security forces foil 2 suicide bomb attacks in Iraq's Kirkuk Iraqi security forces on Sunday foiled two suicide bomb attacks by the Islamic State (IS) militants targeting two Shiite mosques in Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk, a local police source told Xinhua. In one of the attacks, a suicide bomber tried to enter a Shiite mosque crowded with worshipers in western Kirkuk, some 250 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, but he blew up his explosive vest when the guards stopped him, wounding two guards and two people, the source said on condition of anonymity. More Details: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-08/22/c_135622119.htm? Tehran Has Top Place in Iraq’s Foreign Policy Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri said the Iraqi leadership attaches high importance to bilateral relations with Tehran. "Iraqi leaders believe that having close and forward-looking relations with Iran in various fields, especially economy, is high on the list of priorities of Iraq's foreign policy," IRNA quoted Jabouri as saying in a meeting with Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani in Tehran on Sunday. More Details: http://financialtribune.com/articles/national/48154/tehran-has-top-place-iraq%E2%80%99s-foreignpolicy? Iraq dares to hope for brighter future Iraq’s parliament this week endorsed a Cabinet reshuffle as part of reforms proposed by Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, who has lacked a functioning administration since March amid opposition from powerful political foes. The lawmakers have now endorsed five ministers, including Jabar Luaibi as Oil Minister, in a move that is likely to encourage international oil companies to resume spending in the giant oilfields in the Basra region. More Details: http://www.upstreamonline.com/live/1441783/iraq-dares-to-hope-for-brighter-future? Belgian Citizens Join ISIS in Syria and Iraq More than 450 Belgian citizens were in Syria and Iraq are joining the Islamic State (IS) in recent years or planned to do so,highlighted the media today in this capital. The report is based on data from the Belgium Interior Ministry, according to which there are 328 men, 86 women, 11 teenagers and 32 children under 12 years. Sayfa 8 More Details: http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=1425&SEO=belgian-citizens-join-isis-in-syria-and-iraq Russia asks Iraq to suspend operations of Erbil and Sulimaniyah airports Russian authorities have asked Iraq to cancel all flights from and to from Erbil and Sulimaniyah airports. This request has been made as Russia is preparing to launch operations against ISIS in Syria. According to information published by some Russian websites it was stated, “Russia announced that it is planning to launch an extensive military operation inside Syria named as The Mass Destruction Operation using 160 Tupolev-22M3 and 69 Sukhoi-34 aircraft along with military submarines and warships stationed at the Mediterranean.” More Details: http://www.iraqinews.com/arab-world-news/russia-asks-iraq-to-suspend-operations-of-erbil-andsulimaniyah-airports/? 2. SYRIA France Carries out Air Raid on Raqqa in Syria, AFP Says French planes on Sunday carried out an air raid in Raqqa, Syria, which struck and destroyed an IS heavy weapons storage facility, Agence France-Presse reports, citing France’s defense ministry. The attack was carried out by four Rafale planes, four Mirage 2000s and an Atlantique 2, AFP said. The report cited France’s defense ministry as saying that the attack is part of preparations to recapture the city, as well as Mosul in Iraq. More Details: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-22/france-carries-out-air-raid-on-raqqa-in-syriaafp-says? A Lawless Plan to Target Syria’s Allies On Aug. 17, TV interviewer Charlie Rose gave former acting CIA Director Michael Morell a “mulligan” for an earlier wayward drive on Aug. 8 that sliced deep into the rough and even stirred up some nonviolent animals by advocating the murder of Russians and Iranians. But, alas, Morell duffed the second drive, too. More Details: http://original.antiwar.com/mcgovern/2016/08/21/lawless-plan-target-syrias-allies/? Sayfa 9 Syria: The Glaring Hole in America's Islamic State Strategy The fight against the Islamic State group (ISIL) in Iraq has been moving from victory to victory. There is even talk of a drive to recapture Mosul, northern Iraq’s most important city, which has been occupied by ISIL for more than two years. Does this mean that the terror group is on the ropes everywhere, and that its grip in Syria is also slipping? Will Raqqa fall with Mosul? Hardly. More Details: http://nationalinterest.org/feature/syria-the-glaring-hole-americas-islamic-state-strategy-17421 The people of Aleppo are not waiting for US elections Life, political developments, murder and destruction in Aleppo will not be put on hold until November, when Americans elect a new president. No one should expect him or her to be very different from current President Barack Obama regarding bad US policy in our region. The current American retreat is not exclusive to Obama. It is not a policy he created, but the expression of a national mood that is shifting toward isolation and domestic economic affairs. More Details: http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=49689 Aleppo Fightings Engulfing, SAA Advancing, 2 Terror Commanders Killed Qara village South west of the