MENA Now

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 26, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Al-Rahi Discusses Govt. Crisis with Hariri, Ibrahim,Meets Patriarch; http://bit.ly/3qX50GN;http://bit.ly/2PdAY3Q Unfazed by Hezbollah opposition, Rai presses ahead with int'l conference;http://bit.ly/3ks29mM 52 new coronavirus deaths, 3,469 cases;http://bit.ly/3dOHYhG Health Ministry grants 20 companies permission to access COVID-19 vaccines;http://bit.ly/3dOFIaj Regional Overview Biden approves US air strike on Iran-backed militias in Syria; http://bbc.in/37OY72N ICC must investigate Israeli war crimes, human rights groups say; http://bit.ly/3kwpmof Russia unmoved as Security Council again warned of Syrian children's plight; http://bit.ly/3uEbixw

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 25, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today After Uproar, President's Health Adviser Says Aoun Had to Get Vaccinated; http://bit.ly/3sAILHa Health minister fuels Lebanese anger over vaccine line-jumping; http://bit.ly/37WJvyv Lebanon Says Allowed 20 Firms to Import Vaccine but Manufacturers Reluctant; https://bit.ly/3aRIwl5 Updates From Lebanon's Vaccine Scandal: New Names, World Bank Gets Threatened, Outgoing Minister Received Vaccine & More; http://bit.ly/3b2JRWi Lebanon's Cabinet formation awaits regional players; http://bit.ly/3aZ3Gh8 Deadline looms for resident and overseas voters to ensure they are eligible to cast a ballot in the 2022 elections; http://bit.ly/3pZx5vR Regional Overview Germany convicts former Assad regime agent in historic Syria torture verdict; http://bit.ly/3r4hv3p U.S. report on Khashoggi death expected to single out Saudi crown prince: sources; http://reut.rs/3aZTsNr Egypt backs call to internationalize Ethiopia dam dispute; http://bit.ly/3q48beJ

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 24, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon's vaccination program is thrown into question as MPs appear to bypass rules to get inoculated; http://bit.ly/37LZnE1 The logic of the lira: The Lebanese currency is back trading above LL9,000 to the dollar. Here's why; http://bit.ly/2Mtq3SC Regional Overview Covid-19: Israel donates vaccines to countries that moved embassies to Jerusalem; http://bit.ly/2ZReZla Egypt's Sisi faces backlash against removal of the Quran from school textbooks; http://bit.ly/2P31Tiy

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 23, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Bassil's proposal for expanded Cabinet fails to evoke interest; http://bit.ly/3dFfF5k Franjieh Says No Need to ‘Waste Time' Listening to Bassil's Speech; http://bit.ly/37HjdA6 Rahi Discusses Int'l Conference for Lebanon with UN Deputy Special Coordinator; http://bit.ly/3pGAdg1 Families of Port Victims Say Bitar Told Them 'All Immunities Will Fall'; http://bit.ly/3kcmw7E LF MPs Hand U.N. Petition Urging Int'l Probe in Port Case; http://bit.ly/2ZHSYW0 Lebanon registers 47 new coronavirus deaths, 1,541 more cases; http://bit.ly/2NoGDDK Slow start to Lebanon vaccination raises concerns; http://bit.ly/2ZJ26d4 Says Pfizer Covid Vaccine ‘Safe and Effective'; http://bit.ly/3bAssU9 Regional Overview Iran could boost uranium enrichment to 60 percent: Khamenei; http://bit.ly/3dF06e3 Iran talks 'avert' impact of nuclear inspection deadline; http://bbc.in/3bwJIt9 COVID-19: Gaza starts inoculation drive amid vaccine shortage; http://bit.ly/3pHtlPC Libya: Over 150 migrants freed in raid on traffickers; https://arab.news/6b6kn Libya: More than 150 migrants freed in raid on traffickers; http://bit.ly/3bqqw04

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 22, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Bassil blasts Hariri, calls for raising Cabinet members; http://bit.ly/3qS782I Bassil blasts Hariri, calls for raising Cabinet members; http://bit.ly/3buZNQd Report: Foreign Calls to Speed Formation Blocked by Local Hurdles; https://bit.ly/2ONKKt7 Relatives of Port Explosion Rally Again Demanding Justice; http://bit.ly/3aIfJiS Breaking: Judge Tarek Bitar Was Just Appointed As The Lead Investigator In Beirut Blast Investigation; http://bit.ly/3qZLJEE Lebanon appoints new lead investigator in port blast probe; http://bit.ly/3qOCIhV Lebanon to start phase two of easing lockdown; http://bit.ly/2Nz1TGD LF to Hand U.N. Petition Demanding Int'l Probe in Port Blast; https://bit.ly/3dAXAFm Al-Rahi Again Clarifies His Call for Int'l Conference on Lebanon; http://bit.ly/37EXrgD Lebanon receives second Pfizer vaccine shipment; http://bit.ly/3us8naY Regional Overview Israel buys vaccines for Syria in prisoner deal, says report; http://bit.ly/2ZJVmeM As Palestinians plan vote, Jerusalem looms as possible obstacle — or pretext; http://bit.ly/3ujJSg6 US Seeks Fallback Saudi Bases to Protect Troops Amid Iran Tensions; http://bit.ly/3shABDB Yemen risks worst famine on planet in 'decades', say UN officials; http://bit.ly/3keQoQG

