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MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN 31 JULY 2017
NO: 2415 1. IRAQ ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Besieged IS mufti blows himself up in northern Baghdad ...........................................................4
Iraqi Intelligence Foils "Biggest IS Terror" Plot .............................................................................4
PUK: dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad is a Necessity ...........................................................4
Abadi discusses Russian initiative to thwart chemical terrorism .................................................4
Tehran, Baghdad launch talks to refine Iraqi Kirkuk’s oil in Iran ..................................................5
Iraqis in East Mosul both Fear and Hope for the Future ..............................................................5
Suicide Bomber Attacks ISIS Gathering; 59 Killed in Iraq .............................................................5
Bangladesh plans to open office in Kurdistan ..............................................................................5
Iran, Iraq talk 'joint delivery' of Kirkuk oil ....................................................................................6
Iraqi Shi'ite Cleric Sadr Visits Saudi Arabia For Talks ....................................................................6
The Iraqi Siege You’ve Never Heard Of ........................................................................................6
Ezidi MPs: Ezidi rights guaranteed under an independent Kurdistan ..........................................6
Iraqi Kurds hope to reactivate parliament within two weeks ......................................................6
The Sinjar massacre ......................................................................................................................7
Takfiri Terrorists Facing Social, Military Breakdown: IRGC General .............................................7
Iraqi Turkmen leader: No one benefits from Kurdistan referendum ...........................................7
Iraqis say they foiled Daesh plan to attack revered shrines .........................................................7
Iraqi forces foils ISIS plot to attack Shiite shrines, Ayatollah Sistani's residence .........................8
Attack hits Iraqi embassy in Kabul ................................................................................................8 2. SYRIA .................................................................................................................................... 8
Russia Showcases Global Ambitions With Military Parades, One in Syria ...................................8
Al-Qaida in Syria nabs 3 Hezbollah fighters ..................................................................................8
Hezbollah, Nusra Front Implement First Stage of Arsal Outskirts Swap Deal ..............................9
Syrian refugees rejected because of links to group that opposes brutal Assad regime ..............9
Russia's RT Network Says Its Journalist Killed In Syria..................................................................9
US systematically targeting residential areas: Syria to UN ..........................................................9
Islamic State attacks 2 Syrian army convoys near Sukhna ........................................................ 10
Syrian jet annihilates an entire ISIL force in east Hama ............................................................ 10
Syrian army advances on Deir ez-Zur ........................................................................................ 10
Kurdish-led administration in Syria sets election dates ............................................................ 10
Squeezed in Raqqa, Daesh ramps up counterattacks ............................................................... 11 3. IRAN .................................................................................................................................... 11
Telegram denies Iran’s claim it installed servers there ............................................................. 11
Amazon under federal investigation for possibly violating Iran sanctions ............................... 11
Sentences upheld for Saudi embassy attackers in Iran ............................................................. 12
Iran rules out halt to missile tests as tensions with US rise ...................................................... 12
No one can harm Iranian Armed Forces: Rouhani .................................................................... 12
Iran-China H1 Trade Up 31% to $18 Billion ............................................................................... 12
Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad faces punishment over misused billions ........................... 13
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Iran Leader Calls on Hajj Pilgrims to Take United Stand against Israel ..................................... 13
Iranian Pilgrims to Attend Haj in Saudi Arabia Following Boycott Last Year ............................. 13
Leader: Riyadh responsible for Hajj security ............................................................................. 13
Trump says he will sign new Iran sanctions into law ................................................................ 14 4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE.............................................................................................................. 14
Israeli court upholds sentence for soldier in deadly shooting .................................................. 14
Netanyahu joins mob that sees Hebron shooter's judges as traitors who should stand trial .. 14
Bangladesh to condemn Israeli aggression at Al-Aqsa .............................................................. 15
Tensions Rise as Settlers Continue to Occupy Palestinian Home in Hebron ............................ 15
The “Apolitical” Approach to Palestine’s Water Crisis .............................................................. 15
For Palestinians, holy site showdown represents rare victory.................................................. 16
Hamas Sends Letter to Iran President on Al-Quds Developments ............................................ 16
Israeli settlers occupy Palestinian home in Hebron for sixth day in a row ............................... 16
Abbas Hospitalized For Exhaustion and Stress .......................................................................... 16
Israel's Shin Bet investigating embassy guard shootings in Jordan........................................... 17
Israel to strip Amnesty International of tax benefits over support for BDS .............................. 17
Netanyahu defends removing holy site metal detectors .......................................................... 17 5. JORDAN and LEBANON ......................................................................................................... 18
Abu-Ghazaleh Bids Farewell to UAE Ambassador to Jordan; Highlights His Efforts in Strengthening Relations between the Two Countries ...................................................................... 18
Jordanian newspaper reveals identity of Israeli embassy security officer ................................ 18
Economic growth in Jordan ....................................................................................................... 18
Jordanian Protesters Demand Cancellation of Peace Treaty with Israel .................................. 18
Report: Second Phase of Hizbullah-Nusra Agreement to Witness Militants' Transfer to Syria 19
8,000 to leave Syria-Lebanon border zone as ceasefire deal advances .................................... 19
Hezbollah takes journalists in Lebanon on a tour to prove Trump wrong ................................ 19
Bassil from Qusaya: national cohesion preserved our villages against outside breaches ........ 19
Hezbollah says mission accomplished in Arsal .......................................................................... 20
Arrested ISIS Terrorists Planned To Gas Everyone on Australian Plane: Revealed ................... 20
Saudi envoy underscores strong ties with Jordan ..................................................................... 20
King Abdullah honours UAE envoy ............................................................................................ 20 6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA .................................................................... 21
Doha Denies Reports on Arab Countries Opening Airspace to Qatari Flights ........................... 21
Saudi FM slams Qatar for 'politicizing' Hajj ............................................................................... 21
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt to discuss new sanctions against Qatar ....................... 21
Arab foreign ministers meet in Bahrain .................................................................................... 21
Mercenaries killed in Marib, Jawf ............................................................................................. 22
Saudi Arabia grants USD 33 mln for UNICEF anti-cholera programmes in Yemen ................... 22
Iran, Oman call for expansion of parliamentary ties ................................................................. 22
Eight dead in Oman car crash .................................................................................................... 22
The Politics of Hajj: Saudi-Qatari Tensions Increase over Holy Pilgrimage Spat ....................... 22
Qatar crisis back to square one as economy shows the strain ................................................. 23
Manama meet renews call for Qatar to halt support to terrorism ........................................... 23
Arab countries ready for dialogue with Qatar .......................................................................... 23
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7. EGYPT .................................................................................................................................. 23
Egypt wins 3 seats in International Council for Small Business elections ................................. 23
Afreximbank Grants $200m Financing Facility to Arab Contractors ......................................... 24
Egyptian resort terrorist tried to join ISIS ................................................................................. 24
