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Middle East news — October 29, 2026 - Page 3

Publications tagged with Middle East published on October 29, 2026 (UTC). This is a fixed calendar-day archive. Page 3 of 6.

121 publications

  2. WorldBillMiddle EastHealthcare

    Afghanistan's Opium Production Surges Despite Taliban Ban

    Afghanistan's opium production has significantly increased, with a fivefold rise in 2026 compared to the previous year, according to a UN report. The area under poppy cultivation expanded from around 10,000 hectares in 2025 to 43,300 hectares this year. Estimated opium production reached around 1,500 tons, up from 300 tons in 2025. Favorable weather conditions and high opium prices are cited as factors contributing to the increase. Rural poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods for farmers are also identified as key issues. The Taliban's ban on opium cultivation, imposed in 2022, has proven challenging to enforce.
    45 sourcesSee all sources
  4. WorldMiddle EastBudgetClimate

    Iran Braces for Winter Gas Shortages

    The manager of gas distribution affairs at the Gas Company has warned of potential gas supply issues in 11 provinces during the upcoming winter. Despite the recovery of some damaged refinery capacity, approximately 130 million cubic meters of the country's gas production capacity remains inaccessible. Three northern provinces—North Khorasan, Mazandaran, and Golestan—are expected to face more severe conditions. Industries are advised to strengthen their fuel reserves to help mitigate the impact of potential outages.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  7. CultureAppointmentsMiddle EastEnterprise IT

    Russia to Choose Its Own 'Color of the Year'

    Russia plans to select its own 'color of the year' instead of relying on international options like Pantone's. Advisor to the President of Russia, Elena Yampolskaya, who heads the Council for the Development and Promotion of New Russian Style in Public Spaces, announced that a working meeting would determine the approaches to selecting the color. The decision aims to celebrate Russia's rich cultural heritage and talented designers.
    14 sourcesSee all sources
  8. WorldMiddle East

    Moldova Proposes Fiscal Council to Monitor Public Finances

    The Ministry of Finance in Moldova has proposed the creation of a Fiscal Council, an independent body to evaluate budget-tax policy, economic forecasts, and management of public finances. The council, set to launch on January 1, 2028, will employ 11 people and have an initial budget of 8.1 million lei. It will also have the power to publicly challenge government decisions within two months. This initiative is part of Moldova's EU integration process.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  10. WorldMiddle EastEarth

    Ukraine's Parliament Ensures High School Students Can Graduate Despite Status Changes

    The Verkhovna Rada has passed a bill that allows students in grades 10-11 to complete their education in their schools despite changes in the institution's status. The law, aimed at mitigating disruptions caused by the reform of high school, ensures that students currently enrolled in a two-year program can graduate from their existing institution, even if it changes from a lyceum to a gymnasium. The legislation also simplifies the licensing process for institutions to accommodate these students.
    2 sourcesSee all sources
  11. SocietyProtestMiddle EastEarth

    Austrian Police Prepare for Halloween Amid Social Media Protest Calls

    Austrian police are beefing up their presence ahead of Halloween, anticipating potential unrest and vandalism fueled by online calls for protests, particularly among the GenZ generation. Recent incidents involving fireworks and vandalism, especially in Vienna, have raised concerns. The police plan to deploy additional personnel, including specialized units, and will enforce strict measures against any property damage or violent behavior. They are also prepared to handle any demonstrations that may occur.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  13. WorldTalksMiddle East

    Israeli Attacks Kill Six-Year-Old Girl in Gaza Despite Ceasefire

    Despite the ongoing ceasefire, Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the death of a six-year-old girl. The girl, identified as Tahani Mohammad Saeed Shalalfeh, was shot by Israeli forces in the al-Mawasi tent camp in southern Gaza. According to Palestinian news agencies, she succumbed to her injuries. This incident highlights the continued violence and loss of life in the region, even after the ceasefire was established.
    24 sourcesSee all sources
  14. WorldMiddle East

    Former Spanish Minister Fátima Báñez Missing After Train Crash

    Fátima Báñez, the former Minister of Employment and Social Security, is missing after a train collision near Urda and Los Yébenes, in Toledo, Spain. She was traveling to Seville to participate in an event. The collision occurred around 08:54 between a Renfe AVE and an Iryo train, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Báñez's exact situation remains unknown, and efforts to locate her are ongoing.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  15. WorldMiddle East

    Egyptian Girl Crowned Champion of Arab Reading Challenge 2026

    Mayar Othman El Shorbagy, an 11-year-old Egyptian girl, has been crowned the champion of the 'Arab Reading Challenge 2026' in its tenth edition. She won the title after reading more than 70 books, exceeding the required number for the challenge. The ceremony took place in Dubai, where His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, crowned the winners. Mayar expressed her gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for launching the initiative and empowering students to discover their talents and embrace reading.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  17. PoliticsBillMiddle EastNorth America

    Kaczyński Proposes 'Hard' Method for EU Change, Including Poland Exit Talks

    Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) party, has proposed a 'hard' method for bringing about changes in the European Union, including the possibility of negotiating Poland's exit from the Union. Speaking at the Krynica forum, Kaczyński expressed his belief that the EU needs to be changed and that this could be achieved through various methods, including leaving the EU if other options fail. His comments have sparked criticism from politicians in the ruling coalition and a response from former Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who described the situation as a 'hard fight'.
    6 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldAsiaMiddle East

    Kazakh PM Olzhas Bektenov Arrives in Kyrgyzstan for Official Visit

    Kazakhstan's Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, has arrived in Kyrgyzstan on an official visit. He was greeted at Manas International Airport by Kyrgyzstan's Prime Minister, Adylbek Kasymaliyev. The visit includes meetings between the heads of government, participation in the Second Forum of Interregional Cooperation, and the 14th meeting of the Kyrgyz-Kazakh Intergovernmental Council.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  19. CultureMiddle East

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Under Fire for Using Real Footage of 2022 Itaewon Crowd Crush

    The latest installment of the Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare 4, is facing backlash for allegedly using footage from the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush in a cinematic sequence. The game, developed by Activision, depicts a fictional invasion of South Korea by North Korea and incorporates scenes of emergency services performing CPR on victims of the tragedy. Bereaved families and a civic coalition have demanded the removal of these images, arguing that their use is inappropriate and lacks common sense. Activision has stated that 'some real news images' were used 'to convey the fictional narrative' and that there was 'no intention to trivialize tragic real events like the Itaewon disaster.'
    14 sourcesSee all sources
  22. WorldMiddle EastEarth

    Students Block Universities in Berlin to Protest Education Cuts

    Students in Berlin are blocking university entrances and occupying buildings to protest against cuts in the education sector. The protests, organized by the initiative 'Gen Z regulates', target specific institutes expected to suffer significant damage, such as the Otto-Suhr Institute of the Free University of Berlin. Students demand a reversal of cuts, criticize prioritization of military spending over education, and express solidarity with French strikers. The universities respect the right to peaceful protest and ensure digital teaching continues.
    4 sourcesSee all sources
  24. WorldLawTalksMiddle East

    Pakistan Congratulates Turkey on 103rd Republic Day

    Pakistan's leaders, including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, extended their congratulations to Turkey on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey. They praised the deep bond between the two countries, rooted in shared history, mutual trust, and affection between their peoples. The bilateral ties were described as a comprehensive strategic partnership, with Pakistan reaffirming its commitment to strengthen these ties.
    5 sourcesSee all sources