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MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN 13 APRIL 2016
NO: 2140 1. IRAQ, .................................................................................................................................... 5
Security forces cleanse Heet Hospital in western Anbar, 40 ISIS fighters killed ..........................5
Iraq border town freed from Islamic State militants now isolated by war ..................................5
'Iraq may soon reach a point beyond repair' ...............................................................................5
Iraq: Ammar al-Hakim and Barzani Discuss Political Crisis ...........................................................6
Iraq’s Prime Minister Abadi Stuck between Parliament and Protesters at the Gates .................6
Islamic State Turns Its Fight in Iraq on Shiite Militias ...................................................................6
Pentagon Plans Rapid Increase in Iraq Military Operations .........................................................6
UN concerned over deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Fallujah, Iraq ..............................7
ISIS Fighter Numbers Drop In Syria, Iraq Amid US Military And Cyber Attacks ...........................7
Saddam Hussein's palace will become a museum in Iraq ............................................................7
International coalition announces new airstrikes against IS in Iraq and Syria .............................8
Deputy secretary general Barham Salih pays visit to Russian parliament Duma .........................8
Iraqi parliament postpones vote on new cabinet to Thursday, state TV says .............................8
Barzani and Ammar al-Hakim Discuss Political Crisis ...................................................................8
More than 4000 fighters to join cleansing battles in Fallujah ......................................................9
Army forces kill 4 ISIS elements in Heet District west of Ramadi ................................................9
Khamenei: America is supporting ISIS in Iraq to justify its dual practices....................................9
ISIS executes college student in front of his house south of Mosul .......................................... 10
ISIS put two options for its Kurdish members: launch suicide attacks or slaughter Peshmerga hostages ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Iraqi forces kill about 100 ISIL militants in Kirkuk, Hit and Mosul ............................................. 10
Isis destroys gates to ancient city of Nineveh near Mosul ........................................................ 10
ISIS ranks at lowest level since 2014 ......................................................................................... 11
Activist Nadiya Murad to visit Kurdistan, rally support for Yezidis ........................................... 11 2. SYRIA ................................................................................................................................... 11
Syria votes in parliamentary elections ...................................................................................... 11
President al-Assad: The Russian role has redrawn the international political map .................. 12
US Urges Russia to Get Syria to End Violence ........................................................................... 12
Russia Delivers Food to Syria's Deir al-Fardis ............................................................................ 12
Syria conflict: Russian helicopter crashes, killing two crew ...................................................... 12
‘Panama Papers’ Expose Dirty Dealings in Syria ........................................................................ 13
Joint Saudi-Turkey action on Syria and Yemen planned ........................................................... 13
About 760 Germans traveled Syria, Iraq to join IS, 29 soldiers among them ........................... 13
Syria peace talks sputter into second round ............................................................................. 14
Turkey shells targets in Syria after rocket fire hits border town – sources .............................. 14 3. IRAN .................................................................................................................................... 14
Agenda: Iran’s main export will not be oil. Its main export will always be terror .................... 14
Ayatollah Khamenei: US Support for Terrorists Hinders Eradication of Terrorism ................... 15
A strong Arab coalition .............................................................................................................. 15
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Iranian lawyers decry prevailing regional terror ....................................................................... 15
Oil output freeze deal possible without Iran's participation — Russian energy minister ......... 16
Iran president under scrutiny over juvenile executions ............................................................ 16
Iran is muscling up. We should push back ................................................................................ 16
Is inequality rising in Rouhani’s Iran? ........................................................................................ 16
EU renews Iran rights sanctions ................................................................................................ 17
President Rouhani Due in Istanbul for OIC Summit .................................................................. 17
Iran’s Young Population to Create Economic Boom: Envoy ...................................................... 17
Untangling Iran's web of sanctions after the nuclear deal ....................................................... 17
Iran receives delivery of Russian S-300 missile system despite Israel fears ............................. 18 4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE.............................................................................................................. 18
Palestinians meet with Arab states over UN draft resolution ................................................... 18
Israel gives blessing to Egypt's return of Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia ................................ 18
Why Incitement runs both ways in Israel/Palestine ................................................................. 19
Clinton: 'Unfair' to put onus on Israel for peace talks failure ................................................... 19
OECD sees Israeli economy slowing .......................................................................................... 19
Netanyahu to environmentalist protesters: Do you think we have a money tree? ................. 19
Palestine fights back against $655M it was ordered to pay in terror attack damages, lawyers say suit should not have taken place in U.S. ..................................................................................... 20
Abbas cuts off all PFLP funds following harsh criticism............................................................. 20
Israeli Forces Detain Five Palestinians in West Bank................................................................. 20
Will Ramallah be Palestine's first 'smart city'? .......................................................................... 21 5. JORDAN and LEBANON ......................................................................................................... 21
Joint Statement Issued at Conclusion of Deputy Crown Prince's Visit to Jordan ...................... 21
Prime Minister visits Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, calls for solution to Syria crisis .............. 21
PM denies using office to push for appointing relatives ........................................................... 21
Blast kills Palestinian official in Lebanon ................................................................................... 22
What Hollande’s visit means for Lebanon ................................................................................. 22
Jordan to continue at forefront of terror fight .......................................................................... 22
Lebanese Urged to 'Turn the Page' on Civil War Anniversary ................................................... 23
Lebanon couldn’t stop Islamic summit from branding Hezbollah a terrorist group ................. 23
Jordan's economy grew by 2.5 per cent in 2015, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). ................................................................................................................................................. 23
Border Guards receive 301 Syrian refugees .............................................................................. 23 6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA .................................................................... 24
Historic ties between Bahrain, UK stressed .............................................................................. 24
Belarus, Oman set to open joint education centers, hold contest of projects ......................... 24
Kuwait calls for Mideast free of nuclear weapons .................................................................... 24
Kuwait pushes to expel Knesset from international parliamentary group ............................... 25
Locust Outbreak in Yemen Desert Jeopardizes Various Countries ........................................... 25
Wars in Syria and Yemen among key issues troubling Arab youths ......................................... 25
Russia, Saudi Arabia ministers discussed oil production freeze — source ............................... 25
KSA-Turkey trade set to soar ..................................................................................................... 26
UAE Arrests U.S. Woman for ‘Insulting the State’ After Ignoring Strange Men ........................ 26
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Business Seminar Explores Qatar-Poland Opportunities .......................................................... 26 7. EGYPT .................................................................................................................................. 26
Thousands of Egyptian civilians tried in military courts: ........................................................... 26
Egypt turns over 2 strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia ................................................... 27
UNDP to grant Egypt $120M for youth SMEs ........................................................................... 27
Sisi gives assurances to Cyprus on hydrocarbons exploitation ................................................. 27
Egypt: 7,400 Civilians Tried In Military Courts ........................................................................... 27
Saudi's Aramco to increase oil piped to Europe through Egypt's SUMED pipeline - minister .. 28
Strengthening strategic ties ...................................................................................................... 28
Egypt's president allocates land free of charge to investors for 'industrial development' ...... 28
Egypt earmarks 500,000 acres of arable land for Saudi investors ............................................ 28
Sisi criticised over Egypt's island handover to Saudi ................................................................. 29 8. NORTH AFRICA ..................................................................................................................... 29
Morocco, Russia vow closer strategic partnership.................................................................... 29
Awareness-raising campaign against human trafficking “Not for Sale” to be launched Tuesday29
EU willing to support public service reform .............................................................................. 30
Jhinaoui: Tunisia calls on Libyans to prioritise path of dialogue to resolve outstanding problems ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Economic and Security Pressures Mount for Tunisia ................................................................ 30
Algeria works for Muslims "collective leap" towards better future ......................................... 31
Amendment to Penal Code aims at combating recruitment for terrorist organizations .......... 31
Jhinaoui: Tunisia calls on Libyans to prioritise path of dialogue to resolve outstanding problems ............................................................................................................................................ 31
MPs want clarity over possible army deployment to Libya ...................................................... 31
Libya: British plans to send in 1,000 ground troops to battle Isis thrown into disarray ........... 32
Algeria, US Endorse Libya's Efforts toward Peace, Reconciliation ............................................ 32
Import restrictions and slowing economy keep Algerian recovery at ‘modest’ ....................... 32 9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN .................................................................................................. 33
Panama Papers: the toll on Pakistan ......................................................................................... 33
Asila Wardak elected as OIC human rights commissioner ........................................................ 33
Afghan forces kill Taliban shadow district governor in Baghlan ............................................... 33
US prepared to assist Afghan govt. in defending Taliban during spring offensive ................... 33
Afghanistan, India, Iran finalize draft agreement for Chabahar port ........................................ 34
Rabbani says parliamentary form of govt pivotal for stronger Pakistan................................... 34
15 militants killed, 13 injured in Afghan forces ‘Shafaq’ operation in Ghazni .......................... 34
Taliban convene key meetings in their safe havens in Pakistan: CoAS ..................................... 35
India undermining Gwadar project: Pakistan army chief .......................................................... 35
Pakistan prison death: India family demands return of body ................................................... 35 10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................ 35
Turkey pounds DAESH in Syria after cross-border attacks ........................................................ 35
Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Saudi king in Ankara .................................................................... 36
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1. IRAQ,
Security forces cleanse Heet Hospital in western Anbar, 40 ISIS fighters killed
On Tuesday, Heet District Council in Anbar Province announced the cleansing of Heet Teaching
Hospital and al-Jamayia neighborhood in Heet District in western Anbar, while pointed out that the
operations resulted in the killing of 40 ISIS fighters. The Head of Heet Council, Mohammed
Mohannad al-Hiti, said in a press statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “The security forces
managed to cleanse Heet Hospital and al-Jamayia neighborhood in central Heet, after fierce battles
against ISIS fighters. ”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/heet-hospital-cleansed-west-anbar-40-isis-fighters-killed-
liberation-battles/
Iraq border town freed from Islamic State militants now isolated by war
Outside the police station, Iraqi men in robes and headscarves wait for permits to leave the dusty
border town of Rabia, which was wrested from the Islamic State group 18 months ago but remains
isolated and impoverished by the battle lines drawn around it. To the east is the city of Mosul, still
held by IS militants. To the west is the crossing into Syria, but that has been closed by Iraqi Kurdish
authorities.
