(2021-01-12). US backs al-Qaeda in Yemen while dubbing its Houthi enemies 'terrorists'. thegrayzone.com The US State Department designated Yemen's Houthi movement — the most effective force in fighting al-Qaeda — as a "terrorist" organization. Meanwhile Washington and Saudi Arabia have supported al-Qaeda. The United States government has designated the enemy of al-Qaeda in Yemen as a terrorist organization, after spending years backing al-Qaeda in the country. Like the US-led wars on Syria, Libya, former Yugoslavia, and 1980s Afghanistan, Yemen represents an example of an armed conflict where Washington has supported al-Qaeda and similar …
(2021-01-12). Covid-19: Lebanon tightens restrictions as cases soar. middleeasteye.net 
Covid-19: Lebanon tightens restrictions as cases soar | Health officials have warned that Lebanon is quickly running out of beds as coronavirus spread intensifies | Tue, 01/12/2021 – 07: 59 | People wait to get tested for coronavirus at the Covid-19 department of the Nabih Berri university hospital, in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatiyeh, on 9 January 2021 (AFP) | Lebanon has imposed a…
(2021-01-12). Syrian State Media Reports 'Israeli Aggression' on Areas in Deir Ezzor, Abu Kamal. sputniknews.com Earlier in the month, Syrian state media reported that the country's Air Defense systems responded to an Israeli attack in the southern part of the city of Damascus.
(2021-01-11). US begins process to establish consulate in disputed Western Sahara. middleeasteye.net 
US begins process to establish consulate in disputed Western Sahara | American ambassador to Morocco makes visit to Western Sahara port city of Dakhla | Mon, 01/11/2021 – 15: 29 | The US recognised Rabat's claim to Western Sahara on same day Morocco announced it would normalise ties with Israel (AFP) | The United States ambassador to Morocco began the process of establishing a consulate in the disputed territo…
(2021-01-11). Syrian Refugees Excluded from Lebanese Labor Market. counterpunch.org 
When the civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, many Syrians fled across the western border to Lebanon. Thousands now live in Arsal, a remote town in the Bekaa valley, not far from the Syrian border. Lebanon, a country of 6 million, hosts a large refugee population estimated at 1.5 million. As the economic
(2021-01-11). End of the Saudi Blockade of Qatar: Will Syria Benefit from the "Renewed Gulf Unity"? globalresearch.ca With an end to the Qatar blockade and a possible rapprochement with Turkey, Saudi Arabia may soon move towards reconciliation with Syria. | The Persian Gulf states' opposition to Iran's role in the region, while limiting Turkey's influence, may bring Saudi …
(2021-01-11). Bolivia and Spain Re-Establish Diplomatic Relations. telesurenglish.net Bolivia's President Luis Arce on Monday received the credentials of Spain's Ambassador Francisco Gasso, thus putting an end to diplomatic tensions experienced since the U.S.-backed coup led by Jeanine Añez in 2019. | RELATED: | The appointment of the Spanish ambassador comes after several months without diplomatic relations between both countries as a result of the expulsion of the Charge d'Affaires and Consul officers in De…
(2021-01-11). Biden Chooses Iran Nuclear Deal Negotiator as His CIA Director. telesurenglish.net After serving as ambassador to Russia, Burns led the Obama administration's negotiations with Iran to reach the historic nuclear deal in 2015. | Burns currently serves as the president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an international think-tank. | RELATED: | If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the first career diplomat to serve in…
(2021-01-10). Iran nuclear deal: What happens next? peoplesdispatch.org Former Indian Ambassador M.K. Bhadrakumar and Newsclick's Prabir Purkayastha discuss what lies ahead in West Asia as a new US administration takes charge. Will the US return to following the provisions of the Iran nuclear deal? How are relations between key players in West Asia likely to develop? What will be the role of the United States?