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MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN 23 MARCH 2016
NO: 2127 1. IRAQ, .................................................................................................................................... 4
US-led coalition conducts 15 airstrikes on ISIS in Iraq and Syria ..................................................4
How I got here: being a Jew in Baghdad wasn't safe any more ...................................................4
22 ISIS members killed in coalition airstrike in central Nineveh ..................................................4
Baghdad politics slows fight against IS in Anbar ..........................................................................4
ISIS attacks Bashiqa military base north of Mosul .......................................................................5
Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq ............................................................................5
Mortar shell attack wounds child west of Ramadi .......................................................................5
A Woman Becomes a Force for Unifying Iraq ..............................................................................5
Baghdad calls for striking new oil deal with Erbil .........................................................................6
Iran, Iraq sign banking cooperation accord ..................................................................................6
Iran official, Iraq’s premier meet, stress unity in terror fight.......................................................6
7 ISIL Leaders Killed in Iraq's Al-Karma District ............................................................................7
Troop count in Iraq doesn't include all forces, Pentagon chief acknowledges ............................7
Canada officially announces conclusion of offensive operations in Iraq and Syria .....................7
US discloses existence of first-of-its-kind base in northern Iraq ..................................................7
Almost half of Western ISIS jihadis have been killed fighting in Syria and Iraq ...........................8
Iraq condemns Brussels attacks ...................................................................................................8
British Islamic State fighter killed in Iraq 'was from Huddersfield' ..............................................8 2. SYRIA .................................................................................................................................... 9
Bloggers say sixth Russian serviceman died in Syria ....................................................................9
Kerry heads to Moscow for Syria, Ukraine talks ..........................................................................9
Syria peace talks hit fresh impasse over Assad ............................................................................9
Russia jets destroying Palmyra: activists ......................................................................................9
No foreign powers should have say in Syria peace talks: Damascus ........................................ 10
Russia, Germany urge parties against wasting time in Syria crisis ............................................ 10
US admits arming genocidal killers in Syria Printer friendly page Print This ShareThis ............ 10
Kremlin urges all warring sides in Syria to show patience at peace talks ................................. 11
Damascus Receives Settlement Proposals from UN Special Envoy for Syria ............................ 11
Kremlin says Syria peace talk participants must show patience ............................................... 11 3. IRAN .................................................................................................................................... 11
Iran, Iraq Sign Cooperation Agreement in Banking ................................................................... 11
4.1 Richter Quake Jolts Northeast Iran ..................................................................................... 12
Iran invited to Doha oil freeze talks .......................................................................................... 12
Iran announces major jump in oil exports................................................................................. 12
Zarif condemns Brussels terrorist blasts ................................................................................... 13
Obama’s Nowruz message, US threats ‘inconsistent’ ............................................................... 13
President Rouhani due in Pakistan on Friday ............................................................................ 13
Sanctions cause evolution in Iran's banking sector ................................................................... 13
Pak PM advisor: Iran pres. visit to focus mainly on economic, trade ties ................................. 14
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Iran embassy warns nationals on visit to Turkey ...................................................................... 14
Iran social media prays for Brussels on line .............................................................................. 14 4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE.............................................................................................................. 15
Netanyahu Cautions US against UN Resolution on Mideast Conflict ........................................ 15
Netanyahu hopes U.S. will reject U.N. resolution on Palestinian statehood ............................ 15
Netanyahu: Israel ready for ‘unconditional’ negotiations with Palestinians ............................ 15
Netanyahu equates intifada with terrorism .............................................................................. 15
Israeli occupation forces detain 16 Palestinians in overnight raids .......................................... 16
Israeli army seals off Palestinian territories .............................................................................. 16
UN: Israeli Settlements Root Cause of Rights Violations against Palestinians .......................... 16
Families of Israel’s Terror Victims Unite in Prayer to Save the World ...................................... 17
Hezbollah Warns Israel: We Will Hit Nuclear Sites if Attacked - Breaking Israel News ............ 17
Netanyahu calls for continued US support at UN ..................................................................... 17
University of California urged to combat anti-Semitism on campus ........................................ 17 5. JORDAN and LEBANON ......................................................................................................... 18
Syrian refugees denied critical healthcare in Jordan: Amnesty ................................................ 18
Jordan voices solidarity with Belgium as terror hits capital ...................................................... 18
Border guards receive 105 Syrian refugees ............................................................................... 18
Amnesty condemns Jordan for denying healthcare to Syrian refugees ................................... 18
Hundreds of Palestinians protest healthcare costs in Beirut .................................................... 19
UN must destroy ISIS: Sleiman to Ban Ki-moon ........................................................................ 19
King receives EU foreign policy chief ......................................................................................... 19
Only 2% of Syrians heading to Europe come from Jordan ........................................................ 20
Presidential Polls Postponed again as Hariri Slams Aoun's Claims on Legitimacy of Parliament20 6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA .................................................................... 20
US air strike 'kills dozens of al-Qaeda fighters in Yemen .......................................................... 20
Yemen peace talks in Kuwait next month: govt source ............................................................ 20
Oman, Singapore hold talks to boost relations ......................................................................... 21
Warning that oil will stay low for two years .............................................................................. 21
Sudan, UAE discuss joint military cooperation .......................................................................... 21
Saudi airstrikes kill 11 civilians in Yemen’s Jawf Province ......................................................... 21
Yemen's Jews furtively flee to Israel, leaving an ancient legacy behind ................................... 21
Strikes kill at least 50 at Qaeda Yemen camp: medics, official ................................................. 22
Saudi Arabia arrests Shiite preacher for 'glorifying' Hezbollah ................................................. 22
Bahrain: Funeral for Shia cleric opposed to regime attended by thousands ............................ 22 7. EGYPT .................................................................................................................................. 23
Ministers, leadership from Africa convene in Sharm El-Sheikh for collaborative effort against terrorism ............................................................................................................................................ 23
Egypt close to 1 billion euro French arms purchases – paper ................................................... 23
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Egypt Ambassador Discuss Syrian Settlement .................... 23
Egyptian Air Force Kills 20 Daesh Terrorists in North Sinai ....................................................... 23
What the US Presidential Election Means for Egypt and the Middle East ................................ 24
