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MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN
26 DECEMBER 2014
NO: 1872
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IRAQ, .................................................................................................................................... 4
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A Parliamentary Source: The Budget Has Not Reached Parliament Yet ......................................4
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Kurdish MP Expects Quick Approval for 2015 Budget in the Parliament.....................................4
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Hakim Calls People of The Occupied Provinces and Cities to Cooperate With the armed forces4
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US denounces suicide attack of southern Baghdad .....................................................................5
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Abadi's visit to Turkey aims at settling pending issues, says MP .................................................5
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Abadi: Turkey to arm ISF against ISIL ...........................................................................................5
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Jordan may swap a pilot by detained terrorists... US Army: ISIS didn’t fall any plane ................5
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US planes launched 7 air strikes against ISIS in Sinjar, Fallujah and Tal Afar ...............................6
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Former Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense sentenced for 3 years imprisonment for
committing financial violations ............................................................................................................6
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US to send more private contractors to Iraq................................................................................6
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Abadi signs the budget bill and deliver it to the Parliament ........................................................7
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Iraqi Parliament begins discussing the budget law ......................................................................7
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Parliament finishes the first reading of the budget by allocate 17% share to Kurdistan.............7
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Iraqi judiciary release more than 10 thousand defendant has not proven guilty .......................8
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Abadi faces first lawsuit against him ............................................................................................8
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Sukhoi begins first bombing on ISIL's hideouts in the South of Tikrit ..........................................8
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Maliki accuses Saudi Arabia of destroying Iraqi economy ...........................................................8
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100 displaced families return to al-Wafa in Anbar after obtaining recommendations ...............9
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ISIS ‘launches new chlorine gas attack’ in Iraq’s Anbar – report .................................................9
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International coalition aircraft bombed ISIL 17 times ..................................................................9
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In Iraq, Traditions of Christmas Found Only in Memory ........................................................... 10
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Pope phones displaced Iraqis for Christmas ............................................................................. 10
2. SYRIA ...................................................................................................................................10
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Clashes with Kurdish forces kill dozens of jihadists in Syria ...................................................... 10
Embassy: Syria crisis has "devastating impact" on Palestinian refugees .................................. 11
U.S.-led forces launch eight strikes in Kobane .......................................................................... 11
Russia hopes to host Syria talks in January ............................................................................... 11
Aleppo rebel groups form alliance ............................................................................................ 12
Syrian air force kills 45 civilians in stepped-up raids ................................................................. 12
Syrian rebels increasingly joining ISIS: Coalition ambassador ................................................... 12
Syria’s war enters New Year more fragmented than ever ........................................................ 13
Syria refugees suffer bitter cold of Lebanon winter.................................................................. 13
Syria-bound man named terrorism ........................................................................................... 13
IRAN ....................................................................................................................................14
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Iran flexes muscles with massive Gulf military drills ................................................................. 14
Iran dismisses Khomeini link to pope shooting ......................................................................... 14
Iran’s major drill enters second stage ....................................................................................... 14
Larijani slams West for ambiguous approach to terrorism ....................................................... 14
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Biggest-ever historic collection returns to Iran ......................................................................... 15
Army kicks off joint military drills in Sea of Oman .................................................................... 15
Rouhani: Building country needs cooperation with world........................................................ 15
Iran ready to accept rational, fair nuclear pact ......................................................................... 16
Iran hosting one million registered Afghan refugees, official ................................................... 16
ISRAEL – PALESTINE..............................................................................................................16
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More illegal settlements approved by Israel ............................................................................. 16
Dozens arrested in Israel corruption probe .............................................................................. 17
Israel approves 243 new homes in East Jerusalem ................................................................... 17
Two Border Guardsmen stabbed in Jerusalem ......................................................................... 17
Netanyahu: We will not tolerate attacks against us ................................................................. 17
High Court: State must dismantle Amona - West Bank's largest illegal outpost ...................... 18
Don't believe the hype - Israel's elections neither 'historic' nor 'a battle for its soul' .............. 18
Report: Doha puts its support for Hamas on hold .................................................................... 18
Israel’s ultra-Orthodox mull bigger role for women ................................................................. 18
Israel returns bodies of Jerusalem synagogue attackers .......................................................... 19
Analysis: Five reasons 2014 was a game changer in Palestine ................................................. 19
JORDAN and LEBANON.........................................................................................................19
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Hezbollah detains ‘Mossad agent’ in its ranks .......................................................................... 19
Jordan vows to make ‘all efforts’ to save captured pilot .......................................................... 20
Jordan denies ISIS shot down its warplane ............................................................................... 20
Hezbollah calls for ‘sincere efforts’ for peace ........................................................................... 20
Hezbollah sheikhs in Christmas tour of south Lebanon churches............................................. 21
Aoun, Geagea meeting achievable: Kanaan .............................................................................. 21
Hostage families congratulate Arsal sheikh on son's release ................................................... 21
Geagea backs swap deal 'at any cost' to end hostage crisis ..................................................... 21
Army arrests 2 terror suspects near Arsal ................................................................................. 22
Lebanon Maronite patriarch prays for end to presidential election crisis ................................ 22
ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA ....................................................................22
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Oil prices to take their toll on Saudi 2015 budget ..................................................................... 22
Huthis abduct senior Yemen intelligence official ...................................................................... 23
Riyadh gives 'final warning' on high-speed rail project ............................................................. 23
Yemen's language institute shut over unrest ............................................................................ 23
Saudi Arabia carries out 85th execution of 2014 ...................................................................... 24
Saudi Arabia sends women drivers to 'terrorism' court............................................................ 24
Bahrain, Kuwait sign cooperation accord.................................................................................. 24
Egypt to send delegation to Qatar ............................................................................................ 24
FNC dismisses claims by Kuwait's ex-parliament member ....................................................... 25
Saudi projects SR145b budget deficit in 2015 due to oil price slump ....................................... 25
Palestinian President receives Bahraini delegation of Women ................................................ 25
EGYPT ..................................................................................................................................26
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Peter Greste pens letter before Christmas ............................................................................... 26
Egyptian soldier killed, officer wounded in Sinai attack............................................................ 26
Department store owner referred to court for defaming Egyptian flag ................................... 26
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Egypt's mobile subscribers down 1.1 million in Sep ................................................................. 27
Bomb kills two Egyptian troops in Sinai .................................................................................... 27
Morsi Media Adviser thanks Qatar, Aljazeera Mubasher-Egypt TV Channel ............................ 27
Strong Egypt party mulls holding annual conference in streets ............................................... 28
Israeli delegation in Cairo to locate missing soldiers' remains ................................................. 28
Two Egyptian troops killed in Sinai bombing ............................................................................ 28
NORTH AFRICA.....................................................................................................................29
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Clashes with Islamists kill at least 19 soldiers in eastern Libya ................................................. 29
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Tunisia arrests blogger for "defaming" army officers ............................................................... 29
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Egyptian Coptic teen abducted in Libya found dead................................................................. 29
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Morocco Ranks 79th in List of Best Countries for Business ...................................................... 29
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Aid reaches displaced families .................................................................................................. 30
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LFJL launches online constitutional discussion, calls for greater protection for potentially
marginalised groups .......................................................................................................................... 30
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Prince Mohamed Senussi calls on Libyans to unite................................................................... 31
9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN ..................................................................................................31
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Abdullah and Ghani still at odds on introduction of new cabinet ............................................ 31
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U.S. senator John McCain tours Afghanistan ............................................................................ 31
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2 blasts, clash in E. Afghanistan kill 5 including 2 soldiers ........................................................ 31
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Insurgents killed in own explosion in Laghman......................................................................... 32
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Alleged facilitator of Peshawar School attack killed ................................................................. 32
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Govt, PTI teams meet to discuss judicial commission ordinance.............................................. 32
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PM chairs high-level meeting to discuss APC decisions ............................................................ 33
10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................33
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Abadi To Turkey ......................................................................................................................... 33
Iraqi-Turkish relations have entered a new phase, says Turkish PM ........................................ 33
Iraqi PM meets Turkish President to discuss bilateral relations ............................................... 34
Iraqi PM seeks anti-ISIS support from Turkey ........................................................................... 34
Coldness between Iraq and Turkey over, says Turkish FM ....................................................... 34
Academics: Turkish, Iraqi relations back on track ..................................................................... 34
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1. IRAQ,
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A Parliamentary Source: The Budget Has Not Reached Parliament Yet
A parliamentary source said the budget of 2015 has not reached to the House of Representatives
until now. He told the National Iraqi News Agency / NINA / "the draft of the state budget law for
2015, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday did not reach the House of
Representatives to be discussed, until now."
More Details:
http://ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=HILHFF
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Kurdish MP Expects Quick Approval for 2015 Budget in the Parliament
The MP, of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Ardalan Nouralddine expected that the 2015 budget will
be approved quickly in the House of Representatives because of the political blocs have overcome
most of their differences for the time being. He told the National Iraqi News Agency / NINA /: "The
draft budget for 2015 will be forwarded immediately, upon its arrival, from the Council of Ministers
to the Parliamentary Finance Committee to make some amendments to it, to be submitted later to
the Presidency of the Council of Representatives in order to read it twice and then vote." pointing
out that "these measures will not take a long time because of the consensus of the political blocs on
it because of the circumstances in which the country is undergoing. "
More Details:
http://ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=HILHIH
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Hakim Calls People of The Occupied Provinces and Cities to Cooperate With the armed
forces
Head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, Ammar al-Hakim called on the people of the provinces
and cities, occupied by the terrorist organization (Daash) to cooperate with the armed forces and the
people of Iraq to liberate their lands. Hakim said in his page on the social networking / Facebook /:
the people of the provinces and cities occupied by (Daash) should Kick off, backed our armed forces
and the people of Iraq in all their attitudes, to liberate their provinces, towns and villages from
terrorism and bring their lands to the honorable men.
More Details:
http://ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=HILHJD
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US denounces suicide attack of southern Baghdad
The United States of America denounced the suicide bombing that killed and injured dozens of Iraqis
who are fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant terrorists in southern Baghdad on last
Wednesday. A statement from U.S. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the attack
killed a number of anti-ISIL fighters who had gathered to receive their government salaries. The U.S.
condemned the attack.
More Details:
http://www.alliraqnews.com/en/index.php/political-news/62267-us-denounces-suicide-attack-ofsouthern-baghdad.html
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Abadi's visit to Turkey aims at settling pending issues, says MP
MP, Hassan Shiwaider, the member of the Foreign Relations Committee assured that the visit of the
Premier, Haider al-Abadi, to Turkey aims at settling the pending issues. Shiwaider stated to AIN
