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MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN 31 JULY 2017

NO: 2415 1. IRAQ ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Besieged IS mufti blows himself up in northern Baghdad ...........................................................4

Iraqi Intelligence Foils "Biggest IS Terror" Plot .............................................................................4

PUK: dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad is a Necessity ...........................................................4

Abadi discusses Russian initiative to thwart chemical terrorism .................................................4

Tehran, Baghdad launch talks to refine Iraqi Kirkuk’s oil in Iran ..................................................5

Iraqis in East Mosul both Fear and Hope for the Future ..............................................................5

Suicide Bomber Attacks ISIS Gathering; 59 Killed in Iraq .............................................................5

Bangladesh plans to open office in Kurdistan ..............................................................................5

Iran, Iraq talk 'joint delivery' of Kirkuk oil ....................................................................................6

Iraqi Shi'ite Cleric Sadr Visits Saudi Arabia For Talks ....................................................................6

The Iraqi Siege You’ve Never Heard Of ........................................................................................6

Ezidi MPs: Ezidi rights guaranteed under an independent Kurdistan ..........................................6

Iraqi Kurds hope to reactivate parliament within two weeks ......................................................6

The Sinjar massacre ......................................................................................................................7

Takfiri Terrorists Facing Social, Military Breakdown: IRGC General .............................................7

Iraqi Turkmen leader: No one benefits from Kurdistan referendum ...........................................7

Iraqis say they foiled Daesh plan to attack revered shrines .........................................................7

Iraqi forces foils ISIS plot to attack Shiite shrines, Ayatollah Sistani's residence .........................8

Attack hits Iraqi embassy in Kabul ................................................................................................8 2. SYRIA .................................................................................................................................... 8

Russia Showcases Global Ambitions With Military Parades, One in Syria ...................................8

Al-Qaida in Syria nabs 3 Hezbollah fighters ..................................................................................8

Hezbollah, Nusra Front Implement First Stage of Arsal Outskirts Swap Deal ..............................9

Syrian refugees rejected because of links to group that opposes brutal Assad regime ..............9

Russia's RT Network Says Its Journalist Killed In Syria..................................................................9

US systematically targeting residential areas: Syria to UN ..........................................................9

Islamic State attacks 2 Syrian army convoys near Sukhna ........................................................ 10

Syrian jet annihilates an entire ISIL force in east Hama ............................................................ 10

Syrian army advances on Deir ez-Zur ........................................................................................ 10

Kurdish-led administration in Syria sets election dates ............................................................ 10

Squeezed in Raqqa, Daesh ramps up counterattacks ............................................................... 11 3. IRAN .................................................................................................................................... 11

Telegram denies Iran’s claim it installed servers there ............................................................. 11

Amazon under federal investigation for possibly violating Iran sanctions ............................... 11

Sentences upheld for Saudi embassy attackers in Iran ............................................................. 12

Iran rules out halt to missile tests as tensions with US rise ...................................................... 12

No one can harm Iranian Armed Forces: Rouhani .................................................................... 12

Iran-China H1 Trade Up 31% to $18 Billion ............................................................................... 12

Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad faces punishment over misused billions ........................... 13

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Iran Leader Calls on Hajj Pilgrims to Take United Stand against Israel ..................................... 13

Iranian Pilgrims to Attend Haj in Saudi Arabia Following Boycott Last Year ............................. 13

Leader: Riyadh responsible for Hajj security ............................................................................. 13

Trump says he will sign new Iran sanctions into law ................................................................ 14 4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE.............................................................................................................. 14

Israeli court upholds sentence for soldier in deadly shooting .................................................. 14

Netanyahu joins mob that sees Hebron shooter's judges as traitors who should stand trial .. 14

Bangladesh to condemn Israeli aggression at Al-Aqsa .............................................................. 15

Tensions Rise as Settlers Continue to Occupy Palestinian Home in Hebron ............................ 15

The “Apolitical” Approach to Palestine’s Water Crisis .............................................................. 15

For Palestinians, holy site showdown represents rare victory.................................................. 16

Hamas Sends Letter to Iran President on Al-Quds Developments ............................................ 16

Israeli settlers occupy Palestinian home in Hebron for sixth day in a row ............................... 16

Abbas Hospitalized For Exhaustion and Stress .......................................................................... 16

Israel's Shin Bet investigating embassy guard shootings in Jordan........................................... 17

Israel to strip Amnesty International of tax benefits over support for BDS .............................. 17

Netanyahu defends removing holy site metal detectors .......................................................... 17 5. JORDAN and LEBANON ......................................................................................................... 18

Abu-Ghazaleh Bids Farewell to UAE Ambassador to Jordan; Highlights His Efforts in Strengthening Relations between the Two Countries ...................................................................... 18

Jordanian newspaper reveals identity of Israeli embassy security officer ................................ 18

Economic growth in Jordan ....................................................................................................... 18

Jordanian Protesters Demand Cancellation of Peace Treaty with Israel .................................. 18

Report: Second Phase of Hizbullah-Nusra Agreement to Witness Militants' Transfer to Syria 19

8,000 to leave Syria-Lebanon border zone as ceasefire deal advances .................................... 19

Hezbollah takes journalists in Lebanon on a tour to prove Trump wrong ................................ 19

Bassil from Qusaya: national cohesion preserved our villages against outside breaches ........ 19

Hezbollah says mission accomplished in Arsal .......................................................................... 20

Arrested ISIS Terrorists Planned To Gas Everyone on Australian Plane: Revealed ................... 20

Saudi envoy underscores strong ties with Jordan ..................................................................... 20

King Abdullah honours UAE envoy ............................................................................................ 20 6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA .................................................................... 21

Doha Denies Reports on Arab Countries Opening Airspace to Qatari Flights ........................... 21

Saudi FM slams Qatar for 'politicizing' Hajj ............................................................................... 21

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt to discuss new sanctions against Qatar ....................... 21

Arab foreign ministers meet in Bahrain .................................................................................... 21

Mercenaries killed in Marib, Jawf ............................................................................................. 22

Saudi Arabia grants USD 33 mln for UNICEF anti-cholera programmes in Yemen ................... 22

Iran, Oman call for expansion of parliamentary ties ................................................................. 22

Eight dead in Oman car crash .................................................................................................... 22

The Politics of Hajj: Saudi-Qatari Tensions Increase over Holy Pilgrimage Spat ....................... 22

Qatar crisis back to square one as economy shows the strain ................................................. 23

Manama meet renews call for Qatar to halt support to terrorism ........................................... 23

Arab countries ready for dialogue with Qatar .......................................................................... 23

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7. EGYPT .................................................................................................................................. 23

Egypt wins 3 seats in International Council for Small Business elections ................................. 23

Afreximbank Grants $200m Financing Facility to Arab Contractors ......................................... 24

Egyptian resort terrorist tried to join ISIS ................................................................................. 24

UAE backs Egypt ........................................................................................................................ 24

Egyptian prosecution order 11 maintenance workers detained over Cairo airport power cut 24

Egypt needs economic reform, but must heed warnings from the past .................................. 25

Egypt lifts restrictions on GDR deals, allows returns in dollars ................................................. 25

Egypt’s Arab Contractors targets 4 infrastructure flagships in Africa ....................................... 25

Euromoney Egypt Conference to focus on new opportunities ................................................. 25

Yields fall on Egypt's 3-, 9-month T-bills amid foreign buying .................................................. 26

Target population rate for Egypt 112 million by 2030: Health Minister ................................... 26 8. NORTH AFRICA ..................................................................................................................... 26

