The Blog
The QA Report is live as is this blog
Staying abreast with the news is only useful to the extent that it helps, or least doesn't hinder, drawing near to Allah Most High. Yet much of that depends on the reader...
The Muslim World
A new web of Arab railways could transform the Middle East | The Economist
But old enmities block many of the links
Elevator project in Old Jerusalem leads to surprising finds | AP News
JERUSALEM (AP) — Installing an elevator doesn't normally involve a 2,000-year plunge into an ancient city's history. But in Jerusalem, even seemingly simple construction projects can lead to archaeological endeavors.
Egypt's economy seen growing steadily over next three years | Reuters
Egypt's economy will grow fairly steadily over the coming three years, with inflation gradually declining from double digits and the pound weakening in the near-term, a Reuters poll showed.
Syrian refugees anxious over Lebanon's plans to deport them | AP News
BAR ELIAS, Lebanon (AP) — Sitting outside her tent in a camp in eastern Lebanon, a 30-year-old Syrian refugee contemplated the sunset and her worsening options. Umm Jawad fled to Lebanon in 2011 to escape a Syrian government siege of her hometown of Homs.
Biden’s Saudi Arabia Visit Was Worse Than an Embarrassment - WSJ
The president’s 24 hours in Jeddah were dominated by photos of his fist bump with Mohammed bin Salman. Things went downhill from there.
Putin, in Tehran, gets strong support from Iran over Ukraine | AP News
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin won staunch support from Iran on Tuesday for his country’s military campaign in Ukraine, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei saying the West opposes an “independent and strong” Russia.
Syria formally breaks diplomatic ties with Ukraine | AP News
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria said Wednesday it is formally breaking diplomatic ties with Ukraine in response to a similar move by Kyiv. Syria is a strong ally of Russia, which joined Syria’s conflict in September 2015 helping tip the balance of power in favor of President Bashar Assad.
General News
Russia moves to dissolve Jewish Agency branch that promotes immigration to Israel | Reuters
Russia's Ministry of Justice has requested the liquidation of the Russian branch of the Jewish Agency, a non-profit organisation that promotes immigration to Israel, according to a Moscow court.
Ukraine's ports to reopen under deal to be signed Friday, Turkey says | Reuters
Russia and Ukraine will sign a deal on Friday to reopen Ukraine's Black Sea ports to grain exports, Turkey said, raising hopes that an international food crisis caused by Russia's invasion could be eased.
Finance and Economy
Saudi Arabia Nears Its Oil Pumping Limit - WSJ
OPEC’s next meeting on Aug. 3 is clouded by questions over the group’s ability to produce more oil.
Stocks end higher as Wall Street's winning week rolls on | AP News
Stocks on Wall Street closed higher Thursday, building on their winning week, as investors sifted through a deluge of news about the economy, interest rates and corporate profits. The S&P 500 rose 1% after shaking off an early stumble, returning to its highest level in six weeks.