Mohammed Rasool
mohammed.rasool@vice.comJoe Biden Can’t Stop Touching People in the Middle East
The White House had said the US president would avoid physical contact during his tour, officially because of COVID but presumably to avoid awkward photo ops with the Saudi Crown Prince.
Senior ISIS Leader in Syria Killed by Drone Strike, US Says
US Central Command said Maher al Agal had been killed in an extensively planned strike. It comes right before Joe Biden is due to visit the Middle East.
Women in Iran Are Rebelling Against the Compulsory Hijab Law
Women are pushing back against the law that requires them to cover their hair, and which is being enforced strongly by the new hardline president.
Taliban Say It’s OK Women Are Banned From a Major Meeting, Their Sons Are Here
The grand assembly is made up of 3,500 tribal leaders and religious scholars, but – surprise – no women are allowed.
How an Archaeological Tour to Iraq Turned Into a Total Nightmare
The trip’s organiser died in hospital while another man was jailed for 15 years for smuggling in a shock verdict. Jim Fitton’s lawyer tells VICE World News he thinks the pottery fragments at the heart of the case may even have been thrown away.
New ISIS Leader Reportedly Captured in Turkey
Abu al-Hassan al-Qurayshi has been the terror group’s leader for 2 months. He was arrested in a police operation in Istanbul, Turkish news website OdaTV reported.
Elite Iranian Colonel Assassinated by Mystery Gunmen on Motorbikes
The country’s media is pointing the finger of blame at Israel after the Revolutionary Guards member was killed in broad daylight.
The Taliban Is Forcing Female News Anchors to Wear COVID Masks
Afghan women are now coming under further pressure from the Islamist hardliners to cover their faces and only wear headscarves in approved colours.
Israel Vows to Boost Security Despite Fury Over Shireen Abu Akleh Funeral Violence
“Whoever raises a hand to an Israeli civilian or IDF soldier will pay the price,” said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Hezbollah’s Grip on Lebanese Politics Weakens in First Election Since Beirut Blast
Lebanese voters reacted to a huge array of problems – including an energy crisis, corruption, dizzying poverty levels and the Beirut port blast.
Israeli Riot Police Attacked Mourners Carrying Shireen Abu Akleh’s Coffin
Video footage showed Israeli forces striking pallbearers with batons ahead of the Al Jazeera journalist's funeral in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.
Here’s How the World Is Reacting to the Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh
The Al Jazeera journalist was shot in the head while reporting in the West Bank. Her death has ignited a chorus of global condemnation.