military academy buildings, inflicting major losses on the terrorists. Syrian allied forces continued their advances against Jeish al Fatah terrorists near a strategic Umm Syrian Armed Forces launched a powerful assault to reestablish control over this key site in southern Aleppo. More Details: http://en.alalam.ir/news/1853093? Syrian Army Starts Vital Offensive in Latakia’s Kabani against Nusra Stronghold Monday Morning (Local Time) Syrian Armed Forces launched their long-anticipated northeastern Latakia offensive to capture the key rebel-controlled town of Kabbani in the Kurdish Mountains (Jabal Al-Akrad). Led by the Syrian Marines and Desert Hawks Brigade, the Syrian Armed Forces stormed the Zuwayqat Mountains at the southern perimeter of Kabbani, where they were confronted by a host of terrorists from Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham. More Details: http://en.alalam.ir/news/1853066? Sayfa 10 ‘No story in Syria has a happy ending’ The rescue of five-year old Omran Daqneesh, pulled from the rubble of his bombed-out Aleppo, Syria, home on Wednesday, was broadcast around the world, dominating front pages and drawing tears from television anchors. For many, his image became a symbol, the human cost of Syria’s devastating war illustrated by a bloodied face and mop of hair, smothered in the dust of what once stood as his bedroom. More Details: http://www.dawn.com/news/1279136/no-story-in-syria-has-a-happy-ending? Syrian Refugees Support each other in Britain A summer rainstorm pounded down on the eaves of Christ the Saviour church hall in London as Fardous Bahbouh poured tea and set up the makeshift classroom where she teaches some 25 Syrian refugees how to ask for directions in English, shop for groceries and navigate British norms in making new friends. Bahbouh's class is part of a larger Facebook community called "Ahlan Wa Sahlan" Arabic for welcome - one of many small local efforts that have sprung up across Britain to help migrants who have made their way to the country after fleeing civil war in Syria. More Details: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_BRITAIN_SYRIANS_COMPATRIOT_COMPASSION?SITE=A P&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-08-21-06-28-53 Islamic State threat: India, Syria to intensify security consultations The terrorist attack in Dhaka last month that killed 29 people, including an Indian, the news of 20odd missing Indians and a series of Islamic State (IS)-related arrests are making India reach out to Syria. New Delhi had so far kept a safe distance from the Syrian conflict. Both countries have now agreed to upgrade security consultations that include sharing of intelligence and screening programme for Indians travelling to Syria and its neighbourhood. More Details: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-islamic-state-threat-india-syria-work-out-new-mechanisms2247592? Qatari bakery reopens in Syria Qatar Charity (QC) has relocated and opened the Qatari Bakery in Idlib in Saraqib in Syria after it was destroyed, to provide the displaced people with bread. More than 44,000 benefit daily. Mohammed Rashid Al Ka’bi, Director, Relief Management, Operation Executive Management, QC, said, “The Sayfa 11 bakery was bombarded and stopped offering services. As a result, bread production was insufficient and the displaced people and inhabitants did not receive enough bread. More Details: http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/qatar/389810/qatari-bakery-reopens-in-syria? 3. IRAN Iran determined to enhance ties with LatAm states: Foreign Minister Zarif Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the promotion of diplomatic and economic relations with Latin American countries is among the Islamic Republic’s fundamental policies. More details http://iran-daily.com/News/167320.html? South Korea keen to invest in Iran rail projects South Korea is keen to invest in rail projects in Iran, it was revealed following a visit by a delegation of experts from the country to Iran. More details http://www.tradearabia.com/news/CONS_312295.html? Iran holds ceremony to honour great Iranian polymath Avicenna Iran has held a ceremony to commemorate great Iranian polymath, Avicenna. The event aims to introduce the prominent scholar and his great contributions to different fields of scientific studies. More details http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/22/481131/Iran-Tehran-Avicenna? Iran regime’s IRGC is developing a "Shiite Liberation Army" A top commander of the Iranian regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) revealed the formation and existence of a "Shiite Liberation Army led by General Qassem Soleimani." More details http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/20940-iran-regime-s-irgc-isdeveloping-a-shiite-liberation-army? Sayfa 12 Post-sanction Iran seeks to jolt economic ties with Latin America Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif kicked off his first Latin American tour to six countries on Aug. 21, aimed at jolting Iran’s neglected economic ties with Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Venezuela. More details http://en.mehrnews.com/news/119116/Post-sanction-Iran-seeks-to-jolt-economic-ties-with-LatinAmerica? Iran’s FM Pledges Push to Facilitate Trade with Latin America Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif promised that the country’s diplomatic missions will help the Iranian state-run and private