Jordan
Saudi Jordanian Investment Fund signs contract with Dar Al Handasah Consultants for engineering design, supervision of healthcare project | Jordan Times
AMMAN — The Saudi Jordanian Fund for Medical and Educational Investments Company (SJFMEI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Saudi Jordanian Investment Fund (SJIF), on Thursday signed a contract with Dar Al Handasah (Shair and Partners) – Dar – and Perkins & Will International, entailing the joint venture to carry out engineering design and supervision services for the Healthcare Project.
Kingdom received 3.4 million barrels of Iraqi oil as per agreement so far | Jordan Times
AMMAN — Jordan, until Tuesday, received 3.4 million barrels of Iraqi oil as per an agreement granting Jordan a $16 discount from the price of Brent crude per barrel, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.The agreement — which entered into force at the beginning of 2022 — will expire by the end of December, head of the oil tanker company Nael Thiabat said on Wednesday, noting that the extension or renewal of the agreement is on the table, according to Petra.
The Muslim World
Turkish strikes on Kurds stoke tensions with Syria as well | AP News
BEIRUT (AP) — Russia has pushed for years for a reconciliation between its ally, the Syrian government, and Turkey, which stood on opposing sides in Syria’s civil war. Recent weeks saw the first small signs of possible progress.
Pakistan appoints ex-spy master Gen. Munir as new army chief | AP News
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has named the country's former spy chief as head of the military, the information minister said Thursday, ending months of speculation about the new appointment.
UN rights body deplores Iran crackdown, establishes probe | AP News
BERLIN (AP) — The U.N. Human Rights Council voted Thursday to condemn the bloody crackdown on peaceful protests in Iran and create an independent fact-finding mission to investigate alleged abuses, particularly those committed against women and children.
New Malaysian PM Anwar vows to heal divided nation, economy | AP News
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Long-time reformist leader Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as Malaysia's prime minister Thursday and vowed to heal a racially divided nation, fight corruption and revive an economy struggling with the rising cost of living.
Monsoon rains force halt in Indonesia quake rescue efforts | AP News
CIANJUR, Indonesia (AP) — Searchers in Indonesia on Wednesday rescued a 6-year-old boy who was trapped for two days under the rubble of his house, which collapsed in an earthquake that killed at least 271 people, as heavy monsoon rains lashed survivors in makeshift shelters and forced a suspension of rescue efforts.
Exclusive: Russians, Ukrainians met in UAE to discuss prisoner swap, ammonia, sources say | Reuters
Representatives from Russia and Ukraine met in the United Arab Emirates last week to discuss the possibility of a prisoner-of-war swap that would be linked to a resumption of Russian ammonia exports, which go to Asia and Africa, via a Ukrainian pipeline, three sources with knowledge of the meeting said.
General News
Russian parliament passes law banning 'LGBT propaganda' among adults | Reuters
Russia's parliament approved on Thursday a bill that widens a prohibition of "LGBT propaganda" and restricts the "demonstration" of LGBT behaviour, making any expression of an LGBT lifestyle almost impossible.
Finance and Economy
OPEC+ Eyes Output Increase Ahead of Restrictions on Russian Oil - WSJ
The move could help heal a rift with the Biden administration and keep energy flowing amid new attempts to blunt Russia’s oil industry over the Ukraine war.
Global Economy Slows, but Seems to Be Faring Better Than Feared - WSJ
A weak start to 2023 is expected in many rich countries, but U.S. and European slumps could be relatively short.
Quds Matters
Israel rescinds 200 Gaza work permits, citing bomb worries | Reuters
Israel rescinds 200 Gaza work permits, citing bomb worries
Twin blasts shake Jerusalem, killing teen and wounding 18 | AP News
JERUSALEM (AP) — Two blasts went off near bus stops in Jerusalem at the height of morning rush hour on Wednesday, killing a Canadian-Israeli teenager and injuring at least 18, in what police said were attacks by Palestinians.