UAE backs Egypt ........................................................................................................................ 24
Egyptian prosecution order 11 maintenance workers detained over Cairo airport power cut 24
Egypt needs economic reform, but must heed warnings from the past .................................. 25
Egypt lifts restrictions on GDR deals, allows returns in dollars ................................................. 25
Egypt’s Arab Contractors targets 4 infrastructure flagships in Africa ....................................... 25
Euromoney Egypt Conference to focus on new opportunities ................................................. 25
Yields fall on Egypt's 3-, 9-month T-bills amid foreign buying .................................................. 26
Target population rate for Egypt 112 million by 2030: Health Minister ................................... 26 8. NORTH AFRICA ..................................................................................................................... 26
President of Republic Sends Condolences to President Butaflika on Passing Away of Former Prime Minister Redhda Malek ........................................................................................................... 26
Algiers’ African Migrants “Partially Open Door” Policy ............................................................. 26
Al-Serraj Visited Algeria to Discuss Paris Declaration with Officials ......................................... 27
Algeria Independence Figure Redha Malek Dies Aged 86 ......................................................... 27
Palestine-Al Aqsa: Rally to Support Palestinian People Saturday in Tunis ................................ 27
Air Malta Flights to Tunis More Popular than Expected ........................................................... 27
Morocco King Pardons over a Thousand Prisoners, Including Rif Protesters ........................... 28
How Morocco’s Economy Performed Under Mohammed VI’s Reign ....................................... 28
Pres. Rouhani Congratulates Moroccan King on Throne Day ................................................... 28
Libya’s Rebels Slain 5 in Attack on Haftar’s Forces ................................................................... 29
Libyan Warplane Shot Down Above Derna ............................................................................... 29
Irish Navy Rescues 109 Migrants off Libyan Coast .................................................................... 29
Italy's Navy to Patrol with Libyan Ships to Curb Human Trafficking ......................................... 29 9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN .................................................................................................. 30
Two Civilians Killed in Zabul Roadside Mine Blast ..................................................................... 30
Missive Blast Prevented In Nangarhar ...................................................................................... 30
U.S. Military Confirms Killing of Four ISIS-K Top Advisors in Afghanistan’s Kunar .................... 30
4 Daesh suspects arrested in Nangarhar raids .......................................................................... 30
12 Taliban militants killed in Jawzjan ........................................................................................ 31
Persisting war disheartens female journalists in Afghanistan, poll........................................... 31
Massive Opposition Rally Held in Pakistan after PM's Resignation .......................................... 31
Pakistan could be moving toward new era of accountability ................................................... 31
Pakistani parliament to elect new prime minister on Tuesday ................................................. 32
Economic corridor project with Beijing assured despite Pakistan leadership change .............. 32
Pakistan: back from the Brink ................................................................................................... 32
Interim Pakistan PM candidate Shahid Abbasi faces 220 billion corruption inquiry ................ 32 10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................ 33
Airstrikes kill 12 PKK terrorists in Turkey, N.Iraq ....................................................................... 33
Istanbulites rally against Israel's Al-Aqsa move ........................................................................ 33
UN agency launches website for refugees in Turkey ................................................................ 33
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1. IRAQ
Besieged IS mufti blows himself up in northern Baghdad
Islamic State’s legislator (mufti) of the so-called Baghdad State has blown up himself after being
besieged by security troops in northern Baghdad, according to the Baghdad Operations Command.
More Details
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/besieged-mufti-blows-northern-baghdad/
Iraqi Intelligence Foils "Biggest IS Terror" Plot
Iraqi Ministry of Interior stated Sunday that it has foiled the "biggest terror plot" by the Islamic State
(IS) organization which meant to target Shi'ite sacred shines in Iraq.IS had plans to attack the Shi'ite
imam shrines in Najaf, Karbala and Samara, Abu Ali Basri, the director of Hawks Cell of the Iraqi
Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Service, was cited in the media reports as saying.
More Details
http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/367254
PUK: dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad is a Necessity
PUK leadership Council held on Saturday at a meeting under supervision of Mr. Rasul Ali. At the
meeting, the political situation in Kurdistan, Iraq and the region was discussed, and the results of the
visit of the delegation of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the
meeting of the Patriotic Union delegation with the Kurdish parties, praised the PUK's contribution to
the political situation as the ground was prepared between all parties, To achieve the activation of
the Kurdistan parliament and hold a referendum.
More Details
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=41701
Abadi discusses Russian initiative to thwart chemical terrorism
Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi chaired on Sunday a meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security
where he discussed the Russian initiative to resist chemical terrorism. The meeting discussed plans to
liberate ISIS-held districts after liberating Mosul, sources said.
More Details
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http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/15052/Abadi-discusses-Russian-initiative-to-thwart-
chemical-terrorism
Tehran, Baghdad launch talks to refine Iraqi Kirkuk’s oil in Iran
Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh and his Iraqi counterpart Jabar al-Luaibi have joined a
new round of oil talks in Tehran to discuss further cooperation between the two countries, IRIB news
agency reported.
More Details
https://en.trend.az/business/energy/2782346.html
Iraqis in East Mosul both Fear and Hope for the Future
Iraqi merchants and shoppers jostle in the lively open-air market of Gogjali on the eastern edges of
Mosul, their voices often drowned out by the honking horns of cars.“Mosul will never be the same
again,” sighs Yunes Abdullah, a 60-year-old former soldier who set up a stall to repair televisions and
other electrical appliances.
More Details
https://english.aawsat.com/theaawsat/news-middle-east/iraqis-east-mosul-fear-hope-future
Suicide Bomber Attacks ISIS Gathering; 59 Killed in Iraq
The Battle for Mosul has separated thousands of children from the families. Some are merely lost, or
their parents are missing. For others, their entire families may be dead. The UNICEF organization
fears that many are in extremely vulnerable situations.
More Details
http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2017/07/30/suicide-bomber-attacks-isis-gathering-59-killed-
iraq/
Bangladesh plans to open office in Kurdistan
Bangladesh is planning to open a representation office in the Kurdistan Region capital Erbil in the
near future.Bangladesh Ambassador to Iraq Abu Maqsoud Forhad told the Prime Minister of
Kurdistan Regional Government Nechirvan Barzani in a meeting, reports the Rudaw.
More Details
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2017/07/31/bangladesh-plans-open-
office-kurdistan/
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Iran, Iraq talk 'joint delivery' of Kirkuk oil
Iran and Iraq have strengthened their energy-sector ties, including the possible construction of a
pipeline to export Kirkuk’s crude oil to refineries in Iran.
More Details
http://www.rudaw.net/english/business/31072017
Iraqi Shi'ite Cleric Sadr Visits Saudi Arabia For Talks
Prominent Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has made a rare visit to Saudi Arabia, meeting with the
crown prince and other officials, Saudi state media report.
More Details
https://www.rferl.org/a/iraq-sunni-shiite-sadr-saudi-arabia-iran/28649106.html
The Iraqi Siege You’ve Never Heard Of
Summer sun beats down like a spotlight on the Tigris River meandering through the town of Shirqat,
the narrow band of water the only border between territories held by Iraqi forces on one side, and
militants from the so-called Islamic State on the other.
More Details
http://www.eurasiareview.com/30072017-the-iraqi-siege-youve-never-heard-of/
Ezidi MPs: Ezidi rights guaranteed under an independent Kurdistan
Yazidi (Ezidi) representatives in the Kurdistan and Iraqi parliaments have publicly expressed their
support for the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum.Speaking at a panel on the upcoming
Kurdistan Region's independence referendum, Vian Dakhil, a Kurdish Ezidi MP in the Iraqi Parliament,
praised Kurdistan for protecting the minority group, stating that “the Kurdistan Region has become a
safe haven for all religious and ethnic groups.”
More Details
http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/d68aa292-6705-450f-ada7-632eef559278
Iraqi Kurds hope to reactivate parliament within two weeks
Senior assistant to President Masoud Barzani, Hemin Hawrami, on Sunday said that they hope that
the Kurdish Regional Government’s (KRG) parliament will meet again on August 15, and that all
preparations for holding a Kurdish independence referendum on 25 September will be completed.
