Al-Monitor (Unofficial)

Over 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni sign open letter urging organisers to take stance on Gaza BERLIN, Feb 17 (Reuters) - More than 80 actors, directors and other artists who have taken part in the Berlin Film Festival, including Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem, signed an open letter to the organisers published on Tuesday calling for them to take a clear stance on Israel's war in Gaza."We call on the Berlinale to fulfil its moral duty and clearly state its opposition to Israel's genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Palestinians," said the open letter, which was published in full in entertainment industry magazine Variety.

Over 80 Berlin Film Festival alumni sign open letter urging organisers to take stance on Gaza - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/over-80-berlin-film-festival-alumni-sign-open-letter-urging-organisers-take

Analysis-US envoys juggle two crisis talks, raising questions about prospects for success By Matt Spetalnick, Olivia Le Poidevin and Parisa HafeziWASHINGTON/GENEVA/DUBAI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Even for a U.S. president long fixated on deal-making, Donald Trump’s assignment of his favorite envoys to juggle two sets of negotiations – the Iranian nuclear standoff and Russia’s war in Ukraine - in a single day in Geneva has left many in the foreign policy world scratching their heads.

Analysis-US envoys juggle two crisis talks, raising questions about prospects for success - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/analysis-us-envoys-juggle-two-crisis-talks-raising-questions-about-prospects

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues.

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/qatar-pm-arrives-venezuela-first-trip-maduros-ouster-what-know

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues.

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/qatar-pm-arrives-venezuela-first-trip-maduros-ouster-what-know

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues.

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/qatar-pm-arrives-venezuela-first-trip-maduros-ouster-what-know

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues.

Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/qatar-pm-arrives-venezuela-first-trip-maduros-ouster-what-know

Dozens of film figures condemn Berlin Film Festival 'silence' on Gaza More than 80 film industry figures including Oscar-winning actors Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton issued a statement on Tuesday slamming the Berlin Film Festival's "silence" on Gaza. The signatories to the open letter, sent to AFP, said they were "appalled" by the festival's "institutional silence" and "dismayed" at its "involvement in censoring artists who oppose Israel's ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza".

Dozens of film figures condemn Berlin Film Festival 'silence' on Gaza - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/dozens-film-figures-condemn-berlin-film-festival-silence-gaza

Turkey's Erdogan says Israel's recognition of Somaliland benefits nobody ANKARA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Israel's recognition of the breakaway Republic of Somaliland would not benefit Somaliland or the region.In December, Erdogan had said Israel's decision to formally recognise Somaliland, a northern region that declared itself independent in 1991, was illegal and unacceptable, and he accused Israel of trying to destabilise the Horn of Africa.

Turkey's Erdogan says Israel's recognition of Somaliland benefits nobody - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/turkeys-erdogan-says-israels-recognition-somaliland-benefits-nobody

Iranians chant slogans against supreme leader at memorials for slain protesters Iranians shouted slogans against the leader of the Islamic republic on Tuesday as they gathered to commemorate protesters killed in a crackdown on nationwide demonstrations that rights groups said left thousands dead, according to videos verified by AFP. The country's clerical authorities also staged a commemoration in the capital Tehran to mark the 40th day since the deaths at the peak of the protests on January 8 and 9, in line with Shiite mourning tradition.

Iranians chant slogans against supreme leader at memorials for slain protesters - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/iranians-chant-slogans-against-supreme-leader-memorials-slain-protesters

Hezbollah rejects disarmament plan and government's four-month timeline By Laila Bassam and Tala RamadanDUBAI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Armed group Hezbollah rejected on Tuesday the Lebanese government's decision to grant the army at least four months to advance the second phase of a nationwide disarmament plan, saying it would not accept what it sees as a move serving Israel.Lebanon's cabinet tasked the army in August 2025 with drawing up and beginning to implement a plan to bring all armed groups' weapons under state control, a bid aimed primarily at disarming Hezbollah after its devastating war with Israel in 2024.

Hezbollah rejects disarmament plan and government's four-month timeline - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/hezbollah-rejects-disarmament-plan-and-governments-four-month-timeline

Independent UN body condemns 'vicious attacks' on UN expert on Palestinian rights By Olivia Le PoidevinGENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - An independent United Nations body on Tuesday condemned what it described as vicious attacks based on disinformation by several European ministers against the organisation's special rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese.In the past week several European countries, including Germany, France and Italy, called for Albanese’s resignation over her alleged criticism of Israel. Albanese, an Italian lawyer, denies making the remarks.