Egypt student held over anti-torture T-shirt freed on bail........................................................ 24
Egypt's Sisi says he seeks 'balance' between stability and freedoms ....................................... 24
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Egypt's Sisi discusses North Sinai security with defence minister, officials .............................. 24
Egypt learning to defend itself from its neighbour Israel.......................................................... 25
Expert: Egypt does not need a loan from the IMF .................................................................... 25 8. NORTH AFRICA ..................................................................................................................... 25
UN closes Western Sahara military office on Morocco’s demand ............................................ 25
Morocco strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Brussels ........................................................ 26
1 Dead and 4 Injured Moroccans in Brussel Airport and Metro Terrorist Explosions .............. 26
USABC: John Kerry to partake in next Algeria-US strategic dialogue ........................................ 26
Belarus, Algeria ready for closer economic, sci-tech cooperation ............................................ 26
Tunisia forces break up Islamic State recruiting cell ................................................................. 27
Messahel meets in Tunis with President of Presidency Council of Libya .................................. 27
Tunisia extends ‘state of emergency’ for three months following Daesh attacks .................... 27
UAE drops terror charges against Libyan trio............................................................................ 28
Italy is the Key to Fighting ISIS in Libya ...................................................................................... 28 9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN .................................................................................................. 28
Armed forces display military might on Pakistan Day ............................................................... 28
Defaced Dostum Billboards Nearly Ruin New Year's In Mazar-e Sharif .................................... 28
Modi extends felicitations on Pakistan Day .............................................................................. 29
Netherlands to Continue Cooperating Afghanistan .................................................................. 29
Pakistan National Day celebrated in China ............................................................................... 29
Ghani Launces g7+ Summit in Kabul ......................................................................................... 29
Pakistan looking to have 'normal' ties with India, says its envoy Abdul Basit .......................... 30
Eight Daesh Insurgents Killed in Nangarhar Drone Strike ......................................................... 30
Pathankot JIT gets Indian visas, prepares 50 questions ............................................................ 30
12-year-old suicide bomber surrender to Afghan forces in Nangarhar .................................... 31 10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................ 31
Consuls general and Turkish mayors march against terrorism ................................................. 31
Syrian businesses boom in Turkey ............................................................................................ 31
Suspected Daesh suicide bomber arrested in Turkey ............................................................... 31
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1. IRAQ,
US-led coalition conducts 15 airstrikes on ISIS in Iraq and Syria
The US-led coalition announced, that its aircraft conducted 15 air strikes on targets belonging to the
so-called ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The Joint Task Force said in a press statement obtained by
IraqiNews.com, “Yesterday the international coalition aircraft carried out 13 air strike on ISIS targets
in Iraq.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/us-led-coalition-conducts-15-airstrikes-isis-iraq-syria/
How I got here: being a Jew in Baghdad wasn't safe any more
I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1945. When I was four, it started to get dangerous for my parents to
continue to live there. The authorities were after my father. This forced us to leave the country in a
hurry. To make sure our house help wouldn’t suspect our plans, we made the breakfast table look as
if we were ready to eat in the morning. But by time the sun rose, we were gone.
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/politics/17543-how-i-got-here-being-a-jew-in-baghdad-wasn-t-safe-any-
more.html
22 ISIS members killed in coalition airstrike in central Nineveh
A local source in Nineveh province said on Tuesday, that 22 ISIS elements had been killed in an aerial
bombing by the international coalition that targeted ISIS sites in the center of the province. The
source said in a statement obtained by IraqiNews.com, “The international coalition aviation
bombarded, this afternoon, sites for ISIS in Mosul University as well as the presidential palaces in the
center of Nineveh, resulting in the death of 22 [ISIS] elements.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/22-isis-members-killed-coalition-airstrike-central-nineveh/
Baghdad politics slows fight against IS in Anbar
Iraqi security forces, supported by coalition airstrikes, are clearing territory northwest of Baghdad
along the Euphrates River valley as they continue to prepare a push to retake the Islamic State group-
held city of Mosul. But progress on the ground has been slowed by skirmishes elsewhere and by a
political crisis that has prompted the government to pull some forces back from the front to secure
the capital.
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More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/politics/17541-baghdad-politics-slows-fight-against-is-in-anbar.html
ISIS attacks Bashiqa military base north of Mosul
Military sources revealed, that ISIS attacked Bashiqa military base north of Mosul, while pointed out
that the Turkish troops that were stationed in the base responded to the attack. The sources said in a
statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “This morning, ISIS tried to attack Bashiqa military base north
of Iraq,” pointing out that, “The Turkish troops that were stationed in the base responded to the
attack.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/isis-attacks-bashiqa-military-base-north-mosul/
Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq
U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported
today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on
initial reports.
More Details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=37821
Mortar shell attack wounds child west of Ramadi
A security source in Anbar province announced on Tuesday, that a child was injured in a mortar shell
attack by ISIS on the residential neighborhood in the district of al-Baghdadi west of Ramadi. The
source said in a brief statement received by IraqiNews.com, “This evening, ISIS shelled the residential
neighborhood in the district of al-Baghdadi (90 km west of Ramadi), by two mortar shells on one of
the roads in the neighborhood, resulting in the injury of a child,” adding that, “The [ISIS] shelled two
mortar rounds from al-Baghdadi Island.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/mortar-shell-attack-wounds-child-west-ramadi/
A Woman Becomes a Force for Unifying Iraq
Alia Khalaf al-Jabouri lives in Al-Alam Iraq. She is a poor widow. Her husband and her eldest son
were killed by IS. Still, she did not hesitate to risk two of her children’s lives when she learned that IS
soldiers had surrounded a small group of Iraqi soldiers. She directed her son and daughter to drive
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30 miles to go and rescue them. They did. Now Un Qusay (as she is not called) is a revered figure.
Her sending her children into harms way to help Shiite soldiers when they are Sunni Muslims and her
subsequent opening her home to more Sunni soldiers has led her to become a symbol of self-
sacrifice and the possibility of a unified Iraq.
More Details:
http://garnetnews.com/2016/03/22/woman-becomes-force-unifying-iraq/
Baghdad calls for striking new oil deal with Erbil
Iraqi Oil Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi on Tuesday called on northern Iraq’s Kurdish Regional
Government (KRG) to sign a new oil deal with Baghdad. In 2014, Baghdad and the KRG signed a deal
under which 17 percent of the federal budget would be allocated to the KRG in exchange for the
export of 550,000 barrels of oil per day to the state-owned Iraqi State Organization for Marketing Oil
(SOMO).
More Details:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/170771/baghdad-calls-for-striking-new-oil-deal-with-
erbil
Iran, Iraq sign banking cooperation accord
Iranian and Iraqi Central Bank governors have signed agreement which will facilitate bilateral
cooperation in banking. Valiollah Seif, Central Bank governor and Mr. Ali Mohsen Ismail signed the
accord in Baghdad on Tuesday. They also discussed possible improvements in Tehran-Baghdad
central bank ties.
More Details:
http://en.mehrnews.com/news/115374/Iran-Iraq-sign-banking-cooperation-accord
Iran official, Iraq’s premier meet, stress unity in terror fight
The head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations has met with Iraq’s prime minister to discuss
regional cooperation in assisting the Iraqi government in its fight against terror. Kamal Kharrazi, who
formerly served as Iran’s foreign minister, met with Haider al-Abadi in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on
Monday.
