MUST-READS

• U.S. - Afghanistan
  Afghan Watchdog: Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Can’t Be Found

  The Pentagon can’t account for several hundred million dollars’ worth of reconstruction funds paid out to dozens of contractors in Afghanistan, according to a new report from Washington’s Afghan watchdog that details $21 billion in U.S. taxpayer-funded projects in the impoverished country.

  • Long War Journal - Osama bin Laden’s Files: Aghan intel captures Taliban commander involved in targeting 'foreigners' in Kabul
• Libya
  Head of rival govt in Libya capital sacked: MP

  Libya has had two governments and parliaments since Tripoli was seized in August by the Fajr Libya militia coalition and the internationally recognised government fled to the country's far east. The militia appointed Hassi in August, but lawmakers in the General National Congress (GNC), the alternative parliament, challenged his leadership and demanded his departure.

• War in Yemen: Air Power
  Operation Decisive Storm — Air Power Over Yemen

  Operation Decisive Storm began on March 26 and has resulted in one of the most extraordinary gatherings of air power seen in recent years, with air arms from the Gulf Cooperation Council nations, except Oman, joined by aircraft from Morocco, Egypt and Sudan, as well as Jordan.

• U.S. - Egypt
  White House Reversal Will Send Arms to Egypt

  In a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President Barack Obama said he would release 12 F-16 fighter jets, 20 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and up to 125 M1A1 tanks for export to Egypt, lifting the hold that has been in place in 2013.

• Palestine: ICC
  Dilemma for Israel as Palestinians join war crimes court

  The Palestinian Authority becomes the 123rd member of the International Criminal Court on Wednesday, a major step that could move its decades-long conflict with Israel into a courtroom.

• MERS
  Ministry reports 10 new coronavirus cases

  The Ministry of Health reported 10 new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases from March 22 to 28.

• Travel and Tourism
  Hoteliers say Saudi Arabia is developing as a destination outside of religious tourism

  AHIC speakers were at another Saudi City this week exploring hotel investment opportunities and expanding the hoteliers network across the region. The Riyadh Regional Briefing took place this week at the Ritz Carlton Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

• Tadawul
  Saudi Arabia, Egypt move little as Iran talks drag on

  Stock markets in Saudi Arabia and Egypt moved very little in early trade on Wednesday as talks on Iran's nuclear programme continued past the Tuesday deadline.

• War in Yemen
  Death toll in Yemen rises as Saudi-led military attacks continue

  The reported strike on the factory in Hodeidah, however, appears to show the widening scope of the raids. The site is located on the Red Sea — far from both Aden and Sanaa — near an army camp loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who has backed the rebels.

  • SF Gate/AP - Yemen civilians shudder, bristle under bombing campaign
  • Asharq Alwasat - Coalition warships secure Yemen ports: Saudi Defense Ministry
  • Khaleej Times - No need yet for ground troops in Yemen, Saudi says
  • LA Times - Iranians denounce airstrikes in Yemen, warn others not to 'play with fire'
  • Washington Post - Yemen's Houthi rebels get boost from country's ousted dictator
  • Reuters - Explosion at Yemen factory kills at least 25: residents, medics
• Saudi Economy
  Saudi Arabia investor confidence ‘strong’ amid oil storm

  Investor confidence in Saudi Arabia remains strong, according to the deputy governor of a body which attracts investment to the kingdom. That is despite an oil price that has halved in the past six months. Sentiment is buoyed by heavy state spending and much-anticipated reforms to the Saudi stock market. Lower economic growth is expected in the kingdom this year which is likely to experience its first budget shortfall since 2011.

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