More Details:
http://ekurd.net/iraq-border-town-isolated-war-2016-04-13?
'Iraq may soon reach a point beyond repair'
Without a coherent strategy to address the urgent needs of displaced Iraqis, the opportunity to
rebuild parts of the country liberated from ISIL may be lost, a new report has warned. The report
from the Minority Rights Group International and the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights, released on
Wednesday, highlights the dire situation facing millions of Iraqis amid the country's ongoing war
against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group. "In the context of
limited governance and continued insecurity, the opportunity afforded by the retaking of territory
from ISIS is being lost," the report states. "If communities are unable to co-exist, Iraq may soon reach
a point beyond repair."
More Details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/reach-point-repair-160411130748965.html
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Iraq: Ammar al-Hakim and Barzani Discuss Political Crisis
Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani and the President of Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq
(ISCI), Ammar al-Hakim, met to discuss the current acute political crisis faced by Iraq. In a meeting on
April 12, Barzani and Hakim discussed the latest political situation in Iraq as well as bilateral relations
between the Kurdistan Region and ISCI.
More Details:
http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/04/13/746985/story.html?
Iraq’s Prime Minister Abadi Stuck between Parliament and Protesters at the Gates
No matter what he tries, Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi just can’t catch a break. Faced with
thousands of protesters threatening to breach the Green Zone in Baghdad, Abadi relented to their
demand that he assemble a group of independent technocrats to form a new cabinet. But when
Iraq’s political blocs got wind of the proposed new ministers, they threw an almighty tantrum and
refused to accept a cabinet that didn’t include their own party apparatchiks.
More Details:
https://www.google.com.tr/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=nfkNV6rCEaPY8Afq1YGQBA&gws_rd=ssl#q=Iraq+news
Islamic State Turns Its Fight in Iraq on Shiite Militias
The Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) repelled an offensive launched by Shiite militiamen, many of them backed
by Iran, to recapture the village of Bashir south of northern Iraq’s Kirkuk, Kurdish media outlet Rudaw
reports. Kurds have been fighting for control of Kirkuk since ISIS swept through Iraq in June 2014.
More Details:
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/04/12/islamic-state-fights-off-shiite-militiamen-
iraq/?
Pentagon Plans Rapid Increase in Iraq Military Operations
The US war in Iraq has ended what seems like a dozen times. On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary
Ashton Carter indicated that the Pentagon is preparing for yet another escalation in military
operations in the beleaguered country. Over ten years since the US invaded Iraq, Prime Minister
Haider al-Abadi still struggles with problems in the newly formed government. Corruption, economic
problems, and a splintered military; the lack of cohesion hinders Washington’s anti-terrorism efforts
in the region.
More Details:
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http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160413/1037907217/pentagon-iraq-military-
expansion.html?
UN concerned over deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Fallujah, Iraq
The United Nations remains deeply concerned over reports that deteriorating humanitarian
conditions in Fallujah, Iraq, which is a stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) the terrorist group, said a
UN spokesman at Tuesday's news briefing. A report released by the World Food Programme (WFP)
Monday said that food prices remain extremely high in Fallujah, and stocks in shops and households
are depleting, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general.
There are also credible reports from key informants that people wanting to leave the city and seek
safety are unable to do so, said Haq.
More Details:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-04/13/c_135272787.htm?
ISIS Fighter Numbers Drop In Syria, Iraq Amid US Military And Cyber Attacks
As the United States continues its fight against the Islamic State group, the number of ISIS fighters in
Syria and Iraq is at its lowest level in two years, the U.S. government says. “In fact, we assess Daesh’s
numbers are the lowest they’ve been since we began monitoring their manpower in 2014,” Deputy
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in testimony before the U.S. Senate Tuesday, using
another name for the extremist group, Reuters reported. Estimates vary on the total number of ISIS
fighters in Syria and Iraq, with the CIA giving an upward estimate of 31,500 in 2014.
More Details:
http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-fighter-numbers-drop-syria-iraq-amid-us-military-cyber-attacks-
2352637?
Saddam Hussein's palace will become a museum in Iraq
Aformer palace of the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussain will be turned into a museum this September
more than 13 years after the invasion. The large mansion in Basra, southern Iraq, will become the
first museum to open in the war-torn country in several years after serving as a mess hall for the
British army during the war, according to National Geographic. The British pulled out from Basra in
September 2007.
More Details:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/12/saddam-husseins-palace-will-become-a-museum-in-
iraq/?
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International coalition announces new airstrikes against IS in Iraq and Syria
The war against IS in Iraq and Syria is still ongoing, and the international collation in April 12, 2016
conducted 13 new airstrikes against the Islamic States, IS, in Iraq and Syria. With the coordination of
the Iraqi government, the international collation conducted nine airstrikes in Iraq against IS. Two of
the airstrikes took place near Hit, in which 20 IS fighting positions, 16 IS heavy weapons, four rocket-
propelled grenade systems, an anti-air artillery piece got completely destroyed. Another attack
conducted near Mosul which could destroy two headquarters of IS and demolish an IS fighting
position and an IS assembly area. Also, a strike conducted near Near Qayyarah and two strikes
carried out near Sinjar that resulted in destroying three IS heavy machine guns, an IS staging area
and suppressing an IS mortar position.
More details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=37926
Deputy secretary general Barham Salih pays visit to Russian parliament Duma
Deputy secretary General Barham Salih paid a visit to the Russian parliament, known as Duma, on
Tuesday where he was received by Aleksey Pushkov, head of the foreign-affairs committee in Duma.
Both sides reiterated the importance of unified efforts on the international level to get rid of
terrorism and install an effective political and security system in place in the Middle East.
