Category: 2. Middle East

Israel’s parliament on Thursday passed a law expanding elected officials’ power to appoint judges, defying a years-long movement against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s contentious judicial reforms that saw massive street protests.

The approval comes as Netanyahu’s government, one of the most right-wing in Israel’s history, is locked in a standoff with the supreme court after beginning proceedings to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and announcing the sacking of Ronen Bar, head…

The United States has removed multimillion-dollar bounties on leaders of Afghanistan’s feared Haqqani militant network, including the current Taliban interior minister, the State Department and the Taliban government said.

The Haqqani network was responsible for some of the deadliest attacks during the decades-long war in Afghanistan.

The men remain on Washington’s list of “specially designated global terrorists” but the bounty price has been scrapped.

Taliban interior ministry spokesman Abdul…

• Eid sweets exhibition

Indulge in the finest Eastern and international sweets while enjoying magical family nights at Souq Waqif. A perfect way to celebrate the joy of Eid with delightful treats.

Dates: Until March 29

Location: Eastern Square – Souq Waqif

More information here.

• Eid prayers at Education City Stadium

Mark the beginning of Eid with a prayer gathering at Education City Stadium. Join thousands in a peaceful setting and embrace the joy of Eid with your loved ones.

Location:…

• DAF announces first cohort for Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency

Diriyah Art Futures, Riyadh’s first hub for New Media Arts, has announced the inaugural cohort for its Mazra’ah Media Arts Residency, running from April to July of this year. The residency, centered on the theme “High-Resolution Dreams of Sand,” explores technology’s impact on landscapes. The first cohort includes artists Dr. Stanza (UK), Harshit Agrawal (India), Arwa Yahya Alneami, Reem Alnasser and Reem Alfagih (Saudi…

Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, the country’s de facto government, announced…

Palestinians on Wednesday staged protests in the Gaza Strip against the territory’s Hamas rulers for the second consecutive day, calling for an end to the war with Israel, witnesses said.

Demonstrators carrying banners reading “Hamas does not represent us” were seen marching in Gaza City and the town of Beit Lahia to the north, just over a week after Israel resumed its bombing campaign following nearly two months of a truce.

“We do not want Hamas! We are tired,” said protester Muayed Zahir,…