Jordan
An airstrike on southern Syria hits an alleged drug factory, causing damage but no casualties | AP News
An airstrike has hit an alleged drug factory in southern Syria near the Jordanian border, causing damage, but there was not word on casualties.
All is not quiet on Jordan’s northern front | Arab News
Jordan is facing an unusual threat with at least one pundit labeling it a full-fledged, “open war.” During this month alone, the Jordanian Armed Forces have thwarted several narcotic-smuggling operations from Syria, at least two of which saw drones being used. And it is not drugs alone that Jordan is fighting to stop, but an alignment between drug cartels in Syria and terrorist organizations that could see the latter use the proceeds garnered to finance operations, not only against the kingdom but beyond.
The Muslim World
Iran's oil output, exports rise as Washington, Tehran talk | Reuters
Iran's oil output and exports jumped in August despite U.S. sanctions, according to consultants and companies that track tanker shipments, as Tehran sells to buyers including China.
Libya Suspends Foreign Minister Over Meeting With Israel’s Top Diplomat - WSJ
The disclosure of the meeting between Najla Elmangoush and her Israeli counterpart sparked angry protests in the oil-rich nation.
Gabon election results were a 'smokescreen' for soldiers to oust unpopular president, analysts say | AP News
Analysts say the ouster of Gabon’s president by mutinous soldiers appears to have been well organized and capitalized on the population’s grievances against the government as an excuse to seize power.
US curbs AI chip exports from Nvidia and AMD to some Middle East countries | Reuters
The U.S. expanded the restriction of exports of sophisticated Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices artificial-intelligence chips beyond China to other regions including some countries in the Middle East.
Analysis
A CIA-backed 1953 coup in Iran haunts the country with people still trying to make sense of it | AP News
Seventy years after a CIA-orchestrated coup toppled Iran’s prime minister, its legacy remains both contentious and complicated for the Islamic Republic as tensions stay high with the United States.
Secular Winter
Israel Protests Turn Focus to Women’s Rights Amid Religious Parties’ Rise - WSJ
The story of teenage girls scolded for their clothing and told to sit at the back of a public bus has galvanized the monthslong demonstrations.
Finance and Economy
Stubborn Inflation Proves Difficult to Tame in Europe - WSJ
The eurozone’s inflation rate was unchanged in August, increasing the likelihood of a 10th rise in the European Central Bank’s key interest rate.
Quds Matters
As Israel pushes punitive demolitions, family of 13-year-old Palestinian attacker to lose its home | AP News
Earlier this year, 13-year-old Mohammed Zalabani boarded a bus at an Israeli army checkpoint in the Shuafat refugee camp and lunged at an Israeli police officer with a kitchen knife.
In New Step Toward Israel Deal, Saudi Arabia Offers to Resume Palestinian Authority Funding - WSJ
Riyadh wants the Palestinians to crack down on militants and curb violence.