"Abadi's visit to Turkey aims at settling the pending issues over the security and water files."
More Details:
http://www.alliraqnews.com/en/index.php/political-news/62300-abadis-visit-to-turkey-aims-atsettling-pending-issues-says-mp.html
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Abadi: Turkey to arm ISF against ISIL
The Iraqi prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, assured that "Turkey expressed its readiness to assist Iraq
on military field, especially in arming the Iraqi Security Forces to confront the ISIL gangs."
More Details:
http://www.alliraqnews.com/en/index.php/political-news/62316-urgent--abadi-turkey-to-arm-isfagainst-isil-.html
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Jordan may swap a pilot by detained terrorists... US Army: ISIS didn’t fall any plane
An attempt to rescue a Jordanian pilot before being captured by ISIS fighters has failed; coincide with
Jordan’s forming a crisis cell to follow up on the implications of the families of the pilot after the fall
of his plane in al-Raqa area north of Syria on Wednesday morning. The United States has dismissed
claims by the Islamic State jihadist group that it had shot down a Jordanian F-16 fighter flying with
US-led coalition forces, which crashed in eastern Syria.
More Details:
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http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12610-jordan-may-swap-a-pilot-by-detainedterrorists-us-army-isis-didn-t-fall-any-plane
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US planes launched 7 air strikes against ISIS in Sinjar, Fallujah and Tal Afar
US military announced that the campaign by the United States-led against ISIS terrorist organization
on Wednesday included the implementation of ten air strikes in Syria and seven in Iraq. The Joint
Task Force said that eight of air strikes took place in Syria concentrated around the border town of
Kobani near the Turkish border.
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12611-us-planes-launched-7-air-strikes-against-isis-insinjar-fallujah-and-tal-afar
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Former Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense sentenced for 3 years
imprisonment for committing financial violations
The Integrity Commission announced, on Thursday that Rusafa misdemeanor court has issued a
sentence to imprisonment for three years against the former Iraqi Secretary General of the Ministry
of Defense, Bruskah Nuri Shaways for committing financial violations and actions without legal cover.
According to the investigations department in the Integrity Commission said in a statement reported
for "Shafaq News", that "the court ruled to imprison the convicted in absentia in accordance with the
provisions of Article 331 of the Iraqi Penal Code, indicating that the decision was based on the
provisions of Article 182 / A of the Code of Procedure Code, subjected to appeal and discrimination. "
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12613-former-secretary-general-of-the-ministry-ofdefense-sentenced-for-3-years-imprisonment-for-committing-financial-violations
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US to send more private contractors to Iraq
The U.S. government is preparing to boost the number of private contractors in Iraq as part of
President Barack Obama's growing effort to beat back Islamic State militants threatening the
Baghdad government, a senior U.S. official said. How many contractors will deploy to Iraq - beyond
the roughly 1,800 now working there for the U.S. State Department - will depend in part, the official
said, on how widely dispersed U.S. troops advising Iraqi security forces are, and how far they are
from U.S. diplomatic facilities.
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12614-us-to-send-more-private-contractors-to-iraq
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Abadi signs the budget bill and deliver it to the Parliament
The second deputy speaker of the Iraqi parliament , Aram Sheikh Mohammed announced on
Thursday, that the Prime Minister , Haider al-Abadi on the budget bill for 2015, and sent it to the
Iraqi Parliament in order to read it and vote on it. Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement reported
for "Shafaq News", that "al-Abadi informed during a telephone conversation with First Deputy
Speaker of Parliament have signed this morning on the draft federal financial budget bill and sent it
to the parliament, calling for the need for the parliamentary vote on the budget after compatibility
among parliamentary blocs. "
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12617-abadi-signs-the-budget-bill-and-deliver-it-tothe-parliament
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Iraqi Parliament begins discussing the budget law
The Iraqi Parliament began on Thursday, holding a special session to discuss the financial budget for
2015, but soon the Presidency of the Parliament was forced to delay it for half an hour to deliberate
on the budget and the lack of a quorum in the presence of members. The second deputy speaker of
the Iraqi parliament , Aram Sheikh Mohammed, had announced earlier in the morning today, that
the Prime Minister , Haider al-Abadi has signed on the budget bill, and send it to the Iraqi Parliament
in order to read it and vote on it.
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12619-iraqi-parliament-begins-discussing-the-budgetlaw
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Parliament finishes the first reading of the budget by allocate 17% share to Kurdistan
The Parliament has ratified at its extraordinary meeting on Thursday, the share paragraph of
Kurdistan Region, amounting to 17% of the total budget of 2015. The Parliament has ended the first
reading of the budget after it held its exceptional reading for the financial budget law for 2015 in the
presence of 208 MPs. The Parliament also decided to allocate a budget for the Ministry of Peshmerga
deducted from the Iraqi Defense budget.
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12625-parliament-finishes-the-first-reading-of-thebudget-by-allocate-17-share-to-kurdistan
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Iraqi judiciary release more than 10 thousand defendant has not proven guilty
The federal judiciary announced on Thursday, that the country's courts released 10 384 detainees
have not found guilty last month, while confirming that the judicial investigation offices settled
12774 lawsuits over this period. The spokesman of the federal judiciary, Judge Abdul Sattar
Bayrakdar said in a statement reported for "Shafaq News", that "The country's courts released during
last November 10384 defendants did not prove to be guilty from what have been attributed to
them," noting that "the number of the released defendants in the investigation departments 8879,
while the number of those released was in 1505 in the trial departments. "
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12626-iraqi-judiciary-release-more-than-10-thousanddefendant-has-not-proven-guilty
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Abadi faces first lawsuit against him
Iraqi province of Basra, wants to file a lawsuit before the Federal Supreme Court on the Iraqi Council
of Ministers for "violating" the law related to the financial allocations for the oil-producing provinces.
Iraqi Council of Ministers has approved formally on Wednesday evening that awarded two dollars for
each oil province for every produced barrel of oil in the province, rather than giving them $ 5,
according to the contents of Law 21 of 2008 which was approved by the previous parliament in 2013.
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/12627-abadi-faces-first-lawsuit-against-him
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Sukhoi begins first bombing on ISIL's hideouts in the South of Tikrit
A Security sources said in Salahuddin province, on Thursday that the fighter aircraft Sukhoi "began
shelling ISIL's hideouts in the South of Tikrit, as ISIL Insurgents began to escape. The source said that
"the Russian fighter aircraft lsukhoi started shelling ISIL's hideouts led by Iraqi pilots bombed in
Yathrib. A security source in Salahuddin province said Thursday that the joint military operation was
launched to clear the outskirts of Balad and Al- Zaluhiaya South of Tikrit.
More Details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=26749
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Maliki accuses Saudi Arabia of destroying Iraqi economy
Vice President Nuri al-Maliki accused Saudi Arabia of destroying the Iraqi economy, by the oil policy
to follow so as to harm Iran and Russia, stressing that Iraq is going through a severe economic crisis.
Maliki said in a TV interview followed by IraqiNews.com, “Saudi Arabia has followed a certain oil
policy against Iran and Russia in order to damage their economy, but it had a negative impact on the
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Iraqi economy as well, which led to a decrease in the price of a barrel of Iraqi oil to below $50.”
Maliki added, “Iraq now suffers a severe financial crisis that inflicted the financial budget a large
deficit,” pointing out that the 2015 budget cannot even build one school.
More Details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=26747
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100 displaced families return to al-Wafa in Anbar after obtaining recommendations
Director of al-Wafa sub-district , Hussein Kassar said that one hundred displaced families from the
sub-district west of Ramadi, will return to it today . The terrorists had occupied a few days ago, the
sub-district before being recovered by the Iraqi army and tribal fighters. Kassar told “Shafaq News"
that “ the one hundred families will return following recommendations from the security forces. "We
call on all the other families to return, especially that all roadside bombs have been defused and the
main roads opened,” he added.
More Details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=26743
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ISIS ‘launches new chlorine gas attack’ in Iraq’s Anbar – report
Islamic State militants have reportedly shelled a city in the western Iraqi province of Anbar with
chlorine gas-imbued missiles, media reports citing security sources say. The attack is said to have
targeted a district with trapped and starving civilians. This is not the first time that Islamic State
(IS/ISIS/ISIL) jihadists are reported to be using chemicals against people, as Iraq previously confirmed
a chlorine gas attack against security forces dating September 15. This time, however, the attack
could have targeted civilians besieged by the militants. “The ISIL terrorists’ bombarded Baghdadi
district of western Anbar province with mortar shells loaded with chlorine gas,” IraqiNews.com
reported late on Wednesday, citing an unnamed security official. According to Press TV, the attack
took place in the city of Hit, which lies to the northwest of the provincial capital of Ramadi and has
come under constant shelling.
More Details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=26735
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International coalition aircraft bombed ISIL 17 times
The US military announced that the campaign led by the United States against the so called the
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant continued on Wednesday, where the International Coalition
carried out 17 air strikes on ISIL terrorists. 8 aircrafts bombed the nests of the ISIL terrorists near the
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town of Kobanî, a statement issued by the US Army said. Air strikes also targeted ISIL hideouts in Iraq
in Sinjar, Tal Afar, al- Qaem and Fallujah, the statement added.
More Details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=26734
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In Iraq, Traditions of Christmas Found Only in Memory
No, Miriam, Santa Claus did not forget you this year. In these circumstances, though, and being far
from home, it is a reasonable question for a 5-year-old to ask. “Yes, he will come, he will never forget
you,” Miriam’s mother, Hamama, told her. For months now, since militants of the Islamic State
stormed her hometown, Qaraqosh, in northern Iraq, near Mosul, and began killing and driving out
Christians, home for Miriam and dozens of her old neighbors has been the run-down Al Makasid
Primary School in Baghdad. To get by, they have relied on the kindnesses of the nearby church, and
of local Muslims, too.
More Details:
http://www.pukmedia.com/EN/EN_Direje.aspx?Jimare=26733
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Pope phones displaced Iraqis for Christmas
Pope Francis has made a phone call to some Iraqis forced to flee their homes, assuring them that
they were in his Christmas thoughts. Speaking on Christmas eve, Francis told refugees at the tent
camp in Ankawa, a suburb of Erbil in northern Iraq, that they were like Jesus, forced to flee because
there was no place for them. For Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus in a Bethlehem barn
manger, chosen because there was no room for his parents at an inn. "You are like Jesus on
Christmas night. There was no room for him either, and he had to flee to Egypt later to save himself,"
Francis told the Iraqis in the call arranged via satellite phone by the Italian Catholic television station
TV2000.
More Details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/pope-francis-displaced-iraqis-christmas2014122514514864304.html
2. SYRIA
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Clashes with Kurdish forces kill dozens of jihadists in Syria
At least 44 members of the Islamic State group were killed in clashes with Kurdish forces in Syria on
Thursday, a monitoring group said. Thirty of the jihadists were killed fighting against members of the
Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in the village of Qassiab in Hasakeh province, according to
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the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The YPG regained control of the village, two days after it
was seized by the jihadists, said the Britain-based group, which has a wide network of activists on the
ground in Syria.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69433
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Embassy: Syria crisis has "devastating impact" on Palestinian refugees
Around 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since 2011 in war-torn Syria, the Palestinian Embassy in
Syria announced on Thursday, adding that the fate of an equivalent number of Palestinians was still
unknown. The Embassy said the numbers revealed "the devastating impact of the war on the lives of
Palestinian refugees" in Syria, a country that was long considered as one of the most integrated and
receptive host countries for those expelled from their homeland, now referred to as "Israel," by
Zionists. The head of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) delegation to Syria Ahmed
Majdalani stressed that the estimated number of Palestinians killed since 2011 in Syria was
debatable, saying that while some estimates put the number at 1,000, the Palestinian Embassy in
Lebanon puts it at a high 1,300.
More Details:
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/embassy-syria-crisis-has-devastating-impact-palestinianrefugees
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U.S.-led forces launch eight strikes in Kobane
Eight of the 10 airstrikes by the U.S.-led campaign against ISIS in Syria were in the contested border
town of Kobane near the Turkish border, the U.S. military said. The Combined Joint Task force said
two other strikes hit a crude oil collection point near Dayr az Zawr and an ISIS weapons stockpile near
Raqqa, in the province where a Jordanian pilot was taken captive in northeast Syria. The strikes in
Iraq targeted ISIS units and property in al-Qaim, Sinjar, Fallujah and Tal Afar.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/25/U-S-led-forces-launch-eight-strikesin-Kobani-.html
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Russia hopes to host Syria talks in January
Russia plans to host delegations from the Syrian opposition in late January, possibly followed by a
visit by regime representatives that could bring the two sides together for talks, the foreign ministry
said Thursday. Members of the Syrian opposition are expected in Moscow “after January 20th,”
Russian foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich told reporters. “We expect this group to
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include representatives of both the ‘internal’ and ‘external’ opposition,” said Lukashevich, meaning
delegates based inside and outside the country. “It will be a compact group” that will meet to work
out a position.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/25/Russia-hopes-to-host-Syria-talks-inJanuary-.html
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Aleppo rebel groups form alliance
Rebel groups fighting in Syria’s northern Aleppo province have agreed to form an alliance called the
Shamiyya Front, a group monitoring the country’s civil war said on Thursday. A number of armed
groups in the northern city of Aleppo had agreed to the alliance, including factions from the Islamic
Front, which was a merger of rebel groups announced last year, the British-based Syrian Observatory
for Human Rights said.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/26/Aleppo-rebel-groups-formShammiyya-Front-alliance-.html
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Syrian air force kills 45 civilians in stepped-up raids
At least 45 civilians were killed and some 175 wounded when aircraft bombed a northern Syrian city
controlled by Islamic State, as Bashar al-Assad's government stepped up air raids, residents and a
monitoring group said on Friday. Helicopters and war planes dropped barrel bombs -- steel drums full
of shrapnel and explosives -- on residential and industrial areas in the city of al Bab and neighbouring
Qabaseen, northeast of Aleppo, on Thursday and overnight, locals said.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/26/Syrian-air-force-kills-45-civilians-instepped-up-raids-monitor.html
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Syrian rebels increasingly joining ISIS: Coalition ambassador
Moderate Syrian opposition fighters are increasingly joining the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
for financial reasons, Syrian National Coalition representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Adib Al-Shishakli has warned. In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, Shishakli said that international
funding cuts to moderate Syrian fighters wages are prompting rebels to throw in their lot with the
jihadist group which is capable of paying far higher salaries. Syrian moderate fighters earn around
140 US dollars per month while reports indicate that ISIS fighters are paid much higher salaries, with
some media outlets reporting that ISIS pays its members as much as 150 US dollars per day.
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More Details:
http://www.aawsat.net/2014/12/article55339780

