Describing the US as a ‘force for good’ in the Middle East, top US diplomat rallies allies against Iran, ISIL threats. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has launched a scathing broadside against Iran, laying out the Trump administration’s vision for the Middle East in a keynote speech at the American University in Cairo. Pompeo on Thursday called for an end to Middle… Read more »
Anti-government protests continue across Sudan, as President Omar al-Bashir refuses to step down. As protests across Sudan approach their third week, President Omar al-Bashir remains defiant amid fears of further unrest and violence in the country. Protests, which initially appeared to be tied to an increase in the price of bread and other economic hardships, quickly morphed into growing anti-government rallies demanding Bashir’s resignation…. Read more »
Canberra confirms Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun has been referred to Australia by UNHCR as a legitimate refugee. Australia is considering allowing a woman who fled Saudi Arabia to travel to the country after the United Nations confirmed the 18-year-old is a legitimate refugee. Wednesday’s development marks a significant victory for Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, who is currently in Bangkok, after evading her family and travelling alone… Read more »
Both the Houthis and government loyalists have violated a fragile ceasefire agreement, though it still largely holds. United Nations envoy Martin Griffiths warned on Wednesday that “substantial progress” is needed to advance peace efforts in Yemen before new talks can be held on ending the four-year-old devastating war. Addressing the UN Security Council, the Special Envoy for Yemen, said he was still “hopeful”… Read more »
Some 132 million people in 42 countries will need assistance next year, with Yemen topping the list, UN says. Some 132 million people in 42 countries will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2019, with Yemen topping the list of most-desperate nations, the United Nations said on Tuesday.