More details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Sereta.aspx
Iraqi parliament postpones vote on new cabinet to Thursday, state TV says
Iraq's parliament postponed to Thursday a session to vote on a new cabinet proposed by Prime
Minister Haider al-Abadi with the aim of fighting graft, state TV reported on Tuesday. Parliament will
be called on to vote on a second list of candidates, state TV said citing lawmakers.
More details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/politics/17626-iraqi-parliament-postpones-vote-on-new-cabinet-to-
thursday,-state-tv-says.html
Barzani and Ammar al-Hakim Discuss Political Crisis
Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani and the President of Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq
(ISCI), Ammar al-Hakim, met to discuss the current acute political crisis faced by Iraq. In a meeting on
April 12, Barzani and Hakim discussed the latest political situation in Iraq as well as bilateral relations
between the Kurdistan Region and ISCI. The two officials exchanged views on the causes which have
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led Iraq into the current hardship, intensified by the on-going war against Islamic State (IS) as well as
severe financial crisis.
More details:
http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/kurdistan/270030
More than 4000 fighters to join cleansing battles in Fallujah
The leadership of al-Hashed al-Shaabi in Anbar Province announced on Tuesday, that the liberation
operations of Fallujah will start soon, while revealed that the operation will be carried out with the
participation of more than four thousand fighters. The commander of Karmat Fallujah brigade in al-
Hashed al-Shaabi, Colonel Juma Fazaa Jumaili said in a press statement followed by IraqiNews.com,
“The final preparations for the cleansing operation of Fallujah are ongoing,” noting that, “More than
four thousand fighters will join the storming of the city, backed by the international coalition
aviation.”
More details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/4000-fighters-participate-cleansing-fallujah-battles-begin-soon/
Army forces kill 4 ISIS elements in Heet District west of Ramadi
The commander of Anbar Operations Command, Maj. Gen. Ismail al-Mahalawi, announced on
Tuesday the killing of four ISIS elements, including a suicide bomber, in the district of Heet west of
Ramadi.
More details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/army-forces-kill-4-isis-elements-heet-district-west-ramadi/
Khamenei: America is supporting ISIS in Iraq to justify its dual practices
The Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused the United States of supporting the so-called ISIS
in Iraq, while called for the unity of the Islamic countries to fight against the terrorist groups,
stressing that Iran is feeling a sense of brotherhood towards the Muslim countries.
More details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/arab-world-news/khamenei-america-supporting-isis-iraq-justify-dual-
practices/
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ISIS executes college student in front of his house south of Mosul
A source in Nineveh Province announced on Tuesday, that the so-called ISIS executed a college
student in front of his house south of Mosul for cooperating with the security forces. The source said
in a statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “Today, ISIS fighters executed a university student in
Makhmur District south of Mosul for collaborating with the security forces.”
More details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/isis-executes-college-student-front-home-south-mosul/
ISIS put two options for its Kurdish members: launch suicide attacks or slaughter Peshmerga hostages
Leadership of the radical group of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) has ordered its own Kurdish
militants to either carry out suicide attacks against opponents or slaughter the Kurdish Peshmerga
fighters captured by the group during confrontations in northern Iraq, Kurdish official sources
reported on Tuesday. The terror group aims at showing the Kurdish insurgents, while killing their
peers from the Peshmerga forces, to send a strong message to the Kurds to comply with ISIS orders
and help the group facilitate plotting attacks inside the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, according to Kurdish
analysts.
More details:
http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/04/13/746955/story.html?
Iraqi forces kill about 100 ISIL militants in Kirkuk, Hit and Mosul
A source in Iraqi military announced on Monday that at least 40 ISIL militants were killed and more
than 25 other were wounded during the liberation operation in al-Bashir region in Southern Kirkuk.
The source in Iraqi military said in a statement that "the battles in al-Bashir area resulted in killing 40
ISIL fighters and wounding more than 25 others”.
More details:
http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/04/13/746968/story.html?
Isis destroys gates to ancient city of Nineveh near Mosul
The Mashqi Gate, also known as the Gate of God, was one of a number of grand gates which guarded
the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh. Referenced in the Bible, Nineveh dates to the 7th century BC
and was once the largest city in the world. The act is the latest incident in a campaign of cultural
vandalism Isis has undertaken in territory it controls. A source at the British Institute for the Study of
Iraq confirmed to The Independent that the gate had been attacked.
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More details:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-destroys-gates-ancient-city-nineveh-
mosul-a6980686.html
ISIS ranks at lowest level since 2014
The Islamic State (ISIS) group's ranks have been pared back by international and local military action
in Iraq and Syria to their lowest level since Washington began monitoring the group, a senior official
said Tuesday. The comments from deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken came one day before
President Barack Obama was due to convene his national security team at CIA headquarters to take
stock of the anti-ISIS fight.
More details:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210797?
Activist Nadiya Murad to visit Kurdistan, rally support for Yezidis
Yezidi activist Nadiya Murad, who escaped ISIS captivity in 2014 and sought refuge in Germany, is
due in the Kurdistan Region next month to meet with top officials and rally support for war-scarred
Yezidi women. The 23-year-old campaigner has already managed to speak at international forums,
including the United Nations Security Council, where she shared her horrifying experiences while
imprisoned by the Islamic State group.
More details:
http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/13042016?
2. SYRIA
Syria votes in parliamentary elections
More than 7,000 polling stations opened in Syria at 07:00 local time (coinciding with Moscow time)
amid tight security measures. The elections are held in 13 out of 15 provinces. Raqqa and Idlib
provinces are the exception as they are controlled by gunmen from Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra
(both outlawed in Russia). Refugees from these two regions will have a possibility to vote at places of
their temporary domicile.
More Details:
http://tass.ru/en/world/869206?
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President al-Assad: The Russian role has redrawn the international political map
President Bashar al-Assad received on Tuesday the visiting Russian delegation that includes
parliamentarians as well as religious, social and media figures. The historical relations binding the
people of Russia and Syria and the situation in Syria and the war waged against terrorism were the
main points of discussion during the meeting. President al-Assad said the great achievements made
in terms of eliminating large numbers of terrorists and forcing them out of many areas have been the
result of the steadfastness of the Syrian people and army and the effective support of friends, mainly
Russia.
More Details:
http://sana.sy/en/?p=74182
US Urges Russia to Get Syria to End Violence
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is urging Russia and other countries with influence to get
the Syrian government to honor the cease-fire, warning that the current escalation of violence could
threaten this week's peace talks in Geneva. Samantha Power told reporters after U.N. envoy Staffan
de Mistura briefed the Security Council on Tuesday that the United States is "very alarmed" at Syria's
announcement of an offensive around Aleppo which would hurt prospects to end the five-year Syrian
conflict.
More Details:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-russian-helicopter-crashes-syria-dead-
38326059
Russia Delivers Food to Syria's Deir al-Fardis
Over one tonne of bread was delivered to the town from Hama, where it had been baked from flour
supplied by Russia. A further two tonnes of flour, sweets, canned food and sugar were delivered as
part of Syria's national reconciliation process. Deir al-Fardis was recaptured by the Syrian army three
months ago, according to the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation. The town had previously been
under rebel control for three years, with some local residents joining rebel ranks.
More Details:
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160413/1037911581/deir-al-fardis-russia.html?
Syria conflict: Russian helicopter crashes, killing two crew
Two Russian military pilots have died after their helicopter crashed near the central Syrian city of
Homs. The aircraft, an M-28H attack helicopter, was not shot at, Russia's defence ministry said. The
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crash happened in the early hours of Tuesday, the ministry said. The bodies were recovered and
brought to Russia's Hmeimim air base.
More Details:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36022273
‘Panama Papers’ Expose Dirty Dealings in Syria
The leak of millions of documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca shows how Syrian
companies and regime insiders were able to hide their assets in offshore companies. One of the
worst offenders is none other than Bashar al-Assad's cousin Rami Makhlouf, the wealthiest man in
Syria Among the international figures named in the “Panama Papers,” the trove of more than 11
million leaked financial and legal documents made public over the weekend, is the richest man in
Syria, Rami Makhlouf, The WorldPost reports.