More Details:
http://iran-daily.com/News/138541.html
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7 ISIL Leaders Killed in Iraq's Al-Karma District
The Iraqi popular forces, al-Hashed al-Shaabi, in Anbar Province announced seven ISIL leaders were
killed during the cleansing battles with 300 ISIL terrorists in al-Karma District East of Fallujah, 62 km
West of Baghdad. The commander of the 3rd battalion in Karmat Fallujah brigade Colonel Ahmed
Karim al-Nayel said in a statement, “the security forces carried out a large-scale military operation to
cleanse Abadi area in al-Karma District, killing seven Arab leaders belonging to ISIL, Iraqi News
reported.
More Details:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950103000504
Troop count in Iraq doesn't include all forces, Pentagon chief acknowledges
Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged Tuesday that the number of U.S. troops on the ground
in Iraq is higher than the administration's authorized cap of 3,870. "People who are temporarily
assigned — and this has been true for here and in Afghanistan for some time — they, under the caps,
are counted differently, as you well know," Carter told the House Armed Services Committee.
More Details:
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/273892-pentagon-chief-acknowledges-troop-count-in-iraq-
doesnt-include-all-forces?
Canada officially announces conclusion of offensive operations in Iraq and Syria
Canada has officially ended its involvement in airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
with a ceremony by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to mark the standing-down of its Operation
'Impact' Fighter Detachment, the service announced on 21 March. The announcement came some six
weeks after the Canadian government disclosed its decision on 9 February to instead focus on
training local forces, and two weeks after the mission was formally transitioned on 5 March.
More Details:
http://www.janes.com/article/58960/canada-officially-announces-conclusion-of-offensive-
operations-in-iraq-and-syria?
US discloses existence of first-of-its-kind base in northern Iraq
About 200 US Marines have established an artillery position in northern Iraq, the US military said
Monday -- a first-of-its-kind deployment whose existence was revealed only after one of the Marines
was killed in a rocket attack. The marine, Staff Sergeant Louis Cardin, was killed Saturday in an Islamic
State rocket attack on the fire base that wounded several others.
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More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75923
Almost half of Western ISIS jihadis have been killed fighting in Syria and Iraq
Almost half of the Western jihadists fighting for ISIS have been killed in Syria and Iraq, a new report
claims. And around six per cent of the women fighters - many of them married to ISIS gunmen - have
also died in battle. Hundreds of Brits are thought to be amongst 10,000 foreigners who have gone to
Iraq and Syria and been killed.
More Details:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/half-western-isis-jihadis-been-7609147?
Iraq condemns Brussels attacks
The Iraqi government on Tuesday strongly condemned the bomb attacks in the Belgian capital of
Brussels which killed at least 34 people and injured more than 100. Iraqi President Fuad Masoum said
"Iraq strongly condemns such criminal act, and expresses its deep solidarity with the friendly
government and people of Belgium." Masoum also called for "the strengthening of cooperation
between different countries at all levels, in a way that could halt the growth of terrorism and
eliminate their hotbeds and their means of support."
More Details:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-03/23/c_135213609.htm?
British Islamic State fighter killed in Iraq 'was from Huddersfield'
The man, fighting under the name Abu Musa al-Britani, is believed to be Mohammed Rizwan Awan.
The BBC reported the Awan family "knew in their hearts" it was the 27-year-old Yorkshireman. IS
social media accounts confirmed the death, in the al-Anbar province west of Iraqi capital Baghdad,
and claimed "nearly 30" people died.
More Details:
http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2016-03-23/british-islamic-state-fighter-killed-in-iraq-was-from-
huddersfield/?
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2. SYRIA
Bloggers say sixth Russian serviceman died in Syria
A sixth Russian serviceman was killed in his country's military operation in Syria in February, but his
death was not officially reported, a collective of Russian bloggers who monitor the conflict said on
Wednesday. Sergei Chupov, a 51-year-old major of Russia's Interior Ministry troops, was killed in
Syria on Feb. 8 and is buried in the Balashikha district of the Moscow region, the bloggers, who
operate under the name Conflict Intelligence Team, said on their site (www.citeam.org).
More details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-toll-idUSKCN0WP0WA
Kerry heads to Moscow for Syria, Ukraine talks
US Secretary of State John Kerry heads to Moscow this week for talks with President Vladimir Putin,
hoping to build momentum for peace in Syria after a partial Russian withdrawal and to restore a
fragmenting ceasefire in Ukraine. But few experts expect Washington's top diplomat to make much
headway with a Kremlin that has achieved its short-term goals and is seeking new victories.
More details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75938
Syria peace talks hit fresh impasse over Assad
Syria's peace talks hit a fresh impasse over President Bashar al-Assad Monday, as the head of
Lebanon's Hezbollah vowed his Shiite movement would keep fighting alongside the regime until
Islamic State jihadists are defeated. The UN's Syria envoy, Staffan de Mistura, said he had pressured
Damascus to outline its approach to the crucial issue of a political transition, as negotiations in
Geneva entered their second week.
More details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75909
Russia jets destroying Palmyra: activists
An activist group has accused Russian airstrikes of causing widespread damage in Palmyra amid a
regime offensive that has seen the Syrian army and allied militias advance to the entrance of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Russia’s systematic bombing and destruction of the ancient city of
Palmyra has continued for twenty consecutive days,” the Palmyra Revolution Coordination alleged in
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a statement issued Tuesday. The pro-revolution activist group accused Russia of arbitrarily shelling
the ISIS-held city “without differentiation between humans and stones.”
More details:
https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/566778-russia-jets-destroying-palmyra-activists
No foreign powers should have say in Syria peace talks: Damascus
No foreign power should be permitted to interfere in the ongoing Syrian peace talks in Geneva, the
lead government negotiator said, denying that high-level U.S.-Russian meetings in Moscow will
impact the process. "When we say that the dialogue must be between Syrians, without outside
intervention, this also applies to the Russians and Americans," Bashar al-Jaafari told AFP in an
interview.
More details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Mar-23/343686-no-foreign-powers-should-
have-say-in-syria-peace-talks-damascus.ashx
Russia, Germany urge parties against wasting time in Syria crisis
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday, March 23, Russia and Germany agreed on
the need for inclusive Syria peace talks in Geneva, Reuters reports. Speaking after a meeting with
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Lavrov said maintaining relations with Germany
was a priority for Russia.
More Details
http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/208743/?
US admits arming genocidal killers in Syria Printer friendly page Print This ShareThis
Monday night, the US he House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to declare that Islamic
State is committing genocide against Christians and other minority groups in Iraq and Syria. In a
unanimous 393-0 vote, the House resolution comes just days before the State Department is legally
mandated by Congress to determine whether Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) persecution of
minorities in Iraq and Syria – Christians, Yazidis, Sunni Kurds and Shiite Muslims – constitutes
genocide, reports RT.
More Details:
http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/Article_73506.shtml?