President of Republic Sends Condolences to President Butaflika on Passing Away of Former Prime Minister Redhda Malek ........................................................................................................... 26

Algiers’ African Migrants “Partially Open Door” Policy ............................................................. 26

Al-Serraj Visited Algeria to Discuss Paris Declaration with Officials ......................................... 27

Algeria Independence Figure Redha Malek Dies Aged 86 ......................................................... 27

Palestine-Al Aqsa: Rally to Support Palestinian People Saturday in Tunis ................................ 27

Air Malta Flights to Tunis More Popular than Expected ........................................................... 27

Morocco King Pardons over a Thousand Prisoners, Including Rif Protesters ........................... 28

How Morocco’s Economy Performed Under Mohammed VI’s Reign ....................................... 28

Pres. Rouhani Congratulates Moroccan King on Throne Day ................................................... 28

Libya’s Rebels Slain 5 in Attack on Haftar’s Forces ................................................................... 29

Libyan Warplane Shot Down Above Derna ............................................................................... 29

Irish Navy Rescues 109 Migrants off Libyan Coast .................................................................... 29

Italy's Navy to Patrol with Libyan Ships to Curb Human Trafficking ......................................... 29 9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN .................................................................................................. 30

Two Civilians Killed in Zabul Roadside Mine Blast ..................................................................... 30

Missive Blast Prevented In Nangarhar ...................................................................................... 30

U.S. Military Confirms Killing of Four ISIS-K Top Advisors in Afghanistan’s Kunar .................... 30

4 Daesh suspects arrested in Nangarhar raids .......................................................................... 30

12 Taliban militants killed in Jawzjan ........................................................................................ 31

Persisting war disheartens female journalists in Afghanistan, poll........................................... 31

Massive Opposition Rally Held in Pakistan after PM's Resignation .......................................... 31

Pakistan could be moving toward new era of accountability ................................................... 31

Pakistani parliament to elect new prime minister on Tuesday ................................................. 32

Economic corridor project with Beijing assured despite Pakistan leadership change .............. 32

Pakistan: back from the Brink ................................................................................................... 32

Interim Pakistan PM candidate Shahid Abbasi faces 220 billion corruption inquiry ................ 32 10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................ 33

Airstrikes kill 12 PKK terrorists in Turkey, N.Iraq ....................................................................... 33

Istanbulites rally against Israel's Al-Aqsa move ........................................................................ 33

UN agency launches website for refugees in Turkey ................................................................ 33

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1. IRAQ

Besieged IS mufti blows himself up in northern Baghdad

Islamic State’s legislator (mufti) of the so-called Baghdad State has blown up himself after being

besieged by security troops in northern Baghdad, according to the Baghdad Operations Command.

More Details

http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/besieged-mufti-blows-northern-baghdad/

Iraqi Intelligence Foils "Biggest IS Terror" Plot

Iraqi Ministry of Interior stated Sunday that it has foiled the "biggest terror plot" by the Islamic State

(IS) organization which meant to target Shi'ite sacred shines in Iraq.IS had plans to attack the Shi'ite

imam shrines in Najaf, Karbala and Samara, Abu Ali Basri, the director of Hawks Cell of the Iraqi

Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Service, was cited in the media reports as saying.

More Details

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/367254

PUK: dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad is a Necessity

PUK leadership Council held on Saturday at a meeting under supervision of Mr. Rasul Ali. At the

meeting, the political situation in Kurdistan, Iraq and the region was discussed, and the results of the

visit of the delegation of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the

meeting of the Patriotic Union delegation with the Kurdish parties, praised the PUK's contribution to

the political situation as the ground was prepared between all parties, To achieve the activation of

the Kurdistan parliament and hold a referendum.

More Details

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=41701

Abadi discusses Russian initiative to thwart chemical terrorism

Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi chaired on Sunday a meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security

where he discussed the Russian initiative to resist chemical terrorism. The meeting discussed plans to

liberate ISIS-held districts after liberating Mosul, sources said.

More Details

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http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/15052/Abadi-discusses-Russian-initiative-to-thwart-

chemical-terrorism

Tehran, Baghdad launch talks to refine Iraqi Kirkuk’s oil in Iran

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh and his Iraqi counterpart Jabar al-Luaibi have joined a

new round of oil talks in Tehran to discuss further cooperation between the two countries, IRIB news

agency reported.

More Details

https://en.trend.az/business/energy/2782346.html

Iraqis in East Mosul both Fear and Hope for the Future

Iraqi merchants and shoppers jostle in the lively open-air market of Gogjali on the eastern edges of

Mosul, their voices often drowned out by the honking horns of cars.“Mosul will never be the same

again,” sighs Yunes Abdullah, a 60-year-old former soldier who set up a stall to repair televisions and

other electrical appliances.

More Details

https://english.aawsat.com/theaawsat/news-middle-east/iraqis-east-mosul-fear-hope-future

Suicide Bomber Attacks ISIS Gathering; 59 Killed in Iraq

The Battle for Mosul has separated thousands of children from the families. Some are merely lost, or

their parents are missing. For others, their entire families may be dead. The UNICEF organization

fears that many are in extremely vulnerable situations.

More Details

http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2017/07/30/suicide-bomber-attacks-isis-gathering-59-killed-

iraq/

Bangladesh plans to open office in Kurdistan

Bangladesh is planning to open a representation office in the Kurdistan Region capital Erbil in the

near future.Bangladesh Ambassador to Iraq Abu Maqsoud Forhad told the Prime Minister of

Kurdistan Regional Government Nechirvan Barzani in a meeting, reports the Rudaw.

More Details

http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2017/07/31/bangladesh-plans-open-

office-kurdistan/

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Iran, Iraq talk 'joint delivery' of Kirkuk oil

Iran and Iraq have strengthened their energy-sector ties, including the possible construction of a

pipeline to export Kirkuk’s crude oil to refineries in Iran.

More Details

http://www.rudaw.net/english/business/31072017

Iraqi Shi'ite Cleric Sadr Visits Saudi Arabia For Talks

Prominent Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has made a rare visit to Saudi Arabia, meeting with the

crown prince and other officials, Saudi state media report.

More Details

https://www.rferl.org/a/iraq-sunni-shiite-sadr-saudi-arabia-iran/28649106.html

The Iraqi Siege You’ve Never Heard Of

Summer sun beats down like a spotlight on the Tigris River meandering through the town of Shirqat,

the narrow band of water the only border between territories held by Iraqi forces on one side, and

militants from the so-called Islamic State on the other.

More Details

http://www.eurasiareview.com/30072017-the-iraqi-siege-youve-never-heard-of/

Ezidi MPs: Ezidi rights guaranteed under an independent Kurdistan

Yazidi (Ezidi) representatives in the Kurdistan and Iraqi parliaments have publicly expressed their

support for the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum.Speaking at a panel on the upcoming

Kurdistan Region's independence referendum, Vian Dakhil, a Kurdish Ezidi MP in the Iraqi Parliament,

praised Kurdistan for protecting the minority group, stating that “the Kurdistan Region has become a

safe haven for all religious and ethnic groups.”

More Details

http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/d68aa292-6705-450f-ada7-632eef559278

Iraqi Kurds hope to reactivate parliament within two weeks

Senior assistant to President Masoud Barzani, Hemin Hawrami, on Sunday said that they hope that

the Kurdish Regional Government’s (KRG) parliament will meet again on August 15, and that all

preparations for holding a Kurdish independence referendum on 25 September will be completed.

