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Middle East news — August 13, 2026 - Page 4

Publications tagged with Middle East published on August 13, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 4 of 6.

131 publications

  3. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    French Ambassador to Central African Republic Faces Disciplinary Action for Hosting Young Women

    The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated a disciplinary procedure against Bruno Foucher, the French ambassador to the Central African Republic. Allegations suggest that Foucher hosted dozens of young women in his private apartments at the embassy residence between 2024 and 2026, creating a security breach. The ambassador admitted to having relationships with two women and may face sanctions ranging from a reprimand to dismissal or mandatory retirement.
    18 sourcesSee all sources
  4. WorldLawRegulatorsMiddle East

    Ukrainian Publisher Warns of 'Russian' Mentions in Dan Brown Novel

    A Ukrainian publisher has sparked controversy by including a warning on the first page of a new Dan Brown novel translation, alerting readers to the presence of 'Russians' in the text. The warning, placed below the standard disclaimer about profanity, has been criticized as excessive and indicative of local sensitivities. The move has drawn attention away from the novel's content and towards the political implications of mentioning neighboring Russians in Ukrainian literature.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  7. WorldMiddle East

    Portugal Witnesses Rare Total Solar Eclipse

    The Central region of Portugal experienced a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2020, between 19:32 and 20:28 local time. This phenomenon, which occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth, was visible for approximately 26 seconds. It was the first total solar eclipse in Portugal since 1912 and will not recur until 2144. The event was widely observed and photographed across the country, with Brazilians in Portugal also gathering to witness the unique experience.
    8 sourcesSee all sources
  9. WorldCeasefireTalksMiddle East

    Ukraine Hands Over Peace Proposals to U.S.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that his country has turned over proposals to American negotiators for a plan to end the war with Russia. Zelensky stated that the U.S. can help by strengthening Ukraine's defense and putting pressure on Russia. The proposals were handed over to the U.S. negotiators, and Zelensky emphasized that the U.S. should be more actively involved in the negotiations. However, no details about the proposals have been revealed.
    47 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldJudiciaryMiddle East

    Petition Calls for Mobilizing Childless Women in Ukraine

    A petition on the Ukrainian government's website proposes extending military conscription to working-age women without children, introducing equal mobilization rules for men and women. The initiative aims to distribute responsibilities more evenly during the war and increase Ukraine's mobilization resources. The petition needs 25,000 signatures within 92 days to be considered by the Cabinet of Ministers. Some officials and experts have criticized the proposal, calling it artificial and unlikely to be implemented.
    53 sourcesSee all sources
  11. WorldMiddle EastEarth

    Heavy Rainfall and Landslides: 26 Dead, Billions in Damages

    The enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay have caused widespread destruction across the Philippines. As of August 13, 26 people have died, with 15 injured and four missing. The weather disturbances have affected over 646,000 families (2.2 million people), damaged 684 houses, and caused an estimated P3 billion (₱3 billion) in infrastructure and agricultural losses. Rescue operations continue in affected areas, particularly in Baguio City where landslides have buried homes and claimed lives.
    25 sourcesSee all sources
  12. PoliticsMiddle East

    Iran Developing 15,000 km Range Ballistic Missile

    Iran is reportedly developing a ballistic missile with a range of 15,000 km, capable of reaching the United States. This would mark a significant technological breakthrough for Iran, and experts suggest it could potentially rely on North Korean developments. The project aims to increase Iran's missile range beyond its current longest-range missile, the Khorramshahr, which has a range of 4,000 km.
    8 sourcesSee all sources
  13. PoliticsBillTalksMiddle East

    Hamas Welcomes Iran's Call for Regional Ceasefire Including Gaza and Lebanon

    Hamas has praised Iran's call for a regional ceasefire, including Gaza and Lebanon. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated that ending the war in the region would benefit its people and future, while continuing the wars only serves the Zionist enemy's plans. Hamas also accused Israel of undermining efforts for a lasting ceasefire. The Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the US ends the war and blockade, releases Iran's frozen assets, and agrees to a regional ceasefire.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  14. PoliticsBillJudiciaryCivil RightsMiddle East