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 18, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Nasrallah's proposal for expanded Cabinet fails to break gridlock; https://bit.ly/3pwP0Km Reflecting his frustration, Macron delays sending envoy to Lebanon; https://bit.ly/2ZqFgqd Palestinian refugees in Lebanon three times more likely to die with COVID-19; http://bit.ly/3dpqU1C Regional Overview UAE Dubai Princess Latifa UK Calls Proof Alive; http://bit.ly/2OFEIuv Israel: Election of new ICC prosecutor raises questions for war crimes probe; http://bit.ly/3qxRI3n Syria and Israel to swap prisoners in Russia-mediated deal; http://bit.ly/3pGvU4F

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 17, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Nasrallah Warns against Chapter 7, Criticizes Hariri's 'Insistence' on 18-Seat Govt.; http://bit.ly/3aveXWf Russia 'Ready' to Donate Sputnik V Covid Vaccine to Lebanon; https://bit.ly/3s0FbWv 535,000 People Registered to Get the Vaccine to Date; https://bit.ly/3s0VbIi Regional Overview Israel Air Force Simulates Strikes on 3,000 Hezbollah Targets a Day in Widespread Drill; http://bit.ly/2N8X72I Biden plans to ‘recalibrate' relations with Saudi Arabia, conduct diplomacy through King Salman: White House; http://tgam.ca/3bklz96 Iran to Tightly Restrict Inspectors' Access if U.S. Sanctions Not Lifted; http://on.wsj.com/3dnvL3f Election Poll: Anti-Netanyahu Bloc Gains Majority as Likud Loses Seat; http://bit.ly/3jZd3QU Turkey Vows to Expand Anti-PKK Operations in Northern Iraq; http://bit.ly/2NxrIXo

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 16, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Hariri leaves door open to Cabinet solution: Future MP;http://bit.ly/2LSgqMO Ain el-Tineh Says[...]about Political Disputes;http://bit.ly/2N3Kmq6 Mustaqbal Reacts after Jreissati Slams Hariri;http://bit.ly/3jSLhW5 Amal Says Berri's Initiative Still Represents an Exit to Break Impasse;http://bit.ly/3rXvZlL Bogdanov Stresses Need for 'Mission-Driven Govt.';http://bit.ly/3jS38MZ Nasrallah's Speech to 'Dial Down' Govt;http://bit.ly/3u2eKBA Regional Overview

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 15, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Hariri says Aoun's veto power demand blocking Cabinet formation; http://bit.ly/2ZnkV5i FPM criticizes Hariri's 'approach' to govt formation; http://bit.ly/2N3CqFn Lebanon kicks off its COVID-19 inoculation drive; http://bit.ly/3puQftf Lebanon working on COVID-19 vaccine plan for migrant workers; http://bit.ly/3u1175M World Bank and IFRC Support Independent Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign in Lebanon; http://bit.ly/3jUN4Kz BDL Did Not Officially Commit To Lift Bank Secrecy As It Claimed; http://bit.ly/3qsOJZY Lebanon's Central Bank Finally Agrees To Lift Banking Secrecy; http://bit.ly/3b4lfLu Beirut Blast Victims Will Be Taxed For The Donations They Received; http://bit.ly/3qpSJuw A New Measure Was Just Implemented In Lebanon To Protect Domestic Workers; http://bit.ly/3draSEi Regional Overview France, Germany, UK condemn Iran's production of uranium metal; http://reut.rs/3qpNOtm Minister says Qatar working for return to Iran nuclear accord: report; http://reut.rs/3s1PLNg Heavy Clashes Rage in Central Yemen; Dozens Killed; http://bit.ly/3rRh4ts Turkey says it finds bodies of 13 killed by militants in Iraq; http://bit.ly/3dnlzrB Fresh Tunisia protests break out in southern region; http://bit.ly/3jUlfSo

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 12, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Macron-Hariri talks fuel speculation on Cabinet progress; http://bit.ly/3jItHUD Multi-Faith Service for Lokman Slim Sparks Social Media Row; http://bit.ly/3tQehlU U.S. Ambassador Says Slim's Assassination 'Barbaric'; http://bit.ly/3jOJgKD Lebanon registers 63 COVID-19 deaths, 3,136 new cases; http://bit.ly/2OmXdDQ Lebanon working on COVID-19 vaccine plan for migrant workers; http://bit.ly/3aWAUN8 Regional Overview Iran begins Covid-19 vaccination campaign, says state media; http://bit.ly/3jHeQdk Covid-19: Positive test results are the new VIP party pass in Iran; http://bit.ly/3afv2PV Palestinian citizens of Israel protest against police failure to tackle gun violence; http://bit.ly/3d8ESov

