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MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN 09 FEBRUARY 2016

NO: 2100 1. IRAQ, .................................................................................................................................... 4

Fighting Daash Will Continue This Way Even If I Stayed Alone ....................................................4

Sukhoi warplanes destruct al-Awashr Bridge in Salahuddin ........................................................4

House Speaker Meets Romanian Ambassador ............................................................................4

Security forces advance into Husaiybah area east of Ramadi......................................................4

Abadi Meets Ambassadors of G7 .................................................................................................5

Diyali police seizes ISIS shelter north of al-Azim ..........................................................................5

Iraqi forces rescue 68 hostages held by IS in Ramadi ..................................................................5

Security forces fully liberate Juwiba, raise Iraqi flag over its buildings ........................................6

Christian Iraqi Forces Join Fight Against IS ...................................................................................6

Canada to Invest $1.1Bln to Respond to Crisis in Iraq, Syria © Flickr/ Chris Slothouber .............6

No charge for accused Iraq-bound fighter ...................................................................................6

Iraq deploying thousands of soldiers to retake Mosul .................................................................7

Canada to end air strikes in Iraq, Syria on February 22................................................................7

Iran-backed militia warns against sending Arab forces to Syria, Iraq ..........................................7

Canadian trainers in Iraq should mentor on battlefield as they did in Afghanistan: former soldier ...................................................................................................................................................7

2. SYRIA .................................................................................................................................... 8

Health Ministry, WHO sign joint work plan ..................................................................................8

Pressure on multiple fronts squeezes rebels in northern Syria ...................................................8

U.N.: Mass deaths in Syrian jails amount to crime of "extermination" .......................................8

Russian air strikes in Syria 'good thing': Del Ponte .......................................................................9

70,000 Syrians flee Russian, regime attacks on Aleppo ...............................................................9

UN report details ‘crimes against humanity’ by Syrian government ...........................................9

Syrian Army Units Regain Strategic Town, Hilltop in Aleppo Province ..................................... 10

Moscow Slams U.N. Chief for Syria Comments ......................................................................... 10

Syrian Schools Are Faced With the Threat of Bombing in Aleppo ............................................ 10

Russian businesses determined to expand operations in Syria — Russian ambassador .......... 10 3. IRAN .................................................................................................................................... 11

Khamenei to Iran officials: Don’t let elections distract you! ..................................................... 11

Iran awards medals of honor to nuclear team .......................................................................... 11

Commander: National Border Guards Arrest 10 Infiltrators ..................................................... 11

Iran, Georgia must boost relations in all fields: Rouhani .......................................................... 12

JCPOA intl. victory of diplomacy ................................................................................................ 12

Rouhani’s foreign and economic policy goes ‘in all directions’: ex-CIA official ........................ 12

EU ready to promote ties with Iran: EU official ......................................................................... 12

‘Russian companies gearing up for Iran business’..................................................................... 13

Office of Iran's ex-president denies "election forecast" rumors ............................................... 13

Iran’s President Vows Not to Let People Feel Humiliated ........................................................ 13 4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE.............................................................................................................. 13

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Israel sets two conditions for return of Palestinian bodies ....................................................... 13

Hunger-striking Palestinian journalist rejects conditional release ............................................ 14

Israel: Russia helping divide Syria between Assad and Daesh .................................................. 14

Knesset suspends Arab-Israeli Balad party members MPs ....................................................... 14

Israeli general says IS wounded were treated in Gaza .............................................................. 15

Hamas denies Israeli charge Gaza treated IS wounded ............................................................ 15

PA releases prominent West Bank academic on bail ................................................................ 15

Israel: controversial bill for NGOs passes first reading in Parliament ....................................... 15

Israeli Ethics Committee suspends 3 Palestinian Knesset members ......................................... 16

2 Palestinian girls detained after alleged attempts to carry out stab attacks .......................... 16 5. JORDAN and LEBANON ......................................................................................................... 16

Jordan to create 200,000 jobs for Syrian refugees ................................................................... 16

Jordan’s King Abdullah to meet with Obama in Washington this month ................................. 17

Lebanon Presidential Election Postponed until March 2 .......................................................... 17

As Parliament session fails, eyes on Saudi-Iranian role ............................................................ 17

King attends army drill .............................................................................................................. 17

Tawjihi results announced ......................................................................................................... 18

Hezbollah Devours Lebanon ...................................................................................................... 18

Rahi Says Lebanon Needs ‘Real Statesmen’ to End Baabda Vacuum ....................................... 18

Queen Rania meets with Global Teacher Prize finalists ............................................................ 18

Finance Minister welcomes Jones ............................................................................................. 19 6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA .................................................................... 19

Qatar hopes to host Summer Olympics (…) ‘maybe 2028’ ....................................................... 19

U.S., Saudi push ceasefire ahead of Syria talks ......................................................................... 19

US welcomes Saudi troop offer for Syria: FM ........................................................................... 19

Bahrain charges 11 with forming 'terrorist' group .................................................................... 20

UAE tries 'Hezbollah', 'Qaeda' cell members: media ................................................................ 20

UAE and Egyptian military to cooperate following talks ........................................................... 20

Saudi Arabia Claims US Welcomed Troops Deployment in Syria War ...................................... 20

Decisive Storm Seminar Reveals Houthi Under-the-table Struck Deals with Yemeni Parties .. 21

Daesh claims car bomb blast in Saudi capital ............................................................................ 21

Doha hosts 79th AIP Congress ................................................................................................... 21 7. EGYPT .................................................................................................................................. 22

Outraged Italy demands answers over brutal killing of student in Egypt ................................. 22

Funeral service of Muslim Brotherhood founder’s son cancelled following government decision.............................................................................................................................................. 22

Egypt rejects charge against police in Italian’s death ............................................................... 22

Egyptian court freezes assets and puts dozens on no-fly list .................................................... 22

Egyptian MP appointed by Sisi submits resignation ................................................................. 23

Senior advisor to secretary of state visits Cairo, Luxor ............................................................. 23

Russia and Egypt military coordinate efforts in fight against terrorism ................................... 23

EU Parliament committee and Al-Sisi address mutual concerns over border control, security 24

Egypt's foreign minister visits DC, meets with Jewish-American delegation ............................ 24

Egypt's stock market dips at trading kickoff .............................................................................. 24

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8. NORTH AFRICA ..................................................................................................................... 25

Libya Presidential Council needs ‘more time’ to form unity government ................................ 25

Libyan warplane crashes after attacking ISIS ............................................................................ 25

Benkirane first PM to join Regency Council in Morocco ........................................................... 25

Hidalgo: Paris interested in Algeria's radicalization prevention experience ............................. 25

GNA would have little credibility if not in Tripoli: British ambassador Millett ......................... 26

Ansar Al-Sharia in Derna claims it shot down Mig-23 today ..................................................... 26

King Mohammed VI Launches Mega Development Programs in Dakhla Region ...................... 26

Vatican Radio Highlights Morocco’s Leadership in Combating Religious Extremism ............... 27

Ennaceur calls on EU to put in place “Marshall Plan” for Tunisia ............................................. 27

"Tunisia emerges today as model of pluralism and tolerance in region" (Martin Schulz) ........ 27 9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN .................................................................................................. 28