Independent UN body condemns 'vicious attacks' on UN expert on Palestinian rights - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/independent-un-body-condemns-vicious-attacks-un-expert-palestinian-rights

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know The drills come as the three countries strengthen their ties amid growing US economic and military pressure on Iran.

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/russia-china-iran-hold-joint-naval-drills-strait-hormuz-what-know

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know The drills come as the three countries strengthen their ties amid growing US economic and military pressure on Iran.

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/russia-china-iran-hold-joint-naval-drills-strait-hormuz-what-know

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know The drills come as the three countries strengthen their ties amid growing US economic and military pressure on Iran.

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/russia-china-iran-hold-joint-naval-drills-strait-hormuz-what-know

Russia, China, Iran to hold joint naval drills in Strait of Hormuz: What to know - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/russia-china-iran-hold-joint-naval-drills-strait-hormuz-what-know

Taliban frees three Pakistani soldiers in Saudi-mediated move By Mohammad Yunus YawarKABUL, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's Taliban government said on Tuesday it had released three Pakistani soldiers captured during border clashes in October, in a move mediated by Saudi Arabia amid strained ties and a prolonged frontier closure between the two neighbours.The release comes months after the worst cross-border fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Dozens were killed in October clashes, after which both sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire but failed to secure a longer-term political understanding.

Taliban frees three Pakistani soldiers in Saudi-mediated move - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/taliban-frees-three-pakistani-soldiers-saudi-mediated-move

Qatari prime minister arrives in Venezuela Feb 17 (Reuters) - Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani arrived in Venezuela on Tuesday, where he was greeted by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, images on state television showed.Neither government has given a scheduleor other information on the visit, but Qatar has long served as an intermediary between the United States and Venezuela and aided negotiations between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.(Reporting by Reuters)

Qatari prime minister arrives in Venezuela - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/qatari-prime-minister-arrives-venezuela

Opposition slams Italy's plan to attend US Board of Peace as observer By Angelo AmanteROME, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Italy's opposition groups criticised a government plan to attend the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace this week, saying on Tuesday that the body undermined the United Nations and ran counter to international law.The group is scheduled to meet in Washington on Thursday for the first time since it was established in January, to discuss reconstruction plans for Gaza. Delegations from more than 20 countries are due to attend.

Opposition slams Italy's plan to attend US Board of Peace as observer - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/opposition-slams-italys-plan-attend-us-board-peace-observer

Israeli bobsleigher dismisses Olympics 'diatribe' by Swiss TV commentator An Israeli bobsleigher said on Tuesday he gave no "credence whatsoever" to the "diatribe" from a Swiss television commentator who had questioned the legitimacy of him competing at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.The commentator on Swiss channel RTS said Adam Edelman's supportive comments of Israel's more-than-two-year bombardment of Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 people and the destruction of most of the territory's infrastructure, should have resulted in him being barred from the Olympics.

Israeli bobsleigher dismisses Olympics 'diatribe' by Swiss TV commentator - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/israeli-bobsleigher-dismisses-olympics-diatribe-swiss-tv-commentator

UKMTO says it received a report of exchange of fire off Yemen's Aden port Feb 17 (Reuters) - A UK maritime agency said on Tuesday that it received a report of an exchange of fire involving a vessel and a small boat around 70 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's port of Aden.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said that a vesselwas approached and hailed by a white skiff with five people on board, and this was followed by an exchange of small arms fire. Two additional skiffs were also reported in the vicinity, and authorities were investigating, according to UKMTO.

UKMTO says it received a report of exchange of fire off Yemen's Aden port - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/ukmto-says-it-received-report-exchange-fire-yemens-aden-port

Iran to close parts of Hormuz Strait for few hours during military drill, Fars news agency says DUBAI, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Parts of the Strait of Hormuz will close for a few hours on Tuesday due to 'security precautions' for shipping safety, semi-official Fars news agency reported, as the Revolutionary Guards conduct military drills in the waterway.The strait is the world's most vital oil export route, which connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom, Editing by Nayera Abdallah)

Iran to close parts of Hormuz Strait for few hours during military drill, Fars news agency says - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/iran-close-parts-hormuz-strait-few-hours-during-military-drill-fars-news-agency

Militants kill 11 Pakistani security personnel, one child near Afghan border, army says By Mushtaq AliPESHAWAR, Pakistan, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Militants rammed a vehicle filled with explosives into an army checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan, killing 11 security personnel and a child, the military said on Tuesday, as the South Asian nation battles a surge in violence. Women and children were among seven wounded in Monday's attack in Bajur district, which lies along the border with Afghanistan, the military said.