Syria’s war enters New Year more fragmented than ever
Deep into its fourth year of conflict, Syria looks less and less like a state than a patchwork of warring
fiefdoms, making outside powers more reluctant to intervene even as it becomes more destabilizing
for the region. The United States finally entered Syria’s war this year, three years after President
Barack Obama said Bashar al-Assad must leave power. But it did so only reluctantly, to staunch
advances by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters in neighboring Iraq, and without challenging
Assad. With over 200,000 now dead and millions displaced, Syria’s disintegration may worsen even
further due to the surprising drop in oil prices in December. Added economic pressure may make it
tougher for any faction to gain a decisive advantage.
More Details:
http://www.aawsat.net/2014/12/article55339797

Syria refugees suffer bitter cold of Lebanon winter
With just blankets to shield them against the icy wind and rain, Abu Ali's family huddles in a flimsy
tent in Lebanon -- among the thousands of Syrian refugees struggling as winter sets in. Sixty-year-old
Abu Ali is now relatively safe after fleeing the threat of Islamic State group jihadists in northern
Syria's Raqa province, but some of his 14 children are already coughing badly. They have taken
shelter at an unofficial camp in Al-Saadiyeh, a village in the eastern Bekaa Valley home to tens of
thousands of Syrian refugees inadequately equipped to cope with the cold.
More Details:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/syria-refugees-suffer-bitter-cold-of-lebanonwinter/article/421938?