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More Details
http://aranews.net/2017/07/iraqi-kurds-hope-reactivate-parliament-within-two-weeks/
The Sinjar massacre
This week will mark three years since the Islamic State overran Sinjar and kidnapped more than 6,000
people. The town in northern Iraq is the ancestral homeland of a religious minority group called the
Yazidis
More Details
http://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2017/jul/31/the-sinjar-massacre-1635990.html
Takfiri Terrorists Facing Social, Military Breakdown: IRGC General
Takfiri terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq are experiencing a dismal social failure which has laid the
ground for their military downfall, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) deputy chief for
political affairs said Monday.
More Details
https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/07/31/1479152/takfiri-terrorists-facing-social-
military-breakdown-irgc-general
Iraqi Turkmen leader: No one benefits from Kurdistan referendum
Iraqi Turkmen leader has said the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan planned to be held on
Sept. 25 would not benefit any group in the region.
More Details
https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2017/07/31/iraqi-turkmen-leader-no-one-benefits-from-
kurdistan-referendum
Iraqis say they foiled Daesh plan to attack revered shrines
Iraqi intelligence officials said Sunday they foiled an attempt by the Daesh group to attack revered
Shiite shrines and the sect’s spiritual leader. The Daesh plan was to launch a series of suicide attacks
in Karbala and Najaf that house the shrines as well as the home of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, two
officers told The Associated Press.
More Details
http://www.arabnews.com/node/1136996/middle-east
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Iraqi forces foils ISIS plot to attack Shiite shrines, Ayatollah Sistani's residence
"The terrorist Daesh (ISIS group) was prepared for three separate operations led by terrorists from
outside Iraq to attack the shrines of Shiite Imams in the provinces of Karbala, Najaf and Samarra, and
the residency of the top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf," the state-owned al-Sabah
newspaper quoted Abu Ali al-Basri, head of intelligence apparatus of the Counter-Terrorism Service
(CTS), as saying.
More Details
http://en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/iraqi-forces-foils-isis-plot-to-attack-shiite-shrines-
ayatollah-sistanis-residence_845063.html
Attack hits Iraqi embassy in Kabul
An attack targeted Iraqi embassy in Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, officials confirmed. The attack
was launched 11:10 with a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance of the embassy
paving way for the remaning three, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.
More Details
http://1tvnews.af/en/news/afghanistan/30528-breaking--attack-hits-iraq-embassy-in-kabul
2. SYRIA
Russia Showcases Global Ambitions With Military Parades, One in Syria
Russia’s global military ambition was on display Sunday when the country celebrated Navy Day with
large military parades not only in St. Petersburg, but also off the coast of Syria. The parades of ships,
submarines and aircraft were held at Russian naval bases in Sevastopol, which Russia annexed from
Ukraine in 2014, and at Tartus in Syria, where Russia is expanding its military presence.
More Details:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/30/world/europe/russia-parade-syria.html
Al-Qaida in Syria nabs 3 Hezbollah fighters
A Syrian affiliate of al-Qaida says it has captured three fighters of the Lebanese militant group
Hezbollah in the Arsal region along the Syrian-Lebanese border. The two sides exchanged the bodies
of dead fighters on Sunday in the first stage of an agreement to restore order to the contested
frontier zone.
More Details:
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http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-russia-today-reporter-killed-syria-48934857
Hezbollah, Nusra Front Implement First Stage of Arsal Outskirts Swap Deal
Implementation of the first stage of ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Nusra Front in the
outskirts of Lebanon’s northeastern border town of Arsal started on Sunday, Al-Manar
correspondent said. The first stage of the deal is a corpse swap operation, in which 5 bodies of
Hezbollah martyrs will be exchanged by nine corpses of killed Nusra terrorists, our correspondent
reported.
More Details:
https://english.almanar.com.lb/314455
Syrian refugees rejected because of links to group that opposes brutal Assad regime
Hooked to an artificial respirator, Khaldoun Senjab has been identified by the United Nations as a
Syrian refugee for priority resettlement. A Canadian official who interviewed the computer systems
programmer in Lebanon last year noted on the refugee sponsorship application for Senjab, his wife
and two children: “Beautiful family that will settle well.”
More Details:
https://www.thestar.com/news/immigration/2017/07/30/syrian-refugees-rejected-because-of-links-
to-group-that-opposes-brutal-assad-regime.html
Russia's RT Network Says Its Journalist Killed In Syria
Russia's state-funded international network RT says one of its correspondents has been killed in
shelling by Islamic State (IS) forces in Syria. The network said on July 30 that Khaled Alkhateb, 25, was
killed while reporting earlier that day on the Syrian Army's operations against IS around the town of
Sukhna, in the eastern part of the Homs Province.
More Details:
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-rt-journalist-killed-syria/28648826.html
US systematically targeting residential areas: Syria to UN
Damascus has called on the UN to end the Washington’s crimes against Syrian civilians, while
stressing that the US is systematically targeting residential areas. On Sunday, the Syrian foreign
ministry sent two letters to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the chairman of the UN
Security Council, calling for the dissolving of the US-led coalition in Syria which is operating in the
country without permission from Damascus.
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More Details:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/07/31/530206/syria-us-un-coalition-airstrikes
Islamic State attacks 2 Syrian army convoys near Sukhna
The self-proclaimed Islamic State group attacked two convoys belonging to the Syrian army, and its
allied militias, near the city of al-Sukhna, east of Homs. Qasioun News reported, today, that the
Islamic State militants attacked two convoys that belong to the Syrian army, near the city of Sukhna,
east of Homs Province, amid clashes between the two sides in the city.
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/arab-world-news/islamic-state-attacks-2-syrian-army-convoys-near-
sukhna/
Syrian jet annihilates an entire ISIL force in east Hama
Minutes ago, a Syrian jet carried out an imperative airstrike over the eastern countryside of the
Hama Governorate, wiping out an entire Islamic State (ISIL) force near Salamiyah City. According to
local journalists in Salamiyah, the Islamic State force traveling in the eastern countryside of
Salamiyah was comprised of at least 18 militants – all were killed by the Syrian airstrike.
More Details:
https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-jet-annihilates-entire-isil-force-east-hama/
Syrian army advances on Deir ez-Zur
The Syrian regime continues to advance south of Raqqa towards the ISIS stronghold of Deir ez-Zur,
gaining significant ground in recent days, according to reports. The Syrian army and allied militias
took control from ISIS of the town of Ghanim al-Ali, located on the eastern edge of Raqqa province,
the conflict monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Sunday.
More Details:
http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/30072017
Kurdish-led administration in Syria sets election dates
The Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria has set dates for local council and regional assembly
elections, an official said on Saturday, in an apparent move to consolidate its growing autonomy.
Kurdish groups and their allies control swathes of northern Syria in areas held by the US-backed
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of militias spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG.
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More Details:
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170730-kurdish-led-administration-in-syria-sets-election-
dates/
Squeezed in Raqqa, Daesh ramps up counterattacks
As Daesh (ISIS) fighters steadily lose chunks of their Syrian bastion Raqqa to a U.S.-backed force, they
are ramping up the ferocity of their counterattacks. The Syrian Democratic Forces first broke into
Raqqa in early June and have advanced in a pincer-like motion toward the heart of the city. The
alliance’s Arab and Kurdish fighters now hold half of Raqqa, but as they tighten the noose around
Daesh, the militant group appears to be lashing out.
