Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

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A picture taken on July 1, 2014 shows a North Oil Company gas field located near a checkpoint held by militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), some 30 kilometres southwest of the disputed Iraqi city of Kirkuk. (AFP Photo/Marwan Ibrahim)

ISIS in control of 60 percent of Syrian oil: sources

by Ma'ad Fayad | Jul 11, 2014 | Middle East

London, Asharq Al-Awsat—The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is preparing to seize one of the few remaining major oil production centers in Syria not under its control, according to Syrian opposition officials. “ISIS is already in control of more than 60 percent...

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Soldiers from South Sudan parade during celebrations to mark the third anniversary of South Sudan’s independence in Juba on July 9, 2014. (EPA/PHILLIP DHIL)

EU names two South Sudan military officials it sanctioned

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jul 11, 2014 | Business

Juba, Reuters—The European Union said on Friday it was imposing sanctions on Peter Gadet, a South Sudanese rebel leader who commanded an ethnic militia that massacred more than 200 civilians in April. The EU announced travel bans and asset freezes on two South...

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Syrian national opposition coalition`s newly elected president Hadi Al-Bahra speaks during press conference on July 9, 2014 at a Syrian opposition meeting in Istanbul. (AFP/Ozan Kose)

Syrian National Coalition facing splits over new president

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jul 11, 2014 | Middle East

Beirut, Asharq Al-Awsat—The main opposition Syrian National Coalition is facing a new political divide over the results of the recent election of new president Hadi Al-Bahra. Following a three-day meeting in Istanbul, Bahra was elected on Wednesday as Coalition...

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) arrive for the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on July 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Germany says expulsion of US spy chief was inevitable

by Asharq Al-Awsat | Jul 11, 2014 | World

Berlin, Reuters—Germany’s decision to ask the CIA station chief in Berlin to leave the country was an adequate, inevitable response following fresh allegations of US spying on Berlin, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Friday. “Our...

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Yemeni people carry drinkable water due to the water shortage, affecting daily life ahead of Ramadan, in Sana’a, Yemen on June 16, 2014. (Photo by Sinan Yiter/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Nor Any Drop To Drink

by James Spencer | Jul 11, 2014 | Majalla Blogs

In classical times, Yemen was called Eudaimon Arabia and Arabia Felix (meaning “fortunate”), thanks to the rains which fell on its mountains, almost unique in an otherwise arid Arabian Peninsula. In those days the rains were heavier, so today less groundwater is now...