Jordan
Refugees disproportionately suffer from last 3 years of global shocks — UNHCR report | Jordan Times
AMMAN — Refugees have been disproportionately impacted by the global shocks witnessed by the world over the past three years, according to recent study by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.The study, published in June 2023, is titled “Exacerbating vulnerabilities: Where do global shocks leave refugees in Jordan?”Loss of jobs during the pandemic
The Muslim World
Head of UN agency for Palestinian refugees warns of service cuts without more funding | AP News
The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees says that without a new injection of funding, it is “likely or highly likely” that the agency will not be able to deliver some services or pay salaries by the fall. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said at a press conference in Beirut that the agency responsible for services to Palestinian refugees has been facing a shortfall of $150 to $200 million annually in recent years. Donors at a conference earlier this month pledged $115.2 million, of which only $13.2 million were new funds — significantly less than the $300 million the agency had called for to keep its programs running through the end of the year.
UAE leader welcomes Iranian foreign minister in latest softening of Persian Gulf tensions | AP News
The president of the United Arab Emirates has met with Iran’s visiting foreign minister in the latest sign of improving relations between Arab Gulf countries and the Islamic Republic. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have long harbored suspicions about Iran because of its nuclear program and support for militant groups across the region. They have cultivated close defense ties with the U.S. in response. But in recent months they have charted a more independent path, reaching out to U.S. adversaries as Washington increasingly focuses on Russia and China. The UAE, home to the futuristic cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, was the driving force behind the Abraham Accords, in which four Arab countries forged ties with Israel.
Iraq's president ratifies record $152 billion budget criticized by IMF for too rosy projections | AP News
Iraq’s president has approved a record $152 billion budget that the parliament voted on earlier this month and which adds about half a million public sector jobs. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Wednesday ratified the budget, which has a projected deficit of $48 billion. Parliament last week voted on the draft, six months into the fiscal year and after months of negotiations. The budget’s rosy revenue projections and the large number of new positions in the public sector have drawn criticism, including from the International Monetary Fund, which in a recent report warned against “fiscal loosening” and a heavy reliance on oil revenues . The IMNF also urged the government to implement a stricter fiscal policy.
Ambitious Saudi plans to ramp up Hajj could face challenges from climate change | AP News
Saudi Arabia has ambitous plans to welcome millions more pilgrims to Islam’s holiest sites. But as climate change heats up an already scorching region, the annual Hajj pilgrimage could prove even more daunting. It's one of the largest religious gatherings on earth, and much of it takes place outdoors in the desert. The increased number of pilgrims, along with a surge in international air travel and the expansion of infrastructure, also raises sustainability concerns. Later this month, Saudi Arabia will host the first Hajj pilgrimage without any coronavirus restrictions. Around 2.5 million people took part in the pilgrimage in 2019, and some 2 million are expected this year.
Turkey's central bank sharply raises interest rates. That could signal an economic turnaround | AP News
Turkey's central bank has delivered a large interest rate increase, signaling a shift toward more conventional economic policies to counter sky-high inflation. The bank raised its key rate by 6.5 percentage points, boosting it to 15%. The increase is the first since March 2021 but lower than market expectations. It came at the bank’s closely watched first interest rate-setting meeting since Erdogan appointed two internationally respected officials to lead the bank and the finance ministry. The rate hike is an indication that the country is moving away from Erdogan’s unorthodox belief that lowering interest rates fights inflation. The bank said rates would be hiked further “as much as needed” in a “gradual manner.”
No breakthrough after EU summons Kosovo and Serbia leaders for emergency talks | AP News
The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo made no breakthrough in emergency talks aimed at defusing tensions around their border. But European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell says Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic agree on the need for early elections. Tensions flared in northern Kosovo last month after local police seized control of municipal buildings in a region where Serbs are in the majority. The aim was to install ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected in local polls that Kosovo Serbs boycotted. Violent clashes followed. The two leaders refused to meet face-to-face in Brussels on Thursday but held separate talks with Borrell.
Secular Winter
UN warns Taliban that restrictions on Afghan women and girls make recognition `nearly impossible' | AP News
The U.N. envoy for Afghanistan is warning the country’s Taliban rulers that international recognition as the country’s legitimate government will remain “nearly impossible” unless they lift severe restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment. Roza Otunbayeva told the Security Council on Wednesday that the Taliban have asked to be recognized by the United Nations and its 192 other member nations, “but at the same time they act against the key values expressed in the United Nations Charter.” In discussions with the Taliban, she said, “I am blunt about the obstacles they have created for themselves." Afghan women are barred from most jobs and public places, while girls are banned from education beyond sixth grade.
General News
The Titan submersible imploded, killing all 5 on board, the US Coast Guard says
The U.S. Coast Guard says a missing submersible imploded near the wreckage of the Titanic, killing all five people on board. Coast Guard officials said during a news conference Thursday that they’ve notified the families of the crew of the Titan, which has been missing for several days. Debris found during the search for the vessel is consistent with the catastrophic loss of the pressure chamber, said Rear Adm. John Mauger of the First Coast Guard District.
Finance and Economy
Oil plunges 4% as interest rate hikes outweigh lower US oil supplies | Reuters
Oil futures fell about 4% on Thursday, as a bigger-than-expected Bank of England rate hike prompted worries about the economy and fuel demand that outweighed support from a surprise draw in U.S. oil supplies.
UK recession fears mount after Bank of England hikes borrowing rates by more than expected | AP News
Fears that the British economy is heading for recession have mounted sharply after the Bank of England raised borrowing costs by more than anticipated. Thursday's move to combat stubbornly high inflation will hit borrowers hard, particularly homeowners who have to refinance over the coming months. On a busy day for central bank action in Europe, the Bank of England decided to lift its main interest rate by half a percentage point to a fresh 15-year high. The size of the bank’s 13th hike in a row was somewhat of a surprise, with most economists predicting a smaller quarter-point increase.
Quds Matters
Israeli military kills Palestinian gunman as settlers rampage through Palestinian town
A Palestinian assailant opened fire at an Israeli military checkpoint in the West Bank on Saturday before being shot and killed, Israeli police said. Elsewhere in the occupied territory, settlers rampaged through a Palestinian village, hurling stones, spraying bullets and setting fire to homes, the latest in a series of settler attacks this week.