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Kremlin urges all warring sides in Syria to show patience at peace talks
The Kremlin is urging all the sides in the Syrian conflict to show patience at the peace talks, Russian
presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. "No one expected easy talks and it would
hardly be correct to experience a shortage of patience so quickly. Patience will still be sufficiently
required from all the sides. The process is difficult and is most likely to be long," the Kremlin
spokesman said.
More Details:
http://tass.ru/en/politics/864470?
Damascus Receives Settlement Proposals from UN Special Envoy for Syria
The Syrian government delegation at the intra-Syrian talks received political settlement proposals
from UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and will respond to them at the beginning of the
next round of talks, the delegation's head said Wednesday.
More Details:
http://sputniknews.com/world/20160323/1036815325/syria-settlement-un.html?
Kremlin says Syria peace talk participants must show patience
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that peace talks on the Syria conflict taking
place in Geneva were always set to be long and difficult, and that it was too early to talk about
patience running out on any side of the negotiations. Peskov was replying to a Reuters question
about whether Russia would encourage the Syrian government delegation in Geneva to engage in
substantive negotiations about a political transition in Syria.
More Details:
http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN0WP0Z5?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&
utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FAFRICAWorldN
ews+%28News+%2F+AFRICA+%2F+World+News%29&rpc=401
3. IRAN
Iran, Iraq Sign Cooperation Agreement in Banking
The agreement was signed at the presence of Governor of Central Bank of Iran Valiollah Seif and his
Iraqi counterpart Ali al-Alaq in Baghdad on Wednesday. The two sides also discussed cooperation in
offering LCs and bank guarantees for greater trade exchange. This comes as the Central Bank of Iran
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and 15 other banks have already re-engaged with the banking world as international lenders link up
with their Iranian counterparts using global transaction network SWIFT.
More details:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950104000324
4.1 Richter Quake Jolts Northeast Iran
An earthquake measuring 4.1 degrees on the Richter scale jolted the city of Amol in Northern
province of Mazandaran on Wednesday. According to the Seismological Center of the Geophysics
Institute of University of Tehran, the quake was registered at 12:18 hours local time (07:48 GMT).
The epicenter of the quake was registered at 52.32 degrees in longitude and 36.39 degrees in
latitude. There was no report of likely casualties or damage to properties.
More details:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950104000359
Iran invited to Doha oil freeze talks
Qatar’s media said on Wednesday that the country has invited Iran to join talks over implementing a
proposed oil production freeze to help stabilize prices. Qatar’s Ministry of Energy and Industry has
announced that all 13 OPEC members including Iran have been invited to the talks that will be held in
Doha on 17 April. Russia, which is not an OPEC member state, has also been invited. Next month’s
meeting in Doha is a follow-up to talks last month between Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia and
Venezuela in which they first called for the output freeze.
More details:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/23/457125/Iran-invited-to-key-April-oil-freeze-talks--
Iran announces major jump in oil exports
Iran says its oil exports have already reached around 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in what could
highlight a major progress in the country’s post-sanctions oil industry performance. Iran’s First Vice
President Es'haq Jahangiri said the figure marked a rise of 900,000 bpd in the country’s oil production
that had been materialized within only two months after the lifting of the sanctions.
More details:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/23/457142/Iran-announces-major-jump-in-oil-exports
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Zarif condemns Brussels terrorist blasts
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif strongly denounced Tuesday terrorist explosions in Belgian
capital. In a phone conversation with his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders, Iran’s Zarif extended
his condolence and sympathy to the government and nation of Belgium as well as the families of the
victims.
More details:
http://en.mehrnews.com/news/115370/Zarif-condemns-Brussels-terrorist-blasts
Obama’s Nowruz message, US threats ‘inconsistent’
Secretary of Expediency Council and former IRGC general has said in the case of military
confrontation with US, Iranians will inflict considerable damage on the enemy so that Vietnam War
would seem nothing in comparison. Mohsen Rezaei joint through a phone call Tuesday night to an
IRIB News Network program ‘Night Headline’ from northeastern city of Mashhad during a live airing
of the program where he said that Barack Obama’s New Year message for Iranians was highly
inconsistent with the evil nature of the US threats; “our nation have well found that Iran is in
constant fight with the US; we do not seek war with the US, however, we are in a daily fight to save
the Revolution and country,” he added.
More details:
http://en.mehrnews.com/news/115376/Obama-s-Nowruz-message-US-threats-inconsistent
President Rouhani due in Pakistan on Friday
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani would travel to Pakistan on March 25 for a two-day official visit, it
was announced on Wednesday. The visit is made upon the official invitation of Pakistan's Prime
Minister Nawaz Sharif. While in Pakistan, President Rouhani would discuses issues of mutual interest,
regional and international developments and the ways for expanding mutual cooperation during the
post-sanctions era with senior Pakistani officials.
More details:
http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82010382/
Sanctions cause evolution in Iran's banking sector
Talking to IRNA, a senior official at German international Company Traxpay, Markus Rupprecht, said
amid imposing sanctions many latest banking and information technology programs and software
have been designed in Iran and are currently employed in this country. Pointing to the second
seminar on Iran-Europe banking and trade relations in Tehran, he said he had become acquainted
with several Iranian banking technologies during his visit to Iran.
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More details:
http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82010348/
Pak PM advisor: Iran pres. visit to focus mainly on economic, trade ties
In an exclusive interview with IRNA Sartaj Aziz said the visit of President Hassan Rouhani to Pakistan
is taking place at an important juncture, when international economic and financial sanctions against
Iran have been lifted. President Rouhani will lead high economic and political delegation to
Islamabad later the week on Friday and Saturday. A big trade delegation including dozens of Iranian
traders from private sector will accompany President Rouhani to Pakistan.
More details:
http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82010343/
Iran embassy warns nationals on visit to Turkey
The Iranian embassy in Ankara has issued a warning statement, urging Iranians traveling to Turkey to
avoid busy public places in the country after Saturday’s deadly bombing attack. On Sunday, Iran’s
Embassy in Ankara released a statement, calling on all Iranian tourists to be cautious and abide by
the necessary security considerations while in Turkey.
More details:
http://www.iran-daily.com/News/138478.html
Iran social media prays for Brussels on line
Iranians have turned to social media platforms to show their solidarity with the Belgian capital
following three bomb blasts struck Brussels yesterday, claiming at least 30 lives and wounding
dozens. While the world is expressing shock and grief, Iranian social media users took the
opportunity to convey their heartfelt condolences sharing cartoons of the famous Belgian comic
character Tintin as a key symbol of solidarity in the deadly Brussels attacks.
More Details:
http://en.trend.az/iran/society/2510291.html?
