MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 26, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Al-Rahi Discusses Govt. Crisis with Hariri, Ibrahim,Meets Patriarch; http://bit.ly/3qX50GN;http://bit.ly/2PdAY3Q

Unfazed by Hezbollah opposition, Rai presses ahead with int’l conference;http://bit.ly/3ks29mM

52 new coronavirus deaths, 3,469 cases;http://bit.ly/3dOHYhG

Health Ministry grants 20 companies permission to access COVID-19 vaccines;http://bit.ly/3dOFIaj

Regional Overview

Biden approves US air strike on Iran-backed militias in Syria; http://bbc.in/37OY72N

ICC must investigate Israeli war crimes, human rights groups say; http://bit.ly/3kwpmof

Russia unmoved as Security Council again warned of Syrian children’s plight; http://bit.ly/3uEbixw

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 25, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

After Uproar, President’s Health Adviser Says Aoun Had to Get Vaccinated; http://bit.ly/3sAILHa

Health minister fuels Lebanese anger over vaccine line-jumping; http://bit.ly/37WJvyv

Lebanon Says Allowed 20 Firms to Import Vaccine but Manufacturers Reluctant; https://bit.ly/3aRIwl5

Updates From Lebanon’s Vaccine Scandal: New Names, World Bank Gets Threatened, Outgoing Minister Received Vaccine & More; http://bit.ly/3b2JRWi

Lebanon's Cabinet formation awaits regional players; http://bit.ly/3aZ3Gh8

Deadline looms for resident and overseas voters to ensure they are eligible to cast a ballot in the 2022 elections; http://bit.ly/3pZx5vR

Regional Overview

Germany convicts former Assad regime agent in historic Syria torture verdict; http://bit.ly/3r4hv3p

U.S. report on Khashoggi death expected to single out Saudi crown prince: sources; http://reut.rs/3aZTsNr

Egypt backs call to internationalize Ethiopia dam dispute; http://bit.ly/3q48beJ

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 24, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Lebanon’s vaccination program is thrown into question as MPs appear to bypass rules to get inoculated; http://bit.ly/37LZnE1

The logic of the lira: The Lebanese currency is back trading above LL9,000 to the dollar. Here’s why; http://bit.ly/2Mtq3SC

Regional Overview

Covid-19: Israel donates vaccines to countries that moved embassies to Jerusalem; http://bit.ly/2ZReZla

Egypt's Sisi faces backlash against removal of the Quran from school textbooks; http://bit.ly/2P31Tiy

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 23, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Bassil’s proposal for expanded Cabinet fails to evoke interest; http://bit.ly/3dFfF5k

Franjieh Says No Need to ‘Waste Time’ Listening to Bassil’s Speech; http://bit.ly/37HjdA6

Rahi Discusses Int’l Conference for Lebanon with UN Deputy Special Coordinator; http://bit.ly/3pGAdg1

Families of Port Victims Say Bitar Told Them 'All Immunities Will Fall'; http://bit.ly/3kcmw7E

LF MPs Hand U.N. Petition Urging Int'l Probe in Port Case; http://bit.ly/2ZHSYW0

Lebanon registers 47 new coronavirus deaths, 1,541 more cases; http://bit.ly/2NoGDDK

Slow start to Lebanon vaccination raises concerns; http://bit.ly/2ZJ26d4

Says Pfizer Covid Vaccine ‘Safe and Effective’; http://bit.ly/3bAssU9

Regional Overview

Iran could boost uranium enrichment to 60 percent: Khamenei; http://bit.ly/3dF06e3

Iran talks 'avert' impact of nuclear inspection deadline; http://bbc.in/3bwJIt9

COVID-19: Gaza starts inoculation drive amid vaccine shortage; http://bit.ly/3pHtlPC

Libya: Over 150 migrants freed in raid on traffickers; https://arab.news/6b6kn

Libya: More than 150 migrants freed in raid on traffickers; http://bit.ly/3bqqw04

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 22, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Bassil blasts Hariri, calls for raising Cabinet members; http://bit.ly/3qS782I

Bassil blasts Hariri, calls for raising Cabinet members; http://bit.ly/3buZNQd

Report: Foreign Calls to Speed Formation Blocked by Local Hurdles; https://bit.ly/2ONKKt7

Relatives of Port Explosion Rally Again Demanding Justice; http://bit.ly/3aIfJiS

Breaking: Judge Tarek Bitar Was Just Appointed As The Lead Investigator In Beirut Blast Investigation; http://bit.ly/3qZLJEE