Syria-bound man named terrorism
The National Police have named Muhamad Shibghotulloh (MS), one of the 12 people arrested in
Malaysia for allegedly traveling to Syria to join militant group Islamic State (IS), a suspect on charges
of terrorism. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Ronny F. Sompie said that Shibghotulloh was
named a suspect after days of questioning at the police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) headquarters in
Kelapa Dua, Depok in West Java. Shibghotulloh was named suspect for his links to terrorists in the
past. “MS allegedly once sheltered Dulmatin and was involved in a militant group training camp in
Ambon,” he said.
More Details:
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http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/12/26/syria-bound-man-named-terrorismsuspect.html?
3. IRAN

Iran flexes muscles with massive Gulf military drills
Iran launched extensive military drills on Thursday, local media reported, in a show of strength
stretching several hundred kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Aden. The exercises
are set to last six days and involve ballistic missile and drone testing, according to military officials.
Close to 13,000 personnel will take part in the drills, which will be the first time Iran has organised
military manuevers so far from its coastline.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69427

Iran dismisses Khomeini link to pope shooting
Iran has rejected claims by Mehmet Ali Agca that late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
ordered him to assassinate Pope John Paul II. The Turkish gunman earlier this week reiterated in a
Serbian TV interview the claims he made in his book “They Promised Me Paradise.” Agca says he told
John Paul of the Iranian connection when he visited him in prison.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/25/Iran-dismisses-Khomeini-link-topope-shooting.html

Iran’s major drill enters second stage
The Iranian Army has launched the second phase of major military exercises code-named
Mohammad Rasoulallah (Mohammad, the Messenger of God) in the country’s south. In this stage of
the maneuvers on Friday, the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces practice striking mock enemy targets by
using tank fire supported by Air Force helicopters as well as missiles and artillery units.
More Details:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/12/26/391864/irans-major-drill-enters-2nd-stage/

Larijani slams West for ambiguous approach to terrorism
Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani has slammed the United States for adopting vague
stances on the issue of fighting terrorism. In a meeting with Chairman of the Islamic Supreme Council
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of Iraq Seyyed Ammar al-Hakim in Baghdad on Thursday, Larijani described US behavior toward the
issue of fighting terrorism as “ambiguous.”
More Details:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/12/25/391816/us-adopts-vague-stance-on-terrorism/

Biggest-ever historic collection returns to Iran
The biggest-ever collection of historic artifacts is finally restituted to Iran from Belgium. The plane
carrying the precious collection, boarded from Brussels at 2:00 p.m. local time (1030 GMT), and
arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, Thursday evening. A ceremony was held in Tehran’s
International Mehrabad Airport for the customs clearance of the collection.
More Details:
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/12/26/391860/major-ancient-artifacts-back-in-iran/

Army kicks off joint military drills in Sea of Oman
The Zulfaghar Command Center was where on Thursday morning the great joint military drill of the
army was launched by the commander of the drills Gen. Mousavi. The first phase of the drill will
deploy army ground force units, air fighters, and air-defense systems in southeastern provinces and
surface and sub-surface destroyers in the depths of coastal waters of Sea of Oman.
More Details:
http://en.mehrnews.com/detail/News/105209

Rouhani: Building country needs cooperation with world
President Rouhani who was addressing administrative meeting of South Khorasan province
Wednesday evening, said that balanced development in different aspects should be a priority to the
government and that the country would not survive with avoiding healthy and constructive relations
with the world. Rouhani also expressed gratitude for Birjand public warm welcome to his cabinet. “I
am pleased to see that all demands nationwide seek one unit theme of ‘development;’ the world of
today is a world of competition and communication; any technological advancement in far away
countries could easily wield impact on our economy,” president asserted.
More Details:
http://en.mehrnews.com/detail/News/105207
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
Iran ready to accept rational, fair nuclear pact
In a letter to his counterparts released to the media on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister
Mohammad Javad Zarif briefed them on the latest developments in the negotiations between the
Islamic Republic of Iran and the P5+1 group on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. The Iranian foreign
minister said, “My delegation has engaged in these talks with the firm mandate and strong political
will to reach a comprehensive agreement. We have clearly demonstrated that we are prepared to
accept a rational and fair agreement based on mutual respect and interest, in the same manner as
we resist and reject arbitrary, degrading and unlawful demands. We have tried to be creative and
innovative and have offered solutions.”
More Details:
http://www.tehrantimes.com/politics/120444-iran-ready-to-accept-rational-fair-nuclear-pact-

Iran hosting one million registered Afghan refugees, official
The Interior Ministry official for foreign nationals and expatriates Reza Mohseni made the remark in a
press conference here in this central province on Thursday. He noted that Iran has been rendering
remarkable services to foreign refugees in the past three decades.
More Details:
http://www.irna.ir/en/News/81437921/?
4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE

More illegal settlements approved by Israel
Israeli authorities have given final approval to the construction of 380 new illegal settler homes in
two areas of occupied East Jerusalem, a local official said. "The municipal commission has given
construction permits for 307 homes in Ramot and 73 in Har Homa," Yosef Pepe Alalu, a Jerusalem
city councillor with the opposition Meretz party, told the AFP news agency on Wednesday. Haaretz
newspaper reported that final building permits can now be issued and once that has been done,
construction may begin.
More Details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/illegal-settlements-approved-israel-eastjerusalem-20141224141647311282.html
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
Dozens arrested in Israel corruption probe
Israeli police have arrested more than two dozen current and former officials in a corruption
investigation, including several from the party of Avigdor Lieberman, the foreign minister, according
to a police spokesperson. Local media reported on Thursday that the investigation was one of the
most "important" anti-corruption operations in the country's history and could strike a blow to
Lieberman's Yisrael Beitenu party just three months away from a general election. According to
police, "millions" of shekels of public funds have allegedly been transferred to organisations close to
the party.
More Details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/israeli-politicians-arrested-over-corruption2014122510398592350.html

Israel approves 243 new homes in East Jerusalem
Municipal planning committee authorizes additional units in Ramot, advances plans for 270
previously sanctioned houses. Israel has given preliminary approval for the construction of 243 new
homes on West Bank land that was annexed to Jerusalem, and advanced plans for another 270
homes in the same area, officials said on Thursday.
More Details:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4608089,00.html