More Details:
https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2017/Jul-31/414482-squeezed-in-raqqa-daesh-
ramps-up-counterattacks.ashx
3. IRAN
Telegram denies Iran’s claim it installed servers there
Iran’s communications and information technology minister was quoted Sunday as saying the widely
used Telegram messenger service has transferred some of its servers into the country, but the
encrypted application’s founder swiftly denied the claim. The report from Iran’s semi-official ISNA
news agency quoted Mahmoud Vaezi as saying: “As a result of meetings with Telegram managers,
some of its servers have been moved to the country.”
More Details:
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/iran-telegram-transfers-some-of-its-servers-to-iran/
Amazon under federal investigation for possibly violating Iran sanctions
Amazon told investors it is under federal investigation after the web-based retailer admitted to
selling products to at least one Iranian on the U.S. government's black list of people allegedly
associated with terrorism, a violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran.
More Details:
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/07/30/Amazon-under-federal-investigation-for-possibly-
violating-Iran-sanctions/3761501465831/
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Sentences upheld for Saudi embassy attackers in Iran
Iran's official IRNA news agency is reporting that an appeals court has approved the jail sentences for
10 people charged with attacking Saudi diplomatic missions. The Sunday report says that a lawyer
associated with the case said the prison sentences for the 10 attackers, ranging from three to six
months each, was approved by the appeals court.
More Details:
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/07/30/sentences-upheld-for-saudi-embassy-attackers-in-
iran.html
Iran rules out halt to missile tests as tensions with US rise
Iran vowed to press ahead with its missile program and condemned new U.S. sanctions, as tensions
rise after the West hardened its tone against the Islamic republic. In the latest incident, Tehran and
Washington accused each other's naval forces of provocative maneuvers in the Gulf that culminated
in a U.S. helicopter firing warning flares.
More Details:
https://www.dailysabah.com/mideast/2017/07/31/iran-rules-out-halt-to-missile-tests-as-tensions-
with-us-rise
No one can harm Iranian Armed Forces: Rouhani
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the three branches of the government support the country’s
Armed Forces and no one can harm them. Rouhani made the remarks following a meeting with
Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani in Tehran on
Sunday amid the recent US bids to impose fresh sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
More Details:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/07/30/530173/Iran-US-Hassan-Rouhani-Ali-Larijani-Sadeq-Amoli-
Larijani-Armed-Forces-sanctions
Iran-China H1 Trade Up 31% to $18 Billion
China has traditionally been Iran's biggest trading partner. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,
the official name of the nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers, including China, in 2015, gave a
further boost to bilateral economic relations. Bilateral trade grew 31% during the first half of 2017
compared with last year's corresponding period to reach $18 billion, Iran-China Chamber of
Commerce cited data from Chinese customs department.
More Details:
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https://financialtribune.com/articles/economy-domestic-economy/69312/iran-china-h1-trade-up-
31-to-18-billion
Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad faces punishment over misused billions
Iran’s former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is facing sentencing after a parliamentary court
found him guilty of misusing billions of dollars in government funds, the public prosecutor at Iran’s
Supreme Audit Court said in an interview published Sunday. In an interview with the with the
Etemaad newspaper, Fayaz Shojaie assessed that the funds could not be recovered and that
Ahmadinejad did not have the resources himself to pay back the cash, according to a Reuters report.
More Details:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-iranian-president-ahmadinejad-faces-punishment-over-misused-
billions/
Iran Leader Calls on Hajj Pilgrims to Take United Stand against Israel
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Muslims should use the Hajj
rituals this year to take a united stance against Israeli efforts to control the al-Aqsa Mosque. Tensions
are still high at Islam’s third holiest site in Jerusalem al-Quds where Israel deployed troops last week
to restrict access to Palestinian worshipers but had to retreat amid fears that the standoff could turn
to a large-scale revolt.
More Details:
http://ifpnews.com/wired/leader-call-pilgrims-stand-israel/
Iranian Pilgrims to Attend Haj in Saudi Arabia Following Boycott Last Year
Nearly 90,000 Iranians are expected to attend the haj in Medina this year, and were due to start
arriving on Sunday, after Tehran boycotted the pilgrimage last year amid tensions with Saudi Arabia.
Around 800 pilgrims were due to leave Iran on three flights to Medina on Sunday, the director of the
haj at Iran’s Haj and Pilgrimage Organization, Nasrollah Farahmand told state media.
More Details:
https://thewire.in/163140/iranian-pilgrims-return-haj-saudi-arabia-boycott-last-year/
Leader: Riyadh responsible for Hajj security
In comments on Sunday, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution demanded Saudi Arabia provide a safe
environment for Hajj pilgrims, particularly Iranians, reminding Riyadh of its “responsibility” for the
annual ritual. “The serious and constant demand of the Islamic Republic is the preservation of
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security, dignity, and comfort of all Hajj pilgrims, particularly Iranian ones,” Ayatollah Seyyed Ali
Khamenei said in a speech to Hajj officials in Tehran.
More Details:
http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/415515/Leader-Riyadh-responsible-for-Hajj-security
Trump says he will sign new Iran sanctions into law
President Donald Trump said he would sign into law a new sanctions package that includes sanctions
targeting Iran. Trump’s statement came late Friday evening, a day after the Senate had passed the
sanctions bill targeting Russia, North Korea and Iran in a 98-2 vote. “President Donald J. Trump read
early drafts of the bill and negotiated regarding critical elements of it,” said a statement issued by the
White House. “He has now reviewed the final version and, based on its responsiveness to his
negotiations, approves the bill and intends to sign it.”
More Details:
http://www.jta.org/2017/07/30/news-opinion/politics/trump-says-he-will-sign-new-iran-sanctions-
into-law
4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE
Israeli court upholds sentence for soldier in deadly shooting
Back in March 2016, the Israeli soldier shot dead Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, a 21-year-old Palestinian
who was lying immobile on the ground, following an alleged stabbing attack in the West Bank city of
al-Khalil (Hebron). The killing, which was captured on a three-minute video, prompted widespread
international condemnations. The Sunday’s verdict called the soldier's actions "grave, forbidden and
immoral," with the 21-year-old French-Israeli due to enter prison on August 9, unless there is another
appeal.
More Details:
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/07/31/530223/Israeli-court-sentence-soldier-shooting
Netanyahu joins mob that sees Hebron shooter's judges as traitors who should stand trial
The echoes of the verdict in the Elor Azaria appeal have yet to fade, but the two rivals, Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, breathlessly took to their
Facebook pages with a plea for an immediate pardon, as if the convicted defendant was the 2017
version of Alfred Dreyfus. Bennett was at least sensitive enough to pay weak lip service to the legal
system (“We must respect the court ”) but the premier isn’t interested in such quasi-leftist niceties.
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“My opinion hasn’t changed since the verdict was handed down in January,” he declared, and said he
would give his opinion to the relevant authorities – as if his opinion is at all relevant – when the issue
comes up for discussion.
More Details:
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.804226
Bangladesh to condemn Israeli aggression at Al-Aqsa
A delegation of Bangladesh government has started for Turkey to join an emergency meeting of
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul. “We will express solidarity with the Palestinians
and strongly condemn the Israeli aggression at Al-Aqsa Mosque,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs
Md Shahriar Alam posted this statement on his official Facebook page on Monday.
More DEtails:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2017/07/31/bangladesh-condemn-israeli-
aggression-al-aqsa/
Tensions Rise as Settlers Continue to Occupy Palestinian Home in Hebron
Israeli settlers continued to occupy a building in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron for
the sixth day in a row on Sunday, despite an ongoing legal battle between the Palestinian
homeowners and Israelis. Since Tuesday, some 40 settlers have raided the Abu Rajab family home,
under the surveillance of Israeli forces despite a court ruling barring both Palestinians and Israelis
from entering the building’s second and third floors.