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 11, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon records 3,157 new COVID cases, 66 virus-related deaths; http://bit.ly/3p8eQnP IDF trains for fighting Hezbollah on Lebanese border in large two-day drill; http://bit.ly/3d2X4jc Hariri Expected to Meet Macron Wednesday Night; http://bit.ly/3rX4uZR Regional Overview IAEA: Iran has started producing uranium metal; http://bit.ly/3qeEwQP Plane Ablaze in Houthi Drone Attack on Saudi Airport; http://bit.ly/3qgXK8G Saudi Activist al-Hathloul Released After 1,000 Days in Prison; http://bit.ly/3qgKm4f

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 10, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Abiad Raises Vigilance over Covid Complacency; https://bit.ly/3a3KZZc Lebanon to start COVID-19 vaccination campaign Feb. 14; http://bit.ly/3d83rBV Hariri set for talks with Macron before returning to Beirut; http://bit.ly/2ZahtuO Qatar Says Support for Lebanon Hinges on Govt Formation; http://bit.ly/3rENUNS Qatar says ready to help Lebanon when new govt formed; http://bit.ly/3acS5L7 Regional Overview Blinken stops short of endorsing Trump recognition of Golan Heights as Israel; http://reut.rs/3jHHvyF Egypt reopens Gaza Strip crossing amid faction talks; http://bit.ly/375h94V Saudi Arabia announces major legal reforms, paving the way for codified law; http://cnb.cx/3jE8fAn

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 9, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Prosecutor in Lebanon's port blast summons former army chief; https://bit.ly/3d0Vqic German Firm Just Removed What They Called “A Second Bomb” From Beirut Port; http://bit.ly/370bGw7 MP Jean Obeid dies from coronavirus at 81; http://bit.ly/2MN5WPv Poll Finds Only 31% of Lebanese Want to be Vaccinated; https://bit.ly/3jtsbpu Regional Overview Iran says French mediation on nuclear deal unnecessary; http://bit.ly/2LI3V6B Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleads not guilty to corruption charges; http://cnn.it/3jDY2Uz Syria 'finds body of archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad beheaded by IS'; http://bbc.in/2Z55Jtm

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 8, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Hariri's return this week set to revive talks on Cabinet formation impasse; http://bit.ly/3aG9nzq Al-Rahi Calls for U.N.-Sponsored Conference on Lebanon; http://bit.ly/3qcGuS1 Lawyer Says Unconfirmed Slim was Tortured, Phone with Security Agencies; http://bit.ly/3pZ7ggh Slim's Sister Doesn't Want Int'l Probe, Says Murder Came in Transitional Period; http://bit.ly/2YXTqyS Protesters Block Two Roads in Beirut; http://bit.ly/3aM59WH Regional Overview Russia searches for remains of 2 Israelis in Syria; http://bit.ly/3oTK1mA UN envoy, Iran's Zarif discuss how to end war in Yemen; http://bit.ly/3aUGb7U Gantz slams Netanyahu for trial remarks alongside Greek PM; http://bit.ly/2NjxuLY

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 3, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon registers record virus deaths, but cases appear to be declining; http://bit.ly/36HlfQv Lebanon headed toward gradual reopening: Bizri; http://bit.ly/2YKtyXd Berri's veto power declaration coordinated with Macron: Future MP; http://bit.ly/2YKzEXF Salameh to be questioned for subsidized dollar scheme; http://bit.ly/2MZEAVN Judge Ghassan Oueidat requested Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh; https://bit.ly/2O8Hto3 Regional Overview Biden will end US support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen; http://bit.ly/36GfL8k Iranian President says 'no' to expanding nuclear deal; http://bit.ly/2YJeedg

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 2, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lockdown stabilized Lebanon's COVID-19 crisis: Abiad; http://bit.ly/2MW5lL3 Zeina Kanjo Domestic Violence; https://bit.ly/3oT80Cm Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi resorted to the “infiltrators” narrative to justify security forces'; https://bit.ly/3rtlxT3 Police State in Tripoli; https://bit.ly/3cLbyUP Crisis-Hit Lebanon Hikes Subsidized Bread Price by a Fifth; http://bit.ly/39OlRWv Regional Overview Egypt journalist's life in danger after torture; http://bit.ly/39NWuE4 Biden extends deportation protection for Syrians in US; http://bit.ly/2YI1zaE UAE confident F-35 jets sale will go through despite Biden review, says ambassador; http://bit.ly/2Lnbgby

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 1, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Amid Aoun-Hariri tensions, hopes pinned on Macron to break Cabinet impasse; http://bit.ly/2L7LYOz Lebanon Launches Support Program With $246 Million World Bank Loan; http://bit.ly/3r69HxV Protesters from across Lebanon Flock to Tripoli in Solidarity; http://bit.ly/3agFh5e Mikati: I will protect myself if Army can't contain situation; http://bit.ly/3r742aM Amnesty International Wants France To Stop Selling Weapons Used Against Lebanese Protesters; http://bit.ly/3aBlI83 Regional Overview Iran rejects new talks or parties in nuclear deal; http://bit.ly/3j3w7Nx Look away now, hawks: Biden's pick for Iran envoy underlines change in Washington; http://bit.ly/3cqVbN6 Biden adviser: Iran, Afghanistan, China are key areas of focus; http://bit.ly/3raHhme Libya: UN announces candidates for new transitional government; http://bit.ly/2Yuxqvv String of car bombs kills 20 people in Turkish-held north Syria; http://bit.ly/39BrnLL