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4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE
Netanyahu Cautions US against UN Resolution on Mideast Conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday cautioned the United States against using a
U.N. Security Council resolution to try to advance the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Netanyahu's comments, made during an address to the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, came weeks
after reports suggested White House officials are considering a U.N. resolution that would lay out the
basic guidelines for a two-state solution
More Details:
http://www.voanews.com/content/netanyahu-hopes-us-will-reject-un-resolution-on-palestinian-
statehood/3249096.html
Netanyahu hopes U.S. will reject U.N. resolution on Palestinian statehood
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday he hoped the United States would
continue to reject any move towards a U.N. Security Council resolution backing Palestinian
statehood. "A Security Council Resolution to pressure Israel would further harden Palestinian
positions and thereby could actually kill the chances of peace for many, many years," he told a
meeting of the powerful American-Israel Public Affairs Committee lobbying group.
More details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-israel-idUSKCN0WO25R
Netanyahu: Israel ready for ‘unconditional’ negotiations with Palestinians
Israel is ready to hold unconditional talks with Palestinian representatives “anytime, anywhere”,
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday. Seeking to cast aside doubts about his
commitment to a two-state solution, Netanyahu said “let me state unequivocally, and here's the acid
test, I'm ready to begin such negotiations immediately, without preconditions”.
More details:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/netanyahu-israel-ready-%E2%80%98unconditional%E2%80%99-
negotiations-palestinians-820546
Netanyahu equates intifada with terrorism
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Palestinians of making their way to
statehood through knives, Israeli newspaper Maariv reported. During his speech at the AIPAC
conference in Washington yesterday, Netanyahu branded all attacks as terrorist activity, including
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the Palestinian resistance attacks against the Israeli occupation carried out in the occupied West
Bank and East Jerusalem.
More details:
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/24638-netanyahu-equates-intifada-with-
terrorism?
Israeli occupation forces detain 16 Palestinians in overnight raids
Israeli forces detained at least 16 Palestinians in predawn raids across the occupied West Bank on
Wednesday, Israeli and Palestinian sources said. The Asra Media Office said Israeli forces detained
Amer Muhammad Taqatqa, Muhammad Jalal Taqatqa and Muhammas Salem Thawabta in the village
of Beit Fajjar in Bethlehem district.
More details:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/israeli-occupation-forces-detain-16-palestinians-overnight-raids-
820558
Israeli army seals off Palestinian territories
The Israeli army completely sealed off the occupied Palestinian territories this morning until Saturday
evening - duration the Jewish holiday of Purim, the Anadolu Agency reported.
More details:
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/24637-israeli-army-seals-off-palestinian-
territories?
UN: Israeli Settlements Root Cause of Rights Violations against Palestinians
A senior UN rights official says the continued development of illegal Israeli settlements is the root
cause of a broad spectrum of human rights abuses across the occupied Palestinian territories. UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Zeid al-Hussein made the remarks in a statement at
the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), press tv reported.
More details:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950104000311
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Families of Israel’s Terror Victims Unite in Prayer to Save the World
The families of Israeli terror victims gathered Tuesday afternoon at the Kotel (Western Wall) on the
eve of the Fast of Esther in a powerful act of prayer, pleading with God to end the wave of violence
that has claimed dozens of innocent lives.
More details:
http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/64194/families-of-israels-terror-victims-unite-in-prayer-to-
save-the-world-inspiration/#Zd1oqLcTZQyrQSWY.99
Hezbollah Warns Israel: We Will Hit Nuclear Sites if Attacked - Breaking Israel News
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah issued a warning to Israel Monday, saying the terrorist group
would “exploit” the value Israel places on human life if the Jewish State “escalates its aggression
against Lebanon”, The Times of Israel reported. In an interview with al-Mayadeen TV, the leader of
the Shiite terror group ruled out a war with Israel in the near future, but said they would know how
to respond if their hand is forced.
More details:
http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/64171/hezbollah-warns-israel-we-will-hit-nuclear-sites-if-
attacked-terror-watch/#PLe63bVyK1bIvHCk.99
Netanyahu calls for continued US support at UN
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope the United States will continue to
support Israel at the United Nations by opposing all resolutions on the creation of a Palestinian state.
Addressing the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC),
Washington's most influential pro-Israel lobbying group, Netanyahu also said on Tuesday he was
ready to "immediately" resume direct negotiations with the Palestinians.
More details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/03/netanyahu-discuss-state-solution-160322143429143.html
University of California urged to combat anti-Semitism on campus
The University Of California (UC) will establish a committee to evaluate anti-Semitism following rising
tensions between supporters of Israel and pro-Palestinian groups on campus. More than 30 Jewish
organizations, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Zionist Organization of America, wrote
to the UC governing board demanding more is done to protect Jewish students.
More details:
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http://www.jewishnews.co.uk/university-of-california-urged-to-combat-anti-semitism-on-campus/?
5. JORDAN and LEBANON
Syrian refugees denied critical healthcare in Jordan: Amnesty
Syrian refugees in Jordan are finding it very difficult to get medical care because of Jordanian fees
and bureaucracy, and shrinking humanitarian financial support, rights group Amnesty International
said on Wednesday. Many refugees cannot afford the fees for medical care imposed by the Jordanian
government in 2014, and some, injured in the Syrian conflict, have died after being turned away at
the border, Amnesty said in a report.
More details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-jordan-idUSKCN0WP00Q
Jordan voices solidarity with Belgium as terror hits capital
His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday phoned Belgium’s King Philippe and offered his condolences
over the death of innocent victims in the terrorist attack in Brussels airport and another one on the
metro, a Royal Court statement said. During the call, His Majesty voiced his utter condemnation of
these cowardly terrorist acts and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
More details:
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-voices-solidarity-belgium-terror-hits-
capital#sthash.b5uqYXKD.dpuf
Border guards receive 105 Syrian refugees
A total of 105 new Syrian refugees from various age groups, entered into the Kingdom through
various crossing points during the last 24 hours, a military source said on Wednesday. The source
said border guards provided the refugees with the necessary aid before transferring them to refugee
camps.
More details:
http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=30743#.VvKV0NKLSt8
Amnesty condemns Jordan for denying healthcare to Syrian refugees
Thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing war in their country have been denied access to healthcare
services in neighboring Jordan, Amnesty International says. According to the report, the majority of
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630,000 Syrian asylum seekers registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in
Jordan live in poverty outside refugee camps, with many suffering chronic health conditions.
More details:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/amnesty-condemns-jordan-denying-healthcare-syrian-refugees-
820442
Hundreds of Palestinians protest healthcare costs in Beirut
Hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets in Downtown Beirut to protest tendentious decisions by
the United Nations Relief and Works Agency despite the latters decision to temporary freeze its
latest health policy measures.
More details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2016/Mar-23/343670-hundreds-of-palestinians-
protest-despite-temporary-policy-freezing.ashx
UN must destroy ISIS: Sleiman to Ban Ki-moon
Former President Michel Sleiman Wednesday called on the U.N. Security Council to eradicate
extremist group ISIS on the eve of U.N. chief’s visit to Lebanon.