More Details:
http://www.syriadeeply.org/articles/2016/04/10347/panama-papers-expose-dirty-dealings-syria/
Joint Saudi-Turkey action on Syria and Yemen planned
The visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to Ankara for the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation summit will be a key opportunity for bilateral talks on pressing issues in the region,
especially Syria. This is the view of Younes Demirar, Turkey’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who told
Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper during a telephonic interview from Ankara on Sunday that the talks
would also focus on terrorism, particularly Daesh.
More Details:
http://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/news/909616?
About 760 Germans traveled Syria, Iraq to join IS, 29 soldiers among them
German counter-intelligence believes that at least 29 former soldiers from the country have left to
join the so-called Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. An internal report also revealed that 65 active
soldiers are being investigated for alleged jihadist sympathies. The report was undertaken by the
German military counter intelligence service (MAD), which was seen by the DPA news agency. The
documents show that at least 29 former German soldiers have fled to the Middle East to join Islamic
State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL).
More Details:
http://en.abna24.com/service/europe/archive/2016/04/13/746952/story.html?
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Syria peace talks sputter into second round
Embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad and the rebels fighting for his overthrow are both
particpating in negotiations starting Wednesday in Geneva, despite an intensification of fighting on
the ground. The UN-brokered talks, entering their second of three scheduled rounds, are meant to
secure a political transition toward a national unity government for war-torn Syria, including a new
constitution and fresh national elections. The sticking point in the talks is the fate of Assad himself,
who has thus far shown no sign he is willing to leave office.
More Details:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syria-peace-talks-sputter-into-second-round-451059?
Turkey shells targets in Syria after rocket fire hits border town – sources
Rockets fired from Syria hit the Turkish town of Kilis on Wednesday, the local mayor told Reuters,
prompting Turkey's army to retaliate and hit targets across the border. There were no casualties in
Kilis after multiple rockets landed in an empty field, Mayor Hasan Kara told Reuters. Security sources
said the Turkish military fired howitzers into Syria in response.
More Details:
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/middle-east/378310/turkey-shells-targets-in-syria-after-rocket-
fire-hits-border-town-sources?
3. IRAN
Agenda: Iran’s main export will not be oil. Its main export will always be terror
VIEWERS who enjoyed The Night Manager – the hit Sunday night thriller on BBC TV, will have been
shocked at John le Carre’s graphic portrayal of the evil arms trade and the ruthless weapons brokers
who deal in death and destruction. Sadly, le Carre’s villains are all too real and can, for the most part,
be found in Tehran. Last week the crew of an American Navy vessel, the USS Gravely, seized a
massive arms shipment in the Arabian Sea. The Americans stopped and searched a dhow, a
traditional Arabian sailing boat and found a huge cache of 1,500 AK-47 rifles, 200 rocket-propelled
grenade launchers and 21.50-calibre machine guns.
More Details:
http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/14422391.Agenda__Iran___s_main_export_will_not_be_oi
l__Its_main_export_will_always_be_terror/?
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Ayatollah Khamenei: US Support for Terrorists Hinders Eradication of Terrorism
AhlulBayt News Agency - Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a
meeting with Mr. Matteo Renzi, the Prime Minister of Italy, on Tuesday, referred to good relations
between the two countries in the past and welcomed further enhancement of bilateral cooperation.
Ayatollah Khamenei added that the main problem and the most important weakness with the recent
travels by European delegations to Iran was lack of tangible practical results after bilateral
negotiations, noting: “Our view to cooperation with Italy and your government is a different and
positive one, and we hope that this visit would serve to bolster this view.”
More Details:
http://en.abna24.com/service/iran/archive/2016/04/13/746960/story.html?
A strong Arab coalition
The historic visit by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman to Egypt this week marks a
major shift in post-Arab Spring geopolitical reality in the Arab world and the Middle East as a whole.
The visit has reinforced the foundations of a long-term strategic, economic and political, partnership
between Riyadh and Cairo at a time when the Arab world is suffering from lack of leadership and a
common direction. The destabilization of the region has passed through many important milestones
in the past few decades. But one can argue that the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a particularly
catastrophic development; one that triggered a series of events that ended up in enabling Iran to
penetrate the heart of the Arab world, shifted attention from Israel’s occupation of Palestine,
unleashed horrific sectarian conflicts and neutralized the historical roles of Baghdad, Damascus and
Cairo. And finally the invasion of Iraq was the catalyst that led to the birth of militant radical groups
that waged war in the name of Islam and ushered in a wave of global terror.
More Details:
http://www.arabnews.com/columns/news/909546?
Iranian lawyers decry prevailing regional terror
Tens of Iranian lawyers have signed a petition condemning and calling for international action against
numerous terrorist attacks that have turned the region into a boiling cauldron. Recent terrorist
attacks in Ankara, Istanbul, Brussels, Baghdad, and Lahore which have killed tens of people and
disrupted basic freedoms and the territorial integrity of countries are strongly condemned, the
document reads.
More Details:
http://en.trend.az/iran/politics/2519054.html
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Oil output freeze deal possible without Iran's participation — Russian energy minister
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak confirmed on Wednesday that he has held talks with Saudi
Arabian Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi, but revealed no further details of the meeting. "Now I do not want
to comment prematurely on what will be discussed on April 17 (in Doha). Let’s wait for the
consultations. The talks were held yesterday, this is a fact, but I will not announce the decision
beforehand," he told TASS.
More Details:
http://tass.ru/en/economy/869224?
Iran president under scrutiny over juvenile executions
The case presented by the Iranian judiciary was simple: In the southern province of Fars, Fatemeh
Salbehi suffocated her husband after drugging him, a capital crime in the Islamic Republic. What
made the case controversial is that Salbehi was only 17, a minor by international legal standards,
when she allegedly committed the crime. Her alleged confession also came during a series of
interrogations where there was no lawyer present.
More Details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-crime-juvenile-executions-idUSKCN0XA0CT?rpc=401
Iran is muscling up. We should push back
Reports are swirling that Russia is finally delivering an advanced S-300 air defense system to Iran,
although they may be premature again. The implications of that and the other items on Iran’s
military shopping list need our attention fast.
More Details:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/04/12/iran-is-muscling-up-should-push-back.html?
Is inequality rising in Rouhani’s Iran?
Last month, the Statistical Center of Iran (SCI) released a report showing that economic inequality
had increased during the Iranian calendar year 1393 (March 21, 2014 - March 20, 2015). The rise in
inequality comes after four years of continuous decline.
More Details:
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/04/iran-rouhani-economic-inequality-
rising.html#ixzz45gjsgGnC
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EU renews Iran rights sanctions
The European Union on Tuesday renewed sanctions against Iran over its human rights record, even
as it relaxes damaging measures imposed on Tehran to force it to rein in its disputed nuclear
programme. "The Council (of member states) decided to extend until 13 April 2017 its restrictive
measures against 82 people and one entity in view of the human rights situation in Iran," a statement
said.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=76284
President Rouhani Due in Istanbul for OIC Summit
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani plans to pay a visit to the Turkish city of Istanbul on Wednesday in
a bid to take part in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) leader’s Summit. Vice-President for
Communication and Information Affairs Parviz Ismaili announced on Tuesday that President Rouhani
will leave Tehran for Istanbul on Wednesday for the OIC summit. In addition to his speech at the
summit, Rouhani will hold bilateral meetings with participating Muslim leaders.
More Details:
http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/04/13/1047013/president-rouhani-due-in-istanbul-for-
oic-summit?
Iran’s Young Population to Create Economic Boom: Envoy
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations Gholam Ali Khoshroo said the Islamic Republic’s young
population will further prepare the ground for “rapid economic growth” in the country. “Over 31
percent of Iran's 80 million population is between 15 to 29 years old and this very young
demographic profile represents an opportunity for rapid economic growth,” Khoshroo said in an
address to UN’s 49th Session of the Commission on Population and Development held in New York
on April 12.