Lebanon appoints new lead investigator in port blast probe; http://bit.ly/3qOCIhV

Lebanon to start phase two of easing lockdown; http://bit.ly/2Nz1TGD

LF to Hand U.N. Petition Demanding Int'l Probe in Port Blast; https://bit.ly/3dAXAFm

Al-Rahi Again Clarifies His Call for Int'l Conference on Lebanon; http://bit.ly/37EXrgD

Lebanon receives second Pfizer vaccine shipment; http://bit.ly/3us8naY

Regional Overview

Israel buys vaccines for Syria in prisoner deal, says report; http://bit.ly/2ZJVmeM

As Palestinians plan vote, Jerusalem looms as possible obstacle — or pretext; http://bit.ly/3ujJSg6

US Seeks Fallback Saudi Bases to Protect Troops Amid Iran Tensions; http://bit.ly/3shABDB

Yemen risks worst famine on planet in 'decades', say UN officials; http://bit.ly/3keQoQG

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 18, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Nasrallah’s proposal for expanded Cabinet fails to break gridlock; https://bit.ly/3pwP0Km

Reflecting his frustration, Macron delays sending envoy to Lebanon; https://bit.ly/2ZqFgqd

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon three times more likely to die with COVID-19; http://bit.ly/3dpqU1C

Regional Overview

UAE Dubai Princess Latifa UK Calls Proof Alive; http://bit.ly/2OFEIuv

Israel: Election of new ICC prosecutor raises questions for war crimes probe; http://bit.ly/3qxRI3n

Syria and Israel to swap prisoners in Russia-mediated deal; http://bit.ly/3pGvU4F

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 17, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Nasrallah Warns against Chapter 7, Criticizes Hariri’s 'Insistence' on 18-Seat Govt.; http://bit.ly/3aveXWf

Russia 'Ready' to Donate Sputnik V Covid Vaccine to Lebanon; https://bit.ly/3s0FbWv

535,000 People Registered to Get the Vaccine to Date; https://bit.ly/3s0VbIi

Regional Overview

Israel Air Force Simulates Strikes on 3,000 Hezbollah Targets a Day in Widespread Drill; http://bit.ly/2N8X72I

Biden plans to ‘recalibrate’ relations with Saudi Arabia, conduct diplomacy through King Salman: White House; http://tgam.ca/3bklz96

Iran to Tightly Restrict Inspectors’ Access if U.S. Sanctions Not Lifted; http://on.wsj.com/3dnvL3f

Election Poll: Anti-Netanyahu Bloc Gains Majority as Likud Loses Seat; http://bit.ly/3jZd3QU

Turkey Vows to Expand Anti-PKK Operations in Northern Iraq; http://bit.ly/2NxrIXo

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 16, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources 

Lebanon Today

Hariri leaves door open to Cabinet solution: Future MP;http://bit.ly/2LSgqMO

Ain el-Tineh Says[...]about Political Disputes;http://bit.ly/2N3Kmq6

Mustaqbal Reacts after Jreissati Slams Hariri;http://bit.ly/3jSLhW5

Amal Says Berri's Initiative Still Represents an Exit to Break Impasse;http://bit.ly/3rXvZlL

Bogdanov Stresses Need for 'Mission-Driven Govt.';http://bit.ly/3jS38MZ

Nasrallah’s Speech to 'Dial Down' Govt;http://bit.ly/3u2eKBA

Regional Overview 

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 15, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Hariri says Aoun’s veto power demand blocking Cabinet formation; http://bit.ly/2ZnkV5i

FPM criticizes Hariri's 'approach' to govt formation; http://bit.ly/2N3CqFn

Lebanon kicks off its COVID-19 inoculation drive; http://bit.ly/3puQftf

Lebanon working on COVID-19 vaccine plan for migrant workers; http://bit.ly/3u1175M

World Bank and IFRC Support Independent Monitoring of COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign in Lebanon; http://bit.ly/3jUN4Kz

BDL Did Not Officially Commit To Lift Bank Secrecy As It Claimed; http://bit.ly/3qsOJZY

Lebanon’s Central Bank Finally Agrees To Lift Banking Secrecy; http://bit.ly/3b4lfLu

Beirut Blast Victims Will Be Taxed For The Donations They Received; http://bit.ly/3qpSJuw

A New Measure Was Just Implemented In Lebanon To Protect Domestic Workers; http://bit.ly/3draSEi

Regional Overview

France, Germany, UK condemn Iran's production of uranium metal; http://reut.rs/3qpNOtm