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More Details

http://aranews.net/2017/07/iraqi-kurds-hope-reactivate-parliament-within-two-weeks/

The Sinjar massacre

This week will mark three years since the Islamic State overran Sinjar and kidnapped more than 6,000

people. The town in northern Iraq is the ancestral homeland of a religious minority group called the

Yazidis

More Details

http://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2017/jul/31/the-sinjar-massacre-1635990.html

Takfiri Terrorists Facing Social, Military Breakdown: IRGC General

Takfiri terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq are experiencing a dismal social failure which has laid the

ground for their military downfall, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) deputy chief for

political affairs said Monday.

More Details

https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/07/31/1479152/takfiri-terrorists-facing-social-

military-breakdown-irgc-general

Iraqi Turkmen leader: No one benefits from Kurdistan referendum

Iraqi Turkmen leader has said the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan planned to be held on

Sept. 25 would not benefit any group in the region.

More Details

https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2017/07/31/iraqi-turkmen-leader-no-one-benefits-from-

kurdistan-referendum

Iraqis say they foiled Daesh plan to attack revered shrines

Iraqi intelligence officials said Sunday they foiled an attempt by the Daesh group to attack revered

Shiite shrines and the sect’s spiritual leader. The Daesh plan was to launch a series of suicide attacks

in Karbala and Najaf that house the shrines as well as the home of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, two

officers told The Associated Press.

More Details

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1136996/middle-east

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Iraqi forces foils ISIS plot to attack Shiite shrines, Ayatollah Sistani's residence

"The terrorist Daesh (ISIS group) was prepared for three separate operations led by terrorists from

outside Iraq to attack the shrines of Shiite Imams in the provinces of Karbala, Najaf and Samarra, and

the residency of the top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf," the state-owned al-Sabah

newspaper quoted Abu Ali al-Basri, head of intelligence apparatus of the Counter-Terrorism Service

(CTS), as saying.

More Details

http://en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/iraqi-forces-foils-isis-plot-to-attack-shiite-shrines-

ayatollah-sistanis-residence_845063.html

Attack hits Iraqi embassy in Kabul

An attack targeted Iraqi embassy in Afghan capital Kabul on Monday, officials confirmed. The attack

was launched 11:10 with a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance of the embassy

paving way for the remaning three, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

More Details

http://1tvnews.af/en/news/afghanistan/30528-breaking--attack-hits-iraq-embassy-in-kabul

2. SYRIA

Russia Showcases Global Ambitions With Military Parades, One in Syria

Russia’s global military ambition was on display Sunday when the country celebrated Navy Day with

large military parades not only in St. Petersburg, but also off the coast of Syria. The parades of ships,

submarines and aircraft were held at Russian naval bases in Sevastopol, which Russia annexed from

Ukraine in 2014, and at Tartus in Syria, where Russia is expanding its military presence.

More Details:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/30/world/europe/russia-parade-syria.html

Al-Qaida in Syria nabs 3 Hezbollah fighters

A Syrian affiliate of al-Qaida says it has captured three fighters of the Lebanese militant group

Hezbollah in the Arsal region along the Syrian-Lebanese border. The two sides exchanged the bodies

of dead fighters on Sunday in the first stage of an agreement to restore order to the contested

frontier zone.

More Details:

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http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-russia-today-reporter-killed-syria-48934857

Hezbollah, Nusra Front Implement First Stage of Arsal Outskirts Swap Deal

Implementation of the first stage of ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Nusra Front in the

outskirts of Lebanon’s northeastern border town of Arsal started on Sunday, Al-Manar

correspondent said. The first stage of the deal is a corpse swap operation, in which 5 bodies of

Hezbollah martyrs will be exchanged by nine corpses of killed Nusra terrorists, our correspondent

reported.

More Details:

https://english.almanar.com.lb/314455

Syrian refugees rejected because of links to group that opposes brutal Assad regime

Hooked to an artificial respirator, Khaldoun Senjab has been identified by the United Nations as a

Syrian refugee for priority resettlement. A Canadian official who interviewed the computer systems

programmer in Lebanon last year noted on the refugee sponsorship application for Senjab, his wife

and two children: “Beautiful family that will settle well.”

More Details:

https://www.thestar.com/news/immigration/2017/07/30/syrian-refugees-rejected-because-of-links-

to-group-that-opposes-brutal-assad-regime.html

Russia's RT Network Says Its Journalist Killed In Syria

Russia's state-funded international network RT says one of its correspondents has been killed in

shelling by Islamic State (IS) forces in Syria. The network said on July 30 that Khaled Alkhateb, 25, was

killed while reporting earlier that day on the Syrian Army's operations against IS around the town of

Sukhna, in the eastern part of the Homs Province.

More Details:

https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-rt-journalist-killed-syria/28648826.html

US systematically targeting residential areas: Syria to UN

Damascus has called on the UN to end the Washington’s crimes against Syrian civilians, while

stressing that the US is systematically targeting residential areas. On Sunday, the Syrian foreign

ministry sent two letters to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the chairman of the UN

Security Council, calling for the dissolving of the US-led coalition in Syria which is operating in the

country without permission from Damascus.

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More Details:

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/07/31/530206/syria-us-un-coalition-airstrikes

Islamic State attacks 2 Syrian army convoys near Sukhna

The self-proclaimed Islamic State group attacked two convoys belonging to the Syrian army, and its

allied militias, near the city of al-Sukhna, east of Homs. Qasioun News reported, today, that the

Islamic State militants attacked two convoys that belong to the Syrian army, near the city of Sukhna,

east of Homs Province, amid clashes between the two sides in the city.

More Details:

http://www.iraqinews.com/arab-world-news/islamic-state-attacks-2-syrian-army-convoys-near-

sukhna/

Syrian jet annihilates an entire ISIL force in east Hama

Minutes ago, a Syrian jet carried out an imperative airstrike over the eastern countryside of the

Hama Governorate, wiping out an entire Islamic State (ISIL) force near Salamiyah City. According to

local journalists in Salamiyah, the Islamic State force traveling in the eastern countryside of

Salamiyah was comprised of at least 18 militants – all were killed by the Syrian airstrike.

More Details:

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-jet-annihilates-entire-isil-force-east-hama/

Syrian army advances on Deir ez-Zur

The Syrian regime continues to advance south of Raqqa towards the ISIS stronghold of Deir ez-Zur,

gaining significant ground in recent days, according to reports. The Syrian army and allied militias

took control from ISIS of the town of Ghanim al-Ali, located on the eastern edge of Raqqa province,

the conflict monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Sunday.

More Details:

http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/30072017

Kurdish-led administration in Syria sets election dates

The Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria has set dates for local council and regional assembly

elections, an official said on Saturday, in an apparent move to consolidate its growing autonomy.

Kurdish groups and their allies control swathes of northern Syria in areas held by the US-backed

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of militias spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG.

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More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170730-kurdish-led-administration-in-syria-sets-election-

dates/

Squeezed in Raqqa, Daesh ramps up counterattacks

As Daesh (ISIS) fighters steadily lose chunks of their Syrian bastion Raqqa to a U.S.-backed force, they

are ramping up the ferocity of their counterattacks. The Syrian Democratic Forces first broke into

Raqqa in early June and have advanced in a pincer-like motion toward the heart of the city. The

alliance’s Arab and Kurdish fighters now hold half of Raqqa, but as they tighten the noose around

Daesh, the militant group appears to be lashing out.

More Details:

https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2017/Jul-31/414482-squeezed-in-raqqa-daesh-

ramps-up-counterattacks.ashx

3. IRAN

Telegram denies Iran’s claim it installed servers there

Iran’s communications and information technology minister was quoted Sunday as saying the widely

used Telegram messenger service has transferred some of its servers into the country, but the

encrypted application’s founder swiftly denied the claim. The report from Iran’s semi-official ISNA

news agency quoted Mahmoud Vaezi as saying: “As a result of meetings with Telegram managers,

some of its servers have been moved to the country.”