More details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2016/Mar-23/343693-unsc-must-destroy-isis-
sleiman-to-ban-ki-moon.ashx
King receives EU foreign policy chief
His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Tuesday, received European Union High Representative for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, to follow up on the discussions the King had with top
EU officials in Brussels last week. During the talks, held at al Husseiniyeh Palace and were attended
by her Majesty Queen Rania, King Abdullah said he appreciated the support he felt from the various
EU leaders and institutions during the Brussels trip, which reflects the deep and advanced strategic
partnership between Jordan and the bloc.
More details:
http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=30739#.VvKWM9KLSt8
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Only 2% of Syrians heading to Europe come from Jordan
Only 2 per cent of Syrians who have reached Europe or lost their lives in the sea trip to the continent
come from Jordan, an expert said Tuesday. Meanwhile, nearly one-third of Syrians currently residing
in Jordan plan to stay in the Kingdom for good, according to a recent study on the economic and
social integration of refugees.
More details:
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/only-2-syrians-heading-europe-come-
jordan%E2%80%99#sthash.nGt6ReCc.dpuf
Presidential Polls Postponed again as Hariri Slams Aoun's Claims on Legitimacy of Parliament
The 37th session to elect a president was postponed once again on Wednesday following a lack of
quorum at parliament as Mustaqbal Movement leader MP Saad Hariri criticized head of the Change
and Reform bloc MP Michel Aoun's assertions that parliament is “illegitimate.” He said: “If we
elected Aoun as president, would the parliament then become legitimate?”
More details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/205315-presidential-polls-postponed-again-as-hariri-slams-
aoun-s-claims-on-legitimacy-of-parliament
6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA
US air strike 'kills dozens of al-Qaeda fighters in Yemen
A US air strike has killed dozens of fighters from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in a
mountainous region of Yemen, the Pentagon says.
More details:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35878463
Yemen peace talks in Kuwait next month: govt source
Peace talks aimed at ending Yemen’s war will convene in Kuwait next month, a senior official in the
Yemeni government told Reuters on Tuesday.
More details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/03/22/Yemen-peace-talks-in-Kuwait-next-
month-govt-source.html
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Oman, Singapore hold talks to boost relations
Oman and Singapore held their annual session of political consultations at Singapore. The session
was chaired from the Sultanate by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Secretary General
of the Foreign Ministry whilst it was chaired from the Singaporean side by Albert Chua, Second
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
More details:
http://timesofoman.com/article/80035/Business/Oman-Singapore-hold-talks-to-boost-relations
Warning that oil will stay low for two years
A warning that oil prices will stay low for 'next year or two' has been issued by the chief economist of
a global investment house while in Oman.
More details:
http://timesofoman.com/article/80026/Oman/Government/Crude-oil-price-will-stay-low-for-two-
years:-Economist
Sudan, UAE discuss joint military cooperation
Sudan’s defence minister Awad Ibn Ouf Tuesday has discussed with a visiting senior military
delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the prospects of joint cooperation between the two
nations.
More details:
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article58397
Saudi airstrikes kill 11 civilians in Yemen’s Jawf Province
Nearly a dozen people have been killed in a series of airstrikes carried out by Saudi warplanes in
Yemen’s Jawf Province, local media say.
More details:
http://en.abna24.com/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2016/03/22/742495/story.html
Yemen's Jews furtively flee to Israel, leaving an ancient legacy behind
The flight landed in Israelin the dead of night. Its origin was a secret. So were its passengers. Only
well after the plane touched down at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and the passengers disembarked
and made their way to their temporary home did the secret come out. Seventeen Yemenite Jews
were onboard, some of the last of Yemen's dwindling Jewish population escaping the war-torn
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country. They arrived under cover of darkness, wearing their traditional headscarves and speaking
their native Arabic.
More details:
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/22/middleeast/yemen-jews-israel/index.html
Strikes kill at least 50 at Qaeda Yemen camp: medics, official
At least 50 militants were killed in a U.S. air strike on an al Qaeda training camp in the mountains of
southern Yemen, medics and a local official said on Wednesday. The attack took place as al Qaeda in
the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) recruits queued for dinner at the camp, west of the port city of
Mukalla on Yemen's south coast.
More details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-yemen-strike-idUSKCN0WO37I
Saudi Arabia arrests Shiite preacher for 'glorifying' Hezbollah
Saudi security forces have arrested a Shiite preacher in the east of the kingdom, charging that he
"glorified" Lebanon's Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah online, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Hussein al-Radi was detained after Gulf Arab states declared Hezbollah a "terrorist" group earlier this
month and brought in tough new measures against anyone supporting it.
More details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=75920
Bahrain: Funeral for Shia cleric opposed to regime attended by thousands
Thousands of mourners held a funeral ceremony in the capital Manama on Tuesday for renowned
Islamic scholar Allamah Seyyed Javad al-Veda'i. The Shia Muslim cleric was one of the most
prominent leaders of the Bahraini revolution. Allameh al-Veda'i, who passed away at the age of 93
on Monday, was hospitalized last Friday after his health deteriorated.
More Details:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/bahrain-funeral-shia-cleric-opposed-regime-attended-thousands-
820548
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7. EGYPT
Ministers, leadership from Africa convene in Sharm El-Sheikh for collaborative effort against terrorism
The preliminary meetings for the fifth Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) began on
Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh. The meetings, which are attended by 27 ministers of defence from the
Africa Union representing the participant states, in addition to northern Mediterranean countries,
such as Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Greece, and France, will continue until the end of this week.
More details:
http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/03/22/411306/
Egypt close to 1 billion euro French arms purchases – paper
Egypt is preparing to buy French warships and a military satellite in deals worth more than 1 billion
euros (£790 million), La Tribune newspaper reported on Tuesday. The four naval vessels to be built
by French naval shipyard DCNS include two Gowind corvettes, the newspaper reported, without
citing sources.
More details:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-egypt-arms-idUKKCN0WO1WC
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Egypt Ambassador Discuss Syrian Settlement
Russian Foreign Ministry said that Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has discussed with
Egyptian Ambassador to Russia Mohamed Badri the situation in Middle East and North Africa with a
focus on Syrian reconciliation.
More details:
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160322/1036770495/russia-egypt-syrian-
settlement.html#ixzz43iNBuekh
Egyptian Air Force Kills 20 Daesh Terrorists in North Sinai
The Egyptian Air Force carried out a anti-terrorist operation in the North Sinai province, and killed 20
militants from the Islamic State (Daesh) group, local media reported, citing a source in the military
leadership.