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 28, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Macron plans to send envoy to Beirut to revive French initiative; http://bit.ly/3j27znS Lebanon Just Launched Its Vaccination Plan; http://bit.ly/2McmUXj Lockdown slowing down COVID-19 spread: Diab; http://bit.ly/3j0ioac Diab Says Govt. Can't be Formed through Tripoli's 'Burning Tires'; http://bit.ly/39xBQYx Hariri Says Tripoli Demos May be Politicized but Urges Aid for the Poor; http://bit.ly/3r8DZQq Regional Overview Israel military revising operational plans against Iran: General; http://bit.ly/3tkRpLp ‘Psychological war': Iran dismisses Israel military action threat; http://bit.ly/3aj93q7 Yemen steps up diplomatic drive for Houthi terrorist designation; http://bit.ly/3pyVskI

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 27, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Dozens injured in lockdown protests in Lebanon's Tripoli; http://bit.ly/2Mchvzv France wants more U.S. 'realism' in dealing with Lebanon's Hezbollah; http://yhoo.it/3tcUg8Y Report: Hariri Likely to Visit Paris as Govt Deadlock Persists; http://bit.ly/3j2CznT Lebanese lawyers seek to halt liquidation of UK-registered firm possibly linked to Beirut blast; http://reut.rs/36KirlJ Lebanese luminaries seek to acquire COVID-19 vaccines; http://bit.ly/3j1EBVc Regional Overview Iran blocks Signal messaging app after WhatsApp exodus; http://bit.ly/3j1cXYF At U.N., Washington assures support for two-state solution in Middle East; http://reut.rs/2NSD8oQ Clashes break out in Tunisia after protester dies of injuries; http://bit.ly/3tby7YA Blast shakes Riyadh three days after projectile intercepted; http://bit.ly/39z6nFJ

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 26, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 25, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Protests in Tripoli, Sidon Rejecting Lockdown Extension; http://bit.ly/3okuQmd Report: Hariri's Stance on New Government Unchanged; http://bit.ly/2YinViQ Aoun says won't invite Hariri for a meeting; http://bit.ly/2YinViQ British lawmakers seek investigation into UK-registered firm possibly linked to Beirut blast; http://bit.ly/3oeXnJS Regional Overview UN Security Concerns Rise Following Killings in Syria's Al-Hol Camp; http://bit.ly/3oneAka Greece and Turkey resume talks to try to avert military escalation; http://bit.ly/2YioaKM Splintered coalition reflects fate of Egypt's uprising a decade on; http://reut.rs/3iResIw Hundreds protest corruption and police brutality in Tunisia; http://bit.ly/3a8E93s Agreement between Fatah and Hamas paves way for Palestine coalition; http://bit.ly/36eM9io

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 22, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Geagea Seeks 'Opposition Rescue Front' to Push for Early Polls; http://bit.ly/3iHRljJ Mediators fail to thaw Aoun-Hariri diplomatic freeze to solve Cabinet crisis; http://bit.ly/3iLiaU8 Abiad: Lebanon Coronavirus Level Moved to 4; http://bit.ly/392Xzrd World Bank approves $34 mln to back Lebanon's vaccination drive; http://bit.ly/3sVfCaH No transfers abroad made from Lebanon's central bank, says Gov. Salameh; http://bit.ly/3qOCy9N Salameh Denies Transfer of BDL Capital to Switzerland; http://bit.ly/39e3t98 Regional Overview Deadly twin suicide attack hits central Baghdad; http://bit.ly/2M1PBpD EU, Turkey to work on improving relations after tumultuous 2020; http://bit.ly/3cb4sZG Dubai cancels non-essential surgery amid COVID surge; http://bit.ly/39fWv3c

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 21, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Cabinet breakthrough hinges on ceasing obstruction: Future; http://bit.ly/3a0jcHT Lebanon set to extend lockdown after record virus deaths; http://bit.ly/3phavzt Lebanon needs to be wary in COVID-19 vaccine selection; https://bit.ly/3phaPOH Alvarez & Marsal ask and Finance Minister answers; https://bit.ly/2YeW3vO Regional Overview ‘Ball in US court': Iran's Rouhani serves Biden on nuclear deal; http://bit.ly/2NAWSgA In Pictures: Inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US president; http://bit.ly/2YcjLZN Iran welcomes Qatar call to engage in diplomacy with Gulf states; http://bit.ly/2NAdCod Egypt and Qatar have ‘agreed to resume diplomatic relations'; http://bit.ly/39ZCbT7 Tunisian youth vow to continue protests amid economic woes; http://bit.ly/2LTh111

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 20, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Aoun, Hariri to meet soon to resolve Cabinet crisis: Diab; http://bit.ly/3qC8Btx Diab meets top leaders as part of initiative to break Cabinet deadlock; http://bit.ly/3c5UAjT Switzerland Requests to Investigate Riad Salameh; https://bit.ly/2Y0lilB Leading expert urges Lebanon extend lockdown, warns spread out of control; http://bit.ly/39SNoVl Health Minister Pursues Uncooperative Hospitals; https://bit.ly/2XYCpUH Regional Overview Iraqi cabinet votes to delay general election until October 10; http://bit.ly/394yY5t Turkey hits Twitter and Pinterest with ad ban for resisting new social media law; http://bit.ly/2Y1v72Q

