This is Beirut

MBS's Diplomatic Gamble: Reshaping Saudi Arabia’s Geopolitical Role

Natasha Metni Torbey, 21/03 14:05 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Saudi Arabia Donald Trump Houthi Israel Middle East

Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), Saudi Arabia has undertaken a series of diplomatic maneuvers that are redefining its role in the Middle East. As a key regional power, the Kingdom aims to position itself as an influential mediator, forge new strategic alliances and normalize relations with pivotal players. These ...

Israel Military Says Intercepted Missile From Yemen

This is Beirut, 20/03 20:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Israel Hamas Houthi Yemen

Israel's military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen on Thursday for the second time within a day, after air raid sirens sounded in several areas, including Jerusalem. "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in a number of areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by the IAF (air force) prior to ...

Four US Strikes Against Houthis in Yemen's Al-Kathib Region

This is Beirut, 20/03 19:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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US warplanes carried out four strikes on Thursday evening against Houthi positions in the Al-Kathib region, in the Al-Minaa district of the Yemeni province of Al-Hodeida. These strikes come just hours after the Israeli army announced that it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen early on Thursday morning, against a backdrop of intensifying ...

Centcom, the American Leviathan Watching Over the East

Mario Chartouni, 18/03 18:55 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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The United States has escalated its military involvement in Yemen by bombing Houthi positions on Saturday, causing dozens of casualties among the fighters of the Iran-backed movement. Behind these strikes is the United States Central Command (Centcom), a crucial component of the American military strategy in the Middle East for ...

US Raids on the Houthis: A Militia Seeking a Crushing Blow

Michel Touma, 17/03 09:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

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There are times when one must confront reality and acknowledge the truth, however harsh it may be. In certain parts of the MENA region and the Gulf, specific politico-sociological factions — shaped by a distinct mindset — remain entrenched in rigid denial. The well-known “ostrich policy,” in other words. This is particularly evident in the ...

Yemen's Huthis claim attacks on carrier group after US strikes

This is Beirut, 17/03 09:17 - Reading : 4 minute(s)

Houthi USA

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed on Monday to have twice attacked an American aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, calling it retaliation for deadly US strikes. The Huthis initially said they launched 18 missiles and a drone at the "aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its accompanying warships" in the Red Sea, before ...

IMF to Unveil New Loan Package for Egypt

This is Beirut, 06/02 20:40 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) plans to submit a new loan agreement with Egypt for approval by its board, the global lender’s communications chief said Thursday, as the country seeks to strengthen its economy. “A policy package of reforms will be considered by the Fund’s executive board, along with the fourth review of Egypt’s ...

Trump Reinstates the Houthi Designation as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization"

This is Beirut, 23/01 09:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

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US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to once again designate Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis a "foreign terrorist organization," the White House announced Wednesday. When former president Joe Biden took over from Trump in 2021, he removed the designation that Trump had signed near the end of his first term. Biden's move came in ...

US Calls Houthi Claim of New Attacks ‘Disinformation'

This is Beirut, 19/01 22:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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The United States military on Sunday dismissed claims by Houthis that they had attacked an American aircraft carrier, saying Washington would not engage in the Iran-backed group' "disinformation campaign." The denial from US Central Command (CENTCOM) came after the Houthis said they had carried out the attack earlier Sunday and ...

Houthis Warn Of ‘Consequences’ Of Any Attack On Yemen During Gaza Truce

This is Beirut, 19/01 03:10 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

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Yemen's Houthi rebels on Sunday warned opposing forces in the Red Sea of the ‘consequences’ of any attack on their country during the truce in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas. The Iranian-backed rebels, who control large swathes of Yemen and the capital Sanaa, also claimed responsibility for an attack on several warships, ...

US Sanctions Against Yemeni Bank Supporting Houthis

This is Beirut, 18/01 10:50 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

USA US Sanctions US Treasury Houthi

The US Department of the Treasury announced on Saturday a series of sanctions targeting a Yemen-based bank (Yemen Kuwait Bank for Trade and Investment Y.S.C), for its financial support of Ansar Allah forces (another name given to the Houthis). Designated a terrorist organization by the United States, “the Houthis continue to attack US military ...

Israel Army says Attempted to Intercept Missile Fired from Yemen

This is Beirut, 14/01 09:35 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Houthi Israel

Israel's military said early Tuesday it had tried several times to shoot down a missile fired from Yemen which sent sirens blaring across the centre of the country. The latest attack came less than a day after Yemen's Houthis said they launched a missile towards Tel Aviv, which Israeli forces said they intercepted. "Following the sirens that ...

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