More details:
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http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160322/1036701625/egypt-kills-daesh-
sinai.html#ixzz43iQWPi2M
What the US Presidential Election Means for Egypt and the Middle East
As the United States Presidential Primaries begin to take shape, it is important to consider the
possible implications that the results could have on Egypt and the Middle East. Both of the major
political parties in the United States— the Democrats and the Republicans— are each voting to select
their respective candidates to run in the general election in November. It has now come down to two
candidates on the Democratic side and three on the Republican side. The winner in November will
determine the US policy in the Middle East for the next four years, at the very least.
More details:
http://egyptianstreets.com/2016/03/22/what-the-us-presidential-election-means-for-egypt-and-the-
middle-east/
Egypt student held over anti-torture T-shirt freed on bail
An Egyptian court on Tuesday released on bail a student arrested more than two years ago for
wearing a T-shirt with an anti-torture slogan, his lawyer and a court official said. Mahmoud
Mohamed has been held in pre-trial detention since his arrest in Cairo on January 25, 2014. He was
18 at the time.
More details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/03/23/Egypt-student-held-over-anti-
torture-T-shirt-freed-on-bail.html
Egypt's Sisi says he seeks 'balance' between stability and freedoms
The president told a gathering of prominent Egyptian intellectuals that he is keen to find a balance
between his country's stability and securing basic rights and freedoms
More details:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/193646/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-says-he-seeks-
balance-between-stabilit.aspx
Egypt's Sisi discusses North Sinai security with defence minister, officials
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met on Tuesday with defence and interior ministers, the armed
forces' chief of staff, and a number of top officials to discuss security developments in Egypt,
specifically in the restive North Sinai governorate.
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More details:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/193583/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-discusses-North-
Sinai-security-with-de.aspx
Egypt learning to defend itself from its neighbour Israel
Leading Israeli newspaper Haaretz yesterday published an opinion piece written by Zvi Bar’el
equating Egypt with Israel as both are suffering the symptoms of the same problem regarding
accusations of being violators of human rights.
More details:
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/24617-egypt-learning-to-defend-itself-from-its-
neighbour-israel
Expert: Egypt does not need a loan from the IMF
An Egyptian economic expert said yesterday that Egypt does not need to receive a loan from the
International Monetary Fund (IMF), especially after it agreed to receive a loan of $8bn from the
World Bank.
More detail:
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/24615-expert-egypt-does-not-need-a-loan-from-
the-imf
8. NORTH AFRICA
UN closes Western Sahara military office on Morocco’s demand
The United Nations said Tuesday, March 22 it has closed a military liaison office in the
disputedWestern Sahara after Morocco gave the UN observers there 72 hours to leave to protest
remarks by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Associated Press reports. It follows Morocco's
expulsion of 84 international civilian staff members with the UN peacekeeping mission to protest the
UN chief's use of the word "occupation" in describing the status of the vast mineral-rich territory
during his first visit earlier this month to refugee camps in Algeria for the Sahrawis, as the region's
native inhabitants are known.
More Details:
http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/208695/?
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Morocco strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Brussels
Morocco on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Brussels that killed at least 34
people and injured more than 200. During a phone call with King Philippe of Belgium, Moroccan King
Mohammed VI expressed Morocco's full solidarity with Belgium, the king office said in a statement.
More Details:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-03/23/c_135213849.htm?
1 Dead and 4 Injured Moroccans in Brussel Airport and Metro Terrorist Explosions
The Moroccan embassy in Brussels said that 1 woman passed away while 4 others were injured
following the terrorist attacks perpetuated this morning in Brussels airport and the Molembek metro
station, which the terrorists of the Non-Islamic State Of Iraq and Syria (NISIS) has already claimed
responsibility for. The woman passed away during the terrorist assault that occured in the Molembek
metro station.
More Details:
http://moroccantimes.com/2016/03/18836/one-moroccans-dead-injured-in-brussels-airport-and-
metro-explosions
USABC: John Kerry to partake in next Algeria-US strategic dialogue
The next session of the strategic dialogue between Algeria and the United States will take place next
April in the presence of US Secretary of State John Kerry, President and CEO of the US-Algeria
Business Council Smail Chikhoune announced Tuesday. A high-level US delegation led by John Kerry
"will visit Algeria next April to discuss these partnerships and increase economic exchanges,"
Chikhoune affirmed on the national radio.
More Details:
http://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/11627-usabc-john-kerry-to-partake-in-next-algeria-us-strategic-
dialogue
Belarus, Algeria ready for closer economic, sci-tech cooperation
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Egypt on concurrent accreditation to
Algeria Sergei Rachkov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria Ramtane Lamamra on 22
March, BelTA learnt from the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The parties
discussed current issues of the Belarusian-Algerian relations and praised the practice of holding
bilateral political consultations.
More Details:
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http://eng.belta.by/politics/view/belarus-algeria-ready-for-closer-economic-sci-tech-cooperation-
89893-2016/?
Tunisia forces break up Islamic State recruiting cell
Tunisian police have broken up a cell recruiting fighters for Islamic State in Libya, authorities said,
part of a security crackdown on jihadists crossing the border. Tunisian security forces are on high
alert after dozens of Islamist militants stormed through the border town of Ben Guerdan earlier this
month attacking army and police posts and triggering street battles in which troops killed about 50
militants over three days.
More Details:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tunisia-security-idUSKCN0WO2RC
Messahel meets in Tunis with President of Presidency Council of Libya
Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and Arab League Abdelkader Messahel has been received
Tuesday in Tunis, by President of Presidency Council of Libya national unity government Faiz Al Siraj
at the end of the 8th meeting of Libyan neighboring countries. The two officials expressed their
satisfaction with those outcomes of this 8th meeting, notably the "support to the political process"
for the settlement of Libyan crisis and the transfer of the Presidency Council to Tripoli a soon as
possible.
More Details:
http://www.aps.dz/en/world/11628-messahel-meets-in-tunis-with-president-of-presidency-council-
of-libya?
Tunisia extends ‘state of emergency’ for three months following Daesh attacks
In force since November 24, 2015, following the militant attack against a presidential guard bus, the
emergency state will be extended to another three months as of March 23, according to a Presidency
of the Republic press release, Tuesday. Decided by President Beji Caid Essebsi, this measure was
made after consultation with Prime Minister Habib Essid and House of People’s Representatives
Speaker Mohamed Ennaceur.
More Details:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/tunisia-extends-%E2%80%98state-emergency%E2%80%99-three-
months-following-daesh-attacks-820292
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UAE drops terror charges against Libyan trio
Terrorism charges against three Libyans held in the UAE for 18 months have been dropped. However
father and son Kamal and Mohamed Elderat and Salim Alaradi remain in custody accused of fund-
raising for terrorists. Earlier this month two other Libyans also accused of terrorism offences, Adel
Nasef and Muad Al-Hashmi, walked free when the UAE Federal Court decided that they had no case
to answer.