sector companies develop closer trade cooperation with the Latin American countries. More details http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/08/22/1164642/iran-s-fm-pledges-push-to-facilitatetrade-with-latin-america? Iran's president unveils first indigenous turbo jet engine Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has unveiled the country's first indigenous turbo jet engine dubbed "Owj." In a ceremony marking Iran’s Defense Industry Day, Rouhani called for bridging what he described as an industrial gap between the nation and developed countries. More details http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/22/481124/Iran-Defense-Industry-Day-Hassan-RouhaniOwj-turbo-jet-engine-? Zarif: Iran spares no efforts to foster ties with LatAm countries Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Islamic Republic would spare no efforts to expand cooperation with Latin American countries. More details http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82197642/? Russian businessmen to visit Iran A 30-strong Russian delegation will be visiting Iran soon aiming to bolster trade and exports relations with Iran. Sayfa 13 More details http://en.mehrnews.com/news/119129/Russian-businessmen-to-visit-Iran? Russia Stops Using Iran's Hamadan Airbase - Iranian Foreign Ministry Russia has stopped the use of Iran's Hamadan airbase, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Monday, as cited by Tasnim news agency. The Russian side has yet to issue an official comment on the matter. More Details: http://sputniknews.com/world/20160822/1044508334/russia-iran-hamadan-airbase.html? 4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE Hamas accuses Israel of seeking to change balance The overnight strikes of the Israeli Air Force in retaliation for the rocket fired at Sderot from the Strip were unusual in their scale; Hamas has replied by holding Israel 'responsible for the escalation in the Gaza Strip.' More details http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4844593,00.html? Two Palestinians Injured as Israel Pounds Gaza Strip The Israeli military pounded the town of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza Strip on Sunday, injuring two Palestinians. More details http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/08/22/1164432/two-palestinians-injured-as-israelpounds-gaza-strip? Israel launches air strikes over Gaza in response to rocket attack Israel launched air strikes on Beit Hanoun, a city on the northeast edge of the Gaza Strip, the army and police have said. It came after militants in the Gaza strip fired a rocket at the Israeli border town of Sderot on Sunday More details Sayfa 14 http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/israel-launches-air-strikes-over-gaza-response-rocket-attack-by-militants1577289? Hundreds of Palestine’s Hamas Fighters Join Rafah Parade in Gaza Strip Hundreds of masked Hamas militants held a parade in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the deaths of three senior members killed during the 2014 war with Israel. More details http://en.alalam.ir/news/1853092? Obama’s behavior toward Israel is not Netanyahu’s fault Just as global anti-Semitism is not Israel’s fault, neither is the appalling behavior of the Obama administration toward Netanyahu. More details http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Obamas-behavior-toward-Israel-is-not-Netanyahus-fault-464697? Israeli Soldiers Kidnap Nine Palestinians In The West Bank Isoldiers invaded, on Monday at dawn, several districts in the occupied West Bank, searched homes and kidnapped at nine eight Palestinians, including six in Hebron. More details http://imemc.org/article/israeli-soldiers-kidnap-nine-palestinians-in-the-west-bank-2/? If You Love Israel, Trump is the Only Possible Choice Hillary Clinton is the worst presidential candidate on Israel since Barack Obama, who was the worst ever. More details http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/08/21/love-israel-trump-possible-choice/? IDF 'not interested in an escalation' after targeting dozens of Gaza terror sites Following a night of air strikes targeting terror sites in the Gaza Strip, a senior IDF official said Monday that the military "is not interested in an escalation." None the less, the official said that IDF is ready for "anything." More details Sayfa 15 http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/IDF-not-interested-in-escalation-after-targeting-50-Gazaterror-sites-464720 Lebanese civil defense members protest for full-time employment near Israeli border A south Lebanon lawmaker Saturday pledged support to Civil Defense volunteers protesting along the country’s southern border for full-time employment.Shebaa MP Qassem Hashem visited the volunteers, who have erected a tent only 20 meters from Israel's technical fence. More details http://www.albawaba.com/news/lebanese-civil-defense-members-protest-full-time-employmentnear-israeli-border-875162 US, Israel Created Daesh to Distract Muslims from Palestine, Al Aqsa Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said the US and Israeli regime created Daesh (also known as ISIL and ISIS) to use it as a tool to deflect Muslims’ attention from the issue of Palestine. On the 21st of Aug, 47 years ago, a Zionist Australian settler in coordination with Israeli officials and military forces, set the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque on fire. The