More Details:
https://www.albawaba.com/news/tensions-rise-settlers-continue-occupy-palestinian-home-hebron-
1003362
The “Apolitical” Approach to Palestine’s Water Crisis
Earlier this month, Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced a new deal in which Israel will
sell the Palestinians 33 million cubic meters of desalinated Red Sea water per year, with 10 million
cubic meters transferred to the Gaza Strip and the rest to the West Bank. The deal masks the fact
that Palestine is undergoing a man-made, rather than natural, water crisis. Government officials, the
international community, donor agencies, and even academic literature portray Palestine’s lack of
water resources as a foregone conclusion – a result of the region’s climatic conditions. What these
narratives fail to address is that Palestine’s water scarcity is a social and political construct that
obscures how Israel entrenches its hegemony over water resources, resulting in severe water
inequality for Palestinians.
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More Details:
http://imemc.org/article/the-apolitical-approach-to-palestines-water-crisis/
For Palestinians, holy site showdown represents rare victory
Though it was well past midnight, as news filtered through that Israeli police were removing the
remaining new security barriers from the Al-Aqsa mosque compound hundreds of Palestinians
flooded the streets. When one youth started to taunt Israeli police warily watching the gathering
crowds early on Thursday, others angrily remonstrated with him.
More DEtails:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1348647/for-palestinians-holy-site-showdown-represents-rare-victory
Hamas Sends Letter to Iran President on Al-Quds Developments
Khaled Qaddoumi, the Hamas representative in Iran, sat down with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister
for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Jaberi Ansari on Sunday. During the meeting held in Tehran,
Qaddoumi presented to the Iranian official a written message from Hamas’ political bureau chief
Ismail Haniya addressing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
More DEtails:
http://ifpnews.com/exclusive/hamas-sends-letter-iran-president-al-quds-developments/
Israeli settlers occupy Palestinian home in Hebron for sixth day in a row
Israeli settlers continued to occupy a building in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron for
the sixth day in a row on Sunday, despite an ongoing legal battle between the Palestinian
homeowners and Israelis. Since Tuesday, some 40 settlers have raided the Abu Rajab family home,
under the surveillance of Israeli forces despite a court ruling barring both Palestinians and Israelis
from entering the building’s second and third floors.
More Details:
http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?ID=778446
Abbas Hospitalized For Exhaustion and Stress
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was hospitalized in Ramallah on Saturday for what
his spokesman called a routine medical checkup.But doctors and Palestinian officials speaking
anonymously on Sunday told media outlets that Abbas, 82, was hospitalized due to exhaustion and
stress.
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More Details:
http://forward.com/fast-forward/378531/abbas-hospitalized-for-exhaustion-and-stress/
Israel's Shin Bet investigating embassy guard shootings in Jordan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Israel's internal security service to
investigate the shooting of two Jordanians last week that sparked a diplomatic crisis between Jordan
and Israel. The move comes after Jordan's insistence that Israel prosecute the security guard who
killed a teenager and the landlord at a residential building in Amman leased to the Israeli embassy.
More Details:
https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/israel-s-shin-bet-investigating-embassy-guard-shootings-
in-jordan-1.615546
Israel to strip Amnesty International of tax benefits over support for BDS
Israel’s Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has reportedly taken steps to strip Amnesty International of
its tax benefits in Israel, barring Israeli donors from receiving tax deductions from their donations to
the international human rights organization owing to its calls to boycott Israel’s illegal settlements on
occupied Palestinian territory, Israeli media reported on Saturday.
More Details:
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170730-israel-to-strip-amnesty-international-of-tax-
benefits-over-support-for-bds/
Netanyahu defends removing holy site metal detectors
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 30 defended his decision to remove metal
detectors from the entrance to a Jerusalem holy site after deadly unrest, saying it was in the best
interest of security. Israel installed metal detectors and security cameras after a July 14 attack near
the Haram al-Sharif, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, in which gunmen killed two policemen.
More Details:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=116122&NewsCatID=352
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5. JORDAN and LEBANON
Abu-Ghazaleh Bids Farewell to UAE Ambassador to Jordan; Highlights His Efforts in Strengthening Relations between the Two Countries
HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh received the outgoing UAE Ambassador to Jordan HE Mr. Bilal Al Bdour
who will be concluding his tenure soon and highlighted the efforts of the Ambassador in
strengthening the relations between the two countries.
More details:
https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/abu-ghazaleh-bids-farewell-uae-ambassador-jordan-
highlights-his-efforts-strengthening-re
Jordanian newspaper reveals identity of Israeli embassy security officer
Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad revealed on Sunday night the identity of the Israeli security guard who
shot dead two Jordanians in an incident at Israel's embassy in Amman last week. "This is the Israeli
that killed two Jordanians, Mohammad Jawawdah and the doctor Bashar Hamarnah, in what has
been termed the 'Israeli embassy crime'," wrote the newspaper. "The shooting was carried out in a
building that belongs to the embassy in Amman, last Sunday night."
More details:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Jordanian-newspaper-reveals-identity-of-Israeli-
embassy-security-officer-501220
Economic growth in Jordan
Major challenges facing Jordan have affected the performance of its macro and micro economy.
Domestic factors are linked to supply and demand. External ones have a significant impact on two
main components of the economy: exports and investment.
More details:
http://jordantimes.com/opinion/adli-kandah/economic-growth-jordan
Jordanian Protesters Demand Cancellation of Peace Treaty with Israel
The Algemeiner reports: Several hundred Jordanian protesters held a demonstration near the Israeli
Embassy in Amman on Friday where they called for the cancellation of the Hashemite kingdom’s
1994 peace treaty with the Jewish state.
More details:
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http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/07/30/jordanian-protesters-demand-cancellation-peace-
treaty-israel/
Report: Second Phase of Hizbullah-Nusra Agreement to Witness Militants' Transfer to Syria
The second phase of a ceasefire deal reached between Hizbullah and the jihadist al-Nusra Front
group militants is due on Monday, amid reports that top Nusra official Abu Malek al-Talli has already
moved to the border town of Arsal and will likely be flown to Turkey later on, the pan-Arab al-Hayat
daily reported.
More details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/233539-report-second-phase-of-hizbullah-nusra-agreement-
to-witness-militants-transfer-to-syria
8,000 to leave Syria-Lebanon border zone as ceasefire deal advances
About 8,000 people have registered to leave the Lebanese border region near Arsal for a rebel-held
area of Syria as part of a local ceasefire between Hezbollah and the Nusra Front, a security source in
Lebanon said on Sunday.
More details:
http://aranews.net/2017/07/8000-leave-syria-lebanon-border-zone-ceasefire-deal-advances/
Hezbollah takes journalists in Lebanon on a tour to prove Trump wrong
When President Trump lumped the Lebanese Hezbollah movement together with the Islamic State
and al-Qaeda last week, describing Lebanon’s government as a partner in the fight against all of
them, he might not have realized quite how complicated the situation in Lebanon is.
More details:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/hezbollah-takes-journalists-in-lebanon-on-a-
tour-to-prove-trump-wrong/2017/07/30/8e6c27b4-73cc-11e7-8c17-
533c52b2f014_story.html?utm_term=.4ac01d0520d6
Bassil from Qusaya: national cohesion preserved our villages against outside breaches
Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Gibran Bassil, stressed that national cohesion in every
village and town of Zahle preserved the region against breaches from outside the borders and inside
the country.