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 19, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 18, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 11, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today ‘Tyranny' warning as Lebanon's political row escalates; http://bit.ly/3oyCCtC Aoun, Berri disagree on role of Constitutional Court; http://bit.ly/3nts5OR Lebanese central bank governor on country's financial crisis: 'My conscience is clear'; http://bit.ly/2LF7dHr Lebanon to Reportedly Harden Anti-Coronavirus Measures; http://bit.ly/3bA40n8 Daily Low Flying Israeli Jets Over Lebanon Spreading Jitters; http://bit.ly/3s6POYK Regional Overview National carriers announce resumption of Qatar-Saudi air travel; http://bit.ly/2MTOEjl Moroccan FM, US envoy discuss relations post Israel normalization deal; http://bit.ly/39jU8eK Israelis restart Netanyahu protests amid third virus lockdown; http://bit.ly/3q7wjgT Iran bans COVID vaccines from UK, US; http://bit.ly/3q0vCGe

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 6, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon's inoculation drive to start with only 60,000 vaccines; http://bit.ly/3q6lAn7 Lebanese Pound Drops Ahead Of 25-Day Lockdown; http://bit.ly/3hUzTs3 Where is accountability for #BeirutBlast 5 months later?; https://bit.ly/35gC2Jp Why the World Bank wants Lebanon to scrap its subsidy system; https://bit.ly/3orMgyb Regional Overview Egypt signs reconciliation deal with Qatar; http://bit.ly/3pZhflp Iran issues Interpol notice for 48 US officials including Trump; http://bit.ly/2MLUeEj Tunisian PM sacks interior minister, baring tensions with president; http://bit.ly/3s2sueF

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 5, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Nasrallah: Iranian General's Remarks Distorted, Iran Itself to Avenge Soleimani; http://bit.ly/3rPOyZP Blasts Rock Fuel Depot on Lebanese-Syrian Border; http://bit.ly/2JJM524 Regional Overview Iran says it has resumed 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow site; http://bit.ly/3be4xuT South Korean tanker seized by Iran in Strait of Hormuz; http://bit.ly/3op9Tat Israeli prosecutors detail corruption charges against Netanyahu; http://bit.ly/2XjIj2E

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 4, 2021 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Report: Government Deadlock Drags; http://bit.ly/2XdZwu1 Hizbullah Commemorates Soleimani, al-Muhandis in Symbolic Event; http://bit.ly/3ng5J3c Nasrallah: Iranian General's Remarks Distorted, Iran Itself to Avenge Soleimani; http://bit.ly/3rPOyZP LF Officials Criticize Aoun's Response to Iranian Remarks; http://bit.ly/355ylWX Blasts Rock Fuel Depot on Lebanese-Syrian Border; http://bit.ly/2JJM524 Regional Overview USS Nimitz to Stay in Middle East to Counter Iran Threat on Anniversary; http://on.wsj.com/38dZHff Iraq secures $2bn from Chinese firm in prepaid oil deal; http://bit.ly/3pSF1Qb

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 30, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today After year of frustrations, no signs of hope for Lebanese in 2021; http://bit.ly/3ofWXns Report: Rahi ‘Angry' with Aoun, Hariri and Bassil; http://bit.ly/2KOiWDx Beirut Explosion Happened Hours After A Probe Into The Ammonium Nitrate Was Launched; http://bit.ly/3ocMuJn Lebanon can stretch reserves for subsidies another six months: Diab; http://bit.ly/3pI0H1h Regional Overview Explosions rock Yemen airport as new government arrives from Saudi Arabia, killing at least 25; http://cbsn.ws/2X48HNQ US bomber mission over Persian Gulf aimed at cautioning Iran; http://yhoo.it/2X8WxmU

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 28, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Nasrallah Says MBS Pushed for His Assassination, Israel Still Cautious; http://bit.ly/34OJhI5 Report: Italy Seizes Captagon Shipment ‘Linked' to Hizbullah; http://bit.ly/2KAvfTT Army Makes Arrests after Syrian Refugee Camp Burnt to Ground; http://bit.ly/37VzKkI Lebanon headed to another lockdown if cases increase: Fahmi; http://bit.ly/3n0igI2 Regional Overview Israeli air attacks cause injuries, damage in Gaza Strip; http://bit.ly/3hqEdyN Netanyahu expects ties visit by Morocco to Israel next week; http://reut.rs/38HtZWW Libya's warring sides begin prisoner exchange; http://bit.ly/3o1oQ2k New Yemen gov't sworn in after Saudi-brokered power-sharing deal; http://bit.ly/34RdUgc

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 25, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon coronavirus cases rise by 2,708 with 20 more deaths; http://bit.ly/2L2ei4e Pope urges Lebanon leaders to put public interest first; http://bit.ly/2Me2qwS Regional Overview ‘Blood cheaper than water': Outrage over Trump Blackwater pardons; http://bit.ly/3rCED9V Zarif dismisses Trump tweet that Iran was behind attack on U.S. Embassy in Baghdad; http://reut.rs/2KxGyw1 Qatar reports airspace violation by Bahraini fighter jets to UN; http://bit.ly/3rzOSvO