More Details:
http://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/04/13/1047226/iran-s-young-population-to-create-
economic-boom-envoy
Untangling Iran's web of sanctions after the nuclear deal
United States government representatives are advising European businesses to do their homework
before dipping their fingers into post-nuclear deal Iran. According to University of California Los
Angeles scholar Kevan Harris and former deputy industry minister Mohsen Safai Farahani, more than
half of Iran’s economy is run by pseudo-private entities linked to “parastatal organisations”, including
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the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which remains subject to bothEuropean Union and
United States sanctions.
More Details:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2016/apr/13/untangling-irans-web-of-sanctions-
after-the-nuclear-deal?
Iran receives delivery of Russian S-300 missile system despite Israel fears
Iran said it has begun receiving Russian S-300 missiles capable of shooting down jets despite
objections from Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia, the first known arms delivery since international
sanctions on the Islamic Republic were lifted last year. Foreign Ministry spokesman Jaberi Ansari
confirmed on Monday that the first part of a Russian missile system had been delivered via the
Caspian Sea. It is still not clear how many actual missiles were in the consignment, part of a £562m
contract signed in 2007.
More Details:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/iran-receives-delivery-russian-s-300-missile-system-despite-israel-fears-
1554412?
4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE
Palestinians meet with Arab states over UN draft resolution
The Palestinian leadership has started consulting with Arab nations on a draft resolution expected to
be put before the UN Security Council later this month condemning Israeli settlement activity as
illegal, a PLO official said Monday. PLO Secretary-General Saeb Erekat said the consultations were
being overseen by Egypt and were aimed at finalizing the Palestinian draft resolution before its
expected presentation at the UN headquarters by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
More details:
http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=771100
Israel gives blessing to Egypt's return of Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia
Israel gave its blessing on Tuesday to Egypt's return of two Red Sea islands in a strategic strait to
Saudi Arabia, and Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said that Riyadh had undertaken to respect
relevant terms of the Israeli-Egyptian peace deal. The islands of Tiran and Sanafir, located at the
southern entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, will be formally demarcated as being in Saudi waters under a
treaty announced on Saturday by Cairo, which has had de facto control over them since 1950
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More details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-saudi-islands-israel-idUSKCN0X9106
Why Incitement runs both ways in Israel/Palestine
The Israeli government seems intent on proving the malicious and contemptible nature of President
Abbas and his Palestinian Authority (PA). Since the latest wave of Palestinian violence started last
October, Israel andright-wing NGOs have increasingly focused on statements by Palestinian officials
including those that are anti-Semitic and incite violence. Their attention stretches to what is taught in
the Palestinian education system, what appears in apparently officially sanctioned media, salaries
allegedly being given to terrorists, and on general corruption in the PA.
More details:
http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_why_incitement_runs_both_ways_in_israel_palestine_608
7
Clinton: 'Unfair' to put onus on Israel for peace talks failure
Democratic presidential frontrunner signals to Jewish voters she will be more openly supportive of
Israel if elected. Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton told The Jewish Weekin an
interview on Tuesday that “it is unfair to put the onus on Israel” for the lack of progress on the
Middle East peace front.
More details:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/210801#.Vw3wZZyLRkg
OECD sees Israeli economy slowing
The February reading of the OECD's Composite Leading Indicator for Israel shows a decline. An OECD
indicator predicts a sharp slowdown in the growth rate of the Israeli economy in the next six to nine
months. The Composite Leading Indicators are meant to identify turning points in the business cycle
using inventory data, confidence surveys, and figures on the main drivers of an economy.
More details:
http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-oecd-sees-israeli-economy-slowing-1001116688
Netanyahu to environmentalist protesters: Do you think we have a money tree?
Activists from the Megama Yeruka organization interrupted the PM’s speech during the Negev
Conference. Five of them were ejected. ‘We are investing billions here,' PM Netanyahu told the
audience. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech at the Negev Conference in Yeruham was disrupted on
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Tuesday, with five activists from the Megama Yeruka organization protesting the government’s
investments in new Negev towns, which they see as coming at the expense of existing ones. “You’re
killing the Negev,” the protesters yelled before being ejected.
More details:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4790918,00.html
Palestine fights back against $655M it was ordered to pay in terror attack damages, lawyers say suit should not have taken place in U.S.
Palestinian officials are fighting a $655 million verdict for terror attacks that harmed Americans,
arguing in federal appeals court Tuesday that the civil trial shouldn’t have taken place in this country
to begin with. Ten U.S. families alleged in a 2004 civil lawsuit that Palestinian Liberation Organization
and the Palestinian Authority planned and approved six attacks against Israelis from 2002 to 2004
that left 33 people dead and more than 450 hurt, including Americans.
More details:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/palestine-fights-back-655m-award-terror-victims-article-
1.2597928
Abbas cuts off all PFLP funds following harsh criticism
PFLP pledges to confront the presidential decision and urges Abbas to step down as president
Ramallah: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has cut off funds for the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) in an alleged punitive action against the Palestinian faction which spoke
out against Abbas and urged him to step down. The PFLP, which is a principal component of the
Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), has not received its monthly funds for the past February and
March from the PLO’s National Fund under Abbas’s direct orders
More details:
http://gulfnews.com/news/mena/palestine/abbas-cuts-off-all-pflp-funds-following-harsh-criticism-
1.1709476
Israeli Forces Detain Five Palestinians in West Bank
Israeli forces on Wednesday detained at least five Palestinians, during predawn raids in the West
Bank districts of Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem, according to local and security sources. In
Bethlehem district, in southern West Bank, Israeli army broke into the village of Beit Fajjar and
detained 15-year-old Anas Deriya, after raiding and searching his family home.
More details:
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http://english.wafa.ps/page.aspx?id=YCQ9LEa34420147245aYCQ9LE
Will Ramallah be Palestine's first 'smart city'?
Ramallah, once a small predominantly Christian town of 12,000 residents in 1967, transformed into
the de facto political capital of Palestine with the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in
1994. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reports that today approximately 35,000 persons
permanently reside in the West Bank city, and more than 120,000 pack its streets during the week.
The municipality plans to again transform the city, this time into a “smart city.”
More details:
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/04/ramallah-smart-city-infrastructure-technology-
palestine.html#ixzz45gpCueah
5. JORDAN and LEBANON
Joint Statement Issued at Conclusion of Deputy Crown Prince's Visit to Jordan
A joint statement issued here yesterday following the end of the visit paid by Deputy Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defiance, to Jordan.
The statement said Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy
Primer and Minister of Defense visited Jordan at the invitation of King Abdullah II of Jordan.
More details:
http://www.alriyadh.com/en/article/1146138/Joint-Statement-Issued-at-Conclusion-of-Deputy-
Crown-Princes-Visit-to-Jordan?
Prime Minister visits Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, calls for solution to Syria crisis
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has visited the Alza Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, which currently
houses some 89,000 displaced people. The refugee camp is run by the Jordanian government, with
the assistance of the UNHCR, Unicef and the World Food Programme.
More details:
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2016-04-12/local-news/Prime-Minister-visits-Syrian-
refugee-camp-in-Jordan-calls-for-solution-to-Syria-crisis-6736156258?
PM denies using office to push for appointing relatives
Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Tuesday emphasised that he never used his clout to push for the
appointment of his relatives, again stressing that no single corrupt act has been committed during his
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premiership. Ensour’s remarks came during the Lower House’s oversight session in response to some
MPs’ claims that he has used his influence to appoint his relatives and in-laws.
More details:
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/pm-denies-using-office-push-appointing-
relatives#sthash.s53ffgpo.dpuf
Blast kills Palestinian official in Lebanon
Fathi Zaydan, official responsible for the Palestinian camp of Mieh Mieh in Sidon, was killed while
leaving a meeting. An explosion in the southern Lebanon city of Sidon killed an official from the
Palestinian Fatah movement on Tuesday, members of the group said.
More details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/lebanon-blast-kills-palestinian-official-
160412100505547.html
What Hollande’s visit means for Lebanon
Following previous media discussion about and announcements of a visit that has been postponed
for months, French President Francois Hollande is to arrive in Beirut on April 16 as part of a four-day
tour of the Middle East. A source close to Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil told Al-Monitor
that “Bustros Palace, which houses the Foreign Ministry, has been working with officials at the
French Embassy for days on finalizing the schedule of Hollande’s visit.”
