Coronavirus Ravages Middle East as Iran Warns of ‘Millions’ of Deaths
From Jerusalem’s Western Wall to Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, the coronavirus is changing the Middle East and people in the region are adjusting to a new normal.
World News
African locust swarm headed for Middle East
An ‘unprecedented’ locust swarm is forming in the Horn of Africa, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and is expected to cause major food shortages across Africa and the Middle East later this summer.
EU will close borders for 30 days to slow coronavirus outbreak
The European Union announced that member nations will close the EU’s external borders for the next 30 days to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
IMF says it’s ready to mobilize its $1 trillion lending capacity to fight coronavirus
The International Monetary Fund on Monday said it ‘stands ready’ to use its $1 trillion lending capacity to help countries around the world that are struggling with the humanitarian and economic impact of the novel coronavirus.
Putin Formally Signs Off on Constitutional Changes That Allow Him to Extend Power
Vladimir Putin has formally signed off on constitutional amendments that would allow the Russian leader to run again for president in 2024, the Interfax news agency reported on March 14.
WHO: Europe Replaces China as Epicenter of Virus Pandemic
The World Health Organization says Europe has replaced China as the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic.
Iran’s ‘Worst Nightmare’ Coming True: Middle Eastern Shiites Rise Up Against It
The regime in Tehran is in lots of trouble these days. As U.S. sanctions tighten, at least a quarter of Iran’s oil rigs are now out of action, ‘dealing a potentially long-term blow to its oil industry.’ The coronavirus ‘has now spread to every province in the country and people are fearful that the true scale of the outbreak is even worse than is being disclosed.’
U.S. Conducts Retaliatory Air Strikes Against Iran-Backed Militia In Iraq
The United States is conducting retaliatory airstrikes against an Iran-backed militia group operating in Iraq following a deadly attack a day earlier against a base hosting Western forces near Baghdad, the Pentagon says.
Russian parliament paves way for Putin to remain in power until 2036
Russian President Vladimir Putin could stay leader of Russia for many years to come.
Coronavirus declared a ‘pandemic’
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday, after weeks of resisting the label in light of a nearly worldwide spread of the virus.
US General warns about rapid spread of ISIS in Africa
A US General has warned that US counter-terrorism efforts and the efforts of national governments in Africa are not curtailing the spread of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda there, and that a new caliphate may soon be established.
Trump to pressure China to join New START deal to restrict their growing nuke arsenal
The Trump administration this week disclosed plans to seek an extension of the 2010 New START agreement to limit China’s growing nuclear arsenal and restrict exotic new weapons not covered by the treaty.
Putin and His Allies Endorse Scheme to Bypass Term Limits and Keep Him in Power
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday backed a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow him to seek re-election after his current term ends in 2024, ending uncertainty about his future.
UN freedom of religion official calls on states to reinterpret religion
A UN ‘special expert on freedom of religion’ is calling on states to regulate religion to suit modern ideologies of gender and sexuality.
Iran’s leadership falls prey to coronavirus
Iran’s leadership has been hit especially hard by the coronavirus, as the Islamic Republic predicts that 40% of residents in its capital of Tehran will be infected by the spreading virus within two weeks.
IAEA Demands Iran ‘Immediately’ Provide Access To Suspected Nuclear Sites
The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has demanded that Iran stop blocking its investigation into three possible nuclear sites.
Oil plummets 31% in biggest drop since Gulf War as Saudi cuts spark all-out price war
Oil futures tumbled 31% in a matter of seconds overnight on Sunday, their sharpest decline since the Gulf War in 1991. The losses are being fueled by sinking demand due to coronavirus concerns, which has in turn sparked a series of price cuts.
Saudi Crown Prince Eliminates Opposition
The Saudi crown prince has arrested two former rivals in a move that many see as an attempt to position himself to seize the throne from his 84-year-old father.
Coronavirus fails to be labeled ‘pandemic’ as cases rise
The World Health Organization declined to label the coronavirus a pandemic as the number of cases reached 100,000 over the weekend and extended its reach to 90 countries.
Russia, Turkey Pull Back From the Brink in Syria With Ceasefire Deal
Russia and Turkey have agreed to a new ceasefire in northwestern Syria, the site in recent weeks of numerous clashes between Turkish and Russian-backed Assad regime forces.