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 24, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today New govt should be formed after New Year: Hariri; http://bit.ly/3mQsv1z Health experts warn of 'disaster' after holiday season as cases rise; http://bit.ly/2Jert1z Almost 90 percent of Syrian refugees in Lebanon now live below the extreme poverty line, a UN assessment reveals; http://bit.ly/2M3DHLv Lebanon's inflation rate registers rare dip but still tops 133% in November; https://bit.ly/3aFFPDo Regional Overview Tunisia says it does not intend to normalize relations with Israel; http://bit.ly/3hhFXu5 Israel Heads to New Elections as Government Collapses; http://bit.ly/38Deorp Qatar Sees No Political Obstacles for Resolving Gulf Standoff; http://bloom.bg/2KOWOIF Turkish parliament extends law for troop deployment to Libya; http://bit.ly/2WH8XSE A Quantum Leap Forward: Chinese Influence Grows in Iraq's Oil Market; http://bit.ly/3nJT4Xs

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 23, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Hariri striving to form new govt before Christmas; http://bit.ly/3hdF9q8 Hariri hopes for 'govt formula' before Christmas; http://bit.ly/3mGjXdv US regrets Lebanon-Israel stalemate, offers mediation; http://bit.ly/3rkenRz Health experts warn of 'disaster' after holiday season as cases rise; http://bit.ly/2Jert1z Regional Overview U.S. imposes fresh sanctions on Syria in push for Assad to end war; http://reut.rs/2WH9cwV US reinstates Sudan's sovereign immunity; http://bit.ly/3rksshX UAE's economy projected to shrink 6% amid oil slump, COVID-19;http://bit.ly/3hcxqbP

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 22, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Aoun, Hariri to meet in new bid to break Cabinet impasse; http://bit.ly/37EPAQv Lebanon eases restrictions ahead of holidays, but no stopping COVID-19; http://bit.ly/3mGIaAg Lebanon parliament clears way for forensic audit of central bank; http://bit.ly/3rnEc3a MPs Pass Sexual Harassment Law, Amend Domestic Violence Law; http://bit.ly/3mF92AV Ex-Ministers File New Request for Replacing Sawwan in Port Probe; http://bit.ly/3pjJQBL Regional Overview Palestinians left waiting as Israel rolls out Covid-19 vaccine jab; http://bit.ly/2WAGu0S US charges third Libyan man in 1988 Lockerbie bombing; http://bit.ly/2Kxknpv Pakistan to UAE: Can't recognise Israel until Palestine resolved; http://bit.ly/3hbDv8p Turkish court sentences Kurdish former MP to 22 years in jail; http://bit.ly/2WDIc1t

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 21, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon records 1,626 virus cases as holiday season looms; http://bit.ly/3azXfkW Unified criteria can usher in govt soon: Bassil; http://bit.ly/2WzjSxx Lebanon police scuffle with students protesting tuition hikes; http://bit.ly/2M03kgn MEA's Hout: We have to charge in fresh dollars to stay in business; http://bit.ly/3h9wIfp Regional Overview Yemen's president announces new power-sharing government; http://bit.ly/3hbrlN6 Egypt, Jordan, Palestine FMs discuss ways of reviving peace process amid presence of US new administration; http://bit.ly/38nAApq Rockets hit near US embassy in Iraq as tensions flare; http://bit.ly/34xaZcw Iraq devalues currency by a fifth as oil-price collapse hits; http://on.ft.com/2LPEqQi Analysis-Spillover from Tigray conflict adds to pressure on Sudan; http://reut.rs/3aBu6FY

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 18, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 17, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon coronavirus cases surge ahead of holiday season; http://bit.ly/37r1ayr Hariri: New govt will enact reforms, rebuild Beirut; http://bit.ly/2KveokX Two ex-ministers snub judge after being charged over Beirut blast; http://bit.ly/384GBXC Migrant worker abuse sends 'wrong image': ambassador; http://bit.ly/37vHCcx Regional Overview Khamenei renews revenge vow as Soleimani death anniversary nears; http://bit.ly/3adQ3ea US blacklists Chinese, UAE-based companies over sale of Iranian petrochemicals; http://bit.ly/37oa53N Erdogan says U.S. sanctions an attack on ally Turkey's rights; http://reut.rs/3anvPyz

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 16, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today It's a 'love-revenge relationship' with Hariri: Bassil; http://bit.ly/3nnKptv Lebanon to get first batch of COVID-19 vaccines in two months, minister says; http://bit.ly/34cGqIT Companies to stop importing medical supplies due to central bank inaction; https://bit.ly/37nrYQj Regional Overview Iran's Zarif slams US sanctions on Turkey; http://bit.ly/3njDAcu Iran says it would rejoin nuclear deal within an hour of US doing so; http://bit.ly/3noczov Kushner to Lead US Delegation to Israel, Morocco; http://bit.ly/2IZ6gc0 Abbas visits Qatar in bid for support to persuade Hamas to agree to elections; http://bit.ly/3qYKqGx

