Daily Archives: 14. August 2023


14.08.2023 - 17:00 [ Ynetnews.com ]

U.S. officials: Saudi deal still far off

(13.08.2023)

In their conversation with Ynet, the officials said U.S. President Joe Biden wants to advance a deal with Saudi Arabia, one that would be hard to enlist Democratic support for, although Biden may use his full force, to achieve it. „We would need Republican support, but we believe that since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu really wants this deal, he will be helpful in the matter,“ they said. Netanyahu is expected to meet with Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September.

14.08.2023 - 16:40 [ Reuters ]

U.S. approved secret nuclear power work for Saudi Arabia

(March 27, 2019)

Many U.S. lawmakers are concerned that sharing nuclear technology with Saudi Arabia could eventually lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. (…)

Last month, Democratic House members alleged in a report that top White House aides ignored warnings they could be breaking the law as they worked with former U.S. officials in a group called IP3 International to advance a multibillion-dollar plan to build nuclear reactors in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia.

14.08.2023 - 16:32 [ Salon.com ]

„You‘re not serious people“: Congress called out for ignoring Jared Kushner‘s „huge scandal“

(August 11, 2023)

During his tenure in the Trump administration, Kushner was tasked with managing Middle East policy, resulting in him building a relationship with Saudi Arabia‘s Crown Prince and leading efforts to create the Abraham Accords, which established Israel‘s diplomatic relations initially with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, and later with Morocco and Sudan.

14.08.2023 - 16:20 [ Yahoo.com ]

Comer says Kushner ‘crossed the line of ethics’ with Saudi deal

(August 11, 2023)

“I’ve been vocal that I think that what Kushner did crossed the line of ethics,” Comer said on CNN when asked to respond to Christie’s claim. “What Christie said — it happened after he left office. Still no excuse, Jake, but it happened after he left office.

14.08.2023 - 16:15 [ Haaretz ]

Israel‘s Pro-democracy Protest Leaders Gather Forces Ahead of Key High Court Hearings

Pro-democracy protesters are expected to gather in the coming week near the northern moshav of Ramot during the Netanyahu couple‘s planned vacation in the area. Another demonstration is expected at the launching of central Israel‘s Gush Dan region light rail system, as well as continued preparations for the possibility of a general strike by Israel‘s largest trade union, major corporations and the academy in the event of a judicial clash between the government and the High Court.

14.08.2023 - 16:05 [ Haaretz ]

Israel’s Unplanned PR Coup: How a Protest Movement to Defend Liberal Values Is Captivating Europe

For Europe’s media and public, Israel’s historic protest movement has sparked unprecedented interest, challenging the familiar script of wars and violence to become an unexpected icon of hope for democracy

14.08.2023 - 11:12 [ APNews.com ]

Niger’s junta gains the upper hand over the regional bloc threatening military force, analysts say

On Thursday, the bloc ordered the deployment of a “standby” force to restore constitutional rule in Niger, with Nigeria, Benin, Senegal and Ivory Coast saying they would contribute troops.

But it’s unclear when, how or if the troops will deploy. The move could take weeks or months to set into motion, and while the bloc decides what to do the junta is gaining power, some observers say.

14.08.2023 - 10:55 [ Al Jazeera ]

Niger coup leader agrees to hold direct talks with ECOWAS: Nigerian scholar

Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, who led the Nigerian delegation, made the announcement on Sunday, a day after his group held talks with General Abdourahamane Tchiani in the Nigerien capital Niamey.

The meeting took place as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) explores its options to restore civilian rule in Niger, including potential military intervention,

14.08.2023 - 10:49 [ BBC ]

Niger coup: Fear and anger in Niamey as Ecowas threatens force

(12.08.2023)

„The Niger soldiers are ready to face any aggression against our country of any kind. They should count on our support, the support of the population and its partners. We are ready,“ says Bana Ibrahim.

The 46-year-old is one of the leaders of a so-called self-defence unit that has been set up in response to the Ecowas announcement.

Another member of the unit, Moudi Moussa, agrees: „We are here to defend our country because the country is threatened by Ecowas mercenaries. I call them mercenaries in the pay of [French President Emmanuel] Macron. So we are here to protect our Niger and the people of Niger.“

14.08.2023 - 10:45 [ BBC ]

Niger coup: Russia warns Ecowas not to take military action

(12.08.2023)

Such an intervention would destabilise the Sahel region as a whole, the Russian foreign ministry said.

Russia does not formally back the coup.

But the US, which backs efforts to restore deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum, says its Wagner mercenary group is taking advantage of the instability.