Minister says Qatar working for return to Iran nuclear accord: report; http://reut.rs/3s1PLNg

Heavy Clashes Rage in Central Yemen; Dozens Killed; http://bit.ly/3rRh4ts

Turkey says it finds bodies of 13 killed by militants in Iraq; http://bit.ly/3dnlzrB

Fresh Tunisia protests break out in southern region; http://bit.ly/3jUlfSo

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 12, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Macron-Hariri talks fuel speculation on Cabinet progress; http://bit.ly/3jItHUD

Multi-Faith Service for Lokman Slim Sparks Social Media Row; http://bit.ly/3tQehlU

U.S. Ambassador Says Slim's Assassination 'Barbaric'; http://bit.ly/3jOJgKD

Lebanon registers 63 COVID-19 deaths, 3,136 new cases; http://bit.ly/2OmXdDQ

Lebanon working on COVID-19 vaccine plan for migrant workers; http://bit.ly/3aWAUN8

Regional Overview 

Iran begins Covid-19 vaccination campaign, says state media; http://bit.ly/3jHeQdk

Covid-19: Positive test results are the new VIP party pass in Iran; http://bit.ly/3afv2PV

Palestinian citizens of Israel protest against police failure to tackle gun violence; http://bit.ly/3d8ESov

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 11, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Lebanon records 3,157 new COVID cases, 66 virus-related deaths; http://bit.ly/3p8eQnP

IDF trains for fighting Hezbollah on Lebanese border in large two-day drill; http://bit.ly/3d2X4jc

Hariri Expected to Meet Macron Wednesday Night; http://bit.ly/3rX4uZR

Regional Overview

IAEA: Iran has started producing uranium metal; http://bit.ly/3qeEwQP

Plane Ablaze in Houthi Drone Attack on Saudi Airport; http://bit.ly/3qgXK8G

Saudi Activist al-Hathloul Released After 1,000 Days in Prison; http://bit.ly/3qgKm4f

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 10, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Abiad Raises Vigilance over Covid Complacency; https://bit.ly/3a3KZZc

Lebanon to start COVID-19 vaccination campaign Feb. 14; http://bit.ly/3d83rBV

Hariri set for talks with Macron before returning to Beirut; http://bit.ly/2ZahtuO

Qatar Says Support for Lebanon Hinges on Govt Formation; http://bit.ly/3rENUNS

Qatar says ready to help Lebanon when new govt formed; http://bit.ly/3acS5L7

Regional Overview

Blinken stops short of endorsing Trump recognition of Golan Heights as Israel; http://reut.rs/3jHHvyF

Egypt reopens Gaza Strip crossing amid faction talks; http://bit.ly/375h94V

Saudi Arabia announces major legal reforms, paving the way for codified law; http://cnb.cx/3jE8fAn

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 9, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Prosecutor in Lebanon’s port blast summons former army chief; https://bit.ly/3d0Vqic 

German Firm Just Removed What They Called “A Second Bomb” From Beirut Port; http://bit.ly/370bGw7

MP Jean Obeid dies from coronavirus at 81; http://bit.ly/2MN5WPv 

Poll Finds Only 31% of Lebanese Want to be Vaccinated; https://bit.ly/3jtsbpu 

Regional Overview

Iran says French mediation on nuclear deal unnecessary; http://bit.ly/2LI3V6B

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pleads not guilty to corruption charges; http://cnn.it/3jDY2Uz

Syria 'finds body of archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad beheaded by IS'; http://bbc.in/2Z55Jtm

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 8, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Hariri’s return this week set to revive talks on Cabinet formation impasse; http://bit.ly/3aG9nzq

Al-Rahi Calls for U.N.-Sponsored Conference on Lebanon; http://bit.ly/3qcGuS1

Lawyer Says Unconfirmed Slim was Tortured, Phone with Security Agencies; http://bit.ly/3pZ7ggh

Slim's Sister Doesn't Want Int'l Probe, Says Murder Came in Transitional Period; http://bit.ly/2YXTqyS

Protesters Block Two Roads in Beirut; http://bit.ly/3aM59WH

Regional Overview

Russia searches for remains of 2 Israelis in Syria; http://bit.ly/3oTK1mA

UN envoy, Iran's Zarif discuss how to end war in Yemen; http://bit.ly/3aUGb7U 

Gantz slams Netanyahu for trial remarks alongside Greek PM; http://bit.ly/2NjxuLY 

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 3, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Lebanon registers record virus deaths, but cases appear to be declining; http://bit.ly/36HlfQv

