Skip to main content
Echo

Subcategory / Daily archive

Middle East news — August 17, 2026

Publications tagged with Middle East published on August 17, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive.

135 publications

  1. WorldMiddle East

    High-Speed Train Ticket Prices Increase

    High-speed train ticket prices have increased across various routes in Turkey. The Ankara-Istanbul route has seen a significant price hike, with tickets now costing 990 TL. Other routes affected include Ankara-Eskisehir, Ankara-Konya, Ankara-Sivas, Istanbul-Konya, and Eskisehir-Istanbul. The price increase is the second this year, with tickets on the Ankara-Sivas and Ankara-Istanbul routes experiencing notable increases.
    10 sourcesSee all sources
  3. PoliticsBillRegulatorsMiddle East

    ONPE to Determine Order of Political Organizations on Ballots for 2026 Elections

    The National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) will hold public draws on Wednesday, August 19, to determine the order of political organizations on the ballots for the 2026 Regional and Municipal Elections. The location of political parties will be determined at ONPE's Lima headquarters, while regional movements will be drawn at decentralized offices. The order will be determined by extracting balls assigned to each organization from an urn. The only changes allowed would be those decided by the National Electoral Board (JNE).
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  6. PoliticsElectionsGovernanceMiddle East

    South Korea: Kim Boo-kyum Elected as New Democratic Party Leader

    South Korea's ruling Democratic Party has elected former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum as its new leader, serving a two-year term. Kim Boo-kyum, who received 54.08% of the vote, defeated incumbent Lee Hae-chan. As party leader, Kim will have the power to nominate candidates for the 2028 National Assembly elections and significantly impact the party's power dynamics, potentially influencing the next presidential election. President Yoon Suk-yeol called for party unity in a video message.
    2 sourcesSee all sources
  7. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastNorth America

    Russia to Double Scholarships for Ghana, Sign Security Memo with ECOWAS

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced during talks with Ghanaian counterpart Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that Russia will double scholarships for Ghanaian students starting next academic year. Lavrov also confirmed that Russia will sign a memorandum on security cooperation with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Ghanaian president has confirmed his participation in the third Russia-Africa summit. Additionally, Ghana is expected to soon ratify an intergovernmental agreement on military-technical cooperation with Russia.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  8. PoliticsRegulatorsCivil RightsMiddle East

    Sonko Defends Management of Prime Minister's Funds, Claims Full Traceability

    Ousmane Sonko, the current President of the National Assembly, has stepped up to defend his management of the resources allocated to the Prime Minister's Office during his tenure. In interviews, he claimed to be the only Prime Minister able to justify every cent spent on the Prime Minister's funds, rejecting accusations of opaque management. He stated that he had established strict management rules, including no cash payments, and that he never touched any of these funds personally. Sonko's statements come amidst a national debate on the framing of political funds and the examination of a bill on special credits and secret funds in the National Assembly. He has previously advocated for maintaining political funds for certain sovereignty missions while subjecting them to greater control and transparency.
    9 sourcesSee all sources
  9. PoliticsAppointmentsMiddle East

    Trump's Next White House Press Secretary: Alina Habba Emerges as Front Runner

    Alina Habba, a fierce defender of Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign and in legal battles, has emerged as a top contender to replace outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Habba was spotted with Trump at his Bedminster golf resort over the weekend, fueling speculation about her potential appointment. However, Trump remains undecided, and the White House is considering a rotation of Cabinet officials at the podium until a permanent replacement is named.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldLawMiddle EastNorth America

    Qatar's Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Stability with Counterparts

    Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, held telephone conversations with his counterparts from Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and coordinating diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and enhance security and stability in the region. All parties emphasized the importance of committing to dialogue and diplomacy, implementing agreements reached within the framework of the Washington-Tehran understanding, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to maintain regional security and stability. Qatar expressed its full support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  11. SportsMiddle EastIsrael

    Patrick Vieira to Coach Senegal National Team: Details of Agreement Revealed

    Patrick Vieira is set to become the new coach of the Senegal national team, according to multiple sources. The French coach has reportedly reached an agreement with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) for a four-year contract with a monthly salary between 35 and 45 million CFA francs. Vieira's objectives include leading Senegal to the final of CAN 2027 and qualifying for the 2030 World Cup. The FSF's Emergency Committee is expected to approve Vieira's appointment on Monday, with an official presentation scheduled for Tuesday.
    12 sourcesSee all sources
  14. PoliticsMiddle EastDefenseNuclear