Army Chief pays rich tribute to resilience of people of KP, FATA ............................................. 28

Accountability court sends Dr. Asim on 12-day Judicial Remand ............................................. 28

Kabul to seek UN action against state sponsors of terror ......................................................... 28

Entering the most difficult phase of operation, says COAS ...................................................... 28

To protect Chinese investment, Pakistan Army leaves little to chance .................................... 29

US To Send Hundreds Of Troops To Afghanistan’s Helmand Province For Defense Against Taliban ............................................................................................................................................... 29

World Bank President Calls On PM Nawaz Sharif ..................................................................... 29

Taliban shadow district governor among 10 killed in Nangarhar ............................................. 29

Japan Funds 2 New Demining Projects In Afghanistan ............................................................. 30

Suicide bombers kill nine people in Afghanistan ...................................................................... 30 10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................ 30

Germany and Turkey vow to end Aleppo violence ................................................................... 30

Erdogan warns U.S. not to side with Syrian Kurds .................................................................... 31

As many as 600,000 Syrians may arrive at Turkish border: Deputy PM ................................... 31

Turkey to keep aiding refugees under heavy Russian bombing ................................................ 31

Turkey refutes '150,000 troops to enter Syria' reports ............................................................. 31

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1. IRAQ,

Fighting Daash Will Continue This Way Even If I Stayed Alone

Head of the Badr Organization, Hadi al-Ameri stressed the need to continue to fight terrorism and

not to relent in this serious matter. Ameri said during a meeting with a group of MP of Mosul and

head of the Badr parliamentary bloc, Qasim al-Araji and MP for Bader Mohammad Naji, according to

a statement of Badr, "The fight against Daash is national and legitimate duty and will continue this

way even if I stayed alone."

More Details:

http://www.ninanews.com/News_Details.aspx?OrC6M89JJodbZOAr8VcAgw%253d%253d

Sukhoi warplanes destruct al-Awashr Bridge in Salahuddin

Media officials with the Ministry of Defense announced on Monday, that the al-Awashr Bridge was

destructed in an aerial strike by the Iraqi Air Force in Salahuddin province. The officials said in a

statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “The brave air hawks conducted a direct aerial strike by

Sukhoi warplanes resulting in the destruction of al-Awashr Bridge,” noting that, “The bridge is used

to cross from the areas located east of Zaghiyton Valley to the area of Hamrin Mountains.”

More Details:

http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/sukhoi-warplanes-destruct-al-awashr-bridge-salahuddin/

House Speaker Meets Romanian Ambassador

House Speaker Salim al-Jubouri discussed with the Romanian ambassador to Iraq, Jacob Prada joint

cooperation between the two countries. A statement by al-Jubouri Office, "during the meeting, they

discussed bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation and ways to improve them for the

benefit of the two friendly countries, the y discussed also the cooperation between the two countries

in the security and economic aspects" .

More Details:

http://www.ninanews.com/News_Details.aspx?Is8xpTXxNjHkj%252fOhoyPIaQ%253d%253d

Security forces advance into Husaiybah area east of Ramadi

Khalediya District Council announced the entry of the Anti-Terrorism forces as well as the army

forces in Husaiybah area east of Ramadi. Head of the district council, Ali Dawood, said in a statement

obtained by IraqiNews.com, “Today, military troops belonging to the Anti-Terrorism Directorate as

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well as the army forces, with support from the emergency police brigades, had managed to enter

into the area of Husaiybah al-Sharqiyah (7 km east of Ramadi) after liberating the area of Joabh.”

More Details:

http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/security-forces-advance-husaiybah-area-east-ramadi/

Abadi Meets Ambassadors of G7

Ambassadors of the major industrialized countries expressed their countries' full support for Iraq in

its financial crisis, which is suffering as a result of the collapse in oil prices and to find ways and

alternatives and solutions to overcome them and to provide the support to the Iraqi economy. . The

ambassadors of the major industrialized countries (G7), in a meeting yesterday, with Prime Minister

Haider al-Abadi in the presence of the representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations,

Jan Kubiš renewed their position to support Iraq in its war against terrorism and expressed their

blessing to the victories achieved on the terrorist gangs.

More Details:

http://www.ninanews.com/News_Details.aspx?75KAw39aZgBeoBZAIpnr%252bw%253d%253d

Diyali police seizes ISIS shelter north of al-Azim

The Ministry of Defense announced on Monday the destruction of a shelter belonging to ISIS during a

security operation north of al-Azim District. The ministry said in a statement obtained by

IraqiNews.com, “A security force belonging to Diyali police had managed to seize a shelter for ISIS

gangs during a security operation by Diyali police north of al-Azim District,” adding that, “The shelter

contains a great number of explosive devices and motorcycles used by ISIS gangs for transportation

in Salahuddin province.”

More Details:

http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/147865/

Iraqi forces rescue 68 hostages held by IS in Ramadi

Iraq's military media network stated on Monday, February 8, 2016 that Iraqi forces managed to

recapture Ramadi's 100 Meters Street and were able to rescue 68 hostages captured by Islamic State

militants. Several IS militants were killed in the joint operation carried out by Iraqi and counter

terrorist forces, the statement read.

More Details:

http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=37667

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Security forces fully liberate Juwiba, raise Iraqi flag over its buildings

The Head of Khalidiya District Council Ali Daoud stated, that the security forces fully liberated Juwiba

area and raised the Iraqi flag over its buildings. Daoud said in a statement followed by

IraqiNews.com, “The security forces from the Anti-Terrorism Bureau, Iraqi army and police carried a

wide-scale operation and managed to fully liberate Juwiba area east of Ramadi, and raised the Iraqi

flag over its buildings.”

More Details:

http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/security-forces-fully-liberate-juwiba-raise-iraqi-flag-over-its-

buildings/

Christian Iraqi Forces Join Fight Against IS

As Iraqi and Kurdish forces increase their fight against Islamic State (IS) fighters near Mosul, a military

unit of Iraqi Christians has joined them. Currently stationed in the Tal Qasab area 72 kilometers

northwest of Mosul, the Nineveh Plain Forces (NPF) was formed in September 2014 in response to IS

control of Christian territories in northern Iraq.

More Details:

http://www.voanews.com/content/christian-iraqi-forces-join-fight-against-is/3181940.html

Canada to Invest $1.1Bln to Respond to Crisis in Iraq, Syria © Flickr/ Chris Slothouber

Canada will spend more than $1.1 billion on humanitarian and development assistance to help bring

stability to crisis-stricken Syria and Iraq, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion told

reporters.

More Details:

http://sputniknews.com/world/20160209/1034428562/canadian-billion-iraq-syria-response.html

No charge for accused Iraq-bound fighter

A Melbourne man who was accused of trying to travel overseas to fight Islamic State is "very happy"

the charge against him has been dropped. Jamie Reece Williams, 28, had potentially faced life in

prison after being charged in July with preparing to enter a foreign country with the intention of

engaging in hostile activities. He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday where

commonwealth prosecutor Andrew Doyle said: "It's an application to withdraw all charges".