More details:
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http://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/81883/Bassil-from-Qusaya-National-cohesion-preserved-our-
villages-against-outside-breaches
Hezbollah says mission accomplished in Arsal
Hezbollah says it has concluded a military offensive against Takfiri terrorists on the outskirts of Arsal
after dislodging the militants from the northeastern Lebanese town on the Syrian border.
More details:
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/07/30/530118/Lebanon-Hezbollah-Syria-Arsal-Qalamoun
Arrested ISIS Terrorists Planned To Gas Everyone on Australian Plane: Revealed
Four Lebanese men in Australia, who have been arrested for alleged ISIS terror activity, intended to
take out a commercial jet by gassing hundreds on board.
More details:
http://en.alalam.ir/news/2001598
Saudi envoy underscores strong ties with Jordan
Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Prince Khaled bin Faisal bin Turki met with President of the Royal
Scientific Society (RSS) Princess Sumaya and discussed the activities of the RSS in applied scientific
research and consulting, Okaz newspaper reported.
More details:
http://www.arabnews.com/node/1136771/saudi-arabia
King Abdullah honours UAE envoy
His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein has granted Bilal Rabie Bilal Al Bodour, UAE Ambassador
to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with the Order of Independence for his efforts while performing
his diplomatic duties.
More details:
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/95559de8-821c-4749-bbdd-e8af089481e6.aspx
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6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA
Doha Denies Reports on Arab Countries Opening Airspace to Qatari Flights
The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) of Qatar and the counry's Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) denied reports that Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will
allow Qatari airplanes to use their airspace in cases of emergency, local media reported Sunday.
More Details:
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201707301056020911-doha-denies-open-airspace/
Saudi FM slams Qatar for 'politicizing' Hajj
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Sunday accused Qatar of trying to politicize the Hajj
pilgrimage amid a Gulf crisis. "Saudi Arabia does not accept the politicization of the Hajj rites," he
told a press conference following a meeting in the Bahraini capital, Manama, with foreign ministers
of four Arab countries boycotting Qatar. "We reject attempts by Qatar to politicize the issue and
consider it disrespect to the Hajj and pilgrims.”
More Details:
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-fm-slams-qatar-for-politicizing-hajj/872673
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt to discuss new sanctions against Qatar
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain are expected to discuss imposing
new economic sanctions on Qatar when they meet in the Bahraini capital Manama on Sunday,
Reuters reported quoting pan-Arab al-Hayat newspaper.
More Details:
https://news.am/eng/news/402853.html
Arab foreign ministers meet in Bahrain
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met Saturday with foreign ministers of four countries that cut
diplomatic ties with Qatar, APA reports quoting Anadolu agency Al Khalifa met with the top
diplomats of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and his own foreign minister, in a
meeting in which the ministers discussed regional and international developments and al-Khalifa
praised their efforts on fighting terror and extremism.
More Details:
http://en.apa.az/world-news/asia-news/arab-foreign-ministers-meet-in-bahrain.html
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Mercenaries killed in Marib, Jawf
At least of Saudi-paid mercenaries were killed and others wounded when the army and popular
forces waged military operations in Jawf and Marib provinces, a military official told Saba on
Monday.
More Details:
http://www.sabanews.net/en/news470596.htm
Saudi Arabia grants USD 33 mln for UNICEF anti-cholera programmes in Yemen
Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre signed a USD 33 million grant with
UNICEF on Sunday for programmes aimed at containing the cholera outbreak in Yemen.
More Details:
http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2626692&Language=en
Iran, Oman call for expansion of parliamentary ties
In a Sun. meeting between Iranian senior MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi and Chairman of Consultative
Assembly of Oman, the two sides stressed expansion of parliamentary ties.
More Details:
http://en.mehrnews.com/news/126818/Iran-Oman-call-for-expansion-of-parliamentary-ties
Eight dead in Oman car crash
According to a statement from the Royal Oman Police (ROP), "A two vehicle collision in the vicinity of
Qatbeet, Salalah, led to the deaths of eight people, five of which were Omani citizens."
More Details:
http://timesofoman.com/article/113929/Oman/8-killed-in-Oman-car-accident
The Politics of Hajj: Saudi-Qatari Tensions Increase over Holy Pilgrimage Spat
Qatar's religious authorities have condemned reports in Saudi media that Doha has suspended
registration for the hajj pilgrimage amid the diplomatic spat between the Gulf state and a Saudi-led
bloc of Arab countries.
More Details:
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https://www.albawaba.com/news/politics-hajj-saudi-qatari-tensions-increase-over-holy-pilgrimage-
spat-1003460
Qatar crisis back to square one as economy shows the strain
The Saudi-led alliance that severed ties with Qatar reinstated a list of 13 demands that must be met
before talks to resolve the eight-week crisis could start, just as as fresh economic data highlighted
the impact of the unprecedented boycott on the Gulf nation.
More Details:
https://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/qatar-crisis-back-to-square-one-as-economy-shows-
the-strain-1.615575
Manama meet renews call for Qatar to halt support to terrorism
The four Arab states that had cut diplomatic ties with Qatar have expressed readiness to start talks
with Doha on condition of having practical and honest desire in halting funding and support to
terrorism.
More Details:
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/514111/SAUDI-ARABIA/Qatar
Arab countries ready for dialogue with Qatar
Four Arab countries boycotting Qatar are ready for dialogue to ease the dispute if Doha agrees to
certain demands, Bahrain's foreign minister said on Sunday, according to Reuters.
More Details:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/233187
7. EGYPT
Egypt wins 3 seats in International Council for Small Business elections
Egypt won three seats in the International Council of Small Business’ board of directors elections held
in the Argentinean capital Buenos Aires. Ahmed Othman won the first vice president seat along with
the membership of the executive office, while Amr Abu Al Azm won the vice president for micro
finance seat, and Ahmed Shalabi won the vice president for special projects seat. The election also
resulted in the winning of new members from Finland, the USA, Indonesia, China and Argentina.
More details:
Sayfa 24
https://dailynewsegypt.com/2017/07/31/egypt-wins-3-seats-international-council-small-business-
elections/
Afreximbank Grants $200m Financing Facility to Arab Contractors
The Egyptian construction conglomerate, The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Company)
Limited, yesterday entered into an agreement with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to
receive a $200-million multi-currency guarantee facility to enable it meet its obligations under
construction contracts within Africa and the Middle East.
More details:
http://africabusinesscommunities.com/news/egypt-afreximbank-grants-$200m-financing-facility-to-
arab-contractors/
Egyptian resort terrorist tried to join ISIS
An Egyptian man who stabbed three foreign tourists to death and wounded three others at a Red Sea
resort earlier this month had tried to join Islamic State (ISIS), two security sources said on Sunday,
according to Reuters.
More details:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/233184
UAE backs Egypt
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has affirmed the UAE Government’s
support for the nomination of Ambassador Moushira Khattab as Egypt’s candidate for the Director-
General post for the UNESCO noting Khattab’s expertise and capabilities that qualify her for this
position.
More details:
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/8836d9a8-a4a7-4aed-80ee-049d016a83b1.aspx
Egyptian prosecution order 11 maintenance workers detained over Cairo airport power cut
Egypt’s prosecutor-general Nabil Sadek on Sunday ordered 11 electricity maintenance workers be
detained for 15 days in connection to a power cut at Cairo airport on Friday that disrupted flight
schedules, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.