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 15, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Aoun-Hariri's 'war of words' casts gloom on Cabinet formation; http://bit.ly/3gPz4zT Beirut blast investigator reschedules Diab questioning session; http://bit.ly/3r0Xw6q Oueidat Recuses Himself in Port Explosion Probe; http://bit.ly/3qU9WwG Report Reveals Israeli Commandos Recently Landed On A Lebanese Beach; http://bit.ly/2JYmp1U Almost 70% Of All Coronavirus Cases In Lebanon Have Fully Recovered; http://bit.ly/388GdYc Regional Overview US Embassy says Sudan no longer on list of terror sponsors; http://bit.ly/383UyoL ‘External source' causes oil tanker blast off Saudi Arabia; http://bit.ly/3gKZ2oq U.S. imposes sanctions against Iran over the 2007 abduction of former FBI agent; http://nbcnews.to/3gM9Y4Y U.S. Puts Limited Sanctions on Turkey After Missile Defense Buy; http://bloom.bg/37jWvOP Egypt's Economic Pivot Takes Shape as Army Firms Up for Sale; http://bloom.bg/2WjFAFC

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 14, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Politicians, leading figures rally behind Diab after blast charges; https://bit.ly/380Pwth Aoun knew; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS; https://bit.ly/2KklxnW Covid Warnings; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Open Student Meeting against tuitions; https://bit.ly/3a8FXev Majority of Lebanese believe in a secular state: survey; https://bit.ly/3gNmFNc Regional Overview US adopts map of Morocco that includes disputed Western Sahara; https://bit.ly/2JTcniB Israel and Bhutan establish diplomatic relations; https://bit.ly/380PIJ1 Iran executes dissident journalist Ruhollah Zam: State TV; https://bit.ly/3mbW1OR Ruhollah Zam's execution by Iran ‘shocking' and ‘shameful'; https://bit.ly/3mim5rA Sudan nears removal from US terror list amid Congress debate; https://bit.ly/3niexGT

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 10, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Hariri upbeat on swift Cabinet formation after meeting Aoun; https://bit.ly/3oI6cMH Paris Mediates between Aoun, Hariri amid Reported Progress; https://bit.ly/3qMnSsK Report: Berri Circles Lash Out at Aoun; https://bit.ly/37ODBPg UAE Official Says Visa Ban Not Targeted against Lebanese; https://bit.ly/37RatGR Hizbullah Sues Bahaa Hariri over Port Blast Accusation; https://bit.ly/2Lnjf8a Regional Overview Trump issues formal threat to veto effort to block massive UAE arms sales; https://bit.ly/33VLhxJ UAE sees "seeds of progress" on Gulf row, says envoy to US; https://bit.ly/3qGnOuh Netanyahu rival breaks from Israel's Likud to challenge premier; https://bit.ly/2W1rWXU EU plans new sanctions on Turkey over Mediterranean dispute; https://on.ft.com/3m3qLBJ

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 8, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Aoun, Hariri relaunch govt formation process, discuss names of ministers; https://bit.ly/3mVjkOn Lebanon renews calls for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories; https://bit.ly/39QH02w As Lebanon subsidy crunch looms, UN agencies warn of social catastrophe; https://bit.ly/3qCWflG Protesters Block Highway, Rally against Plans to End Subsidies; https://bit.ly/3lVMbkj Hassan: Two Million COVID-19 Vaccines Reserved for Lebanon; https://bit.ly/2VOrxIb Lebanon records 16 new coronavirus deaths, 984 cases; https://bit.ly/2Ir54Oj Regional Overview Iran dismisses Saudi call for inclusion in nuclear talks; https://bit.ly/3qCdsM6 Egypt leads Africa in COVID-19 resilience, third in the Middle East; https://bit.ly/37J919J U.S. troop pullouts in Middle East raise fears of Iranian attacks; https://lat.ms/3n8NP3v Pope Francis to make historic Iraq visit in March; https://bit.ly/39QHCoR

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 4, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon struggles to cope as 1,520 virus cases registered; https://bit.ly/33LoogG Health minister says COVID cases rising, beds won't suffice; https://bit.ly/3mAqE1z Higher Defense Council recommends general mobilization extension until March 2021; https://bit.ly/33H8kMR HDC Breaks the Law; https://bit.ly/33IKWhZ Hunger threatens Lebanon if leaders don't act: UK minister; https://bit.ly/3ojznFV USJ independents win elections; https://bit.ly/33Enjag Regional Overview US ‘withdrawing some Baghdad embassy staff' amid regional tension; https://bit.ly/3lJiYZA Bahraini minister comments on Israeli settlements products label controversy; https://bit.ly/33DsKGz Sudan investigation committee summons top military officials over sit-in massacre; https://bit.ly/2Jqacml US could designate Houthi militia as ‘terrorist' organization; https://bit.ly/3qs9wxm