More Details:

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/02/09/no-charge-accused-iraq-bound-fighter

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Iraq deploying thousands of soldiers to retake Mosul

The Iraqi Army is deploying thousands of soldiers to a northern base in preparation for operations to

retake the Daesh group’s hub of Mosul, officials said on Monday. Daesh seized Mosul in June 2014

and except for air strikes has held Iraq’s second city largely unopposed for more than 18 months as

the country’s security forces battled the terrorists in other areas.

More Details:

http://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/news/877551

Canada to end air strikes in Iraq, Syria on February 22

Canada will end air strikes targeting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group in Iraq and Syria

and bring home its six fighter jets on February 22, the government announced Monday, going against

public opinion. In their place, Ottawa will triple the number of special forces training Kurdish militia

in northern Iraq to about 210, while a handful of surveillance and refueling aircraft will continue to

play roles in the US-led coalition, Defense Minister Hargit Sajjan told a joint news conference with

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and senior officials.

More Details:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/762907/canada-to-end-air-strikes-in-iraq-syria-on-february-22

Iran-backed militia warns against sending Arab forces to Syria, Iraq

One of Iraq’s most powerful Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias on Sunday warned that Arab forces sent to

Syria or Iraq would “open the gates of hell”, in comments clearly aimed at Sunni Arab countries that

have said they might join such an operation. “The Arab kingdoms tried Daesh mercenaries to

implement their malicious plans in Iraq and Syria, and they failed,” a statement from Kataib

Hezbollah said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

More Details:

https://www.trunews.com/69079-2/

Canadian trainers in Iraq should mentor on battlefield as they did in Afghanistan: former soldier

A soldier who ran Ottawa’s training mission for Afghan soldiers and police battling the Taliban

believes the 500 Canadian Forces trainers bound for the Middle East to work with Iraqi forces

fighting ISIL should mentor them on the battlefield as well as in garrison, as Canadian troops did in

Kandahar in 2006-011. That candid assessment by Col. Gregory Burt, who retired last summer after

more than 30 years with the Royal 22nd Regiment, the Van Doos, comes as Prime Minister Justin

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Trudeau announced Monday Canadians being sent to instruct Iraqi forces would not be involved in

combat.

More Details:

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/canadian-trainers-in-iraq-should-build-on-afghan-

experience-former-soldier-says

2. SYRIA

Health Ministry, WHO sign joint work plan

The Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday signed the work plan for

their cooperation program for 2016-2017. The plan focuses on five fields that have priority in the

health sector: contagious diseases, non-contagious diseases, improving health for various age groups

(particularly mothers, children, and the elderly), boosting healthcare systems, and developing

capabilities to deal with emergencies and disasters.

More Details:

http://sana.sy/en/?p=68881

Pressure on multiple fronts squeezes rebels in northern Syria

Rebels in northern Syria were under attack on multiple fronts Monday from Russian-backed regime

forces, advancing Kurdish militia and Islamic State group jihadists. One week into an assault on

opposition-held areas of Aleppo province that has caused tens of thousands to flee, troops loyal to

President Bashar al-Assad have seized a string of villages.

More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75134

U.N.: Mass deaths in Syrian jails amount to crime of "extermination"

Detainees held by the Syrian government are dying on a massive scale amounting to a state policy of

"extermination" of the civilian population, a crime against humanity, United Nations investigators

said on Monday. The U.N. commission of inquiry called on the Security Council to impose "targeted

sanctions" on Syrian officials in the civilian and military hierarchy responsible for or complicit in

deaths, torture and disappearances in custody, but stopped short of naming them.

More Details:

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http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2016/02/08/U-N-Mass-deaths-in-Syrian-jails-amount-to-crime-

of-extermination-.html

Russian air strikes in Syria 'good thing': Del Ponte

Former war crimes prosecutor Carla Del Ponte, who is currently probing rights abuses in Syria, on

Monday backed Russia's air strikes on "terrorist groups" in the war-torn country. "Overall, I think the

Russian intervention is a good thing, because finally someone is attacking these terrorist groups," Del

Ponte told Swiss public broadcaster RTS, listing the Islamic State group and Al-Nusra among the

groups targeted.

More Details:

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/middle-east/369645/russian-air-strikes-in-syria-good-thing-del-

ponte

70,000 Syrians flee Russian, regime attacks on Aleppo

Russian airstrikes and Syrian regime attacks have forced around 70,000 people to flee their homes in

the northern city of Aleppo, according to local sources. Intensive Russian raids have forced around

40,000 Syrians to desert their villages in Aleppo and moved toward the northwestern town of Azaz

near the Turkish border, the sources said.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/23799-70000-syrians-flee-russian-regime-

attacks-on-aleppo

UN report details ‘crimes against humanity’ by Syrian government

The United Nations' Human Rights Council said it has uncovered evidence of rampant and gruesome

violence committed against Syrian detainees by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad over a

period of four years as the nation's catastrophic civil war dragged on. The council began the

investigation following reports of widespread abuse, torture and the murders of Syrian detainees

since the start of the civil war in 2011. Between then and 2015, investigators say, extensive evidence

supports conclusions that Assad's regime repeatedly committed an untold number of human rights

violations.

More Details:

http://www.albawaba.com/news/un-report-details-%E2%80%98crimes-against-

humanity%E2%80%99-syrian-government-803280

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Syrian Army Units Regain Strategic Town, Hilltop in Aleppo Province

The Syrian army and the resistance fighters backed by the country's air force regained gull control of

a key town and a key hilltop in Aleppo province in fierce clashes with the militants. The army units

won back the Ta'ana strategic town in the Eastern part of Aleppo province as other units took full

control over Barlaheen hilltop in the Eastern countryside of the Aleppo city.

More Details:

http://en.alalam.ir/news/1787646

Moscow Slams U.N. Chief for Syria Comments

The Russian foreign ministry on Monday criticized U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon over his claim

that Russian air strikes in Syria had undermined last week's peace talks to end the country's five-year

war. "We have always considered and continue to consider that comments from the chief

administrator of a global organization ... should remain impartial and objective," the ministry said in a

statement.

More Details:

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/201617-moscow-slams-u-n-chief-for-syria-comments

Syrian Schools Are Faced With the Threat of Bombing in Aleppo

In unofficial schools run by a Syrian charitable organisation in neighbourhoods controlled by the

Syrian opposition in Aleppo, children do not come out into the courtyard during break times for fear

of barrel bombs falling from the sky onto their heads. The organisation Cash Malik (which means

Checkmate in English) manages 7 schools where most of the 110 teachers are new to the profession

and teach nearly 3000 students in the divided city destroyed by the war. The executive director of

the organisation Marcel Shehwaro said that the organisation’s schools were closed because of

holidays and have not opened again because of heavy shelling in the last few days.

More Details:

http://english.aawsat.com/2016/02/article55347404/syrian-schools-are-faced-with-the-threat-of-

bombing-in-aleppo

Russian businesses determined to expand operations in Syria — Russian ambassador

Russian businesses have been expanding the portfolio of contacts in Syria for the post-crisis period,

with participation in building a large water pump facility on the Tigris River featuring prominently on

the list of likely projects, Russian ambassador to Syria Alexander Kinshchak told TASS in an interview.

"In defiance of the objective hurdles, first and foremost, the lingering problems in the field of

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security, business contacts in Russia and Syria are continuing," he said. "Moreover, a number of

remarkable joint projects were launched of late."