Militants kill 11 Pakistani security personnel, one child near Afghan border, army says - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/militants-kill-11-pakistani-security-personnel-one-child-near-afghan-border-army

Iran, United States hold new talks in Geneva Iran and the United States began fresh talks in Geneva on Tuesday, as President Donald Trump warned of consequences should Tehran fail to strike a deal.Mediated by Oman, the discussions are aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, with Tehran expressing cautious optimism at Washington's "more realistic" position on its nuclear programme.Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily against Iran, first over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month and then more recently over its nuclear programme.

Iran, United States hold new talks in Geneva - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/iran-united-states-hold-new-talks-geneva

US and Iran set for high-stakes nuclear talks in Geneva as threat of war looms By Olivia Le PoidevinGENEVA, Feb 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. and Iran hold indirect talks in Geneva on Tuesday aimed at resolving their long-running nuclear dispute, with little clear indication of compromise as Washington masses a battle force in the region.U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will take part in the negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

US and Iran set for high-stakes nuclear talks in Geneva as threat of war looms - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/us-and-iran-set-high-stakes-nuclear-talks-geneva-threat-war-looms

Bleak future for West Bank pupils as budget cuts bite At an hour when Ahmad and Mohammed should have been in the classroom, the two brothers sat idle at home in the northern West Bank city of Nablus.The 10-year-old twins are part of a generation abruptly cut adrift by a fiscal crisis that has slashed public schooling from five days a week to three across the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory.The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority's deepening budget shortfall is cutting through every layer of society across the West Bank.

Bleak future for West Bank pupils as budget cuts bite - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/bleak-future-west-bank-pupils-budget-cuts-bite

Iran, United States set for new talks in Geneva President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential consequences should it fail to strike a deal with the United States, as negotiators prepare for the latest round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday.Mediated by Oman, the recently resumed discussions are aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, with Tehran expressing cautious optimism at Washington's "more realistic" position on its nuclear programme.

Iran, United States set for new talks in Geneva - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/iran-united-states-set-new-talks-geneva

Trump says he will be involved indirectly in Iran talks By Steve HollandABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, Feb 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he would be involved "indirectly" in talks between Iran and the U.S. over Tehran's nuclear program set to begin on Tuesday in Geneva, adding he believed Tehran wanted to make a deal."I'll be involved in those talks, indirectly. And they'll be very important," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump says he will be involved indirectly in Iran talks - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/trump-says-he-will-be-involved-indirectly-iran-talks

Australia rules out repatriating citizens from Syrian camp SYDNEY, Feb 17 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday his government would not repatriate Australians living in a Syrian camp that holds families of suspected Islamic State militants."We have a very firm view that we won't be providing assistance or repatriation," Albanese told ABC News.Thirty-four Australians released on Monday from a camp in northern Syria were returned to the detention centre due to "technical reasons," two sources told Reuters. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Australia rules out repatriating citizens from Syrian camp - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/australia-rules-out-repatriating-citizens-syrian-camp

Iran’s IRGC begins naval drills in Strait of Hormuz on eve of US-Iran talks The drills come as a second US carrier is heading to the region amid US President Trump’s threats to use military force if Tehran does not agree to restrictions on its nuclear program during indirect negotiations mediated by Oman.

Iran’s IRGC begins naval drills in Strait of Hormuz on eve of US-Iran talks - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/irans-irgc-begins-naval-drills-strait-hormuz-eve-us-iran-talks

'Tehran' TV series producer, Israeli national Dana Eden found dead in Athens TV producer Dana Eden, who co-created the hit Israeli spy thriller series "Tehran", has been found dead in a hotel room in central Athens, Greek police told AFP on Monday.The body of the 52-year-old Israeli national was found late Sunday in her hotel room near Syntagma Square, in the heart of the Greek capital, the force said."An autopsy has been ordered, the surveillance cameras have been reviewed, and everything seems to indicate it was a suicide," a police spokesperson said.

'Tehran' TV series producer, Israeli national Dana Eden found dead in Athens - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/02/tehran-tv-series-producer-israeli-national-dana-eden-found-dead-athens