    Russia Tests New Nuclear Submarine 'Khabarovsk' for Poseidon Deployment

    Russia has conducted the first sea trials of its new nuclear-powered submarine, the 'Khabarovsk', designed to carry strategic unmanned underwater vehicles with nuclear propulsion, known as 'Poseidon'. The 'Khabarovsk' is the second submarine of its class and the first specialized carrier for the 'Poseidon' system. It is expected to join the Pacific Fleet after completion of trials.
    26 sourcesSee all sources
  16. SocietyMiddle EastHardwareFraud

    Turkish Authorities Seize Assets of 818 Suspects in Organized Crime Bust

    Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that authorities have seized the bank accounts, rented safes, and crypto assets of 818 suspects as part of four separate investigations targeting new generation crime organizations in Istanbul. The groups targeted include the Dalton, Gündoğmuş, Şapkalı, and Barış Boyun groups. Minister Gürlek stated that the financial resources of these crime organizations would be cut off.
    17 sourcesSee all sources
  17. WorldRegulatorsCorruptionTrialMiddle East

    Iran Vows to Fight U.S. Until 'Complete Defeat'

    The Iranian Armed Forces have declared they will not yield to the United States until they achieve their 'complete defeat'. This statement comes amidst ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., with both sides accusing each other of violating a June memorandum of understanding aimed at ending military operations and negotiating a final peace agreement. Iran has agreed with Oman on a safe navigation route in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military has expressed confidence in facing the 'most equipped army in the world' and has offered a $30,000 prize to any Iranian military who captures or kills an aggressive U.S. military personnel.
    17 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldMiddle EastUnited KingdomHockey

    Liverpool Agree Transfer Deal for PSG Forward Ibrahim Mbaye

    Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Ibrahim Mbaye, according to reports in France. The 18-year-old winger has made 42 appearances for PSG, scoring 4 goals and assisting 4 times. Liverpool are also pursuing another PSG attacker, Bradley Barcola, and hope to complete a double deal. Mbaye has agreed personal terms with Liverpool and is keen to move to Anfield.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  20. PoliticsMiddle East

    Kushner Meets Hamas, Netanyahu to Push Gaza Peace Plan

    US President Donald Trump's envoy Jared Kushner held talks with Hamas leaders in Egypt and Israel to advance a peace plan for Gaza. Kushner met with Hamas' political chief Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo, where they discussed the implementation of Trump's 15-point plan. Kushner then traveled to Israel for a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the next steps in the peace process. The talks focused on pushing Trump's Gaza plan forward, including the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. However, no agreement was reached on Israel's withdrawal or the cessation of attacks.
    383 sourcesSee all sources
  21. SportsMiddle EastMotorsports

    AEK Athens Faces Levski Sofia in Champions League Playoff

    AEK Athens travels to Sofia to face Levski in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie. AEK, led by coach Marco Nikolic, is aiming to qualify for the league phase of the Champions League after an eight-year absence. Levski Sofia, the Bulgarian champions, have been impressive in the qualifying rounds and are unbeaten in their last 15 matches. The return leg will take place in Athens on August 24. Both teams have already secured European league-phase football regardless of the outcome.
    14 sourcesSee all sources
  22. WorldReliefMiddle EastInequality

    Freight Train Hits Car in Córdoba; Woman Trapped but Unharmed

    A freight train with 17 wagons hit a Chevrolet Prisma car in Córdoba city, Argentina, after the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure and became immobilized on the railway tracks. Five of the six occupants managed to get out before the collision, but one adult woman was trapped inside. She was unharmed. The incident occurred at the intersection of Del Molino and Ávila Quiros streets in the Marqués Anexo neighborhood.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  24. WorldMiddle East

    Trump Blames Vandals for Damaged Grass on National Mall

    President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals for the damaged grass on the National Mall, specifically near the World War II Memorial, where he hosted a large July 4th celebration. Photos show that a stage and seating areas covered nearly the entire lawn during the event, which may have contributed to the grass damage. Trump's claims have been criticized for lacking evidence and contradicting accounts from officials.
    31 sourcesSee all sources