US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an end to the conflict in Gaza and urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions with Iran, as they continue to battle Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Blinken’s 11th visit to the region follows Israel’s retaliatory offensive against Hamas, resulting in civilian casualties. He emphasized the need for sustained progress in aid to Gaza and urged Israel to respond to Iran’s attacks without further escalation, while also encouraging Israel to pursue a potential deal with Saudi Arabia.
Full Article
Iraq farmers turn to groundwater to boost desert yield
Farmer Hadi Saheb in Iraq has turned to groundwater to cultivate his wheat fields in the Najaf desert, a response to worsening drought and desertification. This government initiative allows farmers to lease desert land at a low cost and provides subsidized irrigation, leading to a significant increase in harvests. However, experts warn that the reliance on groundwater, which is depleting faster than it can be replenished, poses a risk to long-term agricultural sustainability, indicating a...
Read more