Jordan
Gov’t highlights measures to ease economic burden | Jordan Times
AMMAN — The Joint Parliamentary Committee and Cabinet, in a statement issued on Wednesday, stressed the importance of national efforts aiming to overcome current challenges, and maintaining security and stability of homeland, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.The committee was briefed on measures taken by the government on December 6 and its direct response to the demands of the Truck Owners Syndicate.The government decided to increase shipping fees by JD1.5 per tonne of phosphate, potash and sulphur.
The Muslim World
UN chief: Syrians face dire winter if aid from Turkey is cut | AP News
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. chief warned in a new report that the already dire humanitarian situation in Syria is worsening and if aid deliveries from Turkey to the rebel-held northwest aren’t renewed next month millions of Syrians may not survive the winter.
Pakistan: Bombing kills 2, injures 14 in restive border area | AP News
Pakistan: Bombing kills 2, injures 14 in restive border area
Iranian hard-liner suggests closing key strait over protests | AP News
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A hard-line newspaper close to Iran's ruling clerics on Wednesday suggested authorities close the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy supplies, in response to alleged foreign support for the nationwide protests gripping the country.
Sudan strikes deal with UAE firms for $6 billion port | AP News
CAIRO (AP) — Sudan's military government signed a $6 billion preliminary agreement with two firms from the United Arab Emirates Tuesday to construct a new port on the Red Sea coast, Sudanese state media said.
Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction | Reuters
Thousands of people rallied in Turkey on Thursday to oppose the conviction and political ban of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, chanting slogans criticising President Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling AK Party before elections next year.
Turkey's Baykar launches new jet-powered drone, aiming for air-to-air combat | Reuters
Turkish defence firm Baykar said its first jet-powered unmanned aerial combat vehicle (UCAV) completed its maiden flight on Wednesday, as the company continues to gain popularity globally, most recently by helping Ukraine's army fight Russian forces.
Finance and Economy
Hungary has started talks about importing oil and natural gas from Oman | Reuters
Hungary has started talks about importing oil and natural gas from Oman, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Thursday at a briefing broadcast on his Facebook page after he met his counterpart from Oman in Budapest.
Analysis: China's massive older chip tech buildup raises U.S. concern | Reuters
China’s largest chip maker SMIC is ramping up production of a decade-old chip technology, key to many industries' supply chains, setting off alarm bells in the United States.
FTC Sues to Block Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard - WSJ
The antitrust enforcer sued Microsoft to prevent its planned $75 billion deal for Activision Blizzard, taking one of its biggest shots under the Biden administration at halting a merger of technology giants.
Quds Matters
Hamas marks anniversary, predicts confrontation with Israel | AP News
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians on Wednesday thronged a rally in downtown Gaza to mark the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Hamas militant group, as leaders predicted a year of “open confrontation” with the hardline Israeli government expected to take office in the coming days.
Israeli military chief suggests Israel behind Syria strike | AP News
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel's military chief of staff strongly suggested on Wednesday that Israel was behind a strike on a truck convoy in Syria last month, giving a rare glimpse of Israel's shadow war against Iran and its proxies across the region.
Family of activist who died in Palestinian custody turn to ICC | Reuters
The family of an activist who died in the custody of the Palestinian Authority's security forces called on the International Criminal Court on Thursday to investigate, in what they say is the first communication to the court from Palestinians against their leadership.