More Details:

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/iran-telegram-transfers-some-of-its-servers-to-iran/

Amazon under federal investigation for possibly violating Iran sanctions

Amazon told investors it is under federal investigation after the web-based retailer admitted to

selling products to at least one Iranian on the U.S. government's black list of people allegedly

associated with terrorism, a violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran.

More Details:

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2017/07/30/Amazon-under-federal-investigation-for-possibly-

violating-Iran-sanctions/3761501465831/

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Sentences upheld for Saudi embassy attackers in Iran

Iran's official IRNA news agency is reporting that an appeals court has approved the jail sentences for

10 people charged with attacking Saudi diplomatic missions. The Sunday report says that a lawyer

associated with the case said the prison sentences for the 10 attackers, ranging from three to six

months each, was approved by the appeals court.

More Details:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/07/30/sentences-upheld-for-saudi-embassy-attackers-in-

iran.html

Iran rules out halt to missile tests as tensions with US rise

Iran vowed to press ahead with its missile program and condemned new U.S. sanctions, as tensions

rise after the West hardened its tone against the Islamic republic. In the latest incident, Tehran and

Washington accused each other's naval forces of provocative maneuvers in the Gulf that culminated

in a U.S. helicopter firing warning flares.

More Details:

https://www.dailysabah.com/mideast/2017/07/31/iran-rules-out-halt-to-missile-tests-as-tensions-

with-us-rise

No one can harm Iranian Armed Forces: Rouhani

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the three branches of the government support the country’s

Armed Forces and no one can harm them. Rouhani made the remarks following a meeting with

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani in Tehran on

Sunday amid the recent US bids to impose fresh sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

More Details:

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/07/30/530173/Iran-US-Hassan-Rouhani-Ali-Larijani-Sadeq-Amoli-

Larijani-Armed-Forces-sanctions

Iran-China H1 Trade Up 31% to $18 Billion

China has traditionally been Iran's biggest trading partner. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,

the official name of the nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers, including China, in 2015, gave a

further boost to bilateral economic relations. Bilateral trade grew 31% during the first half of 2017

compared with last year's corresponding period to reach $18 billion, Iran-China Chamber of

Commerce cited data from Chinese customs department.

More Details:

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https://financialtribune.com/articles/economy-domestic-economy/69312/iran-china-h1-trade-up-

31-to-18-billion

Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad faces punishment over misused billions

Iran’s former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is facing sentencing after a parliamentary court

found him guilty of misusing billions of dollars in government funds, the public prosecutor at Iran’s

Supreme Audit Court said in an interview published Sunday. In an interview with the with the

Etemaad newspaper, Fayaz Shojaie assessed that the funds could not be recovered and that

Ahmadinejad did not have the resources himself to pay back the cash, according to a Reuters report.

More Details:

http://www.timesofisrael.com/ex-iranian-president-ahmadinejad-faces-punishment-over-misused-

billions/

Iran Leader Calls on Hajj Pilgrims to Take United Stand against Israel

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Muslims should use the Hajj

rituals this year to take a united stance against Israeli efforts to control the al-Aqsa Mosque. Tensions

are still high at Islam’s third holiest site in Jerusalem al-Quds where Israel deployed troops last week

to restrict access to Palestinian worshipers but had to retreat amid fears that the standoff could turn

to a large-scale revolt.

More Details:

http://ifpnews.com/wired/leader-call-pilgrims-stand-israel/

Iranian Pilgrims to Attend Haj in Saudi Arabia Following Boycott Last Year

Nearly 90,000 Iranians are expected to attend the haj in Medina this year, and were due to start

arriving on Sunday, after Tehran boycotted the pilgrimage last year amid tensions with Saudi Arabia.

Around 800 pilgrims were due to leave Iran on three flights to Medina on Sunday, the director of the

haj at Iran’s Haj and Pilgrimage Organization, Nasrollah Farahmand told state media.

More Details:

https://thewire.in/163140/iranian-pilgrims-return-haj-saudi-arabia-boycott-last-year/

Leader: Riyadh responsible for Hajj security

In comments on Sunday, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution demanded Saudi Arabia provide a safe

environment for Hajj pilgrims, particularly Iranians, reminding Riyadh of its “responsibility” for the

annual ritual. “The serious and constant demand of the Islamic Republic is the preservation of

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security, dignity, and comfort of all Hajj pilgrims, particularly Iranian ones,” Ayatollah Seyyed Ali

Khamenei said in a speech to Hajj officials in Tehran.

More Details:

http://www.tehrantimes.com/news/415515/Leader-Riyadh-responsible-for-Hajj-security

Trump says he will sign new Iran sanctions into law

President Donald Trump said he would sign into law a new sanctions package that includes sanctions

targeting Iran. Trump’s statement came late Friday evening, a day after the Senate had passed the

sanctions bill targeting Russia, North Korea and Iran in a 98-2 vote. “President Donald J. Trump read

early drafts of the bill and negotiated regarding critical elements of it,” said a statement issued by the

White House. “He has now reviewed the final version and, based on its responsiveness to his

negotiations, approves the bill and intends to sign it.”

More Details:

http://www.jta.org/2017/07/30/news-opinion/politics/trump-says-he-will-sign-new-iran-sanctions-

into-law

4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE

Israeli court upholds sentence for soldier in deadly shooting

Back in March 2016, the Israeli soldier shot dead Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, a 21-year-old Palestinian

who was lying immobile on the ground, following an alleged stabbing attack in the West Bank city of

al-Khalil (Hebron). The killing, which was captured on a three-minute video, prompted widespread

international condemnations. The Sunday’s verdict called the soldier's actions "grave, forbidden and

immoral," with the 21-year-old French-Israeli due to enter prison on August 9, unless there is another

appeal.

More Details:

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/07/31/530223/Israeli-court-sentence-soldier-shooting

Netanyahu joins mob that sees Hebron shooter's judges as traitors who should stand trial

The echoes of the verdict in the Elor Azaria appeal have yet to fade, but the two rivals, Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Naftali Bennett, breathlessly took to their

Facebook pages with a plea for an immediate pardon, as if the convicted defendant was the 2017

version of Alfred Dreyfus. Bennett was at least sensitive enough to pay weak lip service to the legal

system (“We must respect the court ”) but the premier isn’t interested in such quasi-leftist niceties.

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“My opinion hasn’t changed since the verdict was handed down in January,” he declared, and said he

would give his opinion to the relevant authorities – as if his opinion is at all relevant – when the issue

comes up for discussion.

More Details:

http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.804226

Bangladesh to condemn Israeli aggression at Al-Aqsa

A delegation of Bangladesh government has started for Turkey to join an emergency meeting of

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul. “We will express solidarity with the Palestinians

and strongly condemn the Israeli aggression at Al-Aqsa Mosque,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs

Md Shahriar Alam posted this statement on his official Facebook page on Monday.

More DEtails:

http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2017/07/31/bangladesh-condemn-israeli-

aggression-al-aqsa/

Tensions Rise as Settlers Continue to Occupy Palestinian Home in Hebron

Israeli settlers continued to occupy a building in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron for

the sixth day in a row on Sunday, despite an ongoing legal battle between the Palestinian

homeowners and Israelis. Since Tuesday, some 40 settlers have raided the Abu Rajab family home,

under the surveillance of Israeli forces despite a court ruling barring both Palestinians and Israelis

from entering the building’s second and third floors.