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 3, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today France looks to rally aid for Lebanon, but no bailout; https://bit.ly/33Advhl Parliament session; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Seizure of Salameh's assets; https://bit.ly/2I3xKfW Lebanon says difficulties in sea border talks can be overcome; https://reut.rs/2VrDEe2 Qahwaji among 8 Retired Military Figures Indicted over Alleged Graft; https://bit.ly/33DO4M4 Several Hurt as Clash Linked to USJ Elections Renews; https://bit.ly/3g67r5A Regional News Iran watchdog passes law on hardening nuclear stance, halting U.N. inspections; https://reut.rs/3qqcyC7 Biden warns Iran to end its ‘malign' regional activities; https://bit.ly/3mDt5jV Israel receives its most advanced warship as Iran tensions rise; https://reut.rs/2KTGdTY Nasrin Sotoudeh: Iran human rights lawyer ordered back to jail; https://bit.ly/36y9hJ0 Afghan gov't, Taliban announce breakthrough deal in peace talks; https://bit.ly/3mBxwvs

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 2, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Aoun seen likely to reject Hariri's draft Cabinet lineup; https://bit.ly/2VpZPBh Salemeh's address to the people; https://bit.ly/39yq3dd World Bank sees Lebanon in prolonged depression, -19.2% growth in 2020; https://reut.rs/2Voqu1c Police Control Memorandum; https://bit.ly/36vaYqK Israel installs buoy to mark disputed maritime border; https://bit.ly/3fXKmBI Fight Breaks Out Between Politically Affiliated Students At USJ; https://bit.ly/3mue0Rz Regional Overview Drone strike reportedly killsirancommander; https://bit.ly/3fVL6Yj Jared Kushner takes on Qatar blockade in Middle East ‘swan song'; https://bit.ly/3lwqeI2 Officials Say Peace Accord Between Sudan and Israel Is Already at Risk of Unraveling; https://nyti.ms/37oHo5u Yet another election seemingly underway in Israel as Gantz OKs dissolving Knesset; https://bit.ly/37tEUTh Giulio Regeni: Egypt 'suspends' investigation into Cambridge student's murder; https://bbc.in/39v5wWV

MENA Now Morning Briefing, December 1, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Lebanon-Israel border talks postponed 'for few weeks'; https://bit.ly/3qbTwQ5 Fakhrizadeh; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Pound rises ahead of Lebanon aid conference; https://bit.ly/3fRm5xg COVID-19 & Schools; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Parliament's Women Committee draft; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Parliament and Goods; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Regional Overview Iranian Parliament calls for block on nuclear inspections; https://bit.ly/37rBfFC EXCLUSIVE: Iran tells MBZ it will hit UAE in response to a US attack; https://bit.ly/2VloaIl Bahrain to send ministerial delegation to Israel; https://bit.ly/3qqLdjs Yemen: Houthis claim killing of several Saudi soldiers in Marib; https://bit.ly/39CsiMi

MENA Now Morning Briefing, November 30, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today COVID-19 Lockdown; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Hariri said to present first draft Cabinet lineup soon; https://bit.ly/2VhwskD Parliament endorses the audit of the central bank — but not in a legally significant way, experts say; https://bit.ly/2JdqajD Lawyers vs Fahmi; https://bit.ly/37nS9VO Regional Overview Suspected Iranian nuclear mastermind assassinated; https://bit.ly/2HXpBK6 Rouhani accuses ‘mercenary' Israel of killing top Iran scientist; https://bit.ly/3qel9I7 Six dead in clashes between rival protesters in southern Iraq; https://bit.ly/3lrNuqG Saudi Arabia to end Qatar blockade as 'gift' to Joe Biden: report; https://bit.ly/3lnO3lA Saudi, UAE central banks work on joint digital currency plan; https://bit.ly/39rQ4ur

MENA Now Morning Briefing, November 27, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Macron: Aoun must call on politicians to set aside sectarian interests; https://bit.ly/33gP8W3 Lawyer assaulted by ISF; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS; https://bit.ly/3maqvBG Protestors against Judge Fadi Sawan; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS; https://bit.ly/376TTTa Berri in reply to Sawan's letter; https://bit.ly/3lbBSrJ Regional Overview Lavrov urges Biden administration to avoid Middle East 'adventures'; https://bit.ly/37gm3em UN: Syrian peace talks to resume in Geneva on Monday; https://bit.ly/2KJvYBM Algerians concerned about 'missing' president; https://bbc.in/39gaeHT

MENA Now Morning Briefing, November 26, 2020 *This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now. * All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources Lebanon Today Contacts to be intensified in bid to break Cabinet deadlock; https://bit.ly/3fDb56M ISG urges Lebanese leaders to form govt, implement reforms; https://bit.ly/39iW3Su Lebanon's outgoing PM ‘fears for life' after political fight; https://bit.ly/3m7bdxK Sectarian tensions rise over forensic audit, election law proposals; https://bit.ly/2VacIPz Lebanon judge wants ministers investigated over port blast; https://bit.ly/3l8C0bm Syndicate warns of gas shortages this winter; https://bit.ly/3nWZhir Iraqi Flour gone bad; https://bit.ly/32EjUaS Regional Ovierview Rouhani: Iran and US can return to time before Trump; https://bit.ly/378WJai Netanyahu, UAE Crown Prince nominated for Nobel Peace Prize; https://bit.ly/3nXZySl Pakistan ‘categorically' rejects reports about recognising Israel; https://bit.ly/3771iSx Jailed Saudi activist's trial transferred to terrorism court; https://bit.ly/374mmsM