More Details:

http://tass.ru/en/economy/855405?

3. IRAN

Khamenei to Iran officials: Don’t let elections distract you!

Iranian officials should not let this month's parliamentary polls distract them from building a strong

economy, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Monday. Speaking to hundreds of air force

staff and officers, Khamenei said the February 26 election is crucial to preserving Iran's "integrity".

More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75126

Iran awards medals of honor to nuclear team

Iran awarded medals of honor on Monday to its nuclear negotiators who helped clinch a landmark

deal with world powers last year. President Hassan Rouhani awarded the "Medal of Merit" to Foreign

Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and the "Medal of Courage" to Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan

and Vice President Ali Akbar Salehi, who is also the country's nuclear chief.

More Details:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/02/08/Iran-awards-medals-of-honor-to-

nuclear-team.html

Commander: National Border Guards Arrest 10 Infiltrators

Commander of Iran's Law Enforcement Police Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari said border guards

have arrested ten terrorists and outlaws who were attempting to sneak into Iran through the

country's Eastern and Western borders. "The anti-revolutionary forces and outlaws had been active

in recent months and were trying to sneak into the country to carry out attacks," Ashtari said,

addressing a meeting of national border guards' commanders in Tehran on Monday.

More Details:

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941119000948

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Iran, Georgia must boost relations in all fields: Rouhani

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says Tehran and Tbilisi should improve relations in all fields to serve

the two nations’ interests. “Economic and cultural cooperation between Iran and Georgia should be

further strengthened in line with the two nations’ interests,” Rouhani said in a telephone

conversation with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili on Monday.

More Details:

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/08/449279/Iran-Georgia-Rouhani-Kvirikashvili

JCPOA intl. victory of diplomacy

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that the success in nuclear negotiations and the

resulting JCPOA was a great international victory for diplomacy. Speaking on the phone to the

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili on Monday, President Rouhani called for the expansion

of Tehran-Tbilisi economic and cultural ties, saying that the cooperation must be strengthened in

favor of national interests of both nations.

More Details:

http://en.mehrnews.com/news/114295/JCPOA-intl-victory-of-diplomacy

Rouhani’s foreign and economic policy goes ‘in all directions’: ex-CIA official

Professor Paul Pillar, a former deputy chief of counter-terrorism at the CIA, says “President Rouhani

probably seeks foreign relations and economic relations for Iran that go in all directions, with Iran

being able to do all sorts of business with whomever it wants.” “He does not want Iran to be

dependent on any one outside power,” Pillar says in an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times.

More Details:

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=252875

EU ready to promote ties with Iran: EU official

Visiting European Union Political Director Helga Schmid said the Union is ready to expand

cooperation with Iran in line with regional peace and stability. Ms. Schmid made the remarks in a

meeting with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Asia-Pacific Affairs Ebrahim Rahimpour.

More Details:

http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81956134/

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‘Russian companies gearing up for Iran business’

A new report says Russian companies are making a dash for Iranian market following the recent

removal of anti-Iran sanctions. The New York Times report on Monday said different Russian

companies are in line to get back to Iran after last month’s sanctions lift.

More Details:

http://www.iran-daily.com/News/136483.html

Office of Iran's ex-president denies "election forecast" rumors

The office of the former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has dismissed reports regarding

his remarks about the outcome of the upcoming parliamentary election to be held on February 26.

“The reports quoting former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad are sheer lie and the former

president has not made any remarks regarding the election,” ISNA news agency quoted an official at

former president’s office.

More Details:

http://en.trend.az/iran/politics/2491893.html

Iran’s President Vows Not to Let People Feel Humiliated

“Today is the day when a nation appreciates the strong men of politics, defense, military, and

discipline who endeavored for days and nights to secure the nation’s might,” President Rouhani said.

He made the remarks in an address to a Monday ceremony held in the Iranian capital to

commemorate the families of the Iranian nuclear scientists that have been martyred and the officials

and staff who had a role in the long process of negotiations that led to the Joint Comprehensive Plan

of Action (JCPOA).

More Details:

http://iranfrontpage.com/news/politics/local/2016/02/irans-president-vows-not-to-let-people-feel-

humiliated/

4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE

Israel sets two conditions for return of Palestinian bodies

Israeli is ready to return the bodies of 10 Palestinians killed while carrying out attacks but their

families have refused to accept certain conditions, a government spokesman said on Monday. Israel

will return the bodies if the families "agree in advance that the funerals take place at night, with a

limited number of attendees," a spokesman for the ministry of public security said.

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More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75138

Hunger-striking Palestinian journalist rejects conditional release

Hunger-striking Palestinian journalist Mohammed al-Qiq has rejected an Israeli offer for his

conditional release. “Qiq’s position is clear, and he will reject any offer that does not immediately

end his administrative detention. He is also determined to receive medical attention in Palestinian

hospitals,” an official with the Palestinian Authority Committee of Prisoners’ Affairs told the Ma’an

news agency on Sunday.

More Details:

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/02/08/449151/Palestine-hunger-strike-qiq-rejects-deal

Israel: Russia helping divide Syria between Assad and Daesh

Israeli military sources have revealed that Russia’s intervention in Syria aims to divide the country

into two areas of control; one under the control of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime and the other under the

control of Daesh. Israel’s Army Radio quoted sources in Tel Aviv saying that Russian President

Vladimir Putin believes that keeping Daesh in part of Syria serves the interests of Russia and Assad’s

regime. This is because it provides international legitimacy for Assad to remain in authority.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/23794-israel-russia-helping-divide-syria-

between-assad-and-daesh

Knesset suspends Arab-Israeli Balad party members MPs

Three Arab-Israeli lawmakers were suspended on Monday from speaking in parliament as

punishment for supporting families of Palestinian assailants killed by security forces after they

attacked Israelis. The Knesset Ethics Committee ruled that Balad party members Hanin Zoabi and

Basel Ghattas would be barred from plenum and committee business for four months and Jamal

Zahalka for two months, but they will be able to vote.

More Details:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/02/09/Arab-Israeli-lawmakers-suspended-

for-meeting-families-of-killed-Palestinians.html

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Israeli general says IS wounded were treated in Gaza

Hamas on Monday denied Israeli accusations that wounded Islamic State group fighters from Egypt

had been smuggled through tunnels to receive medical care in the Islamist-run Gaza Strip. Israeli

General Yoav Mordechai had accused the jihadist group of smuggling wounded fighters from Sinai

Province -- the IS affiliate in northern Egypt -- through tunnels into the Palestinian enclave for

treatment.

More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75133

Hamas denies Israeli charge Gaza treated IS wounded

Hamas on Monday denied Israeli accusations that wounded Islamic State group fighters from Egypt

had been smuggled through tunnels to receive medical care in the Islamist-run Gaza Strip. Israeli

General Yoav Mordechai had accused the jihadist group of smuggling wounded fighters from Sinai

Province -- the IS affiliate in northern Egypt -- through tunnels into the Palestinian enclave for

treatment.