More Details:
https://www.libyaherald.com/2016/03/22/uae-drops-terror-charges-against-libyan-trio/
Italy is the Key to Fighting ISIS in Libya
The ISIS buildup in Libya is undeniable. U.S. Commander General of Africa Command David Rodriguez
testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 8 that the Islamic State in Libya
represents a serious and growing threat to the security and interests of America and its allies
throughout the region.
More Details:
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/italy-the-key-fighting-isis-libya-15560
9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN
Armed forces display military might on Pakistan Day
The nation commenced celebrations for Pakistan Day on Wednesday with a pledge to make the
country stronger by wiping out the menace of terrorism, achieving sustainable economic growth and
political stability. The day marks the historic event of 1940, when the Lahore Resolution was passed
demanding a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, dawned with a 31-gun salute in
the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals.
More Details:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1247441/armed-forces-display-military-might-on-pakistan-day
Defaced Dostum Billboards Nearly Ruin New Year's In Mazar-e Sharif
On the eve of Norouz, the Persian new year that was celebrated on March 20, many of the billboards
featuring Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum that lined city streets were defaced or ripped down
altogether. In the aftermath, officials in the capital of Balkh Province had to scramble to avoid a
confrontation by condemning the damage done to the billboards and ordering them to be replaced.
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More Details:
http://www.afghanistannews.net/index.php/sid/242466479
Modi extends felicitations on Pakistan Day
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his felicitations to Pakistan on National Day.
More Details:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/1071023/modi-extends-felicitations-on-pakistan-day/
Netherlands to Continue Cooperating Afghanistan
Minister of Finance, Iklil Hakimi met the other day with the trade and foreign development
cooperation of the Netherlands, Lilani in his office the other day, the BNA reported. Both sides talked
on preparations of Warsaw and Brussels meeting, collection of revenues, projects underway,
regional cooperation, economic reforms, fighting corruption and raising capacity of the ministry of
finance’s staffs of finance departments, the agency said.
More Details:
http://www.bakhtarnews.com.af/eng/politics/item/21766-netherlands-to-continue-cooperating-
afghanistan.html?
Pakistan National Day celebrated in China
The Pakistan Day was celebrated with patriotic zeal and national spirit here today at the Pakistan
Embassy in an impressive ceremony held to mark the passing of the historic Pakistan resolution
document, 76 years ago on 23rd March 1940. The resolution was passed by the Muslim League in its
annual session at Lahore, which paved the way for the creation of Pakistan later in 1947. The
Pakistan Day ceremony commenced solemnly with the recitation of the verses from the Holy Quran
followed by the national anthem. Pakistan Ambassador Masood Khalid unfurled the national flag and
hoisted it gradually to the mast’s summit as the national anthem tune resounded across the Embassy
compound.
More Details:
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2016-03/23/content_38095219.htm?
Ghani Launces g7+ Summit in Kabul
President Ashraf Ghani officially opened the 4th g7+ Ministerial meeting in Kabul on Wednesday and
said Afghanistan has made enormous strides over the past 15 years with the help of the international
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community. But he said stability in the country was the responsibility of government and that all
Afghan leaders need to focus on reforms.
More Details:
http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/24360-ghani-launches-g7-summit-in-
kabul?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default
Pakistan looking to have 'normal' ties with India, says its envoy Abdul Basit
Pakistan is looking to have "normal" ties with India on the basis of "mutual respect and interest," its
envoy Abdul Basit said today even as he called for resolution of all outstanding issues, including the
Kashmir dispute, to ensure "peace and prosperity."
More Details:
http://www.firstpost.com/india/pakistan-looking-to-have-normal-ties-with-india-says-its-envoy-
abdul-basit-2692268.html
Eight Daesh Insurgents Killed in Nangarhar Drone Strike
At least eight Daesh insurgents were killed in a foreign troops drone strike in eastern Nangarhar
province on Tuesday night, local officials said. The incident took place in Koot district of the province
after a foreign troops drone targeted a vehicle transporting Daesh insurgents, a spokesman for
Provincial Police Chief, Hazrat Hussian Mashriqiwal said.
More Details:
http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/24355-eight-daesh-insurgents-killed-in-nangarhar-drone-
strike?tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default
Pathankot JIT gets Indian visas, prepares 50 questions
The Pakistan JIT has got visas of India and has prepared a 50-point questionnaire for investigating the
Pathankot incident. The Pakistan authorities have requested India to grant seven-day stay for the JIT
on the Pathankot incident. It will leave the country on March 27 evening. “The JIT’s modus operandi
and modalities have been agreed between the Indo-Pak authorities,” said a senior member of the JIT
while talking exclusively to The News on condition of anonymity.
More Details:
http://www.geo.tv/latest/102755-Pathankot-JIT-gets-Indian-visas-prepares-50-questions
Sayfa 31
12-year-old suicide bomber surrender to Afghan forces in Nangarhar
A 12-year-old child assigned for a suicide mission surrendered himself to the security forces in the
eastern Nangarhar province of AFghanistan. According to the local security officials, the child was
recently taken to Jalalabad city from the neighboring Pakistan for the suicide mission.
More Details:
http://www.khaama.com/12-year-old-suicide-bomber-surrender-to-afghan-forces-in-nangarhar-
0418
10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Consuls general and Turkish mayors march against terrorism
19 foreign dignitaries and Turkish mayors have visited the area, where a DAESH suicide attack
claimed four lives and injured 39 people on Saturday, in order to pay tribute to the recent terror
victims in Istanbul. Mayors of Beyoglu, Fatih and Esenler districts along with several consul-generals
including the US’s Frederick Hunter, the UK’s Leigh Turner, laid carnations at the site on Istiklal Street
that was rocked by the latest DAESH bombing, as the street tried to get back to its daily routine.
More Details:
http://www.trtworld.com/turkey/consuls-general-and-turkish-mayors-march-against-terrorism-
73150
Syrian businesses boom in Turkey
Over the last four years, approximately 4,000 formal tax-paying firms—employing thousands of
workers, mostly Turkish—have been established in Turkey, with 600 just in Gaziantep. And informal
enterprises may multiply this number. While Syrian firms range widely, they tend to concentrate in
the restaurant, construction, trade, textile, real estate, travel, transportation, and foodstuffs
industries employing a portion of the 400,000 Syrians working informally.
More Details:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/170786/syrian-businesses-boom-in-turkey
Suspected Daesh suicide bomber arrested in Turkey
Turkish border guards stopped a suspected Daesh-linked suicide bomber on the Syrian frontier on
Tuesday, a security source said. The potential bomber, who was carrying explosives, was arrested
alongside nine other suspected Daesh members in Gaziantep province, the source said on condition
of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking publicly.
Sayfa 32
More Details:
http://aa.com.tr/en/turkey/suspected-daesh-suicide-bomber-arrested-in-turkey/542119
*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.