Two Border Guardsmen stabbed in Jerusalem
Arab suspect assaults Israeli police officer in the Old City after Friday morning prayers; deputy
commissioner says 'police will work to apprehend terrorist.' Two Border Guard officers were stabbed
near the Lions' Gate of the Old City in Jerusalem early Friday morning. A 19-year-old border
policeman was stabbed in the neck and a 35-year-old officer was stabbed in his hand.
More Details:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4608084,00.html

Netanyahu: We will not tolerate attacks against us
Prime Minister stresses Israel's military strength is sole guarantor of its continued existence, thanks
Germany's Merkel for security assistance in purchase of 4 new Saar vessels. Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu acknowledged the role of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in helping Israel build its
formidable arsenal of munitions in a tough speech devoted to the Jewish State's growing military
prowess.
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More Details:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4608015,00.html

High Court: State must dismantle Amona - West Bank's largest illegal outpost
Top court ruling to demolish Amona within two years comes after state's countless requests to
postpone evacuation. The High Court of Justice has ruled that Israel must evacuate and dismantle the
of Amona, the largest illegal outpost in the West Bank's Binyamin Region Council, within two years
and work to find alternative housing for the settlers currently living there.
More Details:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4608042,00.html

Don't believe the hype - Israel's elections neither 'historic' nor 'a battle for its soul'
It will be a miracle if on March 18, the day after the election, anyone still wants to live in this country.
Because from now until then, all we will hear from those vying for our votes is how bad – how
terribly, depressingly, shockingly, historically bad – everything is.
More Details:
http://www.jpost.com/Israel-Elections/Dont-believe-the-hype-Israels-elections-neither-historic-nora-battle-for-its-soul-385827

Report: Doha puts its support for Hamas on hold
Qatar seeks to stop Hamas' incitement against Egypt, as well as its illegal transfer of weapons to
Sinai. Doha has informed the Hamas leadership that it intends to temporarily stop its support for the
Gaza-based organization in an attempt to pressure it to change its policies vis-a-vis Egypt, according
to Al-Jarida, a Kuwaiti daily newspaper.
More Details:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Report-Doha-puts-its-support-for-Hamas-on-hold-385838

Israel’s ultra-Orthodox mull bigger role for women
Shas, UTJ, and Eli Yishai’s new party still don’t have female lawmakers, but some Haredi women are
demanding a voice A struggle for women’s rights is brewing within Israel’s deeply conservative ultraOrthodox community, where women, largely shut out of politics, are beginning to demand greater
representation in the country’s parliament More than 20 percent of Israeli lawmakers are female,
but not one woman serves from the country’s two ultra-Orthodox, or Haredi, parties. In Haredi
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communities, women are expected to manage a home, raise children and provide an income for the
family, often while the husband studies Torah.
More Details:
http://www.timesofisrael.com/israels-ultra-orthodox-mull-bigger-role-for-women/

Israel returns bodies of Jerusalem synagogue attackers
Israeli authorities on Wednesday evening returned the bodies of two Palestinian attackers who killed
five Israelis at a Jerusalem synagogue in November. Israel notified the families of Uday and Ghassan
Abu Jamal that their bodies must by buried within 90 minutes of being returned at the cemetery of
al-Sawahira al-Sharqiyya, lawyer Muhammad Mahmoud told Ma'an.
More Details:
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=749684

Analysis: Five reasons 2014 was a game changer in Palestine
In terms of losses in human lives, 2014 has been a horrific year for Palestinians, surpassing the
horrors of both 2008 and 2009, when an Israeli war against the Gaza Strip killed and wounded
thousands. While some aspects of the conflict are stagnating between a corrupt, ineffectual
Palestinian Authority, and the criminality of Israeli wars and occupation, it would also be fair to argue
that 2014 was also a game changer to some degree -- and it is not all bad news.
More Details:
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=749819
5. JORDAN and LEBANON

Hezbollah detains ‘Mossad agent’ in its ranks
Lebanon's Hezbollah has detained a senior party official it accused of spying for Israel and
"sabotaging security operations" abroad, a source close to the movement said on Thursday. "Three
months ago, Hezbollah's security apparatus detained a man named Mohammad Shawraba, who is a
collaborator in its ranks," said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Hezbollah's
investigation of Shawraba, who comes from the southern Lebanese town of Mahruna, revealed he
had been working with Israel's Mossad intelligence service since 2007, the source said.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69432
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
Jordan vows to make ‘all efforts’ to save captured pilot
Jordan vowed Thursday to make every effort to save a pilot captured by the Islamic State group in
Syria as Washington denied claims the jihadists had shot down his warplane. Maaz al-Kassasbeh, a
26-year-old first lieutenant in the Jordanian air force, was captured by IS on Wednesday after his F-16
jet crashed while on a mission against the jihadists over northern Syria. It was the first warplane lost
and the first capture of a serviceman since the coalition launched strikes against IS in Syria in
September.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69429

Jordan denies ISIS shot down its warplane
Jordan's military Friday denied claims by ISIS to have shot down one of its warplanes that crashed in
Syria, after the pilot was captured by the jihadists. "First indications show that the crash of the
Jordanian military plane in the area of the Syrian city of Raqqa was not caused by Daesh fire," a
military official said using another name for IS.
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Dec-26/282242-jordan-denies-isis-shot-downits-warplane.ashx

Hezbollah calls for ‘sincere efforts’ for peace
Hezbollah has urged various Lebanese leaders to make sincere efforts to restore normal political life,
promote peace and stability, and bolster the country in the fight against terrorism. A statement from
Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc said the coalition “stresses on all Lebanese the need to multiply
efforts and continue to make sincere and serious efforts to contribute to an atmosphere of
understanding and convergence in order to restore normal political life to finalize the presidential
election and revive the work of constitutional institutions, as well as promote peace and stability and
reinforce sovereignty against the Zionist and takfiri terrorism and achieve the best interests of
citizens, protect their rights and improve the situation of the country at different levels and in all
sectors.”
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-26/282240-hezbollah-calls-for-sincereefforts-for-peace.ashx
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
Hezbollah sheikhs in Christmas tour of south Lebanon churches
Hezbollah delegations toured several churches in southern Lebanon Thursday to wish Christians a
merry Christmas. The first delegation, headed by Sheikh Ahmad Mrad, arrived at the Greek Orthodox
Church in Tyre at the start of their tour, where they offered Christmas greetings to Archimandrite
Jack Khalil. Next, the same delegation visited the Catholic Church. Bishop Michael Abrass thanked the
delegation for the well-wishes offered by Hezbollah on Christmas.
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-25/282228-hezbollah-sheikhs-inchristmas-tour-of-south-lebanon-churches.ashx

Aoun, Geagea meeting achievable: Kanaan
A meeting between Lebanon’s rival Christian leaders Samir Geagea and Michel Aoun is now
achievable, MP Ibrahim Kanaan said. “The bilateral meeting between the two men has become
possible, even though no date has yet been set,” said Kanaan, from Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement.
"There is a communication channel with the Lebanese Forces in pursuit of a common vision about
the core issues regarding the stalled presidential election and the general situation in Lebanon,”
Kanaan told a local radio station.
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-26/282233-aoun-geagea-meetingachievable-kanaan.ashx

Hostage families congratulate Arsal sheikh on son's release
The families of the Lebanon's captive soldiers and policemen visited Thursday prominent Salafist
sheikh Mustafa Hujeiri in the northeastern town of Arsal to congratulate him on the release of his
son, media reports said. The reports said the families were also determined to discuss the hostage
crisis with Hujeiri, a former mediator between the Lebanese government and the jihadis holding the
captives on Arsal’s outskirts.
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-25/282225-hostage-familiescongratulate-arsal-sheikh-on-sons-release.ashx

Geagea backs swap deal 'at any cost' to end hostage crisis
The government must find a solution to secure the release of captured soldiers at any cost, Lebanese
Forces leader Samir Geagea said Friday after meeting with a delegation of the soldiers’ families.
“Whatever the cost, the formula or the swap [deal] is, the government should find a solution for this
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case today because we have all become captives,” Geagea told reporters after the meeting in
Maarab, north Lebanon.
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-26/282263-geagea-backs-swap-dealat-any-cost-to-end-hostage-crisis.ashx