fire gutted the southeastern wing of the mosque. Al-Aqsa is known to Muslims all over as Haram-al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary). More Details: http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/08/21/1164259/us-israel-created-daesh-to-distractmuslims-from-palestine-al-aqsa? 5. JORDAN and LEBANON FPM rules out Cabinet resignations over extensions The Free Patriotic Movement’s strong objections to the extension of the terms of senior military officials will not threaten the fate of the already divided government, FPM lawmakers said, but warned Sunday of escalatory measures, including street protests, next month against further extensions. More Details: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2016/Aug-22/368321-fpm-rules-out-cabinetresignations-over-extensions.ashx Sayfa 16 Less than 40% of eligible voters will go to polls, 19% undecided The Phenix Centre for Economic and Informatics Studies has polled Jordanians on their attitudes to participating in the September 20 parliamentary elections. A copy of the study, e-mailed to The Jordan Times on Sunday, said the poll aimed at testing Jordanians’ willingness to vote in the upcoming elections to choose their new deputies. More Details: http://jordantimes.com/news/local/less-40-eligible-voters-will-go-polls-19-undecided-%E2%80%94study IEC to call lists with identical names or codes The Independent Elections commission (IEC) said Saturday it had scrutinized 230 lists that had registered to run for the September 20 parliamentary elections and will call in the lists found with similar names or code. "The IEC early today ended the examination of the names and codes, and tallying the identical lists and identifying those that had applied first, and will summon the lists whose names or codes had been duplicated with others", IEC spokesman Jihad Momani said. More Details: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=32408#.V7qr_vmLTcs Military Appointments to Decide Govt.'s Fate as FPM Mulls Responses The thorny issue of military appointments is expected to dominate the political scene next week, amid anticipation of the Free Patriotic Movement's response to Defense Minister Samir Moqbel's latest decision to extend the term of Higher Defense Council chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Kheir. The FPM has recently warned against the approach of extending the terms of top military officers, calling instead for appointing new chiefs. More Details: http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/215130-military-appointments-to-decide-govt-s-fate-as-fpmmulls-responses King urges all state agencies to back IEC His Majesty King Abdullah II Sunday reiterated his full support of the Independent Elections Commission (IEC) in the management of the electoral process ahead of the upcoming parliamentary polls. During a visit to the IEC, where he met with its head and members, the King urged all state institutions to back the IEC in its efforts "in a manner that guarantees achieving a successful electoral process that suits Jordan's reputation". Sayfa 17 More Details: http://petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=265775&CatID =13 Rahi presides over Mass in Seoul marking International Peace Conference's closing Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bchara Butros al-Rahi, presided over Sunday Mass at the Korean Martyrs Shrine in Seoul, crowing the end of works of the International Conference for Peace held in the South Korean capital. In his Homily, al-Rahi hoped that "peace would reign in countries that are torn by wars, including Korea and the Middle East." More Details: http://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/67197/Rahi-presides-over-Mass-in-Seoul-markingInternational-Peace-Conference-39-closing Jordan-EU trade deal may benefit economy and refugee crisis The recent trade deal between Jordan and the EU is a bold proposal to attract foreign capital and employ Syrian refugees. The European Union (EU) recently finalized a trade deal with Jordan, granting the Hashemite Kingdom relaxed rules of origin for 52 product groups manufactured in special economic zones. These zones—which are subject to less government regulation and taxes compared to the rest of Jordan’s economy—will be able to export made-in-Jordan products that include over 70 percent of non-local production inputs to European markets tariff-free. More Details: http://globalriskinsights.com/2016/08/jordan-eu-trade-deal-may-benefit-economy-refugee-crisis/? Israel: Hezbollah behind explosives found near Lebanon border Explosive devices discovered in a field by a farmer near the northern town of Metulla last month were smuggled into Israel from Lebanon by Hezbollah, Israel Radio reported Sunday. An unnamed defense official told the radio station that the three makeshift charges uncovered in a field were likely meant to be used in attacks against Israelis. More Details: http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-hezbollah-behind-explosives-found-near-lebanon-border/? Sayfa 18 Lebanon May File Complaint With UN Over Israeli Incursions Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil has called on the country’s mission to the United Nations to submit a complaint about the Israeli incursions in the occupied southern towns of Ghajar and Shebaa Farms, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. More Details: http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160820/1044461019/lebanon-israel-un.html? Raising Lebanon flag in occupied Shebaa farms, 500 Zionist troops deployed to area Lebanese Southerners Friday entered the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms to raise their country's flag in protest of the construction of a road in the area for use by the Israeli occupation military UN peacekeepers stationed along the border and the Lebanese and Israeli militaries went on high alert as the demonstrators crossed into the occupied territory. More Details: http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/08/20/773090/story.html? 6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA 'Saudi Arabia raising the flag of sectarianism in Islamic World' - says Sheikh Araki at Yemen intl conference in London Chairman of the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought remarked, “The Islamic community must pursue the path of unity, friendship, peace and security in today’s world; Saudi policies are currently raising the flag of sectarianism and division in the Muslim world,” More details: http://en.abna24.com/service/europe/archive/2016/08/22/773635/story.html? Saudi Arabia Defends its Leadership of Oil Market with Two Weapons Khobar-For long years, Saudi Arabia has been pioneering the crude oil market, given that it has been the biggest source of crude oil and biggest producer regarding quantity. However, this year, countries were not competing on their share of crude oil in the market, but on their share of oil products. During the first half of 2016, exports of Saudi oil have not significantly grown compared to the same period in 2015; competition with other producers, especially Iran and Russia, has gotten stronger as Russia topped the list of exporters to China, while Iran and Iraq have expanded their exports to India. Sayfa 19 More details: http://english.aawsat.com/2016/08/article55356841/saudi-arabia-defends-leadership-oil-markettwo-weapons? Saudi Arabia hits another school in Yemen Saudi pilots have launched yet another airstrike on a school in the Yemeni province of Ta’izz, with no information immediately available on possible casualties. According to Yemen’s al-Masirah television, the air raid hit the al-Rawd school in the district of Dabab in western Ta’izz early on Monday. More details: http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2016/08/22/481098/Yemen-school-Saudi-Arabia-school-Yemen? Yemen on Table of Gulf-U.S.-British Discussions in Jeddah Efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis are expected to witness a wide range of activities next week, starting in the city of Jeddah, on the Red Sea coastline, and ending in New York. Saudi sources told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that a meeting of the quadruple committee (Saudi Arabia, Emirates, U.S., Britain) will be held in Jeddah next Thursday, preceded by another Gulf-U.S.-British meeting on Wednesday to discuss the Yemeni file. More details: http://english.aawsat.com/2016/08/article55356839/yemen-table-gulf-u-s-british-discussionsjeddah? 'Stop the War Coalition' concerns about worsening Human Rights situation in Bahrain, Saudi crimes in Yemen For the past couple of years, London-based Stop the War Coalition has been very active in promoting humanitarian and human rights demands for causes related to the Middle East and the Arab World. It has also precisely taken part, or even organized, events, marches, and conferences concerning the crackdown in Bahrain launched by the Saudi-backed ruling Al Khalifa family, as well as the Saudi war on Yemen. More details: http://en.abna24.com/service/europe/archive/2016/08/22/773616/story.html? Ex-Yemen Leader Ready to Work with Russia to 'Fight Terrorism' Former U.S. ally and current ally of the Houthi rebels, Ali Abdullah Saleh, said his future government would be ready to open naval and air bases for Russia. A newly-formed governing council in Yemen Sayfa 20 could work with Russia to "fight terrorism" by allowing Moscow use of the war-torn country's military bases, Yemen's former president said on Sunday. More details: http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Ex-Yemen-Leader-Ready-to-Work-with-Russia-to-FightTerrorism-20160821-0019.html? Tajikistan and Qatar will cooperate in the field of security The fight against terrorism, extremism and other threats of the modern world were discussed at the meeting of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Ramazon Rahimzoda with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Qatar in the Republic of Tajikistan Ali bin Muborak al-Muhannad. More details: http://news.tj/en/news/tajikistan-and-qatar-will-cooperate-field-security? UK MP calls FCO to pressure Bahrain to release HR defender 'Nabeel Rajab' A member in the UK Parliament called on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to pressure on Bahrain to release the prominent human rights defender Nabeel Rajab. In a letter to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, MP Margaret Ferrier, the Scottish National Party politician, said that "the United Kingdom should use its influence to call for Mr. Rajab's release." More details: http://en.abna24.com/service/bahrain/archive/2016/08/22/773619/story.html? Envoy briefs US meeting on Qatar’s preparations for 2022 Alaska’s Governor Bill Walker met Qatari Ambassador to the US, Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari, during his visit to the