Lebanon headed toward gradual reopening: Bizri; http://bit.ly/2YKtyXd

Berri’s veto power declaration coordinated with Macron: Future MP; http://bit.ly/2YKzEXF

Salameh to be questioned for subsidized dollar scheme; http://bit.ly/2MZEAVN

Judge Ghassan Oueidat requested Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh; https://bit.ly/2O8Hto3

Regional Overview

Biden will end US support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen; http://bit.ly/36GfL8k

Iranian President says 'no' to expanding nuclear deal; http://bit.ly/2YJeedg

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 2, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Lockdown stabilized Lebanon's COVID-19 crisis: Abiad; http://bit.ly/2MW5lL3

Zeina Kanjo Domestic Violence; https://bit.ly/3oT80Cm

Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi resorted to the “infiltrators” narrative to justify security forces’; https://bit.ly/3rtlxT3

Police State in Tripoli; https://bit.ly/3cLbyUP

Crisis-Hit Lebanon Hikes Subsidized Bread Price by a Fifth; http://bit.ly/39OlRWv

Regional Overview

Egypt journalist's life in danger after torture; http://bit.ly/39NWuE4

Biden extends deportation protection for Syrians in US; http://bit.ly/2YI1zaE

UAE confident F-35 jets sale will go through despite Biden review, says ambassador; http://bit.ly/2Lnbgby

MENA Now Morning Briefing, February 1, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Amid Aoun-Hariri tensions, hopes pinned on Macron to break Cabinet impasse; http://bit.ly/2L7LYOz

Lebanon Launches Support Program With $246 Million World Bank Loan; http://bit.ly/3r69HxV

Protesters from across Lebanon Flock to Tripoli in Solidarity; http://bit.ly/3agFh5e

Mikati: I will protect myself if Army can't contain situation; http://bit.ly/3r742aM

Amnesty International Wants France To Stop Selling Weapons Used Against Lebanese Protesters; http://bit.ly/3aBlI83

Regional Overview

Iran rejects new talks or parties in nuclear deal; http://bit.ly/3j3w7Nx

Look away now, hawks: Biden’s pick for Iran envoy underlines change in Washington; http://bit.ly/3cqVbN6

Biden adviser: Iran, Afghanistan, China are key areas of focus; http://bit.ly/3raHhme

Libya: UN announces candidates for new transitional government; http://bit.ly/2Yuxqvv

String of car bombs kills 20 people in Turkish-held north Syria; http://bit.ly/39BrnLL

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 28, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Macron plans to send envoy to Beirut to revive French initiative; http://bit.ly/3j27znS

Lebanon Just Launched Its Vaccination Plan; http://bit.ly/2McmUXj

Lockdown slowing down COVID-19 spread: Diab; http://bit.ly/3j0ioac

Diab Says Govt. Can't be Formed through Tripoli's 'Burning Tires'; http://bit.ly/39xBQYx

Hariri Says Tripoli Demos May be Politicized but Urges Aid for the Poor; http://bit.ly/3r8DZQq

Regional Overview

Israel military revising operational plans against Iran: General; http://bit.ly/3tkRpLp

‘Psychological war’: Iran dismisses Israel military action threat; http://bit.ly/3aj93q7

Yemen steps up diplomatic drive for Houthi terrorist designation; http://bit.ly/3pyVskI

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 27, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources

Lebanon Today

Dozens injured in lockdown protests in Lebanon's Tripoli; http://bit.ly/2Mchvzv

France wants more U.S. 'realism' in dealing with Lebanon's Hezbollah; http://yhoo.it/3tcUg8Y

Report: Hariri Likely to Visit Paris as Govt Deadlock Persists; http://bit.ly/3j2CznT

Lebanese lawyers seek to halt liquidation of UK-registered firm possibly linked to Beirut blast; http://reut.rs/36KirlJ

Lebanese luminaries seek to acquire COVID-19 vaccines; http://bit.ly/3j1EBVc

Regional Overview

Iran blocks Signal messaging app after WhatsApp exodus; http://bit.ly/3j1cXYF

At U.N., Washington assures support for two-state solution in Middle East; http://reut.rs/2NSD8oQ

Clashes break out in Tunisia after protester dies of injuries; http://bit.ly/3tby7YA

Blast shakes Riyadh three days after projectile intercepted; http://bit.ly/39z6nFJ

MENA Now Morning Briefing, January 26, 2021

*This daily morning briefing covers news as presented by the media, and does not present the views of MENA Now.

* All sources were drawn from publicly available online news sources