Army arrests 2 terror suspects near Arsal
Two Lebanese men with alleged links to terrorist groups have been arrested, the Lebanese Army said
in a statement Thursday. It said the arrests took place Wednesday evening. The Army said Hamzeh
Matar was arrested in the vicinity of the northeastern border town Arsal. He was accused of links to
terrorist groups and for his role in the August battle in Arsal between the Lebanese Army and Islamist
militants.
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-25/282218-army-arrests-2-terrorsuspects-near-arsal.ashx

Lebanon Maronite patriarch prays for end to presidential election crisis
Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai asked God during a Christmas Day mass attended by the country’s
key Christian rivals to guide politicians towards electing a new president. “How much we would like
the light of God to guide officials to see the dangers and dire consequences of the lack of election of
a president on the entity and constitutional institutions,” Rai said in his homily.
More Details:
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2014/Dec-25/282206-aoun-gemayel-attendpatriarch-rais-christmas-mass.ashx
6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA

Oil prices to take their toll on Saudi 2015 budget
Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, on Thursday announced a 2015 budget with a huge
$38.6 billion deficit due to the sharp decline in oil prices but still rose spending. A statement read on
state-run television said spending for 2015 is projected at 860 billion riyals ($229.3 billion) and
revenues at 715 billion riyals ($190.7 billion). Projected spending is slightly higher than the 855 billion
riyals planned for this year, but revenues are 140 billion riyals lower than estimates for 2014, said the
statement read after a cabinet session chaired by Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz.
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More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69428

Huthis abduct senior Yemen intelligence official
A senior Yemeni intelligence official was abducted in Sanaa on Thursday by Shiite fighters from the
Huthi militia in control of the capital since a September offensive, security sources said. "General
Yahia al-Marrani... was kidnapped this morning by armed Huthis from his home in Sanaa," a source
said. Another source said that about 20 Huthis had stormed Marrani's residence and taken him to an
unknown location.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69426

Riyadh gives 'final warning' on high-speed rail project
Saudi Arabia has given a "final warning" to avoid delays on an $8.2 billion high-speed rail project
which Spanish and Saudi firms are helping to build. The Haramain High Speed Rail system is to
transport Muslim pilgrims, as well as regular travellers, 450 kilometres (280 miles) between the holy
cities of Mecca and Medina via the Red Sea port of Jeddah. Saudi Arabia signed a deal three years
ago for a Spanish consortium to build the rail track, supply 35 high-speed trains and handle a 12-year
maintenance contract.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69424

Yemen's language institute shut over unrest
The forlorn nine-floor building made of ochre bricks and gypsum stands against the Old City's sun
kissed mountains in the heart of Sanaa. As you enter the classroom, desks and computers are
covered in centimetres of dust. Books and journals belonging to former students are strewn on
shelves. The refrigerator is filled with food in pots layered with fungi, a possible sign that the
students escaped hurriedly during the fighting last September. "There is no one in the building,"
Abdulhabeeb, the security guard said. Students started to evacuate the Centre for Arabic Language
and Eastern studies (CALES) after the Houthis or Ansar Allah (Partisans of God) took over Amran city
in July, located just 60km north of the Yemeni capital Sanaa, fearing airport closures and further
unrest amid the Houthi rebels' uprising.
More Details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/yemen-language-institute-shut-over-unrest201412178216720894.html
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
Saudi Arabia carries out 85th execution of 2014
Saudi Arabia on Thursday beheaded a Pakistani man for heroin smuggling, the twelfth person from
Pakistan to be executed in the kingdom for drug trafficking since mid-October. They are among 85
foreigners and Saudis put to death this year in the oil-rich kingdom, according to an AFP tally. Saudi
Arabia has one of the world's highest execution tolls. The sentence against Ismail Khan Sayed was
carried out in Eastern Province after his conviction for smuggling "a large amount" of heroin, the
Interior Ministry said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.
More Details:
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/saudi-arabia-carries-out-85th-execution-2014

Saudi Arabia sends women drivers to 'terrorism' court
Two women’s rights campaigners detained in Saudi Arabia for driving have been transferred to a
special tribunal for "terrorism," activists said on Thursday after the women appeared in court. The
ruling came at a hearing in al-Ahsa, in the kingdom's Eastern Province, according to the activists who
declined to be named. Loujain Hathloul has been detained since December 1 after she tried to drive
into the kingdom from neighboring United Arab Emirates in defiance of a ban. Maysaa Al-Amoudi, a
UAE-based Saudi journalist, arrived at the border to support Hathloul and was also arrested.
More Details:
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/saudi-arabia-sends-women-drivers-terrorism-court

Bahrain, Kuwait sign cooperation accord
Bahrain and Kuwait have consolidated their cooperation by signing three Memoranda of
Understanding in the areas of social insurance, youth and sports and higher education. The MoUs
were signed at the end of the meeting of the high joint commission, co-chaired by Shaikh Khalid Bin
Ahmad Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s foreign minister, and Shaikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah, Kuwait’s
first deputy premier and foreign minister, in the Bahraini capital Manama on Wednesday. Shaikh
Khalid said that the efforts deployed by both countries to consolidate their relations have enabled
them to reach high levels and move forward confidently towards reinforcing cooperation and
fulfilling the ambitions and aspirations of their people.
More Details:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-kuwait-sign-cooperation-accord-1.1431949

Egypt to send delegation to Qatar
An Egyptian government delegation is soon to go to Qatar, the first such visit in more than a year as
ties between the two Arab countries are increasingly warming. The visit comes days after Qatar
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suspended a satellite TV channel, which had been a vociferous critic of the Egyptian government
since the army deposed president Mohammad Mursi and his Muslim Brotherhood group in mid2013. The team will visit the Qatari capital Doha for talks on the status of an Egyptian school there,
allegedly controlled by the Brotherhood.
More Details:
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/egypt/egypt-to-send-delegation-to-qatar-1.1431785

FNC dismisses claims by Kuwait's ex-parliament member
Mohammad Ahmad Al Murr, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) has strongly denounced
false allegations against the UAE leadership by Mubarak Al Duwailah, former member of the Kuwaiti
parliament. Al Duwailah, who belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait, offended the UAE and
its leadership as he was speaking in an interview with the official channel of the Kuwaiti Ummah
Council (Parliament). “By making these allegations, Al Duwilah has offended the UAE’s national
leadership represented by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu
Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the country’s national symbol
who works faithfully and dedicatedly for the sake of the UAE people and their prosperity and glory,”
said Al Murr.
More Details:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/government/fnc-dismisses-claims-by-kuwait-s-ex-parliamentmember-1.1431694

Saudi projects SR145b budget deficit in 2015 due to oil price slump
Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter, projected a budget deficit of SR145 billion in 2015
due to falling oil prices, even as they budgeted higher spending. Revenues are expected to drop to
SR715 billion in 2015, from SR855 billion in 2014; despite this, the ministry of finance said, spending
is projected to rise to SR860 billion in 2015 as against SR855 billion in 2014. The budget was prepared
“during challenging international economic and financial circumstances,” the ministry said.
More Details:
http://gulfnews.com/business/economy/saudi-projects-sr145b-budget-deficit-in-2015-due-to-oilprice-slump-1.1431894

Palestinian President receives Bahraini delegation of Women
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas received in Ramallah today a Bahraini delegation of women
led by Shaikha Lamia bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. He welcomed them, underlining the importance of
such visits from Arab countries in supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle against the
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Israeli occupation. The Bahraini delegation underscored full support to the Palestinian people,
lauding the warm welcome and hospitality they received in Palestine.
More Details:
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/647317
7. EGYPT

Peter Greste pens letter before Christmas
Peter Greste and his colleagues Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, Al Jazeera journalists, have
been in prison in Egypt since December 29, 2013. Greste penned a letter just before Christmas from
his cell. The letter was first published in The Sydney Morning Herald. I write to all our friends and
supporters from my jail cell in Mazraa Prison, Cairo. As we approach Christmas and the rather
inauspicious anniversary of our arrest on December 29, there is a temptation to become morose over
our continued detention. After all, on paper we don't seem to have made much progress. The three
of us - myself and my colleagues Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed - are still in prison, still
convicted of broadcasting false news and aiding a "terrorist organisation," and still just one year into
prison sentences of seven years for myself and Fahmy, and 10 years for Baher.
More Details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/12/peter-greste-pens-letter-before-christmas2014122684626564311.html