More details:
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http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/274499/-.aspx
Egypt needs economic reform, but must heed warnings from the past
Economic reform is not alien to Egypt. In January 1977, then-President Anwar Sadat tried to
introduce a controversial economic reform that backfired and brought people out into the streets in
protest. He was forced to scrap the whole project due to what he called the “Uprising of the
Thieves.”
More details:
http://www.arabnews.com/node/1137101
Egypt lifts restrictions on GDR deals, allows returns in dollars
Egypt is lifting restrictions on Egyptian investors who buy global depository receipts (GDRs) by
purchasing shares on the Cairo exchange in Egyptian pounds, allowing them to receive their returns
in U.S. dollars, bourse chairman Mohamed Omran told Reuters on Sunday.
More details:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/egypt-lifts-restrictions-on-gdr-
deals-allows-returns-in-dollars/articleshow/59835144.cms
Egypt’s Arab Contractors targets 4 infrastructure flagships in Africa
Egypt’s state-run construction firm Arab Contractors (AC) is planning to carry out a number of
infrastructure projects in four African countries, its African sector head Ibrahim Mabrouk said
Sunday.
More details:
http://en.amwalalghad.com/business/real-estate/58342-egypts-arab-contractors-targets-4-
infrastructure-flagships-in-africa.html
Euromoney Egypt Conference to focus on new opportunities
The Euromoney Egypt Conference, being held in Cairo in September, will discuss the growing
opportunities for investment and partnership in Egypt.
More details:
http://www.tradearabia.com/news/MEDIA_328283.html
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Yields fall on Egypt's 3-, 9-month T-bills amid foreign buying
Average yields on Egypt's three-month and nine-month treasury bills fell at an auction on Sunday,
data from the central bank showed, amid high foreign buying of Egyptian debt.
More details:
http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5N1KL0I3?feedType=RSS&feedName=egyptNews&ut
m_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FAfricaEgyptNews+
%28News+%2F+Africa+%2F+Egypt+News%29&&rpc=401
Target population rate for Egypt 112 million by 2030: Health Minister
The Egyptian government has set a population control target of 112 million people in Egypt by 2030.
The plan is through the implementation of a ‘Family Planning’ strategy, that aims to regulate birth
rates, Health Minister Ahmed Emad Al Din said.
More details:
http://www.egyptindependent.com/target-population-rate-egypt-112-million-2030-health-minister/
8. NORTH AFRICA
President of Republic Sends Condolences to President Butaflika on Passing Away of Former Prime Minister Redhda Malek
President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Gali, has sent his
condolences to Algerian President Abdelaziz Buteflika on the occasion of the passing away of former
Prime Minister Redha Malek. "We learnt with great sadness and sorrow the news of the passing
away of former Prime Minister Redha Malek, on Saturday, July 29, 2017," lamented the president of
the republic.
More Details:
http://www.spsrasd.info/news/en/articles/2017/07/30/10035.html
Algiers’ African Migrants “Partially Open Door” Policy
Algeria has been an attractive destination for many African migrants since 2008 because of its
stability as a government and a country. With in that time, however, a sizable aflux of migrants has
grown within the country. Algeria is currently home to around 100,000 migrants, a majority of whom
are from southern Sahelian countries, mainly Mali and Niger, according to the Algerian Interior
Minister.
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More Details:
http://thearabdailynews.com/2017/07/30/algiers-african-migrants-partially-open-door-policy/
Al-Serraj Visited Algeria to Discuss Paris Declaration with Officials
Libya’s UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj visited Algeria on Saturday to discuss the latest
developments in his chaos-ridden country. Also head of the Presidential Council of the National Unity
Government in Libya, al-Serraj said his visit “is part of the regular consultations and coordination with
the Algerian authorities, as the latest developments of the Libyan issue are on the agenda of the
visit.”
More Details:
http://www.libyanexpress.com/al-serraj-visited-algeria-to-discuss-paris-declaration-with-officials/
Algeria Independence Figure Redha Malek Dies Aged 86
Algiers: Redha Malek, the last surviving member of Algeria’s negotiating team of the March 1962
peace agreement that led to its independence from France, died on Saturday aged 86, state
television said. Malek embarked on an extensive diplomatic career after the Evian accords that
ended an uprising against French rule, crafting Algeria’s role as a key mediator in the region.
More Details:
http://gulfnews.com/news/mena/algeria/algeria-independence-figure-redha-malek-dies-aged-86-
1.2066222
Palestine-Al Aqsa: Rally to Support Palestinian People Saturday in Tunis
The Palestinian supporters' association (Ansar Falastine) organized a rally in support of the
Palestinian people on Saturday night in front of the Tunis municipal theatre following the events that
took place last week at the Al-Aqsa mosque. In a statement to TAP, the president of the association,
Mourad Yaacoubi, urged the Tunisian authorities "to support the Palestinian cause by criminalising
any normalisation with the Zionist state."
More Details:
https://www.tap.info.tn/en/Portal-Politics/9245012-palestine-al-aqsa
Air Malta Flights to Tunis More Popular than Expected
In its first month of operation over 1,500 passengers have travelled on Air Malta’s new route to and
from Tunis, the airline said. After an absence of eight years from the Tunisian capital, the Maltese
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airline resumed its services initially with a three times a week operation on 26 June. “These results
are very encouraging and exceed expectations,” Air Malta said.
More Details:
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-07-31/local-news/Air-Malta-flights-to-Tunis-more-
popular-than-expected-6736177229
Morocco King Pardons over a Thousand Prisoners, Including Rif Protesters
Morocco's King Mohammed VI pardoned over a thousand people on Saturday, including mant
detained for participating in protests in the volatile northern Rif region, the country's justice ministry
announced. The pardon, which was announced just before the monarch gave a speech marking 18
years on the throne, will apply to a total of 1,178 people. The ministry said pardons were given to
individuals "who have not committed crimes and who are not implicated in serious acts ... bearing in
mind their family and humanitarian conditions".
More Details:
https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/7/30/morocco-king-pardons-over-a-thousand-
detained-rif-protesters
How Morocco’s Economy Performed Under Mohammed VI’s Reign
During King Mohammed VI’s 18 year reign, the face of Morocco has drastically changed. Since the
2000s, the kingdom’s GDP has practically doubled to hit all time records. Not only has this newfound
wealth helped the country reduce its poverty rate by half, but it has also set Morocco on the road to
become one of the leading developing countries in the region. Since his ascension to the throne in
1999, Mohammed VI has been well aware of the difficulties he would face reigning over a kingdom in
a precarious economic state. As he stated in his very first speech as crowned King, there is no magical
wand that could create a new way of managing public affairs – only hard work can help Morocco rise
again.
More Details:
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2017/07/224916/morocco-economy-changed-mohammed-
vi/
Pres. Rouhani Congratulates Moroccan King on Throne Day
President Rouhani sent a message to King Mohammed VI of Morocco and congratulated him on the
18th anniversary of the country's Throne Day. In the message, Rouhani expressed his heartfelt
congratulations to the Moroccan King and people, expressing confidence the friendly relations
between the two countries will develop in all areas, in light of joint efforts.
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More Details:
http://en.mehrnews.com/news/126798/Pres-Rouhani-congratulates-Moroccan-King-on-Throne-Day
Libya’s Rebels Slain 5 in Attack on Haftar’s Forces
Rebels on Sunday killed five members of a force led by military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the
country’s east, sources said. “Terrorist groups attacked at dawn Sunday three sites under the
control” of Haftar’s forces south of the eastern city of Derna, they said. Four of Haftar’s forces were
also wounded, it added. Derna was known for being a bastion for rebels even before the 2011
uprising that toppled and killed former ruler Muammar Qaddafi.