More Details:

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/middle-east/369623/hamas-denies-israeli-charge-gaza-treated-

is-wounded

PA releases prominent West Bank academic on bail

Prominent Palestinian academic and outspoken critic of the Palestinian Authority Dr Abdul-Sattar

Qassim was released on bail yesterday, the Anadolu Agency reported. The 62-year-old was arrested

on Thursday from his house in Nablus, his wife Amal Al-Ahmad accused the PA security services of

“kidnapping” him.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/23797-pa-releases-prominent-west-bank-

academic-on-bail

Israel: controversial bill for NGOs passes first reading in Parliament

A 'chilling' and controversial bill that would stipulate that NGOs funded by foreign governments to

declare it in official reports passed its first reading in the Israeli parliament early Tuesday. The

proposed bill, which has been criticized for potentially encouraging a witch-hunt against leftiwing

organizations that campaign for the defense of Palestinian rights, successfully passed its first reading

with 50 votes in favor and 43 against following a tense debate.

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More Details:

http://www.albawaba.com/news/israel-controversial-bill-ngos-passes-first-reading-parliament-

803320

Israeli Ethics Committee suspends 3 Palestinian Knesset members

Three members of the Israeli Knesset were suspended on Monday after they met with the families of

Palestinian attackers who were killed by Israeli forces, according to local reports. Palestinian MKs

Hanin Zoabi and Basel Ghattas were suspended for four months while Jamal Zahalka was suspended

for two months. All three are members of the Joint List party, mainly made up of Palestinian citizens

of Israel.

More Details:

http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/3-palestinian-knesset-members-suspended-israeli-ethics-

committee-1065017198

2 Palestinian girls detained after alleged attempts to carry out stab attacks

Two Palestinian girls were detained by Israeli forces in separate incidents on Tuesday on suspicion of

attempts to carry out stab attacks. In occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City, Israeli border police

approached a Palestinian girl at the entrance to Damascus Gate after noticing her “moving in a

suspicious way,” Israeli police spokesperson Luba al-Samri said.

More Details:

http://www.maannews.com/Content.aspx?id=770198

5. JORDAN and LEBANON

Jordan to create 200,000 jobs for Syrian refugees

Jordan will provide approximately 200,000 jobs for Syrian refugees, the country’s Minister of

Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury said yesterday. Speaking during a press

conference to discuss the outcomes of Syria Conference held in London, UK on Thursday, Fakhoury

pointed out that “Turkey has hinted at the possibility of providing one million jobs, while Lebanon

will offer 210,000 jobs to Syrians.”

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/23784-jordan-to-create-200000-jobs-for-

syrian-refugees

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Jordan’s King Abdullah to meet with Obama in Washington this month

Jordan’s King Abdullah II is scheduled to meet US President Barack Obama at the White House on

February 24. Talks between the leaders are expected to cover the strategic partnership between

Jordan and the United States, especially in light of the Kingdom’s important role in the region,

including its generosity in hosting Syrian refugees, a Royal Court statement said.

More Details:

http://www.albawaba.com/news/jordan%E2%80%99s-king-abdullah-meet-obama-washington-

month-803362

Lebanon Presidential Election Postponed until March 2

Parliamentary session aimed at electing a new Lebanese president was adjourned until March 2 due

to lack of quorum. Parliament's Secretary General Adnan Daher postponed the parliamentary session

to elect a president till the second of March, Lebanese National News Agency reported. Only 51 MPs

arrived at the Parliament on Monday to attend the 35th session when two-thirds quorum, or 86 of

Parliament’s 128, should be secured to convene the session, Lebanese media reported.

More Details:

http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941119001538

As Parliament session fails, eyes on Saudi-Iranian role

The failure of the 35th Parliament session in a row Monday to elect a president over a lack of

quorum clearly indicates that a regional agreement, mainly between Saudi Arabia and its rival, Iran, is

crucial for ending the 20-month-long presidential vacuum, political sources said.

More Details:

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2016/Feb-09/336339-as-parliament-session-fails-

eyes-on-saudi-iranian-role.ashx

King attends army drill

His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF),

on Monday attended a military drill performed by a joint special operations unit, a Royal Court

statement said. At the drill — attended by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Feisal and Prince Rashid,

King’s Military Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chief-of-Staff Gen.

More Details:

http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-attends-army-drill-1

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Tawjihi results announced

The Ministry of Education on Monday early morning published the results of the Tawjihi (General

Secondary School Certificate) Examination for the 2015-2016 winter session. The results were

published on the Ministry's Tawjihi official website.

More Details:

http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=30293#.Vrm4avmLTcs

Hezbollah Devours Lebanon

Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah declared victory last week in Lebanon. He has made

plenty of empty bombastic victory boasts in the past, most notoriously after the Israelis served his

own ass to him on a kabob skewer during the 2006 war, but this time, thanks to the now-unchecked

rise of Iranian power, Hezbollah really is winning.

More Details:

http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/blog/michael-j-totten/hezbollah-devours-lebanon?

Rahi Says Lebanon Needs ‘Real Statesmen’ to End Baabda Vacuum

Beshara al-Rahi said on Tuesday that Lebanon needs “real statesmen” to end the presidential

vacuum. “We need real statesmen to be able to elect a president,” al-Rahi said in his sermon during a

mass he celebrated on the occasion of Saint Maroun in Bkirki. The patriarch urged Maronites to

“build bridges rather than walls” among different factions.

More Details:

http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/201648-rahi-says-lebanon-needs-real-statesmen-to-end-

baabda-vacuum

Queen Rania meets with Global Teacher Prize finalists

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah met on Monday with three Jordanian teachers, who have been

among the Global Teacher Prize top 50 finalists. All three teachers are past winners of the Queen

Rania Award for Excellence in Education. Nesrin Bakaeen, a mathematics teacher at Al Karak

Secondary School for Girls, has been nominated for this year’s Global Teacher Prize. Randa Abdulaziz,

an art Teacher at Al Amawie District Secondary School in Amman, and Hanan Al Madaheen, a physics

teacher at King Abdullah II School for Excellence in Aqaba, were nominated for the prize last year.

More Details:

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http://petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=236924&CatID

=13

Finance Minister welcomes Jones

Minister of Finance, Ali Hassan Khalil, on Monday met at with US diplomat Richard Jones, over latest

developments. The pair focused on the bilateral relations and the outcome of London conference.

They also discussed the ongoing preparations for Khalil's imminent visit to the USA.

More Details:

http://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/show-news/56453/Finance-Minister-welcomes-Jones

6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA

Qatar hopes to host Summer Olympics (…) ‘maybe 2028’

Qatar has a "vision and target" of hosting a Summer Olympics and will bid to hold future games, a

senior member of the Gulf country's Olympics committee said on Monday. Thani Al-Kuwari added

that the country would undoubtedly bid to host an Olympics, maybe as early as the 2028 games.

More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75124

U.S., Saudi push ceasefire ahead of Syria talks

The United States and Saudi Arabia will push for an immediate ceasefire in Syria at international talks

later this week, their top diplomats said Monday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Saudi

Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir met in Washington to prepare for broader negotiations in Munich in

Thursday.

More Details:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/2016/02/08/U-S-Saudi-push-ceasefire-ahead-of-Syria-talks-.html

US welcomes Saudi troop offer for Syria: FM

The United States welcomes a Saudi offer to deploy Special Forces to support a possible coalition

ground operation inside Syria, the kingdom's foreign minister said Monday. Speaking after a meeting

with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said any operation would be

US-led but that Saudi Arabia would play a leading role.

