Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — After repeated assurances, Saudi Arabia has announced legislation that reduces the authority of the controversial Islamist police. Officials said the Saudi Cabinet has approved legislation that would limit the power of the religious police, formally the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. The new […]
Special to WorldTribune.com AMMAN — The Muslim Brotherhood has warned of rising unrest in Jordan. The Brotherhood’s Islamic Action Front (IAF) said it would intensify protests on the eve of parliamentary elections on Jan. 23. IAF said King Abdullah has refused appeals to change the election law and enact reforms. “We are against the elections […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal is said to be in critical condition. The foreign minister, some of whose duties were taken over by Crown Prince Salman, marked the latest in a series of senior Saudi officials struck with illness or incapacitation. Over the last nine months, the kingdom […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has described its defense relationship with Jordan as reaching unprecedented proportions. Officials said the U.S. military and Defense Department significantly enhanced the relationship with the Hashemite kingdom in 2012. They cited heightened intelligence exchange, increased exercises and cooperation on border security, particularly along the frontier with Syria. […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Defense Minister Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz has been named the next crown prince of Saudi Arabia. Salman, 76, was named heir to the crown on June 18 two days after the death of his predecessor and brother, Nayef. The appointment of Salman, who retained his post as defense […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The Saudi opposition has reported that Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz was seriously ill. The opposition Institute for Gulf Affairs said Nayef, 78, might have suffered a stroke in February. The Washington-based institute, which represents the Shi’ite opposition in Saudi Arabia, asserted that Nayef was flown to Morocco for […]
Special to WorldTribune.com AMMAN — Jordan is preparing for the return of the leader of the Hamas movement. The Hashemite kingdom has invited Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Masha’al, expelled in 1999. Officials said Masha’al would be accompanied by Qatari Crown Prince Hamad Bein Tamim Al Thani and meet senior officials. “His visit marks a […]
Special to WorldTribune.com By Ed Koch Recognizing that Iran and its leaders are a grave danger to the world, why would anyone be distressed at the killing of an Iranian scientist who was working to create a nuclear bomb? Iran now has ballistic missiles capable of reaching Europe. Long ago, Iran developed the rockets needed […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ANKARA — Turkey is said to have pledged up to $300 million in aid to Hamas. Turkish sources said Prime Minister Recep Erdogan has pledged to become a leading donor to the Hamas regime. Over the last year, Erdogan has provided Hamas support in other ways. The sources said Turkey was providing […]
John J. Metzler UNITED NATIONS — After the heady and often dizzying political changes optimistically described as the Arab Spring, many of these same Middle Eastern states may be heading for what sadly looks like an Arab Winter. The seasonal political shift was predictable, but the end results remain in flux. The three great Middle […]