Iraq’s prohibition zeal threatens Baghdad’s boozy subculture

Rukaya al-Zubaidi tentatively tried skateboarding at Baghdad's new skatepark, a project spearheaded by three organisations after five years of negotiations with authorities. The park provides a much-needed escape for young Iraqis from the country's conflict-ridden past and conservative societal norms, offering inclusivity and community building opportunities. Skaters like Mohammad al-Qadi and Hussein Ali see skateboarding as a way to find solace, build friendships, and potentially even represent Iraq in future competitions, showcasing the positive impact...

President Trump has proposed displacing the entire Palestinian population of Gaza to establish it as a U.S. territory, effectively ending the long sought-after goal of a Palestinian state. The plan also includes openness to Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. Trump's vision has sparked controversy and skepticism, with critics doubting the feasibility of a two-state solution and questioning the future of peace in the Middle East. Full Article

Israelis initially praised President Trump for his role in securing a cease-fire deal in Gaza, but were shocked by his proposal to relocate Gazans to create a Middle Eastern Riviera. This diversion shifted focus from the cease-fire negotiations, leaving the fate of the remaining hostages uncertain as talks stall and tensions rise between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu's priorities for Gaza conflict with Hamas's demands, risking a return to violence as Trump and Israeli officials remain...

Israel's defence minister ordered the army to prepare for "voluntary" departures from Gaza following Trump's suggestion to move Palestinians out, sparking global outrage. The UN warned against forced displacement, while Trump's plan to have the US take over Gaza was met with skepticism. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the proposal as a potential solution for Gaza's future, despite opposition from Palestinians and concerns about ethnic cleansing. Full Article

Dubai's real estate market started 2025 strong, with January property sales totaling AED 44.4 billion, a 24.1% increase from the previous year. Land sales saw the biggest increase, with 811 plots sold for AED 8.6 billion, highlighting Dubai as a prime destination for property investment. Overall, first sales from developers surpassed resales, with properties over AED 5 million accounting for 9% of total sales. Full Article

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was all smiles during his meeting with President Trump, who reaffirmed his support for Israel's military actions against Hamas and reinstated pressure on Iran. The two leaders discussed brokering a diplomatic rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, while Mr. Netanyahu expressed his satisfaction with the alignment between the U.S. and Israel under Mr. Trump's leadership, contrasting it with his previous tensions with President Biden. Despite some differences in their...