Author: Naharnet Newsdesk

Naharnet Newsdesk is a team of multilingual journalists from Naharnet, an English and Arabic digital news media outlet from Lebanon, covering both local Lebanon news, regional news from Middle East and international news stories making headlines from around the world. Naharnet was founded in 1998, but launched online in 2000.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Turkey’s capital to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aiming to strengthen their relations and resolve longstanding disputes. Both NATO members have engaged in talks to set aside conflicts over territorial claims and energy rights, signaling a shift towards cooperation. Despite their history of disagreements, the leaders have prioritized areas of mutual interest such as trade, energy, and cultural ties. Recent initiatives like easing visa procedures for Turkish citizens visiting Greek islands reflect a positive trend in their dialogue. While minor clashes persist, the countries have made strides in diplomatic engagements, setting aside differences…

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A small electric car called the Seagull is making waves in the global auto industry. Manufactured by Chinese automaker BYD, the Seagull is priced at around $12,000 in China, offering high-quality craftsmanship and performance comparable to much more expensive electric vehicles from the U.S. The emergence of affordable EVs from China could potentially disrupt the auto market worldwide. While tariffs currently prevent the Seagull from entering the American market, experts believe that it’s only a matter of time before BYD makes its move. The Biden administration is considering imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, citing risks to U.S. jobs and…

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In the midst of escalating tensions in the Middle East, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has stated that halting arms exports to Israel would not be a wise decision as it could potentially strengthen Hamas. Unlike the U.S., the U.K. provides less than 1% of Israel’s weapons and operates under a strict licensing system that can be revoked in the case of human rights violations. The U.S. has threatened to cut off weapon supplies to Israel if they launch a full-scale assault on the city of Rafah, drawing criticism from the U.K.’s opposition Labor Party and human rights groups. Despite…

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A shocking incident unfolded at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York when Lebanese-New Jersey man Hadi Matar attacked renowned author Salman Rushdie, leaving him blinded in one eye. Matar faces charges of assault and attempted murder, with potential terrorism-related charges looming on the horizon. Hadi Matar’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Barone, is in discussion with county and federal prosecutors to potentially resolve the charges without going to trial. The U.S. Justice Department is exploring federal charges against Matar, which could carry severe consequences for his client. Despite the possibility of a federal case, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt is…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 13 May 2024, 10:49 Armenian police detained dozens of protestors in Yerevan for attempting to block streets in opposition to government plans to concede land to Azerbaijan. The decision to hand over territory controlled since the 1990s sparked protests as Armenia aimed to secure a peace deal with Baku and prevent further conflict. Protest leader Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan called for a mass demonstration to demonstrate disagreement with the deal. Despite the arrests, protesters failed to close streets in the capital. Hundreds joined the demonstration, highlighting the ongoing tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan over disputed territories like Nagorno-Karabakh.…

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Tragedy struck western Indonesia over the weekend as flash floods and volcanic activity claimed the lives of 41 people, with 17 still missing. Heavy rain caused volcanic rocks to cascade down Mount Marapi, inundating two districts on Sumatra island and causing widespread destruction. Rescuers are tirelessly searching for the missing individuals, while survivors recount harrowing tales of the disaster. The local government has set up evacuation centers and emergency posts to assist those displaced by the catastrophe. However, the area remains at risk of further flooding and landslides due to the unique weather conditions in West Sumatra. This incident serves…

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Tottenham’s recent struggles have left fans disappointed, with four consecutive losses marking the team’s worst run in 20 years. Despite high hopes for a late surge in the Premier League title race, the team’s performance has fallen short of expectations. Manager Ange Postecoglou started strong, leading Tottenham to the top of the league in November with an attacking style of play. However, the season has taken a downward turn, with the team struggling to secure wins and maintain its momentum. As Tottenham faces a challenging end to the season, questions arise about Postecoglou’s ability to bring success to the club.…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 May 2024, 11:35 Iranians participated in a runoff election to fill remaining seats in the parliament after hard-line politicians dominated the previous round in March. Voters in 22 constituencies elected 45 representatives from a pool of 90 candidates, with 15 being considered moderate. Tehran will choose 16 representatives from 32 hard-line candidates. The parliament, although having a limited governing role, holds significance in Iran’s political structure as the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final decision authority. Notably, in the March election, hard-liners secured the majority of seats, with only a small representation of moderate…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 10 May 2024, 13:57 Russia has launched a ground offensive into Ukraine’s northeast Kharkiv region, with ongoing fighting reported by the Ukrainian defense ministry on Friday. The ministry stated that the enemy attempted to break through their defense line at 5 am local time, advancing one kilometer into Ukrainian territory. Russian forces aimed to establish a “buffer zone” in Kharkiv to prevent Ukrainian shelling across the border. Moreover, there were reports of massive shelling in the town of Vovchansk, prompting evacuations of the 3,000 residents and nearby areas. The situation remains tense as conflict escalates in the…

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by Naharnet Newsdesk 07 May 2024, 16:03 In an effort to combat potential forest fires during the upcoming summer season, Jordan has stationed two helicopters in Cyprus. The Mediterranean island nation is taking steps to purchase 10 aircraft for firefighting and prevention. The Cypriot Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou expressed gratitude towards the 18 Royal Jordanian Air Force crew members, pilots, and technical staff who will join local efforts in aerial firefighting. The Jordanian crew will undergo training to adapt to local conditions and become operationally ready within days. They will augment Cyprus’ existing fleet of firefighting aircraft, which includes helicopters…

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