More Details:

https://www.albawaba.com/news/tensions-rise-settlers-continue-occupy-palestinian-home-hebron-

1003362

The “Apolitical” Approach to Palestine’s Water Crisis

Earlier this month, Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced a new deal in which Israel will

sell the Palestinians 33 million cubic meters of desalinated Red Sea water per year, with 10 million

cubic meters transferred to the Gaza Strip and the rest to the West Bank. The deal masks the fact

that Palestine is undergoing a man-made, rather than natural, water crisis. Government officials, the

international community, donor agencies, and even academic literature portray Palestine’s lack of

water resources as a foregone conclusion – a result of the region’s climatic conditions. What these

narratives fail to address is that Palestine’s water scarcity is a social and political construct that

obscures how Israel entrenches its hegemony over water resources, resulting in severe water

inequality for Palestinians.

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More Details:

http://imemc.org/article/the-apolitical-approach-to-palestines-water-crisis/

For Palestinians, holy site showdown represents rare victory

Though it was well past midnight, as news filtered through that Israeli police were removing the

remaining new security barriers from the Al-Aqsa mosque compound hundreds of Palestinians

flooded the streets. When one youth started to taunt Israeli police warily watching the gathering

crowds early on Thursday, others angrily remonstrated with him.

More DEtails:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1348647/for-palestinians-holy-site-showdown-represents-rare-victory

Hamas Sends Letter to Iran President on Al-Quds Developments

Khaled Qaddoumi, the Hamas representative in Iran, sat down with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister

for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Jaberi Ansari on Sunday. During the meeting held in Tehran,

Qaddoumi presented to the Iranian official a written message from Hamas’ political bureau chief

Ismail Haniya addressing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

More DEtails:

http://ifpnews.com/exclusive/hamas-sends-letter-iran-president-al-quds-developments/

Israeli settlers occupy Palestinian home in Hebron for sixth day in a row

Israeli settlers continued to occupy a building in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron for

the sixth day in a row on Sunday, despite an ongoing legal battle between the Palestinian

homeowners and Israelis. Since Tuesday, some 40 settlers have raided the Abu Rajab family home,

under the surveillance of Israeli forces despite a court ruling barring both Palestinians and Israelis

from entering the building’s second and third floors.

More Details:

http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?ID=778446

Abbas Hospitalized For Exhaustion and Stress

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was hospitalized in Ramallah on Saturday for what

his spokesman called a routine medical checkup.But doctors and Palestinian officials speaking

anonymously on Sunday told media outlets that Abbas, 82, was hospitalized due to exhaustion and

stress.

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More Details:

http://forward.com/fast-forward/378531/abbas-hospitalized-for-exhaustion-and-stress/

Israel's Shin Bet investigating embassy guard shootings in Jordan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the Israel's internal security service to

investigate the shooting of two Jordanians last week that sparked a diplomatic crisis between Jordan

and Israel. The move comes after Jordan's insistence that Israel prosecute the security guard who

killed a teenager and the landlord at a residential building in Amman leased to the Israeli embassy.

More Details:

https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/israel-s-shin-bet-investigating-embassy-guard-shootings-

in-jordan-1.615546

Israel to strip Amnesty International of tax benefits over support for BDS

Israel’s Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has reportedly taken steps to strip Amnesty International of

its tax benefits in Israel, barring Israeli donors from receiving tax deductions from their donations to

the international human rights organization owing to its calls to boycott Israel’s illegal settlements on

occupied Palestinian territory, Israeli media reported on Saturday.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170730-israel-to-strip-amnesty-international-of-tax-

benefits-over-support-for-bds/

Netanyahu defends removing holy site metal detectors

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 30 defended his decision to remove metal

detectors from the entrance to a Jerusalem holy site after deadly unrest, saying it was in the best

interest of security. Israel installed metal detectors and security cameras after a July 14 attack near

the Haram al-Sharif, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, in which gunmen killed two policemen.

More Details:

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=116122&NewsCatID=352

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5. JORDAN and LEBANON

Abu-Ghazaleh Bids Farewell to UAE Ambassador to Jordan; Highlights His Efforts in Strengthening Relations between the Two Countries

HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh received the outgoing UAE Ambassador to Jordan HE Mr. Bilal Al Bdour

who will be concluding his tenure soon and highlighted the efforts of the Ambassador in

strengthening the relations between the two countries.

More details:

https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/abu-ghazaleh-bids-farewell-uae-ambassador-jordan-

highlights-his-efforts-strengthening-re

Jordanian newspaper reveals identity of Israeli embassy security officer

Jordanian newspaper Al-Ghad revealed on Sunday night the identity of the Israeli security guard who

shot dead two Jordanians in an incident at Israel's embassy in Amman last week. "This is the Israeli

that killed two Jordanians, Mohammad Jawawdah and the doctor Bashar Hamarnah, in what has

been termed the 'Israeli embassy crime'," wrote the newspaper. "The shooting was carried out in a

building that belongs to the embassy in Amman, last Sunday night."

More details:

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Jordanian-newspaper-reveals-identity-of-Israeli-

embassy-security-officer-501220

Economic growth in Jordan

Major challenges facing Jordan have affected the performance of its macro and micro economy.

Domestic factors are linked to supply and demand. External ones have a significant impact on two

main components of the economy: exports and investment.

More details:

http://jordantimes.com/opinion/adli-kandah/economic-growth-jordan

Jordanian Protesters Demand Cancellation of Peace Treaty with Israel

The Algemeiner reports: Several hundred Jordanian protesters held a demonstration near the Israeli

Embassy in Amman on Friday where they called for the cancellation of the Hashemite kingdom’s

1994 peace treaty with the Jewish state.

More details:

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http://www.breitbart.com/jerusalem/2017/07/30/jordanian-protesters-demand-cancellation-peace-

treaty-israel/

Report: Second Phase of Hizbullah-Nusra Agreement to Witness Militants' Transfer to Syria

The second phase of a ceasefire deal reached between Hizbullah and the jihadist al-Nusra Front

group militants is due on Monday, amid reports that top Nusra official Abu Malek al-Talli has already

moved to the border town of Arsal and will likely be flown to Turkey later on, the pan-Arab al-Hayat

daily reported.

More details:

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/233539-report-second-phase-of-hizbullah-nusra-agreement-

to-witness-militants-transfer-to-syria

8,000 to leave Syria-Lebanon border zone as ceasefire deal advances

About 8,000 people have registered to leave the Lebanese border region near Arsal for a rebel-held

area of Syria as part of a local ceasefire between Hezbollah and the Nusra Front, a security source in

Lebanon said on Sunday.

More details:

http://aranews.net/2017/07/8000-leave-syria-lebanon-border-zone-ceasefire-deal-advances/

Hezbollah takes journalists in Lebanon on a tour to prove Trump wrong

When President Trump lumped the Lebanese Hezbollah movement together with the Islamic State

and al-Qaeda last week, describing Lebanon’s government as a partner in the fight against all of

them, he might not have realized quite how complicated the situation in Lebanon is.

More details:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/hezbollah-takes-journalists-in-lebanon-on-a-

tour-to-prove-trump-wrong/2017/07/30/8e6c27b4-73cc-11e7-8c17-

533c52b2f014_story.html?utm_term=.4ac01d0520d6

Bassil from Qusaya: national cohesion preserved our villages against outside breaches

Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Gibran Bassil, stressed that national cohesion in every

village and town of Zahle preserved the region against breaches from outside the borders and inside

the country.

