A massive container ship is currently blocking the Suez Canal, one of the busiest global shipping routes. Marine and salvage engineers tried and failed to dislodge the enormous ship on Thursday (25 March 2021) but the company, Evergreen Marine who operates the ship have said that it could take weeks before the ship is dislodged. It became stuck on Tuesday after a sudden gust of wind and a dust storm. The blockage is causing a tailback of ships to form, all waiting to get through. Around 12% of global trade passes through Suez Canal as it provides a short sea link between Europe and Asia.
Category Archives: Middle East
U.S. finds Saudi Prince culpable of Khashoggi killing – slap on the wrist ensues
Due to the monopoly on political power held by the Saudi monarchy, with the Prince acting as its de-facto leader, it is unquestionable that he had ordered, or had concrete knowledge of Khashoggi’s killing as it happened.
US carries out air strike in Syria
The US carried out an air strike on facilities used by Iranian-backed militia groups in eastern Syria on Thursday night (25 February 2021) in response to three separate rocket attacks against US forces in Iraq, according to a Pentagon spokesperson. The strikes is alleged to have destroyed several facilities at a border control point used by a number of Iran-backed militia groups linked to the attacks against US forces in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada,
US sells a million gallons of seized Iranian oil amid rising tensions
The United States has sold off over a million gallons of Iranian oil that had been seized last year. The shipment was being sent to Venezuela but was intercepted before arrival. Last week, the final gallons were sold off by Washington, with profits totalling over $40 million. The cargo was seized under the pretext of violations of U.S. sanctions on Tehran, which greatly limit both Iranian imports and exports.
The disturbing reality behind Israel’s vaccination campaign
The global spotlight has once again shifted to Israel amidst their rapid COVID-19 vaccination campaign which has reportedly vaccinated over 20% of their 9 million citizens. However, what isn’t included in these numbers are the 4.5 million Palestineans in the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank.
Turkish students clash with police over state interference in education
Since the new year, Istanbul’s University campuses have become a battleground of violent clashes between students and police. The protests were sparked by President Tayyip Erdogan’s appointment of Melih Bulu, an active member of Turkey’s ruling AKP party, as new rector of the prestigious Boğaziçi University by presidential decree.
Pakistani mines face another year of bloodshead global trade unions warn
Trade unions have painted a bleak picture for miners in Pakistan, where astonishingly 14 miners have already lost their lives this year as a consequence of accidents and jihadist massacres.
Students resist riot police in Lebanon
On the students’ “Day of Rage” Lebanese students clashed with riot police in Beirut outside of the American University of Beirut (AUB) with tear gas being fired at the students, who responded by throwing bottles at riot police. The protest turned confrontation was organised by students as a response to the AUB and another top university in Beirut deciding to massively hike tuition fees in the midst of an economic crisis.
Australia comes under pressure as China highlights report’s findings
The investigation, led by the Maj Gen Justice Paul Brereton, found that Australian special forces were involved in the murder of 39 Afghan civilians and subsequent planting of weapons and phones.
Iranian Nuclear Scientist Assassinated: Israel and U.S. to Blame
Iran’s suspicions remain justified after having revealed that the U.S. assassinated former General Qasem Soleimani in January.
