The World Bank said the financial crisis could rank among the world’s three worst since the mid-1800s. The currency has lost more than 90 percent of its value and unemployment has skyrocketed.
Author: BEN HUBBARD
Israel’s Arab neighbors predict little change in relations.
Though Benjamin Netanyahu helped land normalization deals with important regional neighbors, those countries don’t see him as indispensable.
Saudi Arabia Lifts Most Covid Restrictions
Movie theaters and gyms have reopened, and indoor dining is now permitted with restrictions.
In Confronting Saudi Arabia, Biden Tiptoes With a Close Ally
The U.S. has accused Saudi Arabia’s crown prince of ordering the killing of the dissident Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi but is wary of causing a break with an important Arab partner.
German Court Convicts Former Syrian Official of Crimes Against Humanity
Eyad al-Gharib, a former secret police officer, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in a case that rights groups have hailed as a landmark.
Politicians in Lebanon jump the vaccine line, touching off a scandal.
Sixteen lawmakers received vaccine shots inside the Parliament in violation of rules aimed to keep the process fair in a country known for corruption.
Lebanon Removes Judge Investigating Beirut Blast
The removal of Judge Fadi Sawan, who had been investigating the port explosion for months, was a setback to those seeking justice for the deadly blast that tore through Beirut.
Loujain al-Hathloul, Saudi Women’s Rights Activist, Freed From Prison
Loujain al-Hathloul was a champion of freedoms for Saudi women. She had been imprisoned for nearly three years on charges that rights groups called politically motivated.
In Saudi Arabia, Quiet Changes May Ease Tensions With Biden
The new president is a Saudi critic, but he takes office as the kingdom scales back beheadings, removes hate speech from text books and limits prison terms for activists.
Lebanese Officials Try to Limit Inquiry Into Deadly Beirut Blast
Months after a huge explosion in Beirut’s port, the investigation has become mired in politics as powerful forces band together to block efforts to hold leaders accountable.