Jordan
Jordan’s skyrocketing obesity rates require cross-sector action — experts | Jordan Times
AMMAN — Jordan finds itself grappling with a pressing health concern as the country witnesses an alarming rise in obesity rates, with national obesity risk standing at a 7.5 out of 10 and childhood obesity risk an 8 out of 11, according to the World Obesity Observatory Federation.
The Muslim World
Iran unveils latest version of ballistic missile amid wider tensions over nuclear program | AP News
Iran has unveiled what it called the latest iteration of its liquid-fueled Khorramshahr ballistic missile amid wider tensions with the West over its nuclear program. Authorities on Thursday showed off the Khorramshahr-4 to journalists at an event in Tehran with the missile on a truck-mounted launcher. Iran’s defense minister, Gen. Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, said the missile could be prepared for launch in a short period. Iranian officials described the missile as having a 2,000-kilometer range, which is about a 1,240 miles, with a 1,500-kilogram, or 3,300-pound, warhead. A U.S. State Department spokesman said Washington was aware of the missile report and reiterated that Iran’s proliferation of ballistic missiles poses a serious threat to the regional and beyond.
Libya watchers see signs of progress toward reconciliation | Jordan Times
TRIPOLI, Libya — Oil-rich but war-scarred Libya has for years been ruled by two rival governments, but now some analysts see faint signs of progress toward reconciliation between them.They point to discord within one of the camps, based in the east and backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, where the parliament last week suspended its former premier Fathi Bashagha.
Influential Middle East Leader Woos Russia and China, Testing U.S. Ties - WSJ
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has positioned the U.A.E. as a friend to all sides since Moscow invaded Ukraine.
Secular Winter
Israel's Netanyahu and allies pass new budget with sweeping grants for settlements, ultra-Orthodox | AP News
JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government on Wednesday passed a new two-year budget, a step that could bring some stability to his coalition and clear the way for it to press ahead with its religious, pro-settlement agenda.
Syria’s Return to Arab Fold Shows Resurgence of Authoritarian Rule - WSJ
The Arab League’s about-turn, engineered by Riyadh, coincides with Washington’s waning influence in the region as it shifts attention to China and Russia.
Sudanese still await relief on day two of tense ceasefire | Jordan Times
KHARTOUM — Fighting had eased but not stopped in Sudan on Wednesday, the second full day of a US and Saudi-brokered ceasefire that has raised cautious hopes among its beleaguered civilians that aid corridors and escape routes will open soon.Sporadic artillery fire has still echoed across the capital but the two foreign powers observing the one-week truce said that "fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense" since it entered into force late Monday.
Turkish voters weigh final decision on next president, visions for future | AP News
Two opposing visions for Turkey’s future are on the ballot when voters return to the polls Sunday for a runoff presidential election. The election will decide between an increasingly authoritarian incumbent and a challenger who has pledged to restore democracy. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a populist and polarizing leader who has ruled Turkey for 20 years. He is well positioned to win after falling just short of victory in the first round of balloting on May 14. Kemal Kilicdaroglu is a former bureaucrat who leads Turkey’s pro-secular main opposition party and a six-party alliance. He has campaigned on a promise to undo Erdogan’s authoritarian tilt.
Finance and Economy
Exclusive: From Russia with gold: UAE cashes in as sanctions bite | Reuters
United Arab Emirates has become a key trade hub for Russian gold since Western sanctions cut Russia's more traditional export routes.
Germany Enters Recession in Blow to Europe’s Economy - WSJ
The world’s fourth-largest economy shrunk for a second consecutive quarter as households cut their spending, which could prompt greater caution by the European Central Bank.
Tech Watch
Researchers find Israeli-made spyware deployed across Armenia | Reuters
Researchers have discovered Israeli-made Pegasus phone hacking software deployed against targets across Armenia, including reporters at a U.S. government-funded news organization, a report released on Thursday found.