More details:

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http://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/81883/Bassil-from-Qusaya-National-cohesion-preserved-our-

villages-against-outside-breaches

Hezbollah says mission accomplished in Arsal

Hezbollah says it has concluded a military offensive against Takfiri terrorists on the outskirts of Arsal

after dislodging the militants from the northeastern Lebanese town on the Syrian border.

More details:

http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/07/30/530118/Lebanon-Hezbollah-Syria-Arsal-Qalamoun

Arrested ISIS Terrorists Planned To Gas Everyone on Australian Plane: Revealed

Four Lebanese men in Australia, who have been arrested for alleged ISIS terror activity, intended to

take out a commercial jet by gassing hundreds on board.

More details:

http://en.alalam.ir/news/2001598

Saudi envoy underscores strong ties with Jordan

Saudi Ambassador to Jordan Prince Khaled bin Faisal bin Turki met with President of the Royal

Scientific Society (RSS) Princess Sumaya and discussed the activities of the RSS in applied scientific

research and consulting, Okaz newspaper reported.

More details:

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1136771/saudi-arabia

King Abdullah honours UAE envoy

His Majesty King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein has granted Bilal Rabie Bilal Al Bodour, UAE Ambassador

to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with the Order of Independence for his efforts while performing

his diplomatic duties.

More details:

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/95559de8-821c-4749-bbdd-e8af089481e6.aspx

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6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA

Doha Denies Reports on Arab Countries Opening Airspace to Qatari Flights

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) of Qatar and the counry's Civil Aviation

Authority (CAA) denied reports that Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will

allow Qatari airplanes to use their airspace in cases of emergency, local media reported Sunday.

More Details:

https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201707301056020911-doha-denies-open-airspace/

Saudi FM slams Qatar for 'politicizing' Hajj

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Sunday accused Qatar of trying to politicize the Hajj

pilgrimage amid a Gulf crisis. "Saudi Arabia does not accept the politicization of the Hajj rites," he

told a press conference following a meeting in the Bahraini capital, Manama, with foreign ministers

of four Arab countries boycotting Qatar. "We reject attempts by Qatar to politicize the issue and

consider it disrespect to the Hajj and pilgrims.”

More Details:

http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/saudi-fm-slams-qatar-for-politicizing-hajj/872673

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE and Egypt to discuss new sanctions against Qatar

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain are expected to discuss imposing

new economic sanctions on Qatar when they meet in the Bahraini capital Manama on Sunday,

Reuters reported quoting pan-Arab al-Hayat newspaper.

More Details:

https://news.am/eng/news/402853.html

Arab foreign ministers meet in Bahrain

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met Saturday with foreign ministers of four countries that cut

diplomatic ties with Qatar, APA reports quoting Anadolu agency Al Khalifa met with the top

diplomats of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and his own foreign minister, in a

meeting in which the ministers discussed regional and international developments and al-Khalifa

praised their efforts on fighting terror and extremism.

More Details:

http://en.apa.az/world-news/asia-news/arab-foreign-ministers-meet-in-bahrain.html

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Mercenaries killed in Marib, Jawf

At least of Saudi-paid mercenaries were killed and others wounded when the army and popular

forces waged military operations in Jawf and Marib provinces, a military official told Saba on

Monday.

More Details:

http://www.sabanews.net/en/news470596.htm

Saudi Arabia grants USD 33 mln for UNICEF anti-cholera programmes in Yemen

Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre signed a USD 33 million grant with

UNICEF on Sunday for programmes aimed at containing the cholera outbreak in Yemen.

More Details:

http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2626692&Language=en

Iran, Oman call for expansion of parliamentary ties

In a Sun. meeting between Iranian senior MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi and Chairman of Consultative

Assembly of Oman, the two sides stressed expansion of parliamentary ties.

More Details:

http://en.mehrnews.com/news/126818/Iran-Oman-call-for-expansion-of-parliamentary-ties

Eight dead in Oman car crash

According to a statement from the Royal Oman Police (ROP), "A two vehicle collision in the vicinity of

Qatbeet, Salalah, led to the deaths of eight people, five of which were Omani citizens."

More Details:

http://timesofoman.com/article/113929/Oman/8-killed-in-Oman-car-accident

The Politics of Hajj: Saudi-Qatari Tensions Increase over Holy Pilgrimage Spat

Qatar's religious authorities have condemned reports in Saudi media that Doha has suspended

registration for the hajj pilgrimage amid the diplomatic spat between the Gulf state and a Saudi-led

bloc of Arab countries.

More Details:

Sayfa 23

https://www.albawaba.com/news/politics-hajj-saudi-qatari-tensions-increase-over-holy-pilgrimage-

spat-1003460

Qatar crisis back to square one as economy shows the strain

The Saudi-led alliance that severed ties with Qatar reinstated a list of 13 demands that must be met

before talks to resolve the eight-week crisis could start, just as as fresh economic data highlighted

the impact of the unprecedented boycott on the Gulf nation.

More Details:

https://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/qatar-crisis-back-to-square-one-as-economy-shows-

the-strain-1.615575

Manama meet renews call for Qatar to halt support to terrorism

The four Arab states that had cut diplomatic ties with Qatar have expressed readiness to start talks

with Doha on condition of having practical and honest desire in halting funding and support to

terrorism.

More Details:

http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/514111/SAUDI-ARABIA/Qatar

Arab countries ready for dialogue with Qatar

Four Arab countries boycotting Qatar are ready for dialogue to ease the dispute if Doha agrees to

certain demands, Bahrain's foreign minister said on Sunday, according to Reuters.

More Details:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/233187

7. EGYPT

Egypt wins 3 seats in International Council for Small Business elections

Egypt won three seats in the International Council of Small Business’ board of directors elections held

in the Argentinean capital Buenos Aires. Ahmed Othman won the first vice president seat along with

the membership of the executive office, while Amr Abu Al Azm won the vice president for micro

finance seat, and Ahmed Shalabi won the vice president for special projects seat. The election also

resulted in the winning of new members from Finland, the USA, Indonesia, China and Argentina.

More details:

Sayfa 24

https://dailynewsegypt.com/2017/07/31/egypt-wins-3-seats-international-council-small-business-

elections/

Afreximbank Grants $200m Financing Facility to Arab Contractors

The Egyptian construction conglomerate, The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Company)

Limited, yesterday entered into an agreement with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to

receive a $200-million multi-currency guarantee facility to enable it meet its obligations under

construction contracts within Africa and the Middle East.

More details:

http://africabusinesscommunities.com/news/egypt-afreximbank-grants-$200m-financing-facility-to-

arab-contractors/

Egyptian resort terrorist tried to join ISIS

An Egyptian man who stabbed three foreign tourists to death and wounded three others at a Red Sea

resort earlier this month had tried to join Islamic State (ISIS), two security sources said on Sunday,

according to Reuters.

More details:

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/233184

UAE backs Egypt

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has affirmed the UAE Government’s

support for the nomination of Ambassador Moushira Khattab as Egypt’s candidate for the Director-

General post for the UNESCO noting Khattab’s expertise and capabilities that qualify her for this

position.

More details:

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/8836d9a8-a4a7-4aed-80ee-049d016a83b1.aspx

Egyptian prosecution order 11 maintenance workers detained over Cairo airport power cut

Egypt’s prosecutor-general Nabil Sadek on Sunday ordered 11 electricity maintenance workers be

detained for 15 days in connection to a power cut at Cairo airport on Friday that disrupted flight

schedules, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.

More details:

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http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/274499/-.aspx

Egypt needs economic reform, but must heed warnings from the past

Economic reform is not alien to Egypt. In January 1977, then-President Anwar Sadat tried to

introduce a controversial economic reform that backfired and brought people out into the streets in

protest. He was forced to scrap the whole project due to what he called the “Uprising of the

Thieves.”