Egyptian soldier killed, officer wounded in Sinai attack
One Egyptian soldier was killed and one officer was wounded when their armored vehicle was hit by
an explosive device in northern Sinai late on Thursday, security sources told Al Arabiya News
Channel. The officer was transferred to a hospital in the northern city of al-Arish, the sources added.
Security forces have reportedly launched a search operation for the perpetrators.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/26/Egyptian-soldier-killed-officerwounded-in-Sinai-attack.html

Department store owner referred to court for defaming Egyptian flag
The owner of an Egyptian department store was referred to court Thursday for defaming the national
flag, Egyptian media reported. Sayed al-Suerky, who owns al-Tawhid wal Nour department store, was
arrested for printing the Egyptian flag on shoe soles. The verdict on Serky’s case will be convened on
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Jan. 12, Egypt Independent reported. It is not the first time that such incidents have happened in
Egypt.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/26/Department-store-owner-referredto-court-for-defaming-Egyptian-flag-.html

Egypt's mobile subscribers down 1.1 million in Sep
The number of mobile phone subscribers in Egypt fell on a monthly basis by 1.12 percent to 1.08
million users in September, according to the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
(NTRA) report issued on Thursday. The number of mobile phone users reached to 94.76 million at the
end of September, compared with 97.47 million in the end of September 2013, the report showed.
This brings the mobile penetration rate in the country to some 110.76 percent, compared to nearly
116.09 percent a year earlier.
More Details:
http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/egypt-s-mobile-subscribers-down-11-million-sep

Bomb kills two Egyptian troops in Sinai
A roadside bomb struck an Egyptian army vehicle late Thursday killing an officer and a soldier in the
insurgent flashpoint of the Sinai Peninsula, security officials said. The attack occurred south of the
town of El-Arish, scene of frequent attacks by Islamist militants on security forces. One army officer
and a soldier were killed in the blast, while another soldier was wounded. Egypt's military has been
battling an insurgency on the peninsula since it overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi last
year and cracked down on his supporters.
More Details:
http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/bomb-kills-two-egyptian-troops-sinai

Morsi Media Adviser thanks Qatar, Aljazeera Mubasher-Egypt TV Channel
The media adviser of Egypt's legitimate President Morsi shows understanding for Qatar's about turn
with regard to the Egyptian Revolution according to the Muslim Brotherhood official website. Ahmed
Abdel-Aziz, media advisor who currently held captive in junta jails, expressed gratitude and
appreciation for the State of Qatar and Aljazeera Mubasher-Egypt (pro-Revolution) satellite TV
channel. "We thank Qatar, the leadership, the people and the media... Qatar is small in geographical
terms, yet great in prestige and influence. It has interests that its leadership should protect and look
after. This is an essential part of loyalty to the homeland, and the honesty that should characterize
any leadership."
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More Details:
http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/morsi-media-adviser-thanks-qatar-aljazeera-mubasheregypt-tv-channel

Strong Egypt party mulls holding annual conference in streets
Strong Egypt party, one of the country’s opposition parties, is considering holding its annual meeting
in Cairo’s streets after some hotels and public conference rooms shunned them, spokesperson
Ahmed Emam told Ahram Online Emam said that the party has been planning for a long time to hold
its annual meeting that will host 400 members but is continuously being forced to postpone as a
result of not being able to find a venue. "We have reached many hotels, the youth ministry and even
Al-Azhar but they have all either refused or not answered our calls," highlighted Emam.
More Details:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/118834/Egypt/Politics-/Strong-Egypt-party-mullsholding-annual-conference.aspx

Israeli delegation in Cairo to locate missing soldiers' remains
An Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo on Thursday to locate the remains of 22 Israeli soldiers killed in
previous wars, Palestinian news agency Maan reported on Thursday. Maan said that the fivemember delegation will stay in Cairo for a few days, and that this is its first visit to Egypt since the 25
January uprising in 2011.
More Details:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/118794/Egypt/Politics-/Israeli-delegation-in-Cairoto-locate-missing-sold.aspx

Two Egyptian troops killed in Sinai bombing
A military officer and a solider were killed late Thursday when a bomb struck an Egyptian army
vehicle in the volatile Sinai Peninsula, a hotbed of Islamist insurgency, the army has said. Another
solider was injured in the attack that occurred south of the North Sinai town of Al-Arish, army
spokesman Mohamed Samir added in a statement. The area has been the scene of a series of attacks
by Islamist militants against security forces.
More Details:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/118847/Egypt/Politics-/Two-Egyptian-troops-killedin-Sinai-bombing-.aspx
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8. NORTH AFRICA

Clashes with Islamists kill at least 19 soldiers in eastern Libya
At least 19 soldiers were killed in clashes with Islamist militia on Thursday in eastern Libya, where an
oil tank also caught fire in separate fighting, a military source said. The source said the soldiers were
killed in attacks launched by the Fajr Libya movement in Sirte, while the oil tank at the port of AlSidra was hit by rocket fire in other clashes. Al-Sidra is located in a region known as the "oil crescent"
that has been the scene of recent clashes between government forces and Fajr Libya.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69435

Tunisia arrests blogger for "defaming" army officers
Tunisian authorities arrested a blogger as he returned from a trip abroad weeks after he was
convicted of defaming army officers, his lawyer said Thursday. Yassine Ayari, 33, was taken into
custody overnight after landing at Tunis-Carthage airport and was whisked to jail in line with the
court verdict pronounced against him. The military prosecutor said Ayari had been sentenced in
absentia on November 18 to three years' jail on charges of having "defamed army officers and senior
defense ministry officials."
More Details:
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/tunisia-arrests-blogger-defaming-army-officers

Egyptian Coptic teen abducted in Libya found dead
An Egyptian Coptic Christian teenager abducted in Libya by armed men who killed her parents has
been found dead, a hospital source said Friday. Residents found the body of the daughter of the two
slain doctors on Thursday evening, said the source at the Ibn Sina hospital in the city of Sirte, without
giving the cause of death. She said the girl was 13 years old. Initial reports had given her age as 18.
After murdering her parents in their home on Tuesday, the attackers took the girl but left behind two
sisters, local council chairman Yussef Tebeiqa said on the day of the incident.
More Details:
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=69440

Morocco Ranks 79th in List of Best Countries for Business
Morocco was ranked 79 out of 146 countries in Forbes’ annual ranking of the Best Countries for
Business. The kingdom was ranked first in the Maghreb region ahead of Tunisia (87th position) and
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Algeria (137thposition), while Libya landed in the 144th position. The Forbes countries grades
countries on 11 different metrics, including property rights, innovation, taxes, technology,
corruption, freedom (personal, trade and monetary), red tape, investor protection and stock market
performance. Morocco was also ranked in the 8th position in Africa, preceded by Mauritius, South
Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Rwanda and Cap Verde.
More Details:
http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2014/12/148105/morocco-ranks-79th-in-list-of-bestcountries-for-business/

Aid reaches displaced families
The UNHCR says it has able to distribute much needed aid to displaced families on the outskirts of
Tripoli and in the Jebel Nafusa region. It also says it hopes that the security situation will improve
sufficiently enough to allow it to get aid to others in the east of the country and around Obari in the
south. According to the UNHCR, it provided sleeping mats, mattresses, plastic sheeting, cooking
equipment, school bags and jerry cans for 1,035 Tawerghan families living in four camps near Tripoli
and 505 families displaced from Kikla and taking refuge in Tarhouna and Ghariyan.
More Details:
http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/12/26/aid-reaches-displaced-families/#axzz3N0oQiPCT

