Category: Middle East

Iraqi Cleric Sadr Calls Off Protests After Worst Baghdad Violence in Years

BAGHDAD—Powerful cleric Moqtada al-Sadr ordered his followers to end their protests in central Baghdad on Tuesday, easing a confrontation which led to the deadliest violence in the Iraqi capital in years. Apologizing to Iraqis after 22 people were killed in clashes between an armed group loyal to him and rival Shi’ite Muslim factions backed by…


Clashes Erupt After Iraqi Shiite Cleric Sadr Resigns, 5 Dead

BAGHDAD—An influential Shiite cleric announced Monday that he would resign from Iraqi politics, prompting hundreds of his angry followers to storm the government palace, sparking clashes with security forces. At least 15 protesters were killed. Protesters loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr pulled down the cement barriers outside the government palace with ropes and breached the…


Berlin Says German Tourist Detained in Iran

BERLIN—A German tourist has been detained in Iran, the German foreign ministry said on Saturday, declining to give further details beyond saying the man was receiving consular assistance. The Iranian interior ministry was not immediately available to comment on the detention. On Aug. 26, the Persian Service of Radio Liberty said a 66-year-old German man…


Iranian Regime Steps Up Underground Uranium Enrichment, IAEA Report Says

VIENNA—The Iranian regime is pressing ahead with its rollout of an upgrade to its advanced uranium enrichment programme, a report by the U.N. nuclear watchdog seen by Reuters on Monday showed, even as the West awaits Tehran’s response on salvaging its 2015 nuclear deal. The first of three cascades, or clusters, of advanced IR-6 centrifuges…


Iraq’s Presidential Palace Breached; US Denies Embassy Was Evacuated

Several Iraqis were killed on Monday after powerful Shi’ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said he would quit politics, prompting followers to storm the presidential compound in Baghdad. A video uploaded on Monday appeared to show U.S. Embassy staff in Baghdad being evacuated via military helicopter. However, the White House denied those reports during a news…


After Decade of Hostility, Ankara Softens Stance on Damascus

ANKARA—For the past 10 years, Turkey and Syria have remained bitter foes, with Ankara supporting anti-government groups in Syria that the latter views as terrorist outfits. But in recent weeks, Turkey has dropped a number of hints that it may be willing to open talks with Damascus. Local analysts express skepticism, however, saying the complex…


Pfizer’s Paxlovid COVID Pill Showed No Measurable Benefit in Adults 40 to 65: Study

A new study has found that Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral pill Paxlovid appears to provide little or no benefit for younger adults. Researchers in the Israel-based study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday, examined over 109,000 patients between Jan. 9 and March 31 of this year. During the study period, the omicron variant…


US Helicopters and Gunships Strike Alleged Iran Groups in Syria Counterattack

The U.S. military on Thursday launched strikes against alleged Iran-backed groups in Syria in the latest attack in a rapidly escalating conflict between both sides, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Thursday. Hours after the Iran-backed groups fired rockets at two U.S. military installations in Syria, wounding three U.S. soldiers, officials in CENTCOM confirmed it targeted the groups…


US Troops Injured in Syria Rocket Attacks

Three U.S service members have been injured amid rocket attacks at two sites in Syria conducted by suspected Iran-backed militants, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Aug. 24. It added that U.S. forces subsequently responded with attack helicopters. The announcement after CENTCOM on Aug. 23 confirmed that U.S. forces had conducted targeted airstrikes on…


Pentagon Confirms Military Airstrikes on ‘Iran-Backed Militia’ in Syria

The Pentagon announced on Aug. 23 that it conducted targeted airstrikes on Iran-backed militia in Syria in order to “protect U.S. forces” in the Middle Eastern country. Officials said the airstrikes were ordered by President Joe Biden and conducted in Deir ez-Zor, a strategic province that borders Iraq and contains oil fields. The airstrikes were necessary…