More details:

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1137101

Egypt lifts restrictions on GDR deals, allows returns in dollars

Egypt is lifting restrictions on Egyptian investors who buy global depository receipts (GDRs) by

purchasing shares on the Cairo exchange in Egyptian pounds, allowing them to receive their returns

in U.S. dollars, bourse chairman Mohamed Omran told Reuters on Sunday.

More details:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/egypt-lifts-restrictions-on-gdr-

deals-allows-returns-in-dollars/articleshow/59835144.cms

Egypt’s Arab Contractors targets 4 infrastructure flagships in Africa

Egypt’s state-run construction firm Arab Contractors (AC) is planning to carry out a number of

infrastructure projects in four African countries, its African sector head Ibrahim Mabrouk said

Sunday.

More details:

http://en.amwalalghad.com/business/real-estate/58342-egypts-arab-contractors-targets-4-

infrastructure-flagships-in-africa.html

Euromoney Egypt Conference to focus on new opportunities

The Euromoney Egypt Conference, being held in Cairo in September, will discuss the growing

opportunities for investment and partnership in Egypt.

More details:

http://www.tradearabia.com/news/MEDIA_328283.html

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Yields fall on Egypt's 3-, 9-month T-bills amid foreign buying

Average yields on Egypt's three-month and nine-month treasury bills fell at an auction on Sunday,

data from the central bank showed, amid high foreign buying of Egyptian debt.

More details:

http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFL5N1KL0I3?feedType=RSS&feedName=egyptNews&ut

m_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FAfricaEgyptNews+

%28News+%2F+Africa+%2F+Egypt+News%29&&rpc=401

Target population rate for Egypt 112 million by 2030: Health Minister

The Egyptian government has set a population control target of 112 million people in Egypt by 2030.

The plan is through the implementation of a ‘Family Planning’ strategy, that aims to regulate birth

rates, Health Minister Ahmed Emad Al Din said.

More details:

http://www.egyptindependent.com/target-population-rate-egypt-112-million-2030-health-minister/

8. NORTH AFRICA

President of Republic Sends Condolences to President Butaflika on Passing Away of Former Prime Minister Redhda Malek

President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Gali, has sent his

condolences to Algerian President Abdelaziz Buteflika on the occasion of the passing away of former

Prime Minister Redha Malek. "We learnt with great sadness and sorrow the news of the passing

away of former Prime Minister Redha Malek, on Saturday, July 29, 2017," lamented the president of

the republic.

More Details:

http://www.spsrasd.info/news/en/articles/2017/07/30/10035.html

Algiers’ African Migrants “Partially Open Door” Policy

Algeria has been an attractive destination for many African migrants since 2008 because of its

stability as a government and a country. With in that time, however, a sizable aflux of migrants has

grown within the country. Algeria is currently home to around 100,000 migrants, a majority of whom

are from southern Sahelian countries, mainly Mali and Niger, according to the Algerian Interior

Minister.

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More Details:

http://thearabdailynews.com/2017/07/30/algiers-african-migrants-partially-open-door-policy/

Al-Serraj Visited Algeria to Discuss Paris Declaration with Officials

Libya’s UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj visited Algeria on Saturday to discuss the latest

developments in his chaos-ridden country. Also head of the Presidential Council of the National Unity

Government in Libya, al-Serraj said his visit “is part of the regular consultations and coordination with

the Algerian authorities, as the latest developments of the Libyan issue are on the agenda of the

visit.”

More Details:

http://www.libyanexpress.com/al-serraj-visited-algeria-to-discuss-paris-declaration-with-officials/

Algeria Independence Figure Redha Malek Dies Aged 86

Algiers: Redha Malek, the last surviving member of Algeria’s negotiating team of the March 1962

peace agreement that led to its independence from France, died on Saturday aged 86, state

television said. Malek embarked on an extensive diplomatic career after the Evian accords that

ended an uprising against French rule, crafting Algeria’s role as a key mediator in the region.

More Details:

http://gulfnews.com/news/mena/algeria/algeria-independence-figure-redha-malek-dies-aged-86-

1.2066222

Palestine-Al Aqsa: Rally to Support Palestinian People Saturday in Tunis

The Palestinian supporters' association (Ansar Falastine) organized a rally in support of the

Palestinian people on Saturday night in front of the Tunis municipal theatre following the events that

took place last week at the Al-Aqsa mosque. In a statement to TAP, the president of the association,

Mourad Yaacoubi, urged the Tunisian authorities "to support the Palestinian cause by criminalising

any normalisation with the Zionist state."

More Details:

https://www.tap.info.tn/en/Portal-Politics/9245012-palestine-al-aqsa

Air Malta Flights to Tunis More Popular than Expected

In its first month of operation over 1,500 passengers have travelled on Air Malta’s new route to and

from Tunis, the airline said. After an absence of eight years from the Tunisian capital, the Maltese

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airline resumed its services initially with a three times a week operation on 26 June. “These results

are very encouraging and exceed expectations,” Air Malta said.

More Details:

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-07-31/local-news/Air-Malta-flights-to-Tunis-more-

popular-than-expected-6736177229

Morocco King Pardons over a Thousand Prisoners, Including Rif Protesters

Morocco's King Mohammed VI pardoned over a thousand people on Saturday, including mant

detained for participating in protests in the volatile northern Rif region, the country's justice ministry

announced. The pardon, which was announced just before the monarch gave a speech marking 18

years on the throne, will apply to a total of 1,178 people. The ministry said pardons were given to

individuals "who have not committed crimes and who are not implicated in serious acts ... bearing in

mind their family and humanitarian conditions".

More Details:

https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/7/30/morocco-king-pardons-over-a-thousand-

detained-rif-protesters

How Morocco’s Economy Performed Under Mohammed VI’s Reign

During King Mohammed VI’s 18 year reign, the face of Morocco has drastically changed. Since the

2000s, the kingdom’s GDP has practically doubled to hit all time records. Not only has this newfound

wealth helped the country reduce its poverty rate by half, but it has also set Morocco on the road to

become one of the leading developing countries in the region. Since his ascension to the throne in

1999, Mohammed VI has been well aware of the difficulties he would face reigning over a kingdom in

a precarious economic state. As he stated in his very first speech as crowned King, there is no magical

wand that could create a new way of managing public affairs – only hard work can help Morocco rise

again.

More Details:

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2017/07/224916/morocco-economy-changed-mohammed-

vi/

Pres. Rouhani Congratulates Moroccan King on Throne Day

President Rouhani sent a message to King Mohammed VI of Morocco and congratulated him on the

18th anniversary of the country's Throne Day. In the message, Rouhani expressed his heartfelt

congratulations to the Moroccan King and people, expressing confidence the friendly relations

between the two countries will develop in all areas, in light of joint efforts.

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More Details:

http://en.mehrnews.com/news/126798/Pres-Rouhani-congratulates-Moroccan-King-on-Throne-Day

Libya’s Rebels Slain 5 in Attack on Haftar’s Forces

Rebels on Sunday killed five members of a force led by military strongman Khalifa Haftar in the

country’s east, sources said. “Terrorist groups attacked at dawn Sunday three sites under the

control” of Haftar’s forces south of the eastern city of Derna, they said. Four of Haftar’s forces were

also wounded, it added. Derna was known for being a bastion for rebels even before the 2011

uprising that toppled and killed former ruler Muammar Qaddafi.