LFJL launches online constitutional discussion, calls for greater protection for
potentially marginalised groups
In the spirit of inclusive discussion, Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) has launched a two-week online
constitutional discussion of the Constitutional Drafting Assembly’s (CDA) published draft of key
elements of Libya’s future constitution. While the LFJL generally welcomes the sections released so
far, it called for broader protections for potentially marginalised groups. Protections for at risk
groups such as women, persons with disabilities and minority communities are currently restricted to
specific protections, the LFJL said. The constitution must ensure that these groups’ interests are not
limited to specific protections but are protected by all of the rights and guarantees established in the
constitution, ensuring that the constitution is not left to political interpretation, which may attempt
to exclude, limit or discriminate against the enjoyment of these rights by various segments of Libyan
society.
More Details:
http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/12/26/lfjl-launches-online-constitutional-discussion-calls-forgreater-protection-for-potentially-marginalised-groups/#axzz3N0oQiPCT
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
Prince Mohamed Senussi calls on Libyans to unite
Prince Mohamed Al-Rida Senussi has called on Libyans to unite and lay personal interests aside in
favour of national ones. Speaking publicly for the first time in over three years in a video recording
issued on 24 December, the anniversary of Libya’s independence in 1951, the son of the late Crown
Prince Hassan also condemned the violence and killings that have marked Libya since the revolution.
Libyans had proved in the revolution that they wanted a democratic and free state. Libya had to be a
civil democracy, he said. It could not belong to one tribe or town or city.
More Details:
http://www.libyaherald.com/2014/12/26/prince-mohamed-senussi-calls-on-libyans-tounite/#axzz3N0oQiPCT
9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN

Abdullah and Ghani still at odds on introduction of new cabinet
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Abdullah are still at
odds to introduce the cabinet of the Government of National Unity. According to the presidential
palace officials, the two leaders are still having some differences on the introduction of the new
cabinet. A presidential palace official has told the BBC that negotiations are ongoing between the
two sides to resolve the differences and introduce the cabinet on time.
More Details:
http://www.aopnews.com/today.html

U.S. senator John McCain tours Afghanistan
U.S. senator John McCain visited Afghan capital city Kabul and called on President Ashraf Ghani on
Thursday, said a statement released by the President Office. In the meeting concerning mutual
interests including the situation in Afghanistan, region and the war on terror were discussed by the
two, the statement added. Ghani and McCain stressed for mounting pressure on terrorists and
extremists in Afghanistan and the region, according to the statement.
More Details:
http://www.aopnews.com/today.html

2 blasts, clash in E. Afghanistan kill 5 including 2 soldiers
Five including two Afghan soldiers and three militants have been killed in blasts and a clash in
Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province since Wednesday night, the provincial government said on
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Thursday. In the latest incident, two Afghan soldiers were killed and two others injured as a bomb
blast targeted a military vehicle in Qarghayi district, Laghman province on Thursday morning, and
spokesman for provincial government Sarhadi Zawak said. "A bomb targeted a military vehicle in
Qarghayi district at 09: 00 a.m. local time today leaving two soldiers dead and injured two others,"
Zawak told reporters.
More Details:
http://www.aopnews.com/today.html

Insurgents killed in own explosion in Laghman
A statement issued by the provincial governor of eastern Laghman states that two militants were
killed in the explosion of their own Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Thursday morning. The
statement states that the militants were busy planting the EID on a road side in Alingar district when
it went off. IED is one of the biggest threats to both Afghan National Security Forces as well as to
civilians in Afghanistan.
More Details:
http://www.aopnews.com/today.html

Alleged facilitator of Peshawar School attack killed
The facilitator of the attack on the Army Public School was killed in a raid conducted by security
forces and political administration. According to the Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah, Commander
Saddam was killed by security forces and was a member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Shahab Ali said that Saddam was killed in a raid conducted in the Jamrud Tehsil of Khyber Agency on
Thursday (December 25) while six militants were injured and arrested. “Saddam was the mastermind
of several attacks. He was accused of being the facilitator in the Peshawar School Attack.”
More Details:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-169831-Alleged-facilitator-of-Peshawar-School-attack-killed-

Govt, PTI teams meet to discuss judicial commission ordinance
Teams from the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are meeting to finalise the draft for
the judicial commission ordinance which will probe rigging allegations during the 2013 general
elections. The meeting being held at the residence of PTI General Secretary is taking place after the
Imran Khan led party rejected a draft for the judicial commission ordinance. Mr Tareen said the draft
was handed to him by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar during the All Parties Conference on December 24.
According to Tareen the draft was rejected as it was not in line with what had been agreed upon.
More Details:
Sayfa 32
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-169869-Govt,-PTI-teams-meet-to-discuss-judicial-commissionordinance-

PM chairs high-level meeting to discuss APC decisions
A committee headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will oversee the implementation of the antiterrorism national action plan. The committee chaired by Prime Minister Sharif will comprise federal
ministers Chaudhry Nisar, Pervaiz Rashid, Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif and advisor Sartaj Aziz. The
prime minister has also issued directives to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and the State Bank to start
investigating accounts in an effort to stop financial assistance being provided to terrorists. The
Defence Ministry has been directed to form an anti-terrorism force.
More Details:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-169850-PM-chairs-high-level-meeting-to-discuss-APC-decisions-
10.TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Abadi To Turkey
Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi headed to Turkey on Thursday 25, at the head of an official
delegation for two-day visit, responding to an official invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Ahmet
Davutoglu. " A statement from Information Office of the Prime Minister said, "Abadi will hold talks
with Turkish officials to develop relations and expand cooperation between the two neighboring
countries in the political and security fields, particularly the ways of confronting the Islamic State
organization (Daash), and discuss oil, electricity, and water files."
More Details:
http://ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=HILHHD

Iraqi-Turkish relations have entered a new phase, says Turkish PM
On Thursday, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stated that the Turkish-Iraqi relations have
entered a new phase in terms of strategic cooperation to confront terrorism. Davutoglu said, at a
press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Haider al-Abadi that was held in Ankara and followed by
IraqiNews.com, that, “There are effective mechanisms between the two countries for the
development of relations in the framework of military and security cooperation,” noting that, “IraqiTurkish relations have entered a new phase in strategic cooperation to confront terrorism.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/iraqi-turkish-relations-entered-new-phase-says-turkishpm/
Sayfa 33

Iraqi PM meets Turkish President to discuss bilateral relations
On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi met Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in
Ankara to discuss the bilateral relations between the two countries. Iraqi Official TV reported today,
“Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi met Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in
Ankara,” asserting the meeting was held “to discuss the bilateral relations between the two
countries.” Earlier today, bilateral talks between the PM Haidar al-Abadi and Turkish delegations
started in Ankara during his official two-day visit to discuss the cooperation between the two sides in
security and political matters.
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/iraqi-pm-meets-turkish-president-discuss-bilateralrelations/

Iraqi PM seeks anti-ISIS support from Turkey
Iraq and Turkey on Thursday discussed cooperation in countering ISIS threat, including an Iraqi
request for intelligence sharing and the possible delivery of Turkish arms to Iraqi forces, Iraq’s prime
minister said during his visit to the neighboring country. “We can defeat this organization by uniting
all our powers, with the support of the countries in the region,” Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi
told a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart, Ahmet Davutoglu, during his visit to the
Turkish capital.
More Details:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/12/26/Iraq-Turkey-vow-to-unite-forces-infight-against-ISIS.html

Coldness between Iraq and Turkey over, says Turkish FM
The coldness between Iraq and Turkey relations is now over after the new inclusive Iraqi government
took power, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday. In a televised interview,
Cavusoglu spoke about how tough the situation became during ousted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri alMaliki's tenure. "Every little thing evolved to an issue and a problem during Maliki's term," he said.
More Details:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/151612/coldness-between-iraq-and-turkey-over-says-turkishfm

Academics: Turkish, Iraqi relations back on track
Damaged relations between Turkey and Iraq will be rebuilt following Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi's visit
to Ankara Thursday, academics said. Serhat Erkmen, an associate professor of international relations
Sayfa 34
at Ahi Evran University, said the two countries need to fix bilateral relations. "Iraq and Turkey could
not have continued their tense relations anyway, because they need each other," Erkmen told The
Anadolu Agency.
More Details:
http://www.worldbulletin.net/turkey/151668/academics-turkish-iraqi-relations-back-on-track
*This media summary is prepared by ORSAM Middle East Research Assistant Firuze Yağmur Gökler.
It covers news and commentaries as reported by the national media sources publishing in the Middle
Eastern countries. The views expressed are not those of ORSAM and their inclusion does not imply
factual accuracy.
*Bu bülten ORSAM Ortadoğu Uzman Yardımcısı Firuze Yağmur Gökler tarafından hazırlanmaktadır.
Bülten Ortadoğu ülkelerinin yerel haber kaynaklarından derlenmektedir. Belirtilen görüşler bölge
ülkelerinin haber kaynaklarına ve ismi geçen yazarlara ait olup ORSAM’ın görüşünü
yansıtmamaktadır.
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