More Details:
http://www.arabnews.com/node/1137086/middle-east
Libyan Warplane Shot Down Above Derna
A Libyan warplane belonging to the Tobruk-based House of Representatives was shot down Saturday
by the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna, according to military sources. Muhammed Idris Al-
Mansouri, of the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna wrote on his official Facebook account that
the group detained the pilot and co-pilot, however, the pilot later died and no additional information
on the co-pilot was given.
More Details:
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170730-libyan-warplane-shot-down-above-derna/
Irish Navy Rescues 109 Migrants off Libyan Coast
An Irish navy vessel rescued 109 migrants off Libya's coast on Sunday, following a request from the
Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre. The LÉ William Butler Yeats took four hours to rescue
the migrants off Tripoli, before providing food and medical treatment. The rescued migrants were
then transferred to the Italian Coast Guard. It was the vessel's first humanitarian search and rescue
mission since being deployed on 14 July.
More Details:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40773306
Italy's Navy to Patrol with Libyan Ships to Curb Human Trafficking
Italy's prime minister, Paolo Gentiloni, does not want to wait any longer for EU countries to show
solidarity in distributing asylum seekers throughout the bloc. On Thursday he announced in Rome
that the Italian navy would be patrolling with Libyan ships just off the Libyan coastline. The aim,
Sayfa 30
Gentiloni says, is to curb human trafficking and bring migrants back from the smugglers' boats to
Libya. According to the Italian government's figures, 93,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this
year. At least 2,000 have drowned in the attempt to cross the Mediterranean - the true figure is
unknown.
More Details:
http://www.dw.com/en/italys-navy-to-patrol-with-libyan-ships-to-curb-human-trafficking/a-
39899521
9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN
Two Civilians Killed in Zabul Roadside Mine Blast
At least two civilians were killed in a roadside mine explosion in southern Zabul province on Sunday
night, local officials said.
More Details:
http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/two-civilians-killed-zabul-roadside-mine-blast
Missive Blast Prevented In Nangarhar
A missive blast prevented in Nangarhar province last night. Security officials discovered and
neutralized a motorbike packed explosive from Jalalabad city.
More Details;
http://www.bakhtarnews.com.af/eng/security/item/29472-missive-blast-prevented-in-
nangarhar.html
U.S. Military Confirms Killing of Four ISIS-K Top Advisors in Afghanistan’s Kunar
Four senior advisors of Islamic State (IS) have been killed, following a U.S. airstrike in eastern Kunar
province of Afghanistan, U.S. forces in Afghanistan said in a statement Sunday.
More Details:
http://ariananews.af/u-s-military-confirms-killing-of-four-isis-k-top-advisors-in-afghanistans-kunar/
4 Daesh suspects arrested in Nangarhar raids
Four suspected Islamic State militants, including two young boys, have been arrested by police and
intelligence operatives from separate areas of eastern Nangarhar province, officials said on Sunday.
Sayfa 31
More Details:
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2017/07/30/4-daesh-suspects-arrested-nangarhar-raids
12 Taliban militants killed in Jawzjan
The clash took place in Aqcha district in which Taliban insurgents received causalities. The Provincial
Governor Spokesman, Mohammad Reza Ghafooori confirmed the news, saying that these Taliban
fighters were killed after they (Taliban) attacked security force in the district.
More Details:
http://afghanistantimes.af/12-taliban-militants-killed-in-jawzjan/
Persisting war disheartens female journalists in Afghanistan, poll
Findings of the Center for Protection of Afghan Women Journalists (CPAWJ) indicated that the
number of women journalists working for media is reducing, particularly at the provincial level in the
recent years as war and violence intensify in Afghanistan.
More Details:
http://thekabultimes.gov.af/index.php/opinions/social/14607-persisting-war-disheartens-female-
journalists-in-afghanistan-poll.html
Massive Opposition Rally Held in Pakistan after PM's Resignation
Thousands gathered in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Sunday in support of opposition party
leader Imran Khan before a meeting of parliament on Tuesday which will see a new Prime minister
elected.
More Details:
http://www.euronews.com/2017/07/31/massive-oposition-rally-held-in-pakistan-after-pm-
resignation?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+euronews%2F
en%2Fnews+%28euronews+-+news+-+en%29
Pakistan could be moving toward new era of accountability
There was nearly complete silence in Pakistan on Friday morning, as it was Judgment Day, not only
for Nawaz Sharif, but also for his dynasty. Pakistanis around the world were glued to their television
screens, and this time it was not because their very own Shahid Afridi was holding the bat on the
cricket pitch to hit a six, but instead, the sitting prime minister was doing the batting.
More Details:
Sayfa 32
http://www.atimes.com/pakistan-moving-toward-new-era-accountability/
Pakistani parliament to elect new prime minister on Tuesday
Pakistan’s parliament will elect a new prime minister on Tuesday to replace ousted leader Nawaz
Sharif, with ruling party stalwart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expected to become interim leader until
Sharif’s own brother is eligible.
More Details:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/30/pakistan-lawmakers-to-elect-new-prime-minister-
on-tuesday
Economic corridor project with Beijing assured despite Pakistan leadership change
The supreme court of Pakistan disqualified Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday, and
he ceased to be the prime minister of the country. Nawaz Sharif has named his younger brother
Shahbaz Sharif as successor, but it will take some time before a new prime minister is in place.
More Details:
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1058749.shtml
Pakistan: back from the Brink
Pakistan's Supreme Court issued an historic, but controversial decision on November 28, dismissing
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for misstating his "assets" to the election authorities in order to contest
the 2013 election.
More Details:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2017-07/31/content_41319958.htm
Interim Pakistan PM candidate Shahid Abbasi faces 220 billion corruption inquiry
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PNL-N) leader and the country’s interim Prime Ministerial candidate
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is facing a Rs. 220 billion corruption inquiry by the National Accountability
Bureau (NAB) over an illegal contract to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
More Details:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2017/jul/31/interim-pakistan-pm-candidate-shahid-
abbasi-faces-220-billion-corruption-inquiry-1636124.html
Sayfa 33
10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Airstrikes kill 12 PKK terrorists in Turkey, N.Iraq
Turkish jets killed 12 PKK terrorists in separate counterterrorism operations in southeastern Turkey
and northern Iraq, military statements said on Sunday.According to a Turkish Armed Forces
statement, the operations in northern Iraq were conducted in the Zap and Matina regions Saturday
evening, killing three terrorists, who were preparing for an attack.
More Details
http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/airstrikes-kill-12-pkk-terrorists-in-turkey-niraq/872396
Istanbulites rally against Israel's Al-Aqsa move
Women and men of all ages, student groups, and families came together at Istanbul's Yenikapi
Square on Sunday to show solidarity with Palestinians following the recent Israeli restrictions on Al-
Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. "Jerusalem is our heart," stressed a 32-year-old Turkish woman, who was
at the rally with her 3-year-old baby girl carrying a Palestinian flag.
More Details:
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/31/07/2017/Istanbulites-rally-against-Israel-s-Al-Aqsa-move
UN agency launches website for refugees in Turkey
A new multi-lingual website offering refugees in Turkey information about rights, services and
obligations was launched on Monday. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Turkey said its "Help"
website would strengthen its outreach to millions of asylum-seekers and refugees in the country. It
said the website -- available in Arabic, Farsi, Turkish and English -- would serve as the UNHCR's
"online interface for information intended for asylum-seekers and refugees in Turkey".
More Details:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/192415/turkish-gendarmes-detain-over-600-migrants
*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.