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Middle East news — August 19, 2026 - Page 5

Publications tagged with Middle East published on August 19, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 5 of 7.

165 publications

  1. WorldRegulatorsAsiaMiddle East

    Dutch PM Rob Jetten Supports Fiancé at Hockey World Cup

    Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten faced a unique situation at the Hockey World Cup when his home country, the Netherlands, played against Argentina, where his fiancé Nicolás Keenan is a player. Jetten, the first openly gay Prime Minister in Dutch history, attended the match and was seen cheering for both teams. After Argentina's loss, Jetten consoled Keenan with a kiss on the cheek. The couple has been engaged since 2024 and is the first LGBTQ+ prime ministerial couple in the Netherlands.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  2. WorldMiddle EastOceanography

    Cyberattack on Berlin Senate Administration

    A cyberattack on the Berlin Senate Administration has affected several departments, including Urban Development, Building and Housing, and Mobility, Transport, Environment, and Climate Protection. The attack has caused disruptions in internet and email services, and there are concerns about data leaks. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the breach and who is behind the attack.
    46 sourcesSee all sources
  3. PoliticsRegulatorsCivil RightsMiddle East

    Israeli Forces Demolish Palestinian Homes in Hebron

    Israeli occupation forces have demolished several Palestinian homes in the Hebron region of the West Bank. The most affected area is Khirbet al-Fakhit in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, where multiple structures belonging to Palestinian resident Yasser Abu Sabha were destroyed. The demolitions include residential buildings, water wells, a sheep pen, and a feed warehouse.
    12 sourcesSee all sources
  4. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastBudget

    Iraqi Farmers Protest for Outstanding Dues

    Hundreds of Iraqi farmers gathered outside the Ministry of Finance in Baghdad to demand the payment of their overdue financial entitlements. The protest comes after the Ministry of Commerce announced the release of 350 billion dinars for farmers and grain sellers, but the farmers claim that the delay in payment is increasing their burdens and threatening their agricultural activities. The farmers are calling for expedited procedures to receive their dues.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  6. WorldMiddle East

    Belarus Increases Base Wage Rate for Budget Sector Workers

    The basic wage rate for budget sector workers in Belarus is increasing from September 1, 2026. The new rate will be 300 Belarusian rubles, up from the current 297 rubles. This is the second increase this year, following a January 1, 2026 increase. The base rate affects the wages of around 770,000 workers and influences incentive and compensatory payments. The average salary of budget workers in the first half of 2026 was 2328.6 rubles, a 16.4% increase from the previous year.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  9. WorldMiddle EastWeather

    Kanye West to Perform in Russia for First Time Since Ukraine War

    American rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, will perform in Russia for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine. He is set to give two concerts in St. Petersburg on October 10 and 11 at the Gazprom Arena. This will be one of the most significant performances by a Western star in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Ticket sales have reportedly sold out within hours. West's concerts were canceled in several European countries due to his antisemitic remarks and imagery.
    74 sourcesSee all sources
  10. PoliticsMiddle EastNorth America

    Udinese Rejects €30M Bids from Leverkusen and Dortmund for Palma

    Udinese has rejected two separate bids worth around €30 million each from Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund for teenage defender Matteo Palma. Both Bundesliga clubs made concrete offers, but Udinese considers Palma 'inedibile' and has no plans to sell. Palma signed a new contract with Udinese in July 2024, and the club is building its defense around him.
    2 sourcesSee all sources
  12. PoliticsBillMiddle East

    Iran Eyes Military Targets in Europe if Trump Escalates War

    Iran is reportedly considering striking U.S. military targets in Europe if President Donald Trump escalates the conflict, according to multiple sources cited by the Financial Times. Options being evaluated include targeting American assets in Bulgaria and Cyprus, as well as potential sabotage of undersea optical fiber cables in the Strait of Hormuz. These plans reflect Tehran's readiness to expand its retaliatory measures beyond the Middle East if tensions escalate.
    50 sourcesSee all sources
  15. WorldMiddle EastNorth AmericaChina

    Passenger Transport to Russia and Europe

    Several companies offer direct passenger transport services from Ukraine and Europe to Russia, with options for air travel and land transfer. These services cater to various regions in Russia, including LPR, DPR, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea. They provide comfortable minibuses with experienced drivers, discounts for children and seniors, and payment in any method or currency. Some companies also offer additional services like passport assistance, package delivery, and pet transportation.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  16. WorldLawRegulatorsMiddle East

    Netherlands Condemns U.S. Sanctions Against ICC Officials

    The Netherlands has criticized the U.S. for imposing sanctions on the head of the International Criminal Court (ICC), with Foreign Minister Stef Blok stating that the Netherlands opposes these sanctions. The U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, had announced the sanctions as part of America's effort to protect its citizens from the ICC, which the U.S. views as a 'sham court'. The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC in The Hague, supports the court's work and believes that international courts should be able to operate freely.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldLawCivil RightsMiddle East

    Deljošaj Protests Appointment of Non-Albanian Speaking Director in Albanian Language School

    Nikola Deljošaj, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development, has criticized the appointment of Snežana Živanović as the director of JU SMŠ 'Bratstvo-jedinstvo' in Ulcinj, arguing that she does not speak Albanian and that this is an act of 'institutional provocation' and 'albanophobia'. Deljošaj called for a united response from Albanian political parties and organizations, while the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation defended the decision, stating that Živanović was chosen based on her knowledge and competence.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  21. SocietyMiddle EastOrganized CrimeFraud

    NABU, SAP Conduct Special Operation Against Criminal Organization Linked to Ukrainian MPs and Presidential Office

    Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) are conducting a special operation to expose a criminal organization led by current and former Ukrainian MPs. The organization also involved high-ranking officials from the President's Office and other individuals. Details will be provided later in a joint statement by anti-corruption agencies.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  22. WorldRegulatorsTrialMiddle East

    NATO Conducts Large-Scale Aerial Operation Near Kaliningrad

    NATO launched a significant aerial operation around Russian Kaliningrad involving multiple reconnaissance aircraft and fighter jets. The operation included an EA-37B electronic warfare jet, an ARTEMIS II ISR aircraft, F-35As, and tankers. Some sources suggest this could be an unannounced training exercise or a comprehensive mapping of Russian air defense systems and electronic warfare nodes in the region.
    19 sourcesSee all sources
  23. WorldMiddle East

    Heat Wave and Dust Storms Hit Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia

    The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has issued warnings about a heat wave and dust storms affecting the Eastern Region. Temperatures are expected to rise to 47-48 degrees Celsius in cities like Dammam, Riyadh, Khobar, and Jubail. The heat wave is accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 49 km/h, causing reduced visibility. The phenomenon is expected to continue until 5 pm. Additionally, there are forecasts of rain and thunderstorms with cold gusts and active winds in parts of Jazan, Asir, and Baha regions.
    7 sourcesSee all sources
  24. WorldMiddle EastNorth AmericaRobotics

    Pakistan Boosts US Oil Imports Amid Gulf Disruptions

    Pakistan's largest refiner, Cnergyico, is increasing imports of US crude oil due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 90% of Pakistan's oil and LNG imports. The move is also aimed at narrowing Pakistan's trade surplus with the US and potentially securing tariff reductions. However, this increased dependence on US oil imports has led to a rise in dollar-denominated debt to Washington, with critics warning of potential risks.
    3 sourcesSee all sources