More details:
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/04/beirut-hollande-visit-presidential-vacuum-
bilateral-ties.html#ixzz45gw6f66V
Jordan to continue at forefront of terror fight
Jordan will remain at the forefront of efforts to fight terror and extremism wherever they are, in a
holistic approach that encompasses military, security and ideology, Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said Tuesday. Speaking at a preparatory meeting for the 13th Session
of the Islamic Summit Conference held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul,
Judeh said the gathering comes at a time when "our countries" are facing grave threats to their
security and stability, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
More details:
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-continue-forefront-terror-fight-%E2%80%94-
judeh#sthash.9UZhgpa0.dpuf
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Lebanese Urged to 'Turn the Page' on Civil War Anniversary
Lebanese newspapers published front-page appeals Wednesday for readers to "turn the page" on
sectarian divisions that persist more than four decades after the outbreak of the country's civil war.
On April 13, 1975, clashes erupted in Beirut between Lebanese Christians and Palestinians, marking
the beginning of the 15-year war that left more than 150,000 dead.
More details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/206930-lebanese-urged-to-turn-the-page-on-civil-war-
anniversary?
Lebanon couldn’t stop Islamic summit from branding Hezbollah a terrorist group
Lebanon has tried in vain during a preparatory meeting to stop the Islamic summit from branding
Hezbollah a terrorist group , As Safir daily reported on Tuesday. The meeting was held in Istanbul
ahead of the talks of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Tuesday.
More details:
http://yalibnan.com/2016/04/12/lebanon-couldnt-stop-islamic-summit-from-branding-hezbollah-a-
terrorist-group/
Jordan's economy grew by 2.5 per cent in 2015, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In its World Economic Outlook, released Tuesday ahead of the IMF/World Bank Group Annual Spring
Meetings in Washington, DC, in April 15-17, the international financial organisation projected the
Kingdom’s economy to expand by 3.2 per cent this year and 3.7 per cent in 2017.
More details:
http://jordantimes.com/news/local/gdp-grew-25-last-year-%E2%80%94-
imf#sthash.Jg0rFVXH.dpufGDP grew by 2.5% last year
Border Guards receive 301 Syrian refugees
A total of 301 new Syrian refugees from various age groups, crossed into the Kingdom during the last
24 hours, a military source said on Tuesday. The source said Border Guards provided the refugees
with the necessary aid before transferring them to refugee camps.
More details:
http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=30965#.Vw4GIZyLRkg
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6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA
Historic ties between Bahrain, UK stressed
Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin
Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday met the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, at Gudaibiya
Palace. Welcoming the Duke to Bahrain, the Crown Prince highlighted the longstanding and historic
ties between Bahrain and the United Kingdom, and noted their steady and continued growth.
More Details:
http://www.newsofbahrain.com/viewNews.php?ppId=18555&TYPE=Posts&pid=21&MNU=2&SUB=
Belarus, Oman set to open joint education centers, hold contest of projects
Matters related to the establishment of joint education centers, organization of a contest of
innovative projects, and training of in-demand specialists at Belarusian universities were discussed
during the visit of a Belarusian delegation to Oman, BelTA learned from spokesperson for the
Belarusian Education Ministry Yulia Borodun. The visit of Belarusian Education Minister Mikhail
Zhuravkov to the Sultanate of Oman was the first official visit of such level to this country. Members
of the Belarusian delegation held talks with representatives of different ministries to discuss
mechanisms of implementation of interagency cooperation agreements, national education support
policies, and coordination of promising cooperation areas.
More Details:
http://eng.belta.by/society/view/belarus-oman-set-to-open-joint-education-centers-hold-contest-of-
projects-90451-2016/?
Kuwait calls for Mideast free of nuclear weapons
The State of Kuwait has stressed to the United Nations Disarmament Commission importance of
political will to intensify and accelerate collective efforts to free the Middle East of nuclear
weapons.This came in a speech,late on Tuesday, by First Secretary of the Permanent Delegation of
the State of Kuwait to the United Nations , Abulaziz Amash Al-Ajmi, during meetings of the
Committee on the 2016 Disarmament Discussions.
More Details:
http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2497556&Language=en
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Kuwait pushes to expel Knesset from international parliamentary group
The Inter-Parliamentary Union this week voted to expel the Knesset from the international body due
to the “racist laws”’ it allegedly legislates. The IPU is an international organization for parliaments
from all over the world, which works in collaboration with the UN. The anti-Israel resolution,
submitted by Kuwait’s National Assembly speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim, was adopted during the 23rd
conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Cairo on Monday, with the participation of
lawmakers from all over the Arab world.
More Details:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Kuwait-pushes-to-expel-Knesset-from-international-
union-of-parliaments-group-451061?
Locust Outbreak in Yemen Desert Jeopardizes Various Countries
Locust outbreak in Yemen desert is a potential threat to agriculture in neighboring countries like
Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iran, said today FAO. The United Nations Organization for Food and
Agriculture (FAO) reiterated the voraciousness of the locust and the current difficulties to halt the
spread of the plague across the Yemeni territory due to the internal conflict in this country.
More Details:
http://www.plenglish.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4783861&Itemid=1
Wars in Syria and Yemen among key issues troubling Arab youths
Rising sectarian tension between Sunni and Shia Muslims in parts of the Middle East and a lack of
opportunities for young people are the key things that concern Arab youths, according to a major
survey. The 2016 Arab Youth Survey found almost half believe relations between the two sects have
worsened in the past five years while a majority think the divide is the primary cause of conflict in the
region.
More Details:
http://7days.ae/wars-syria-yemen-among-key-issues-troubling-arab-youths/84267?
Russia, Saudi Arabia ministers discussed oil production freeze — source
Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novak and Saudi Arabian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral
Resources Ali al-Naimi on Tuesday held negotiations on freezing petroleum production, a source
from the Russian Ministry of Energy told Tass on Wednesday. "We confirm the fact of negotiations,"
said the source whose identity is not disclosed. They were held ahead of a meeting of oil-producing
countries in Doha on April 17.
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More Details:
http://tass.ru/en/economy/869209?
KSA-Turkey trade set to soar
Trade and investment is set to soar between Turkey and Saudi Arabia over the coming years, as the
two nations cement closer economic and political ties, according to reports Tuesday. Turkey has
allocated 25 percent of its investments in the Middle East to Saudi Arabia, with more than 200
Turkish companies operating currently in the Kingdom with turnover of about $1 billion, while the
value of Saudi investments in Turkey, other than real estate, amounts to $1.9 billion.
More Details:
http://www.arabnews.com/featured/news/909611
UAE Arrests U.S. Woman for ‘Insulting the State’ After Ignoring Strange Men
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrested a 25-year-old American woman on February 23 for
“insulting” the state, though she claims “nothing happened.” Two men approached the unnamed
woman at the Abu Dhabi International Airport as she waited for a taxi.
More Details:
http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/04/12/uae-arrest-u-s-woman-insulting-state/?
Business Seminar Explores Qatar-Poland Opportunities
The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), in cooperation with the Polish embassy in Doha,
organised the “Qatari-Polish Business Seminar” yesterday to discuss potential partnerships and
business opportunities. The seminar was attended by Katarzyna Kacperczyk, undersecretary of state
at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, and Polish ambassador Krzysztof Suprowicz, including a
business delegation of around 60 Polish companies.
More Details:
http://www.gulf-times.com/story/488368/Business-seminar-explores-Qatar-Poland-opportuniti?
7. EGYPT
Thousands of Egyptian civilians tried in military courts:
Thousands of Egyptian civilians have been tried in military courts since President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi
passed a law expanding military court jurisdiction in October 2014, Human Rights Watch reported on
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Wednesday. The New York-based watchdog reported that at least 7,420 Egyptian civilians have faced
trial in military courts over the past 18 months.