US state. Talks dealt with means of enhancing relations between the US and Qatar, especially on economic and cultural levels. More details: http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/qatar/389811/envoy-briefs-us-meeting-on-qatar-spreparations-for-2022? Oman Cricket Board Chairman Meets Pakistani Ambassador Kanak G Khimji, chairman, Oman Cricket Board (OCB), paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of Pakistan, H E Ali Javed on Sunday. He was accompanied by Madhursinh Jeisrani, secretary general, Sayfa 21 OCB; Kiran Asher, treasurer, OCB and Duleep Mendis, coach, Oman national cricket team. Chief operating officer, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Subhan Ahmad joined the meeting via telephone. More details: http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/Oman/Oman-Cricket-Board-chairman-meets-Pakistaniambassador-4si4? 7. EGYPT MP resigns amid parliamentary spat over foreign trip Member of Parliament Ilhamy Agina resigned on Sunday in the latest development in an ongoing spat between members of Egypt's parliamentary human rights committee and speaker of the house Ali Abdel Aal. More details: http://www.madamasr.com/news/mp-resigns-amid-parliamentary-spat-over-foreign-trip? Parliamentary committees approve PBDAC Act, transfer of its ownership to the CBE The parliament’s committees of economic affairs and agriculture have approved the Principal Bank for Development and Agricultural Credit (PBDAC) ACT and have transferred its ownership to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), according to Magdy Malak, member of the Agriculture Committee at the parliament. More details: http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/08/21/parliamentary-committees-approve-pbdac-acttransfer-ownership-cbe/? Security cooperation protocol with Russia for Egypt’s airports is pending: Civil Aviation Minister Ground services lost more than EGP 300m when Russia halted its direct flights to and from Egypt More details: http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/08/22/537587/? Egyptian president: Putin willing to host Netanyahu and Abbas Egyptian President tells journalists he was told by Putin that he is ready to host direct talks between Netanyahu and PA. Sayfa 22 More details: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/216728? Egyptian koshary: The taste of the dollar crisis Following the trail of the recipe for koshary, the famous Egyptian dish of the low-income table, reveals how inflation has fed through the Egyptian commodity market, driven by dollar shortages. More details: http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/3/12/239355/Business/Economy/Egyptian-koshary-Thetaste-of-the-dollar-crisis.aspx Sisi meets with state-run newspaper editors-in-chief President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with editors-in-chiefs of state-run newspapers Al-Ahram, AlGomhuria, and Akhbar Al-Youm. More details: http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/08/21/al-sisi-meets-state-run-newspaper-editors-chief/ Three gunmen kill two police in attack on checkpoint north of Cairo Two security personnel were killed on Sunday when gunmen attacked al-Egeizy security checkpoint, located on a regional road outside Sadat city, Menoufia, the Interior Ministry said in a statement following the incident. More details: http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/three-gunmen-kill-two-police-attack-checkpoint-northcairo Egypt launches $1.8bn project for 116,000 homes Egypt’s New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA) has launched a project valued at EGP 16 billion ($1.8 billion) to build 116,000 housing units in 6th of October City for the middle-income segment, a report said More details: http://www.tradearabia.com/news/CONS_312287.html? Sayfa 23 Putin wants to be Middle East peacemaker, Egypt's Sisi says Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to host an Israeli-Palestinian summit to revive peace talks, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in an interview published on Monday. Sisi also told state newspaper editors that he believed Israel was increasingly convinced of the need for a peace deal, saying it was a "positive sign". More Details: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypts-sisi-says-putin-ready-host-mideast-peace-talks587029555? Occupied areas unhappy with Egypt-Cyprus natural gas plans An agreement signed between Cyprus and Egypt on natural gas exploitation cannot be accepted as it infringes on the rights of the Turkish Cypriots, the spokesperson of the Turkish Cypriot leader Baris Burcu has said on Monday. According to the statement from the occupied areas, Burcu said that the visit of the Egyptian Oil Minister to Nicosia and the agreement that was signed for the sale of natural gas by the ‘Greek Cypriot administration’ is not acceptable as the island’s energy reserves are ‘a common wealth of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots’. More Details: http://www.sigmalive.com/en/news/energy/148037/occupied-areas-unhappy-with-egyptcyprusnatural-gas-plans? 