More Details:

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1137086/middle-east

Libyan Warplane Shot Down Above Derna

A Libyan warplane belonging to the Tobruk-based House of Representatives was shot down Saturday

by the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna, according to military sources. Muhammed Idris Al-

Mansouri, of the Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna wrote on his official Facebook account that

the group detained the pilot and co-pilot, however, the pilot later died and no additional information

on the co-pilot was given.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170730-libyan-warplane-shot-down-above-derna/

Irish Navy Rescues 109 Migrants off Libyan Coast

An Irish navy vessel rescued 109 migrants off Libya's coast on Sunday, following a request from the

Italian Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre. The LÉ William Butler Yeats took four hours to rescue

the migrants off Tripoli, before providing food and medical treatment. The rescued migrants were

then transferred to the Italian Coast Guard. It was the vessel's first humanitarian search and rescue

mission since being deployed on 14 July.

More Details:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40773306

Italy's Navy to Patrol with Libyan Ships to Curb Human Trafficking

Italy's prime minister, Paolo Gentiloni, does not want to wait any longer for EU countries to show

solidarity in distributing asylum seekers throughout the bloc. On Thursday he announced in Rome

that the Italian navy would be patrolling with Libyan ships just off the Libyan coastline. The aim,

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Gentiloni says, is to curb human trafficking and bring migrants back from the smugglers' boats to

Libya. According to the Italian government's figures, 93,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this

year. At least 2,000 have drowned in the attempt to cross the Mediterranean - the true figure is

unknown.

More Details:

http://www.dw.com/en/italys-navy-to-patrol-with-libyan-ships-to-curb-human-trafficking/a-

39899521

9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN

Two Civilians Killed in Zabul Roadside Mine Blast

At least two civilians were killed in a roadside mine explosion in southern Zabul province on Sunday

night, local officials said.

More Details:

http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/two-civilians-killed-zabul-roadside-mine-blast

Missive Blast Prevented In Nangarhar

A missive blast prevented in Nangarhar province last night. Security officials discovered and

neutralized a motorbike packed explosive from Jalalabad city.

More Details;

http://www.bakhtarnews.com.af/eng/security/item/29472-missive-blast-prevented-in-

nangarhar.html

U.S. Military Confirms Killing of Four ISIS-K Top Advisors in Afghanistan’s Kunar

Four senior advisors of Islamic State (IS) have been killed, following a U.S. airstrike in eastern Kunar

province of Afghanistan, U.S. forces in Afghanistan said in a statement Sunday.

More Details:

http://ariananews.af/u-s-military-confirms-killing-of-four-isis-k-top-advisors-in-afghanistans-kunar/

4 Daesh suspects arrested in Nangarhar raids

Four suspected Islamic State militants, including two young boys, have been arrested by police and

intelligence operatives from separate areas of eastern Nangarhar province, officials said on Sunday.

Sayfa 31

More Details:

http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2017/07/30/4-daesh-suspects-arrested-nangarhar-raids

12 Taliban militants killed in Jawzjan

The clash took place in Aqcha district in which Taliban insurgents received causalities. The Provincial

Governor Spokesman, Mohammad Reza Ghafooori confirmed the news, saying that these Taliban

fighters were killed after they (Taliban) attacked security force in the district.

More Details:

http://afghanistantimes.af/12-taliban-militants-killed-in-jawzjan/

Persisting war disheartens female journalists in Afghanistan, poll

Findings of the Center for Protection of Afghan Women Journalists (CPAWJ) indicated that the

number of women journalists working for media is reducing, particularly at the provincial level in the

recent years as war and violence intensify in Afghanistan.

More Details:

http://thekabultimes.gov.af/index.php/opinions/social/14607-persisting-war-disheartens-female-

journalists-in-afghanistan-poll.html

Massive Opposition Rally Held in Pakistan after PM's Resignation

Thousands gathered in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Sunday in support of opposition party

leader Imran Khan before a meeting of parliament on Tuesday which will see a new Prime minister

elected.

More Details:

http://www.euronews.com/2017/07/31/massive-oposition-rally-held-in-pakistan-after-pm-

resignation?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+euronews%2F

en%2Fnews+%28euronews+-+news+-+en%29

Pakistan could be moving toward new era of accountability

There was nearly complete silence in Pakistan on Friday morning, as it was Judgment Day, not only

for Nawaz Sharif, but also for his dynasty. Pakistanis around the world were glued to their television

screens, and this time it was not because their very own Shahid Afridi was holding the bat on the

cricket pitch to hit a six, but instead, the sitting prime minister was doing the batting.

More Details:

Sayfa 32

http://www.atimes.com/pakistan-moving-toward-new-era-accountability/

Pakistani parliament to elect new prime minister on Tuesday

Pakistan’s parliament will elect a new prime minister on Tuesday to replace ousted leader Nawaz

Sharif, with ruling party stalwart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expected to become interim leader until

Sharif’s own brother is eligible.

More Details:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/30/pakistan-lawmakers-to-elect-new-prime-minister-

on-tuesday

Economic corridor project with Beijing assured despite Pakistan leadership change

The supreme court of Pakistan disqualified Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday, and

he ceased to be the prime minister of the country. Nawaz Sharif has named his younger brother

Shahbaz Sharif as successor, but it will take some time before a new prime minister is in place.

More Details:

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1058749.shtml

Pakistan: back from the Brink

Pakistan's Supreme Court issued an historic, but controversial decision on November 28, dismissing

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for misstating his "assets" to the election authorities in order to contest

the 2013 election.

More Details:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2017-07/31/content_41319958.htm

Interim Pakistan PM candidate Shahid Abbasi faces 220 billion corruption inquiry

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PNL-N) leader and the country’s interim Prime Ministerial candidate

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is facing a Rs. 220 billion corruption inquiry by the National Accountability

Bureau (NAB) over an illegal contract to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

More Details:

http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2017/jul/31/interim-pakistan-pm-candidate-shahid-

abbasi-faces-220-billion-corruption-inquiry-1636124.html

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10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Airstrikes kill 12 PKK terrorists in Turkey, N.Iraq

Turkish jets killed 12 PKK terrorists in separate counterterrorism operations in southeastern Turkey

and northern Iraq, military statements said on Sunday.According to a Turkish Armed Forces

statement, the operations in northern Iraq were conducted in the Zap and Matina regions Saturday

evening, killing three terrorists, who were preparing for an attack.

More Details

http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/airstrikes-kill-12-pkk-terrorists-in-turkey-niraq/872396

Istanbulites rally against Israel's Al-Aqsa move

Women and men of all ages, student groups, and families came together at Istanbul's Yenikapi

Square on Sunday to show solidarity with Palestinians following the recent Israeli restrictions on Al-

Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. "Jerusalem is our heart," stressed a 32-year-old Turkish woman, who was

at the rally with her 3-year-old baby girl carrying a Palestinian flag.

More Details:

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/31/07/2017/Istanbulites-rally-against-Israel-s-Al-Aqsa-move

UN agency launches website for refugees in Turkey

A new multi-lingual website offering refugees in Turkey information about rights, services and

obligations was launched on Monday. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Turkey said its "Help"

website would strengthen its outreach to millions of asylum-seekers and refugees in the country. It

said the website -- available in Arabic, Farsi, Turkish and English -- would serve as the UNHCR's

"online interface for information intended for asylum-seekers and refugees in Turkey".

More Details:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/192415/turkish-gendarmes-detain-over-600-migrants

*This media summary is prepared by ORSAM Middle East Research Assistant Firuze Yağmur Gökler.

It covers news and commentaries as reported by the national media sources publishing in the Middle

Eastern countries. The views expressed are not those of ORSAM and their inclusion does not imply

factual accuracy.

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*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.