More Details:

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http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/middle-east/369649/us-welcomes-saudi-troop-offer-for-syria-

fm

Bahrain charges 11 with forming 'terrorist' group

Bahrain's prosecution service said Monday it has charged 11 suspects with forming a "terrorist"

group, including a number trained by Iran's Revolutionary Guards and the Hezbollah branch in Iraq.

The group, including four suspects on the run, has been charged with "establishing and joining a

terrorist group; possessing explosives, weapons and firearms; and receiving training for terrorist

purposes", Advocate General Ahmed al-Hamadi said.

More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75132

UAE tries 'Hezbollah', 'Qaeda' cell members: media

Separate trials have opened in the United Arab Emirates of three men accused of links to Lebanon's

Shiite Hezbollah movement and 23 others for ties to Al-Qaeda, newspapers reported Tuesday. The

three Lebanese men charged with "forming and managing a group linked to Hezbollah without

obtaining a permit" appeared Monday before Abu Dhabi's state security, Emarat al-Youm newspaper

said.

More Details:

http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/middle-east/369699/uae-tries-hezbollah-qaeda-cell-members-

media

UAE and Egyptian military to cooperate following talks

The UAE chief of staff met on Monday with Egypt's defence minister Sedki Sobhi to discuss military

cooperation between the two countries, Egyptian military spokesperson Mohamed Samir said.

Emirati Lieutenant General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al-Rumaithi is visiting Egypt with an Emirati

delegation to hold military cooperation talks with top Egyptian military officials.

More Details:

http://www.albawaba.com/news/uae-and-egyptian-military-cooperate-following-talks-803122

Saudi Arabia Claims US Welcomed Troops Deployment in Syria War

Saudi Arabia claims the United States has welcomed Riyadh’s offer to contribute troops to a potential

ground incursion by a US-led coalition in Syria. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said the offer,

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made last Thursday, had been met with Washington’s approval and that Saudi forces would be

playing a major role in any such operation.

More Details:

http://en.alalam.ir/news/1787611

Decisive Storm Seminar Reveals Houthi Under-the-table Struck Deals with Yemeni Parties

A seminar at the Saudi 30TH Janadriyah festival on Sunday has dealt with the “decisive storm” and

the geopolitical changes happening in the region. The seminar was held at the King Faisal Conference

Hall in Riyadh. It highlighted the Iranian greed spreading into the region and how the Saudi-led Arab

coalition has confronted it in an effort to keep Iran from being left alone with Yemen.

More Details:

http://english.aawsat.com/2016/02/article55347391/decisive-storm-seminar-reveals-houthi-under-

the-table-struck-deals-with-yemeni-parties

Daesh claims car bomb blast in Saudi capital

An explosion damaged a car in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported,

an incident the Daesh terror group said was caused by a bomb one of its members had affixed to the

vehicle. Saudi Arabia in 2014 declared Daesh a terrorist organisation and has detained hundreds of

its supporters. The group, which controls territory in Iraq and Syria, has staged a series of attacks in

the kingdom.

More Details:

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/daesh-claims-car-bomb-blast-in-saudi-capital-

1.1668442

Doha hosts 79th AIP Congress

Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on

Monday opened the 79th International Sports Press Association (AIPS) congress, organized by the

Sports Media Committee over four days with the participation of several international and local

sports organizations. A number of Shaikhs, ministers and state guests attended the ceremony.

More Details:

http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/710177

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7. EGYPT

Outraged Italy demands answers over brutal killing of student in Egypt

Italy on Monday warned Egypt it would not allow the fate of Giulio Regeni to be brushed under the

carpet as anger mounted over the Cambridge University student's torture and killing in Cairo. With

the media publishing gruesome details of Regeni's treatment and pointing the finger at Egyptian

security services, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was under pressure to authorise a state funeral for

the slain 28-year-old.

More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75121

Funeral service of Muslim Brotherhood founder’s son cancelled following government decision

The family of Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, announced on Sunday that the

funeral service of his son Ahmed Seif El-Islam had been cancelled in compliance with a decision made

by the Egyptian government and security services. The funeral service had been scheduled to take

place after sunset prayers on Sunday.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/23785-funeral-service-of-muslim-brotherhood-

founders-son-cancelled-following-government-decision

Egypt rejects charge against police in Italian’s death

Egypt's interior minister Monday rejected charges of security forces involvement in the case of Italian

Giulio Regeni, who was found dead bearing signs of torture after disappearing in Cairo last month.

"This did not happen," Magdy Abdel Ghaffar said at a press conference when a reporter asked if

Regeni, a Cambridge University PhD student, had been arrested by the police.

More Details:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/02/08/Egypt-rejects-charge-against-police-

in-Italian-s-death-.html

Egyptian court freezes assets and puts dozens on no-fly list

The Cairo Criminal Court issued an order on Sunday to freeze the assets of Mubarak-era Interior

Minister Habib Al-Adly and officers of twelve security units. All were also placed on a non-fly list. The

same court dropped charges against 90 such units, police officers and employees in the same case,

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after reaching a “reconciliation agreement” with a judicial commission and returning the money they

had received. The court decision was the culmination of an investigation known as the “Interior

Ministry Corruption Case” which was opened in 2012.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/23793-egyptian-court-freezes-assets-and-puts-

dozens-on-no-fly-list

Egyptian MP appointed by Sisi submits resignation

Egyptian parliamentarian Serry Siam who was appointed by presidential decree handed in his

resignation on Monday. A decision on whether to accept Siam's resignation will be made on Saturday

during a general assembly of the House of Representatives, the general secretariat of the house was

cited by state news agency MENA as saying.

More Details:

http://www.albawaba.com/news/egyptian-mp-appointed-sisi-submits-resignation-803204

Senior advisor to secretary of state visits Cairo, Luxor

Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State David Thorne will arrive in Cairo Tuesday to meet with

Egyptian officials to discuss bilateral cooperation, Youm7 reported. Thorne is set to meet with several

Egyptian businesspersons along with representatives of U.S. companies operating in Egypt to discuss

opportunities for cooperation on support for the Egyptian economy, U.S. Department of State stated

Friday.

More Details:

http://thecairopost.youm7.com/news/193330/news/senior-advisor-to-secretary-of-state-visits-

cairo-luxor

Russia and Egypt military coordinate efforts in fight against terrorism

Russian and Egyptian militaries are regularly coordinating their efforts in the fight against terrorism

by sharing information and training staff and delivering specialized technology, Russian Ambassador

to Egypt Sergei Kirpichenko said. “There is solid coordination between our militaries. That’s all I can

say at the moment. There is serious joint understanding in these conditions and obviously in regard

to exchanging information there is also tight cooperation, which is of a regular character for sure,”

Kirpichenko told RIA Novosti in an interview.

More Details:

Sayfa 24

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/187034/Egypt/Politics-/Russia-and-Egypt-military-

coordinate-efforts-in-fi.aspx

EU Parliament committee and Al-Sisi address mutual concerns over border control, security

The EU delegation led by German MP Elmar Brok, chairman of the European Parliament committee

on foreign affairs, and President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met Sunday in Cairo to discuss regional and

international security measures, border control, and Egypt’s role in assisting in the migrant crisis

brought on by regional turmoil .

