Beatrice Farhat

Beatrice Farhat is an editorial assistant for Al-Monitor based in Beirut, Lebanon. On Twitter: @beatricefarhat

Gulf | Dec 6, 2023

UAE rolls out red carpet for Russia’s Putin as West ups sanctions

President Putin's trip to the UAE and Saudi Arabia coincided with a new series of sanctions announced by the UK against individuals and entities accused of funding the war machine in Ukraine.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attend a welcoming ceremony ahead of their talks in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 6, 2023.

Gulf | Dec 6, 2023

Rights groups denounce Bahrain's trial of 13 political prisoners

Human Rights Watch and the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy said a Bahraini court that convicted 13 people in September failed to look into allegations of torture against the defendants.

A Bahraini protester holds his national flag during clashes with riot police following the funeral of 20-year-old prisoner Fadel Abbas Musalem in the village of Diraz, west of the capital Manama, on January 26, 2014. The Gulf kingdom's main Shiite political opposition group said Musalem died the previous day as a result of torture during his detention. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH (Photo by MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH / AFP) (Photo by MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH/AFP via Getty Images)

Gulf | Dec 5, 2023

What’s on Putin’s agenda on rare trip to Saudi Arabia, UAE?

The Russian president's trip comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where the Hamas-Israel war has threatened to spill into a wider regional conflict.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 30: (L-R) Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman al-Saud and Russian President Vladimir Putin look on during the opening day of Argentina G20 Leaders' Summit 2018 at Costa Salguero on November 30, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Amilcar Orfali/Getty Images)

Palestine | Dec 5, 2023

‘Nowhere is safe’ in Gaza as Israel presses ground offensive

Concerns are emerging about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in south Gaza, where Israel is widening its campaign.

Israeli military tanks roll near the border with the Gaza Strip, amid continuing battles between Israel and Hamas, Dec. 5, 2023.

Egypt | Dec 4, 2023

China, Egypt send jointly made MisrSat-2 satellite into orbit

The MisrSat-2 was assembled inside Egypt with Chinese support, making it the first Egyptian-made satellite.

The MisrSat-2 satellite is jointly developed by China and Egypt. /China Academy of Space Technology

Palestine | Dec 1, 2023

Who are the main Palestinian prisoners released by Israel during Gaza truce?

A total of 71 women and 169 children were released from Israeli jails under a Hamas-Israel swap agreement that collapsed on Friday.

TOPSHOT - A man walks past a section of Israel's separation barrier painted with a portrait of Palestinian Ahed Tamimi, on November 6, 2023 in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli army said on November 6 it had arrested the prominent 22-year-old Palestinian activist Ahed Tamimi during a raid in the occupied West Bank. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP) (Photo by HAZEM BADER/AFP via Getty Images)

Lebanon | Nov 30, 2023

What is behind return of Israel-Lebanon border tension after brief pause?

Exchanges of fire come one day after the Lebanese government approves financial compensation for residents affected by the hostilities.

Smoke billows following Israeli artillery bombing on the outskirts of the Lebanese border village of Aita al-Shaab, from an Israeli military position overlooking the area, Oct. 9, 2023.

Lebanon | Nov 29, 2023

French envoy in Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah tension, presidential void

French presidential special envoy for Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian is on his fourth visit to Beirut this year.

Gulf | Nov 28, 2023

CIA chief Bill Burns returns to Qatar as Israel-Hamas truce holds

The heads of the CIA and Israel's Mossad met Qatar's prime minister in Doha to discuss a possible extension of a truce between Hamas and Israel.

CIA Director William Burns arrives for a briefing on Ukraine at the US Capitol,Washington, Sept. 20, 2023.

Lebanon | Nov 28, 2023

Can Lebanon's parliament further restrict press freedom in new law?

The media landscape in Lebanon has witnessed more attacks against journalists in recent years.

Beatrice Farhat

UAE rolls out red carpet for Russia’s Putin as West ups sanctions

Rights groups denounce Bahrain's trial of 13 political prisoners

What’s on Putin’s agenda on rare trip to Saudi Arabia, UAE?

‘Nowhere is safe’ in Gaza as Israel presses ground offensive

China, Egypt send jointly made MisrSat-2 satellite into orbit

Who are the main Palestinian prisoners released by Israel during Gaza truce?

What is behind return of Israel-Lebanon border tension after brief pause?

French envoy in Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah tension, presidential void

CIA chief Bill Burns returns to Qatar as Israel-Hamas truce holds

Can Lebanon's parliament further restrict press freedom in new law?

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