More Details:
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/thousands-egyptian-civilians-tried-military-courts-hrw-
282011242?#sthash.VgW57kdZ.dpuf
Egypt turns over 2 strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia
The Egyptian cabinet announced that technical work on the maritime boundary between Egypt and
Saudi Arabia showed that the islands of Tiran and Sanafir were both within Saudi territorial waters.
More Details:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/egypt-turns-over-2-strategic-red-sea-islands-to-saudi-
arabia/article/462706#ixzz45gmr5dzn
UNDP to grant Egypt $120M for youth SMEs
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) will provide Egypt $120 million in aid for youth’s
small and medium enterprises (SMEs), announced Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation
Sahr Nasr Tuesday. The aid comes in light of the program’s enhancing to Egyptian President Abdel
Fatah al-Sisi’s initiative for youth, the statement added.
More Details:
http://thecairopost.youm7.com/news/203730/news/undp-to-grant-egypt-120m-for-youth-smes?
Sisi gives assurances to Cyprus on hydrocarbons exploitation
Cyprus Parliament President Yiannakis Omirou said on Tuesday that “Egypt supports Cyprus”, after
having been assured by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi that his country will support the island
over matters related to the exploitation of hydrocarbons. –
More Details:
http://www.sigmalive.com/en/news/energy/143883/sisi-gives-assurances-to-cyprus-on-
hydrocarbons-exploitation?#.dpuf
Egypt: 7,400 Civilians Tried In Military Courts
Military courts have tried at least 7,420 Egyptian civilians since October 2014, when President Abdel
Fattah al-Sisi decreed a major new law that expanded military court jurisdiction. A list of civilians
tried in military courts, provided by the Egyptian Coordination for Rights and Freedoms, an
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independent legal and human rights group, documents for the first time the extent to which al-Sisi’s
administration has used the military justice system to expedite its harsh crackdown on opponents.
More Details:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/04/13/egypt-7400-civilians-tried-military-courts?
Saudi's Aramco to increase oil piped to Europe through Egypt's SUMED pipeline - minister
Saudi Oil Company Aramco and Egypt’s SUMED agreed to increase the former's oil pumping to its
customers in Europe via SUMED’s pipeline, said Egypt's oil minister on Tuesday. During the Saudi
king’s visit to Egypt, which began last week and ended on Monday, Aramco signed a memorandum of
understanding with SUMED as part of the agreements signed between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
More Details:
http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/details/16160?
Strengthening strategic ties
The situation hasn’t changed much since Egypt was a monarchy during the era of King Fuad and then
King Farouq and when it turned into a republic following a revolution and then became socialist. This
was followed by the era of Anwar Al-Sadat and the Camp David Accord, and of Hosni Mubarak and
Mohammad Mursi of the Brotherhood. Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries have always considered
Egypt a basic pillar in their strategic calculations.
More Details:
http://www.arabnews.com/columns/news/909551?
Egypt's president allocates land free of charge to investors for 'industrial development'
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decree Tuesday delineating "industrial areas" in
Upper Egypt that can be allocated to investors free of charge in a move intended to boost investment
amid a struggling economy.
More Details:
http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/details/16162?
Egypt earmarks 500,000 acres of arable land for Saudi investors
Egyptian authorities agreed with the Saudi Agriculture Ministry to allocate 500,000 acres of arable
lands for Saudi investors, said Saudi Arabia's Minister of Agriculture, Abdul Rahman bin Abdul
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Mohsen al-Fadhli, in a statement Monday. Quoted by Saudi Press Agency, Fadhali said Monday that
King Salman's recent visit to Egypt was "a historic visit that should be recorded in gold ink for the
political, economic and social objectives it achieved for the two sister countries".
More Details:
http://www.albawaba.com/business/egypt-earmarks-500000-acres-arable-land-saudi-investors-
828518
Sisi criticised over Egypt's island handover to Saudi
Egypt's surprise move to give two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia has prompted rare criticism of
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi by Egyptians who see the transfer as an affront to national pride.
Reaction ranged from social media mockery to allegations of poor governance after Egypt announced
the deal, which came during a visit by Saudi King Salman and as Cairo struggles to steady its vital
tourism sector.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=76297
8. NORTH AFRICA
Morocco, Russia vow closer strategic partnership
King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday agreed that the
two countries are interested in expanding bilateral cooperation. The two leaders talked over a phone
call, the king office said in a statement, adding that the agreement signed last month opened a new
era for the bilateral relations and strengthened the strategic partnership
More Details:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-04/13/c_135272727.htm?
Awareness-raising campaign against human trafficking “Not for Sale” to be launched Tuesday
An awareness-raising campaign against human trafficking in Tunisia entitled “Not for Sale,” will be
launched Tuesday by the Ministry of Justice, in co-operation with the International Organisation for
Migration (IOM). The campaign “Not for Sale” aims to raise awareness of the general public,
especially young people, about the existence and extent of the phenomenon of human trafficking in
Tunisia.
More Details:
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http://www.tap.info.tn/en/index.php/politics2/35008-awareness-raising-campaign-against-human-
trafficking-not-for-sale-to-be-launched-tuesday?
EU willing to support public service reform
Heads of diplomatic missions of European Union (EU) member countries accredited in Tunisia
expressed their interest for reform programmes to be initiated by the Ministry of Public Service,
Governance and Fight against Corruption, the Ministry said in a statement. At their monthly meting
held Tuesday at the seat of the European Union Delegation to Tunisia, in the presence of Minister of
Public Civil Kamel Ayadi, the European diplomats “stated willingness to provide necessary financial
and logistical support and make the know-how of European experts available to the Ministry to help
it implement its programmes,” the same source added.
More Details:
http://www.tap.info.tn/en/index.php/politics2/35006-eu-willing-to-support-public-service-reform?
Jhinaoui: Tunisia calls on Libyans to prioritise path of dialogue to resolve outstanding problems
Tunisia, which has constantly sought to bring all the Libyan brothers together, is committed to
continue playing this role and standing beside the Libyan peole. It calls on the Libyans to prioritise
the path of consensus and dialogue to resolve the outstanding problems, said Foreign Minister
Khemaies Jhinaoui.
More Details:
http://www.tap.info.tn/en/index.php/politics2/34994-jhinaoui-tunisia-calls-on-libyans-to-favour-
path-of-dialogue-to-resolve-outstanding-problems?
Economic and Security Pressures Mount for Tunisia
Tunisia is facing multiple pressures that, if not handled well by its current leaders, could undermine
its stability as it continues to grapple with the post-Arab Spring era. The March 7 attack on Ben
Gardane in Tunisia was a vivid reminder that the threat of ISIS and other extremist groups with safe
haven in Libya is alive and well. The variety of extremist motives include: disrupting and crippling the
economy, increasing tension and unrest, forcing the government’s hand away from democratic
priorities, demonstrating their strength to potential recruits and maintaining the flow of goods from
Tunisia via the informal economy.
More Details:
http://www.mei.edu/content/article/economic-and-security-pressures-mount-tunisia?
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Algeria works for Muslims "collective leap" towards better future
Algeria works with "faith and perseverance" for solidarity among the Islamic countries to overcome
these hard times facing the Muslims, said Tuesday in Istanbul, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation Ramtane Lamamra, during the ministerial meeting preparatory
to the 13th Summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
More Details:
http://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/12002-algeria-works-for-muslims-collective-leap-towards-better-
future?
Amendment to Penal Code aims at combating recruitment for terrorist organizations
The bill complementing the ordinance 66/156 on Penal Code aims at combating the recruitment of
fighters for terrorist organizations, a "threat from which Algeria is no longer spared," said Tuesday
Minister of Justice Tayeb Louh.
More Details:
http://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/11999-amendment-to-penal-code-aims-at-combating-recruitment-
for-terrorist-organizations?
Jhinaoui: Tunisia calls on Libyans to prioritise path of dialogue to resolve outstanding problems
Tunisia, which has constantly sought to bring all the Libyan brothers together, is committed to
continue playing this role and standing beside the Libyan peole. It calls on the Libyans to prioritise
the path of consensus and dialogue to resolve the outstanding problems, said Foreign Minister
Khemaies Jhinaoui.
