2. Human Rights

    2022-01-20

    Iran's newest bid to censor online activity 'doomed to fail'

    Ironically dubbed the 'Cyberspace Protection Plan', the regime's effort is attempting to emulate similar moves in Russia and China where citizens are locked into domestically approved content.

  3. Security

    2022-01-20

    Iraqi border guard takes over security of frontier with Syria

    Border Guard units have replaced the Iraqi army along the frontier with Syria, as fortification work along the 600km-long strip nears completion.

  4. Economy

    2022-01-19

    China's deal to build 1,000 schools in Iraq sparks worries about long-term consequences

    While China's deal with Iraq to build desperately needed schools appears to be a positive step, Iraqis fear China will exploit the situation to gain a bigger foothold in the Iraqi economy.

Do you support a boycott of the upcoming Beijing Olympics due to China's repression of Muslims in Xinjiang?

Results

Spotlight

Iran demands maritime security while engaging in piracy, smuggling

A confidential UN report has concluded that thousands of weapons and rocket launchers seized in the Arabian Sea by the US Navy in recent months likely originated from the Iranian port of Jask.

Iran demands maritime security while engaging in piracy, smuggling
  1. Science Technology

    2022-01-19

    Mandatory Chinese Olympics app has 'devastating' encryption flaw

    The MY2022 app, which is used to monitor COVID-19 and is mandatory for all athletes, journalists and other Olympics attendees, may have been intentionally sabotaged for surveillance purposes.

  2. Protests

    2022-01-19

    Deir Ezzor activists 'name and shame' IRGC collaborators

    Via grassroots and online campaigns, Deir Ezzor activists are working to expose the identity of local residents who collaborate with the IRGC.

  3. Security

    2022-01-18

    Arab coalition strikes Sanaa in retaliation for Houthis' attack on UAE

    Retaliation came after three people died and six were injured in a Houthi-claimed attack on Abu Dhabi with ballistic missiles and armed drones.

  4. Politics

    2022-01-18

    In Lebanon, alliance between FPM and Hizbullah, Amal shows signs of strain

    Differences and disputes have sparked angry words between the Christian Free Patriotic Movement and its longtime Shia allies, Hizbullah and Amal.

  5. Politics

    2022-01-17

    Hizbullah digs in near Syria's Sayyida Zainab shrine

    The Iran-backed party has built concrete fortifications and weapons storage facilities above and below ground near the Damascus shrine.

  6. Security

    2022-01-17

    Civilian tipsters help to curb smuggling in Gulf

    Tip-offs from civilians in Gulf Co-operation Council member states play a significant role in curbing illicit activities, including drug smuggling.

  1. Politics

    2022-01-14

    Beijing battles 'masculinity crisis' by turning 'effeminate' men into soldiers

    China's leaders believe the country's future hinges on young men having 'toughness and strength', so Beijing is cracking down on 'sissy men and other abnormal aesthetics'.

  2. Politics

    2022-01-14

    Speculation builds over link between Eyrlou evacuation and Saudi air strike

    Iran appears to have exchanged information about Houthi drone operations at Sanaa airport as part of negotiations with Saudi Arabia to allow its ambassador to leave the country.

  3. Crime & Justice

    2022-01-13

    Former Syrian military officer gets life sentence in historic torture trial

    Prosecutors say he oversaw rape and sexual abuse, 'electric shocks', beatings with 'fists, wires and whips' and 'sleep deprivation' at the prison.

Most Viewed

  1. Chinese investment in Egypt comes at high price, analysts warn
  2. Iraqi support for Kataib Hizbullah erodes as violence, extortion come to light
  3. Campaign against al-Qaeda in Yemen scores victories despite ongoing civil conflict

Most Commented

  1. Emergency food aid saves Lebanese citizens, refugees from starvation
  2. US praised for being single largest humanitarian donor in Lebanon
  3. Houthis destroy humanitarian aid meant to alleviate crisis in Yemen
  1. Crime & Justice

    2022-01-13

    Iran steps up harassment campaign against expat journalists and their families

    Journalists working for the BBC and other news outlets outside Iran have faced threats, criminal investigations, unlawful surveillance, freezing of assets, defamation and harassment by the regime.

  2. Society

    2022-01-13

    Al-Azhar counter-extremism convoys engage youth in far-flung areas

    Specially recruited male and female preachers engage youth in focused discussions on a range of topics in the places where they gather.

  3. Security

    2022-01-12

    UN demands access to Houthi-controlled port over 'military use' claim

    Arab coalition and Yemeni officials say Houthi ports are being used as as workshops for assembling ballistic missiles and explosives-laden drone boats, and as staging areas for attacks in Red Sea.

  4. Security

    2022-01-12

    Iran demands maritime security while engaging in piracy, smuggling

    A confidential UN report has concluded that thousands of weapons and rocket launchers seized in the Arabian Sea by the US Navy in recent months likely originated from the Iranian port of Jask.

  5. Economy

    2022-01-12

    USAID helps al-Raqa women farmers revive their lands

    USAID is providing more than 150 women with the technical know-how and the tools to rehabilitate their dormant, war-damaged fields and become self sufficient.

  6. Economy

    2022-01-11

    Chinese projects in Iraq provoke increasing resentment among locals

    A recent attack on a Chinese oil services company in Dhi Qar is a manifestation of public unease over China's economic incursion.

  7. Diplomacy

    2022-01-11

    Afghans in limbo as Iran bans them from entering even with legal documents

    Thousands of Afghans are stranded at the border with Iran in freezing conditions, with no way to cross into Iran and no money to return home.

  8. Security

    2022-01-10

    Iran-aligned gunmen wound anti-Soleimani protesters

    Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr denounced the pro-Iran militias ahead of inaugural parliament meeting, saying there is no room left for them in Iraq.

  9. Security

    2022-01-10

    Iran-backed militias, Syrian forces seize private homes in Daraya

    The regime and its allied militias are using legislation, money and force to seize properties around Damascus in a push to create a major demographic change.

  10. Science Technology

    2022-01-10

    Next-generation laser expands US military's power to thwart Iranian drones

    The new laser system adds the capabilities of the US military to down drones used by Iran-backed proxies in attacks on ships, oil installations and other targets.

  11. Security

    2022-01-09

    Iranian regime unchanged, unrepentant 2 years after Soleimani's death

    The Iranian regime continues to menace neighbours and foes with its proxy regional militias and military spending, even as its economy grinds to a halt.

  12. Diplomacy

    2022-01-07

    Patience wears thin as Iran hinders accountability for downing Ukrainian airliner

    A deadline for Iran to respond to demands for reparations and accountability has passed without comment from Tehran, yet the international outrage over the incident is still going strong.

  13. Crime & Justice

    2022-01-07

    Statue of Qassem Soleimani torched in Iran hours after unveiling

    The torching of the statue is a sign of growing discontent with the regime prioritising foreign expansionist plans over the well-being of its own citizens.

  14. Security

    2022-01-07

    New Bahrain centre expected to supercharge counter narcotics operations

    The newly opened interagency centre will support maritime and land drug interdiction operations by enabling partners to share intelligence.

  15. Security

    2022-01-07

    Fate of Iraq's forcibly disappeared still a mystery

    Many blame Iran-aligned militias for the disappearance of dozens of activists and journalists and for their detention in secret prisons, where some died under torture.