8. NORTH AFRICA Africa remains top priority of Morocco's foreign policy: Moroccan king Moroccan King Mohammed VI said on Saturday that Africa has been given top priority in Morocco's foreign policy, adding that this multi-dimensional relationship puts Morocco in the center of Africa. More details: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-08/21/c_135619211.htm? King of Morocco calls on diaspora to reject extremism and uphold Muslim values of peace Morocco’s king on Saturday appealed for “a united front against extremism” and urged members of the North African country’s diaspora, many of them in Europe, to defend a tolerant form of Islam. "I also urge them to maintain their good reputation, to show forbearance in these trying circumstances, to close ranks and to be, as always, staunch advocates of peace, concord and co-existence in their Sayfa 24 country of residence", the Sovereign underlined in a speech to the Nation on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People. More details: http://www.albawaba.com/news/king-morocco-calls-diaspora-reject-extremism-and-upholdmuslim-values-peace-875080 Tunisia’s Ennahda party has ‘reservations' about new cabinet line-up Tunisia's Islamist Ennahda party, the largest in parliament, said on Sunday it has "some reservations" about the line-up of the country's new unity government announced the previous day, but it will not seek to block it. "We have some observations and reservations to pass on to the head of the government-designate," Abdelkarim Harouni, head of the party's top body the Shura Council, told reporters. More details: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/tunisia-s-ennahda-party-has-reservations-about-new-cabinetline-148185501? Second cultural forum on "civilization of Iran and Islam" planned in Tunisia The 2nd edition of a series of cultural forums on “civilization of Iran and Islam” is planned to be held in Tunisia on August 24. According to the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, the Iranian Cultural Center in Tunisia will host the program. More details: http://en.abna24.com/service/africa/archive/2016/08/21/773373/story.html? In Tunisia, returning migrants find a ray of hope As the European Union searches for solutions to its migrant crisis, a program for returning migrants in Tunisia boasts a stunning success rate. But the bigger picture is grim. Elizabeth Bryant reports from Zarzis. Not so long ago, Imed Zouaga was working 13-hour days at a Paris-area factory, paid under the table as an illegal immigrant. At first, the long hours and loneliness seemed better than the alternative: weathering the post-revolution turmoil gripping his native Tunisia. More details: http://www.dw.com/en/in-tunisia-returning-migrants-find-a-ray-of-hope/a-19487365? Sayfa 25 Chahed nominates women and youth to new Tunisia government Tunisia's premier-designate has announced nominees for a new national unity government. Task No. 1 for the incoming ministers will be rejuvenating the economy. Defense Minister Farhat Horchani, Interior Minister Hedi Mejdoub and Foreign Affairs Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui would all maintain their portfolios in the new cabinet. The current transport, tourism, education and equipment ministers would keep their posts as well. More details: http://www.dw.com/en/chahed-nominates-women-and-youth-to-new-tunisia-government/a19490507? Libya forces launch air raid to cut off Daesh Air force units of Libya’s unity government launched an operation on Saturday to cut off potential escape routes for extremists holed up in the coastal city of Sirte, loyalist forces said. The forces of the Government of National Accord (GNA), on their Facebook page, said the surveillance operation covered central Libya as we1l as the western region up to the border with Tunisia. More details: http://gulftoday.ae/portal/de88a033-0d40-49a7-8e61-034eb5a12e23.aspx? ISIS is on verge of collapse in Libya's Sirte The media office of Al-Bunyan Al-Marsoos said its forces advanced Sunday into the residential areas 1 and 3, which are the last hideouts of IS terrorists in Sirte, adding that it had controlled key positions after fierce clashes with IS militants. More details: http://www.libyaobserver.ly/news/isis-verge-collapse-libyas-sirte? Messahel underlines total consistency of views between Algeria, Niger in counterterrorism Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and the Arab League Abdelkader Messahel underlined Sunday, in Algiers, the “total” consistency of views between Algeria and Niger in the fights against terrorism and illegal immigration. More details: http://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/13975-messahel-underlines-total-consistency-of-views-betweenalgeria,-niger-in-counterterrorism? Sayfa 26 King Mohammed VI Calls for Rekindling Solidarity between Morocco, Algeria King Mohammed VI on Saturday called for rekindling the commitment and sincere solidarity which have always bound the Algerian and Moroccan peoples. “We hope that the commitment and sincere solidarity which have always bound the Algerian and Moroccan peoples will be rekindled so that we may continue to work together, honestly and in good faith, to serve Arab and Maghreb causes and rise to challenges in Africa,” the Sovereign said in a speech to the Nation on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People. More Details: http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/08/194763/king-mohammed-vi-calls-rekindlingsolidarity-morocco-algeria/? 