More Details:
http://www.tap.info.tn/en/index.php/politics2/34994-jhinaoui-tunisia-calls-on-libyans-to-prioritise-
path-of-dialogue-to-resolve-outstanding-problems?
MPs want clarity over possible army deployment to Libya
Philip Hammond faces fresh calls from MPs to make a statement on whether British group troops
could be sent to Libya. The Foreign Secretary is being urged to be clearer in a Commons statement
about any possible deployment of British soldiers.
More Details:
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http://www.itv.com/news/2016-04-13/mps-demand-clarity-over-possible-army-deployment-to-
libya/?
Libya: British plans to send in 1,000 ground troops to battle Isis thrown into disarray
British plans to send 1,000 ground troops to Libya as part of a 6,000-strong international force have
been thrown into disarray after the new government said it did not want foreign help. Libya's
Government of National Accord, including Prime Minister Fayez Seraj, arrived in Tripoli just weeks
ago.
More Details:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/libya-british-plans-send-1000-ground-troops-battle-isis-thrown-into-
disarray-1554539?
Algeria, US Endorse Libya's Efforts toward Peace, Reconciliation
Algeria and the United States on Monday discussed the crisis in violence-ridden Libya, as both
nations reiterated their support for the newly formed government headed by Faiz al-Serradj, China's
Xinhua news agency reported. The Libyan issue was on top agenda of visiting US-Special Envoy for
Libya, Jonathan Winer, who met in Algiers with Algerian Minister for Maghreb Affairs, African Union
and Arab League, Abdelkader Messahel.
More Details:
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v8/wn/newsworld.php?id=1234291
Import restrictions and slowing economy keep Algerian recovery at ‘modest’
Following a 30% drop in sales in 2015, Algeria's new vehicle market is expected to grow by 3% this
year. By Megan Lampinen Algeria’s automotive market has just emerged from a massive 30% decline
in 2015, but the situation should improve considerably this year. BMI Research is forecasting a 3%
rise in sales for 2016, thanks in part to the scheduled ending of a six-year government ban on
consumer lending. However, this won’t make much of an impact following the level of decline
recorded last year, on top of which tougher import regulations and a slowing economy continue to
undermine demand.
More Details:
http://www.automotiveworld.com/analysis/algeria-faces-uphill-battle/?
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9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN
Panama Papers: the toll on Pakistan
The political storms created by the Panama Papers in Pakistan will unlikely settle down without
forcing some change in the current political setup. The first definitive sign of that is the prime
minister’s sudden change in his travel plans.
More details:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/112247-Panama-Papers-the-toll-on-Pakistan
Asila Wardak elected as OIC human rights commissioner
An Afghan woman has been elected as a member of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation
(OIC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said
on Wednesday. Asila Wardak received the most votes among the candidates from Asia, Africa and
the Middle East during the election for OIC human rights commissioners. She is the first woman from
Afghanistan to be appointed to the OIC commission.
More details:
http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/04/13/asila-wardak-elected-oic-human-rights-commissioner
Afghan forces kill Taliban shadow district governor in Baghlan
The Afghan security forces have killed Qari Abdul Wasay, the Taliban shadow district governor for
Tala wa Barfak district in northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan, local officials said on
Wednesday. “The operation was performed by the Afghan National Directorate of Security today
morning in Gezan area of Khinjan district,” Abdul Sattar Barez, the governor of Baghlan province told
Ariana News.
More details:
http://ariananews.af/latest-news/afghan-forces-kill-taliban-shadow-district-governor-in-baghlan/?
US prepared to assist Afghan govt. in defending Taliban during spring offensive
Following the announcement of 'spring offensive' by the Afghan Taliban, the United States has said
that it is assisting Kabul in defending itself against the insurgent group. We always see the
announcement of the spring fighting season. We are preparing, as we have been, to assist the
government in defending against the Taliban. We have - working through both U.S. and coalition
forces, we have been working with Afghan forces on the ground to improve their capability, their
Sayfa 34
ability to fight and push back," said U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner during a press
briefing here.
More details:
http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail4/story260350/us-prepared-to-assist-afghan-govt-in-defending-
taliban-during-spring-offensive.html?
Afghanistan, India, Iran finalize draft agreement for Chabahar port
The draft agreement for Chabahar strategic port was finalized between Afghanistan, Iran and India
on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said. A statement by MoFA said the draft
agreement is ready for the signing to create transportation and transit corridor in Chabahar port. The
draft agreement was finalized during a meeting organized in Ministry of External Affairs of India,
MoFA said, adding that Afghanistan was represented by representatives from Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Commerce and Industries Ministry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry Transporation and Aviation
Directorate of Railway Network and Embassy of Afghanistan in India.
More details:
http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-india-iran-finalize-draft-agreement-for-chabahar-port-0640
Rabbani says parliamentary form of govt pivotal for stronger Pakistan
Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani has said parliamentary form of government and provincial
autonomy are pivotal to make Pakistan stronger and prosperous. He was addressing a seminar titled
“Concept of Parliamentary Democracy and Federalism” in Islamabad on Tuesday evening.
More details:
http://www.geo.tv/latest/103898-Rabbani-says-parliamentary-form-of-govt-pivotal-for-stronger-
Pakistan
15 militants killed, 13 injured in Afghan forces ‘Shafaq’ operation in Ghazni
Afghan security forces have killed 15 Taliban militants and injured 13 others in a military operation
under the name of “Shafaq” during the last two days in Ghazni province of Afghanistan, a military
spokesman claimed on Wednesday.” The Afghan National Army (ANA) have launched Shafaq
operation in Qarabagh, Ab-band, and Deh Yak districts of Ghazni province since two days and is still
continuing,” Mohammad Noor, ANA Spokesman for Ghazni province told Ariana News.
More details:
http://ariananews.af/latest-news/15-taliban-militants-killed-13-injured-in-afghan-forces-shafaq-
operation-in-ghazni/
Sayfa 35
Taliban convene key meetings in their safe havens in Pakistan: CoAS
The Taliban group leaders are convening key meetings in their safe havens inside the Pakistani soil, a
top Afghan defense official said Wednesday. The Chief of Army Staff General Qadam Shah Shaheem
told reporters in Kabul that the Taliban gatherings, including meetings to pledge allegiance are taking
place in Pakistan.
More details:
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-convene-key-meetings-in-their-safe-havens-in-pakistan-coas-
0638?
India undermining Gwadar project: Pakistan army chief
Pakistan's army chief on Tuesday accused India of seeking to undermine his country's $46 billion
project to build an economic corridor to transport goods from China's western regions through the
Pakistani deepwater port of Gwadar. Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, speaking at a
development conference on the impact of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), said the
significance of a Pakistan-China economic alliance had "raised eyebrows" in the region.
More details:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-undermining-Gwadar-project-Pakistan-army-
chief/articleshow/51806549.cms
Pakistan prison death: India family demands return of body
The family of an Indian man who died in a Pakistan jail on Monday has demanded that his body be
sent back to India. Kirpal Singh had been in a Lahore jail for 20 years after being accused of
involvement in a bomb attack on the Faisalabad railway station.
More details:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36026168
10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Turkey pounds DAESH in Syria after cross-border attacks
The Turkish Armed Forces on Tuesday pounded DAESH positions in northern Syria in response to
cross-border rocket fire which hit Turkey’s southern province of Kilis, according to security sources.
At least eight civilians were wounded after rockets from Syria hit Kilis on Tuesday for the second day
in a row, the Kilis Governorate said.
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More Details:
http://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkey-pounds-daesh-in-syria-after-cross-border-attacks-86961
Turkey's Erdogan welcomes Saudi king in Ankara
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz at the
Presidential Palace in Ankara on Tuesday. After an official welcoming ceremony, Erdogan presented
the order of the State of the Republic of Turkey to the Saudi monarch.
More Details:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/171515/turkeys-erdogan-welcomes-saudi-king-in-ankara
*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.
