Turkiye Rejoins Arab League After 13 Years; Nestlé Faces Record Environmental Fine in France; Escalating Violence in Middle East Raises Alarms
Turkish Foreign Minister rejuvenates Arab League ties after 13-year hiatus.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has re-engaged with the Arab League after a 13-year hiatus, attending the 162nd Ordinary Council of Foreign Ministers in Cairo. This marks a significant step in Turkiye's efforts to normalize relations with Arab nations, including Syria, and strengthen economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council. Additionally, Turkiye has joined the Arab League's contact group to address the Gaza conflict.
Meanwhile in France, Nestlé's water subsidiary, which includes popular brands like Perrier and Vittel, has been fined 2 million euros over illegal wells and improper mineral water treatment. Described as France's largest environmental settlement, this agreement also mandates Nestlé to invest 1.1 million euros in environmental restoration over the next two years, sparking mixed reactions from environmental and consumer groups.
In Baghdad, two rockets struck near US forces stationed at Camp Victory base on September 11th, causing material damage but no casualties. This attack coincides with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to the region, prompting concerns and calls for investigation from the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. The US embassy has not yet commented on the incident.
Over in the West Bank, the European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has voiced concerns that escalating violence amid the Israel-Hamas conflict could turn the area into a "new Gaza." The violence, which has already resulted in significant casualties on both sides, risks further destabilizing the region as Israeli ministers push for increased military operations.
Turning to Iraqi Kurdistan, the town of Qaladiza is grappling with an environmental crisis as the Little Zab river, originating from Iran, has drastically dried up. Climate change and dam constructions, particularly the Kolsa dam, have dramatically reduced water levels, impacting the local water supply, agriculture, and fish farms, exacerbating geopolitical tensions over shared water resources.
Lastly, a tragic stampede at a Yemeni school in Taiz's Al-Janad has left two students dead and several injured following nearby US and UK airstrikes. These strikes targeted a military base and are part of ongoing military operations in the region, with Houthi forces claiming to have shot down two US MQ-9 Reaper drones in recent weeks.
Meanwhile in France, Nestlé's water subsidiary, which includes popular brands like Perrier and Vittel, has been fined 2 million euros over illegal wells and improper mineral water treatment. Described as France's largest environmental settlement, this agreement also mandates Nestlé to invest 1.1 million euros in environmental restoration over the next two years, sparking mixed reactions from environmental and consumer groups.
In Baghdad, two rockets struck near US forces stationed at Camp Victory base on September 11th, causing material damage but no casualties. This attack coincides with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to the region, prompting concerns and calls for investigation from the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. The US embassy has not yet commented on the incident.
Over in the West Bank, the European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has voiced concerns that escalating violence amid the Israel-Hamas conflict could turn the area into a "new Gaza." The violence, which has already resulted in significant casualties on both sides, risks further destabilizing the region as Israeli ministers push for increased military operations.
Turning to Iraqi Kurdistan, the town of Qaladiza is grappling with an environmental crisis as the Little Zab river, originating from Iran, has drastically dried up. Climate change and dam constructions, particularly the Kolsa dam, have dramatically reduced water levels, impacting the local water supply, agriculture, and fish farms, exacerbating geopolitical tensions over shared water resources.
Lastly, a tragic stampede at a Yemeni school in Taiz's Al-Janad has left two students dead and several injured following nearby US and UK airstrikes. These strikes targeted a military base and are part of ongoing military operations in the region, with Houthi forces claiming to have shot down two US MQ-9 Reaper drones in recent weeks.