9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN Indians will always be with Afghans: modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the 1.25 billion people will "always" stand with the neighbouring country in ensuring peace and prosperity as he jointly inaugurated through video conferencing the restored Stor Palace in Kabul with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. More details: http://www.mumbaimirror.com/articleshow/53806955.cms? 4 prominent Taliban commanders killed in East of Afghanistan At least four prominent commanders of the Taliban group were killed during an operation in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. More details: http://www.khaama.com/4-prominent-taliban-commanders-killed-in-east-of-afghanistan-01750? Friendship gate at Pak-Afghan border remains closed on 4th day The Friendship gate at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remained shut on the fourth day as well after anti-Pakistan protests were taken out at Afghanistan's side of the border a couple of days ago More details: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/144376-Friendship-gate-at-Pak-Afghan-border-remains-closedon-4th-day?# Sayfa 27 Mopping-Up Operations Underway In Kunduz, MoD While war is going on in a number of volatile provinces and districts, the MoD authorities said that they have started extensive operations for retaking of volatile districts in Kunduz. More details: http://www.bakhtarnews.com.af/eng/security/item/24468-mopping-up-operations-underway-inkunduz-mod.html? Pakistan keen to steal top spot from India Pakistan cricket team is all set to take to the top spot of the ICC Test team ranking table, after the fourth day of the current Test match between India and West Indies was also washed out due to rain, on Sunday. More details: http://www.brecorder.com/sports/cricket/314986.html? CPEC excellent opportunity to develop agriculture: FPCCI Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) is calling for the inclusion of agriculture sector in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. More details: http://dailytimes.com.pk/business/21-Aug-16/cpec-excellent-opportunity-to-develop-agriculturefpcci? Tehran, Kabul call for expansion of economic co-op Iranian Ambassador to Kabul Mohammd Reza Bahrami met Afghan Government Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah here on Monday and discussed bilateral relations with him. More details: http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82197781/? Political tension has negative impact on warfronts: Mohaqiq The second deputy chief executive officer (CEO) on Sunday said the recent tension between the unity government leaders had a negative impact on the war fronts in the country. More details: Sayfa 28 http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/08/21/political-tension-has-negative-impact-warfronts-mohaqiq New electoral law to bring transparency Following allegations of the widespread fraud and clear systematic shortcomings in Afghanistan’s electoral system, both President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah committed to electoral reforms at the early days of the National Unity Government’s (NUG) inauguration in 2014.Electoral reform is also a key component of the NUG’s political agreement. More details: http://thekabultimes.gov.af/index.php/editorial/11642-new-electoral-law-to-bringtransparency.html? 10.TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST Jordan condemns Turkey wedding blast Jordan on Sunday condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a wedding ceremony in the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep Saturday evening, killing and injuring dozens of civilians. Minister of State for Media Affairs, Mohammad Momani, said that this cowardly attack is a new proof of the obscurantism of these terrorist organizations, forces of darkness and their hostilities and hatred toward humanity and life. More Details: http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=32414#.V7qr1_mLTcs Turkey Wants to Repair Ties with Egypt: PM Turkey wants to repair its ties with Egypt, after relations soured over the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Saturday. More details: http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2016/08/21/turkey-wants-repair-ties-egypt-pm/? Egypt condemns Turkey’s Gaziantep attack The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a wedding party in the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep on Saturday. More details: http://thecairopost.youm7.com/news/215767/newsletter/update-egypt-politics-digest-aug-21 Sayfa 29 Algeria condemns Turkey attack, urges for cooperation against terrorism Algeria on Sunday condemned the attack that targeted a wedding ceremony in Turkey, while urging the international community for wider cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The Algerian Foreign Ministry described the terrorist attack that hit Turkey on Saturday night as a "perfidious act." More details: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-08/22/c_135622168.htm? *This media summary is prepared by ORSAM Middle East Research Assistant Firuze Yağmur Gökler. It covers news and commentaries as reported by the national media sources publishing in the Middle Eastern countries. The views expressed are not those of ORSAM and their inclusion does not imply factual accuracy. *Bu bülten ORSAM Ortadoğu Uzman Yardımcısı Firuze Yağmur Gökler tarafından hazırlanmaktadır. Bülten Ortadoğu ülkelerinin yerel haber kaynaklarından derlenmektedir. Belirtilen görüşler bölge ülkelerinin haber kaynaklarına ve ismi geçen yazarlara ait olup ORSAM’ın görüşünü yansıtmamaktadır. Sayfa 30