    Russia Offers Ukraine Prisoner Exchange; Kyiv Refuses

    Russian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova stated that Russia has offered Ukraine three lists of prisoners for exchange in the last month, including a list of 224 Ukrainians convicted in Russia. However, Ukraine has refused to take its citizens back. Lantratova accused Ukraine of not wanting these people and prioritizing propaganda over human lives. Russia is ready for different exchange options to free its prisoners.
    53 sourcesSee all sources
  17. WorldBillMiddle EastChina

    Putin's First Visit to Kuril Islands Sparks Japanese Protest

    Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Islands for the first time, sparking a strong protest from Japan, which claims the islands as its own territory. Putin's visit to Iturup Island, the largest of the southern Kuril Islands, was met with a resolute protest from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, which reaffirmed its territorial rights to the islands. The visit comes amidst an ongoing territorial dispute between Russia and Japan, which has prevented the signing of a peace treaty following World War II.
    29 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldMiddle East

    UNHCR Alarmed by Israeli Treatment of Palestinians Returning to Gaza

    The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has expressed concern over increasing reports of Palestinians returning to the Gaza Strip being subjected to physical violence, threats, humiliating treatment, and intrusive searches by Israeli soldiers and other armed individuals acting under Israeli authority. The UNHCR has received widespread reports of the seizure of medicines, medical supplies, personal documents, academic certificates, money, and other personal belongings without any mechanism for their recovery. On a single day in July alone, 54 out of 92 returnees reported that some or all of their personal belongings had been seized, including medicines and assistive devices. Returnees have also described verbal abuse, intimidation, interrogation, and theft of their belongings' contents.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  19. SocietyMiddle EastNorth AmericaBudgetWhite-collar

    Wenzhou Man Exposed as Black Agent in Cambodia

    A man from Wenzhou, Yongjia County, Nanxian Town, known as 'Little Chen', has been exposed as a black agent in Cambodia. He worked as an agent for a 6D company in Phnom Penh, where he often let the company pay for his gambling and drug use, leading to losses for the entire line. He also deceived his subordinates, saying that the boss was unfair, and sold them to work as European and American chat hosts, where they were physically punished and beaten. Later, due to a Cambodian crackdown, the company moved to Laos, and he brainwashed his employees to go with him. However, he has been irresponsible and has not taken care of the employees, including a child from his relative's family who has still not been found. He is also known for pretending to be a rich boss and deceiving teams everywhere, including in Vietnam. Many people, including his fellow villagers, are looking for him to return the money he cheated from them.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  20. WorldMiddle East

    Berlin's Volksbühne Restricts Pool Access to Black Communities for Six Hours

    Volksbühne Berlin, a theater that received 300,000 euros in public funds, has set up a temporary swimming pool, the 'Volksbad', which is free and open to all. However, on Friday, August 14, from 12:00 to 18:00, the pool will be exclusively open for black communities. This decision has sparked controversy and criticism, with some calling it 'anti-white racism' and 'identity political nonsense'. The theater's intendant, Matthias Lilienthal, has defended the decision as an effort to empower black communities.
    16 sourcesSee all sources
  21. WorldMiddle East

    Transnistria Mandates Weekly Flag-Raising and Anthem Singing in Schools

    Starting September 1, educational institutions in the Transnistrian region will commence each week with the raising of the region's flag and singing of its anthem. The decision, signed by the so-called Ministry of Education in Tiraspol, aims to instill respect for state symbols and cultivate patriotism among students. The ceremony will involve students, teaching staff, and parents, with the flag raised by students with good academic or sports results.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  24. PoliticsRegulatorsElectionsConstitutionMiddle East

    Rahul Gandhi's Parliament Protests: BJP Demands Presence, Congress Insists on Home Minister's Statement

    BJP leaders, including Harsh Malhotra, N Ramchander Rao, N V Subhash, Karunasagar, Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, Kangana Ranaut, Brijmohan Aggarwal, Piyush Goyal, Tejasvi Surya, Dinesh Sharma, SP Singh Baghel, Anupriya Patel, and Janardan Singh Sigriwal, have criticized Rahul Gandhi for not being present in Parliament to discuss issues concerning youth and students. They accused him of running away from Parliament and disrupting its proceedings. Rahul Gandhi, however, has demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement on these issues before he agrees to any discussion. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi and SP MP Ramgopal Yadav supported Gandhi's stance, stating that the opposition has legitimate demands and that the government should respect parliamentary traditions and conventions.
    58 sourcesSee all sources