Jordan
Solar eclipse expected next Tuesday | Jordan Times
AMMAN — Next Tuesday, the world is expected to witness a partial solar eclipse, Jordanian Astronomical Society President Ammar Sakaji said on Monday night. Sakaji said that the partial eclipse in Amman will start at 12:59pm, which marks the first moment of visible contact between the moon and the sun. The eclipse peak will be at 2:13pm, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The Muslim World
Syria's Raqqa in slow rebound 5 years since Islamic State defeat | Reuters
Five years since Islamic State was driven from its Syrian headquarters at Raqqa, the city is still slowly recovering from the devastation caused by the battle between U.S.-backed forces and the jihadists.
Turkey slams allegations of chemical weapons use in northern Iraq | Reuters
Turkey's defence ministry and top government officials on Thursday firmly rejected allegations that the Turkish Armed Forces had used chemical weapons in their operations against Kurdish militants.
Iran warns Saudi Arabia over 'reliance' on Israel - Guards' commander | Reuters
Iran on Thursday said the leaders of regional foe Saudi Arabia should end their reliance on Israel, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, in an apparent reference to growing ties between Israel and Gulf Arab states.
UN food agency chief presses Gulf states to 'step up' on aid | AP News
BERLIN (AP) — The head of the United Nations' World Food Program is renewing pressure on oil-rich Persian Gulf countries to give his agency more help to deal with mounting humanitarian crises. WFP Executive Director David Beasley's comments on Thursday followed a meeting with Development Minister Svenja Schulze of Germany, the agency's second-biggest donor.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Is Barred From Elected Office - WSJ
The disqualification was issued over official gifts Mr. Khan received as prime minister from foreign governments, some of which he later sold.
General News
Russia's Iranian drones complicate Israel's balancing act | AP News
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Iranian-made drones that Russia sent slamming into central Kyiv this week have complicated Israel's balancing act between Russia and the West. Israel has stayed largely on the sidelines since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last February so as not to damage its strategic relationship with the Kremlin.
Finance and Economy
EXCLUSIVE U.S. says Russia oil price cap will not be aimed at OPEC | Reuters
New steps from Group of Seven countries to cap Russian oil sales at an enforced low price will not be replicated against OPEC producers, whose plans to cut output have irked consumer countries, a United States Treasury official told Reuters.
Jeff Bezos Says It’s Time to ‘Batten Down the Hatches’ as Economy Cools - WSJ
The Amazon founder said the economy is flashing warning signs, joining other corporate leaders who have cautioned that the U.S. is headed for a recession.
Quds Matters
Jewish settlers pepper spray Israeli soldiers in West Bank | AP News
JERUSALEM (AP) — Jewish settlers stormed through a Palestinian town in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said Thursday, throwing stones at Palestinian cars and using pepper spray on troops who were trying to disperse the settlers.