More Details:

http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/02/08/eu-parliament-committee-and-al-sisi-address-mutual-

concerns-over-border-control-security/

Egypt's foreign minister visits DC, meets with Jewish-American delegation

The first day of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri's visit to the US capital Washington, D.C. was full of

intense meetings with research centers, the press and prominent former officials working with think

tanks. The minister met with a delegation from Jewish-American organizations and discussed means

of pushing forward the peace process in the Middle East. Shoukri emphasized Egypt's support for the

two state solution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

More Details:

http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/egypt-s-foreign-minister-visits-dc-meets-jewish-

american-delegation

Egypt's stock market dips at trading kickoff

The Egyptian stock market's benchmark index EGX 30 fell by 2.52 per cent after one hour of trading

on Tuesday, dropping from 6,175 points to 6,019. Both the index for small and medium enterprises

EGX 70 and the broader EGX 100 have made sharp fluctuations. While EGX 70 inched up by 0.1 per

cent after an hour of trading, EGX 100 retreated by 0.41 per cent, reversing a heavy dip at the start of

trading.

More Details:

http://en.aswatmasriya.com/news/view.aspx?id=78c0d5c8-a1de-478f-bc98-7103a9aa5f75

Sayfa 25

8. NORTH AFRICA

Libya Presidential Council needs ‘more time’ to form unity government

Libya's presidential council said Monday it needs one more week to form a national unity

government, after the country's internationally recognised parliament rejected an initial line-up. The

council, chaired by prime minister-designate Fayez al-Sarraj, had been due to submit the name of a

new unity government on Wednesday for approval by the recognised parliament.

More Details:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75131

Libyan warplane crashes after attacking ISIS

A warplane operated by forces loyal to Libya’s recognized government crashed Monday near the

eastern city of Derna after attacking ISIS positions, a military official said. Spokesman Nasser el-Hassi

told AFP the pilot of the MiG-23, Younes al-Dilani, “survived the crash”. Hassi refused to reveal the

cause but LANA news agency, which is close to the recognized government, attributed it to “technical

problems”.

More Details:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/02/09/Libyan-warplane-crashes-after-

attacking-ISIS.html

Benkirane first PM to join Regency Council in Morocco

Moroccan Ministerial Council has approved the membership of Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane

in the country’s Regency Council. In exclusive statements to Quds Press, Benkirane confirmed the

news that the prime minister is now a member of the Regency Council, making him the first head of a

Moroccan government to occupy this position.

More Details:

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/23798-benkirane-first-pm-to-join-regency-

council-in-morocco

Hidalgo: Paris interested in Algeria's radicalization prevention experience

Paris is interested in Algerian's experience in the prevention of radicalization, stressed the Mayor of

Paris Anne Hidalgo and First Vice President of the Metropolis of Grand Paris, noting that Algeria had

overcome the dark decade of terrorism with "a lot of courage and determination." "We are

Sayfa 26

interested in the measures taken by Algeria to overcome the dark decade of terrorism, with great

courage and determination," she affirmed at a press conference following her visit to Algeria.

More Details:

http://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/10730-hidalgo-paris-interested-in-algeria-s-radicalization-prevention-

experience

GNA would have little credibility if not in Tripoli: British ambassador Millett

British ambassador to Libya Peter Millett said that Libyans need to learn the culture of political

compromise referring to the vexing issue of Khalifa Hafter in the political tug-of-war taking place

currently within the Presidential Council. He believed that Khalifa Hafter, appointed Chief of Staff by

the Tobruk House of Representatives (HoR) could be installed as ‘’part of the security hierarchy’’ but

‘’with his role diluted’ which could be a compromise solution acceptable to both the east and west.

More Details:

https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/02/09/gna-would-have-little-credibility-if-not-in-tripoli-british-

ambassador-millett/

Ansar Al-Sharia in Derna claims it shot down Mig-23 today

Ansar Al-Sharia is claiming that it shot down a Libyan Air Force MiG-23 today during an airstrike on

Derna. Ansar used a Twitter account to say that it had brought down the plane with anti-aircraft fire.

The Air Force has admitted the loss of the warplane but said that it crashed because of a mechanical

failure. The MiG-23, numbered ‘6132’, was reportedly only returned to frontline service on 1

February after a major overhaul.

More Details:

https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/02/08/ansar-al-sharia-in-derna-says-it-shot-down-mig-23-today/

King Mohammed VI Launches Mega Development Programs in Dakhla Region

King Mohammed VI chaired Monday the ceremony to launch the development programs of Dakhla-

Oued Eddahab and Guelmim-Oued Noun regions, and sign their related program contracts. These

two development projects are part of the implementation of the new development model in the

southern provinces, which was launched on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Green March

to promote the integration of these provinces in the kingdom, and reinforce the position of the

Sahara as an economic hub and a bridge between Morocco and its African depth.

More Details:

Sayfa 27

http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/02/179352/king-mohammed-vi-launches-mega-

development-programs-in-dakhla-region/

Vatican Radio Highlights Morocco’s Leadership in Combating Religious Extremism

Vatican Radio hailed Morocco’s leadership in combating religious extremism, highlighting the various

initiatives taken by King Mohammed VI in this regard. The Radio highlighted the creation of the

Mohammed VI Institute for Training Imams, Murshidins and Murshidats (religious preachers) in

March 2015 in Rabat, with the aim to promote the values of moderate Islam.

More Details:

http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/02/179343/vatican-radio-highlights-moroccos-

leadership-in-combating-religious-extremism/

Ennaceur calls on EU to put in place “Marshall Plan” for Tunisia

Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Mohamed Ennaceur called, Monday, on the

European Union (EU) to establish a bailout plan for the Tunisian economy to help it overcome the

difficulties of the transition phase the country is going through. Tunisia needs the equivalent of a

Marshall Plan, he said, in an address delivered at a parliament plenary session on the visit of

European Parliament President Martin Schulz.

More Details:

http://www.tap.info.tn/en/index.php/politics2/33253-ennaceur-calls-on-eu-to-put-in-place-

marshall-plan-for-tunisia

"Tunisia emerges today as model of pluralism and tolerance in region" (Martin Schulz)

“Tunisia emerges today as a model of pluralism and tolerance in the region,” European Parliament

President Martin Schulz said Monday in Tunis. “The Nobel Peace Prize for 2015 awarded to the

National Dialogue Quartet crowned the exceptional course of the Tunisian people who, showing an

extraordinary courage in a strong and decent national upsurge, rejected division and expressed their

commitment to protect the revolution ideals,” Schulz added.

More Details:

http://www.tap.info.tn/en/index.php/politics2/33252-tunisia-emerges-today-as-model-of-pluralism-

and-tolerance-in-region-martin-schulz

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9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN

Army Chief pays rich tribute to resilience of people of KP, FATA

The Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif has paid rich tribute to the resilience of people of

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, who stood up to terrorist atrocities and pushed and marginalised the

militants.

More Details:

http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/97090-Army-Chief-pays-rich-tribute-to-resilience-of-people-of-

KP-FATA

Accountability court sends Dr. Asim on 12-day Judicial Remand

An Accountability Court in Karachi on Tuesday sent former petroleum minister Dr. Asim Hussain to

jail on a 12-day judicial remand till February 22. The court directed NAB to submit the reference by

22nd February.

