zagros.ws » Uncategorized

Iraq Car Bombs Kill 14 People

Samantha — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:01:04 +0000

It is estimated that 14 people have been killed and over 50 people have been inquired in southern Iraq after 2 cars bombs exploded. The attackers set off almost simultaneous twin car bombs in Kut, the capital of Wasit province, 100 miles south of Baghdad. According to witnesses the co-ordinated car bombs exploded in a crowded shopping area in the city. These bombings occurred just hours after a series of smaller attacks killed eight police officers in Baghdad. The deaths have renewed concerns about security in Iraq, especially as Obama confirmed earlier this month that US combat troops are due leave the country later this month.

Iran Lawyer Escapes to Turkey

Samantha — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:37:35 +0000

An Iranian lawyer, Mohamed Mostafaei, who defended an Iranian woman who had been sentenced to be stoned to death in Iran, has fled the country to escape to Turkey. According to the UN refugee agency, the lawyer disappeared in July after being summoned for questioning in Tehran. Mr Mostafaei is a well-known critic of the Iranian judicial system, as he recently defending Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the mother-of-two who was facing execution by stoning for adultery. Although he managed to the stoning penalty was lifted, she may still be executed by hanging. Metin Corabatir, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Turkey, said Mr Mostafaei was in custody there and had applied for asylum in Turkey.

Was the Iraqi President Attacked by Iran?

Samantha — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:14:45 +0000

There seems to be mixed messages regarding an attempted assassination attempt on the President of Iraq, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iranian officials have denied that the Iraqi President was targeted in an assassination attempt, claiming that no explosive device was thrown at the President. Instead they claim that a firecracker was thrown into the crowd before the President addressed a crowd at a football stadium in Hamedan. The sources that claim it was a firecracker and not anything more sinister comes from Al Alam, a state-run Arabic-language TV channel. They reported that the alleged firecracker was set off to cheer the president. This would not have been the first assassination attempt on the president as earlier this week, it was believed that he was the target of an assassination plot by Israel.

Rockets Hit Israel and Kills One Person

Samantha — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:29:08 +0000

A civilian person has been killed and three others have been seriously injured in a rocket attack on the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. The Israeli police claim that the rocket attack came from Egypt’s Sinai desert, which is highly unusual as attacks on Jordan normally come from Gaza. Of course Egypt has denied that their land was used to launch the attack. The rocket that fell in Aqaba destroyed two cars as it fell near to the Intercontinental Hotel in the town; it also killed a 51-year-old taxi driver who died as a result of his injuries. According to the BBC’s embedded reporter, Israel has recently warned of militant activity in the area, warning tourists not to visit the area.

Bringing the Ancient Home

Samantha — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:18:41 +0000

Having spent some time in Egypt last year, I had the advantage of seeing first-hand the wonders that can be found at Luxor, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Of course, this was merely scratching the surface of the magnificent remains of the ancient civilisation. I was shown round many of the sites by the same guide – an Egyptian who had studied Ancient History and Tourism (a good mix!) at university. He mentioned on several occasions the anger that he felt regarding the theft and removal of ancient artefacts.

Now, Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), has called for many of these items to be returned. Around twenty countries are represented at the two-day council conference where it is hoped that an agreement can be reached that will see many of the most important artefacts returned. I, for one, can only agree that this should happen wherever possible.

Netanyahu cancels trip

Samantha — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:09:56 +0000

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has decided against visiting the United States. He was due to visit the country to take part in a summit to discuss nuclear security. The decision has been made after Netanyahu learned that Egypt and Turkey were planning to raise the issue of Israel’s nuclear arsenal. Believed to have access to the sixth biggest nuclear arsenal in the world (after the US, Russia, France, China and the UK), this has long been a subject of much caution for the leader.

The US president is hosting the event that will welcome dozens of world leaders in Washington which starts next week. Israel claim that Turkey and Egypt and planning to call on Israel to sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In the past, Israel have never denied or confirmed that it possesses the arsenal that it is alleged to have. As such, the Prime Minister will not take his place at the summit and will send a high-ranking Minister in his place.

Middle East Swine Flu Update

Samantha — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:01:28 +0000

A 30 year old man was admitted to hospital last Wednesday after showing symptoms of swine flu such as high fever, coughing and breathing difficulties. This is the 3rd death from the virus in the Middle East following deaths in Egypt and Israel. Currently there have been more than 300 cases of the disease reported in Saudi Arabia and there is now growing concern that it could affect the Hajj later this year. On Thursday Arab health ministers agreed to prevent vulnerable groups joining the pilgrimage including those under 12, over 65 and individuals suffering with chronic diseases. Its expected that at least two million people will take place in the Hajj which falls in November this year.

Saudi Oil Prices Plummet

Samantha — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:08 +0000

When the oil prices were high Saudi Arabia was making a billion dollars a day. Now in the current economic crisis it’s earning just $700m equating to £432m). to us it may only seem like a small difference but for the oil exporting nations this is hitting them hard. In the global recession prices have halved bringing good news to the consumers and bad news for the producers. If the prices continue to slump then public spending concerns will grow as the government get between 75% and 95% from the oil income. This is proving to be a big issue as the movements are now having to dip into there reserves to fund big projects such as motorways, airports and public transport systems.