More Details:

http://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/97093-Accountability-court-sends-Dr-Asim-on-12-day-Judicial-

Remand

Kabul to seek UN action against state sponsors of terror

Afghanistan is preparing a set of proposals for action against state actors violating the UN Security

Council resolution on the Taliban and Al Qaeda and aiding terrorism in the war-torn country. In an

exclusive interview, a top diplomat told Pajhwok Afghan News: “There are people within state

structures, in particular within the security apparatus, who believe in the use of violence in pursuit of

political objectives.”

More Details:

http://www.pajhwok.com/en/2016/02/09/kabul-seek-un-action-against-state-sponsors-terror

Entering the most difficult phase of operation, says COAS

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Shareef said Tuesday that the state is entering the most difficult

phase of the military operation, while speaking at a special provincial Apex committee meeting held

in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

More Details:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1238403/entering-the-most-difficult-phase-of-operation-says-coas

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To protect Chinese investment, Pakistan Army leaves little to chance

A heavy police presence, guarded convoys, new checkpoints and troop reinforcements have turned

parts of the southern port city of Gwadar into a fortress, as Pakistan's military seeks to protect

billions of dollars of Chinese investment. Securing the planned $46 billion economic corridor of roads,

railways and pipelines from northwest China to the country's Arabian Sea coast is a huge challenge in

a country where militants and separatist gunmen are a constant menace.

More Details:

http://www.dawn.com/news/1238167/to-protect-chinese-investment-pakistan-army-leaves-little-

to-chance

US To Send Hundreds Of Troops To Afghanistan’s Helmand Province For Defense Against Taliban

The U.S. is set to send hundreds of additional troops to Afghanistan to help strengthen local military

against the Taliban, said to be regaining ground in parts of the country, the Guardian reported

Monday. By the end of the month, the troops are set to reach the southern Helmand province, a

region that has seen U.S. and U.K. forces struggle for over a decade to drive out the Taliban.

More Details:

http://www.ibtimes.com/us-send-hundreds-troops-afghanistans-helmand-province-defense-against-

taliban-2299516?

World Bank President Calls On PM Nawaz Sharif

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the World Bank president on Tuesday that his government wants to

provide an environment conducive for private sector development, adding that it is not the job of

governments to run businesses. The World Bank President Jim Yong Kim called on the prime minister

in Islamabad where the two discussed the various areas where Pakistan and the World Bank are

engaged in cooperation.

More Details:

http://www.geo.tv/latest/100990-World-Bank-president-calls-on-PM-Nawaz-Sharif

Taliban shadow district governor among 10 killed in Nangarhar

A shadow district governor of Taliban has been killed along with nine of his companions in eastern

Nangarhar province. Officials say Rustam Haqyar was killed in joint security operation of police, army

and personnel from the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in Rodat District.

More Details:

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http://www.khaama.com/taliban-shadow-district-governor-among-10-killed-in-nangarhar-4563

Japan Funds 2 New Demining Projects In Afghanistan

The Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan organized a signing ceremony for two demining projects in

Northern and Central regions of Afghanistan. In the ceremony, which was held at the Embassy of

Japan in Kabul, Hiroshi Takahashi, the Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, Farid Homayoun, country

director of HALO Trust and Kefayatullah Eblagh, Chairman and the Founder of Afghan Technical

Consultants (ATC) signed the grant contracts for 2 new demining projects with a total amount of USD

1,110,000, a statement from the Japan embassy said.

More Details:

http://www.bakhtarnews.com.af/eng/security/item/21118-japan-funds-2-new-demining-projects-in-

afghanistan.html?

Suicide bombers kill nine people in Afghanistan

Two suicide bombers targeting Afghan government and military employees killed at least nine people

on Monday and wounded 23, officials said. Six civilians died and nine were injured in a blast outside a

bakery in Yahyakhil district of Paktika province, an area near Afghanistan’s eastern border with

Pakistan, district governor Musa Khan Kharuti said.

More Details:

http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/97070-Suicide-bombers-kill-nine-people-in-Afghanistan?

10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Germany and Turkey vow to end Aleppo violence

As tens of thousands of Syrians fleeing violence massed at Turkey’s border, Turkish and German

leaders pledged on Monday to redouble diplomatic efforts to end the fighting around the embattled

Syrian city of Aleppo and prevent more refugees making their way into Europe. German Chancellor

Angela Merkel said after talks with Turkey Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu that she was “not just

appalled but horrified” by the suffering caused by the bombing in Syria, primarily by Russia.

More Details:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/02/09/Germany-Turkey-vow-diplomatic-

effort-to-end-Aleppo-violence.html

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Erdogan warns U.S. not to side with Syrian Kurds

Turkey’s president lashed out at the United States a week after President Barack Obama’s envoy

visited a northern Syrian town that is under the control of Syrian Kurdish forces, which Ankara

considers terrorists. In comments published Sunday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said

Washington should choose between Turkey and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party, or PYD, as its

partner.

More Details:

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/02/08/Erdogan-U-S-should-choose-

between-Turkey-and-PYD.html

As many as 600,000 Syrians may arrive at Turkish border: Deputy PM

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Monday there was a possibility that 600,000

refugees would soon arrive at the Turkish border. Kurtulmus’s remarks came during a press

conference following a cabinet meeting. “It is estimated that a wave of 600,000 refugees may come

to the Turkish border soon in a worst case scenario,” he said. “Our first goal is to host these refugees

outside of Turkey.”

More Details:

http://www.albawaba.com/news/many-600000-syrians-may-arrive-turkish-border-deputy-pm-

803206

Turkey to keep aiding refugees under heavy Russian bombing

Aid trucks and ambulances entered Syria from Turkey on Sunday to deliver food and supplies to tens

of thousands of people fleeing an escalating assault by regime forces on Aleppo, as air strikes

targeted villages on the road north to the Turkish border. Tens of thousands of Syrians have been

fleeing to the Turkish border north of Aleppo since Thursday, following heavy Russian air strikes and

reports of Syrian regime forces and its allies making gains in Aleppo's northern countryside, cutting

opposition supply lines to Turkey.

More Details:

http://www.trtworld.com/mea/turkey-to-keep-aiding-refugees-under-heavy-russian-bombing-43524

Turkey refutes '150,000 troops to enter Syria' reports

Recent media reports saying 150,000 troops from Saudi Arabia are to enter Syria via Turkish borders

in order to aid in anti-ISIL operations are not true, Turkish Prime Ministry sources said on Monday.

Turkey’s bases are open for the coalition forces as part of the fight against ISIL and Ankara is ready

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for every type of cooperation in this sense, said the sources, who were not named according to

Turkish Prime Ministry policy.

More Details:

http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/169243/turkey-refutes-150000-troops-to-enter-syria-reports

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

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

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

factual accuracy.

*Bu bülten ORSAM Ortadoğu Uzman Yardımcısı Firuze Yağmur Gökler tarafından hazırlanmaktadır.

Bülten Ortadoğu ülkelerinin yerel haber kaynaklarından derlenmektedir. Belirtilen görüşler bölge

ülkelerinin haber kaynaklarına ve ismi geçen yazarlara ait olup ORSAM’ın görüşünü

yansıtmamaktadır.