Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Iraqi protests swell despite clash with Sadrist supporters

If you have trouble reading this email, [view it in a browser](. [logo]( [fb_icon]( [twitter_icon]( EDITOR'S PICKS Monday, February 3 | Daily Briefing [By: Gilgamesh Nabeel on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020]( Iraq 1 [Iraqi protests swell despite clash with Sadrist supporters]( When their tents were burned, Iraqi protesters replaced them with concrete structures. And when influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr withdrew his support, even more protesters turned out despite fears of a crackdown by security forces. Syria 2 [Syrian Kurdish center sets out to defang 'cubs of the caliphate']( Former Islamic State child soldiers who are being reeducated at a Kurdish center face an uncertain future. Washington 3 [Trump’s Mideast peace plan puts heat on Biden, Buttigieg ahead of Iowa caucuses]( Pro-Palestinian activists are urging Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg to push for a cut Israeli military aid in the crucial days before the Iowa caucuses. Israel 4 [Israeli left paralyzed over Trump’s peace plan]( The Israeli left has failed to challenge President Donald Trump’s 'deal of the century' or to suggest alternative ideas on peace despite the plan's troubling provisions, including revoking the citizenship of Israeli Arabs. Russia / Mideast 5 [Moscow, Tel Aviv exchange favors as Netanyahu shops for support on US plan]( In their second meeting in two weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to placate Russian President Vladimir Putin over the US peace plan, but Moscow may see its own merits in the deal. Washington 6 [US to boost Egyptian air defenses despite congressional anger]( The Trump administration plans to provide Egypt with excess military equipment even as members of Congress seek sanctions against the country over the death of a US citizen. North Africa 7 [Libyan divide deepens as eastern forces shut down oil ports]( As the Libyan National Army accused the Government of National Accord and Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation of spending its revenues on mercenaries to fight along their ranks, the tribes in eastern Libya shut down multiple oil ports and demanded a new distribution of oil revenues. Syria 8 [Syrian children labor to support families torn apart by war]( Syrian children who lost their parents during the war are forced to work in difficult conditions to care for their struggling families. Gulf 9 [Sudanese troops continue exit from war-stricken Yemen]( Sudan's military contingent in Yemen has been reduced to a symbolic presence as the main players in the Saudi-led coalition scale back their fighting. Lebanon 10 [Lebanon lags behind regional countries in gas sector]( Important planned developments in Lebanon’s oil and gas sector were postponed this month, adding to delays in the industry. Iraq 11 [Iraqi protesters demand UN protection from violence of authorities]( Iraqi protesters are seeking protection from the United Nations against the violence against them. Palestine 12 [Rival Palestinian factions unite against US 'deal of century']( Hamas and Islamic Jihad officials attended an emergency Palestinian leadership meeting in Ramallah to discuss how to respond to the US administration's peace plan, and another meeting is planned for next week in the Gaza Strip. Israel 13 [Netanyahu's land of the settlers]( Did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu really think that he could fool US President Donald Trump and announce annexation of the West Bank without an angry response from the Americans? Palestine 14 [Hamas hikes taxes on imports, including from West Bank]( Hamas has imposed new customs duties on goods entering the Gaza Strip but some believe the taxes go too far, especially when they are imposed on items coming from the West Bank. STAY CONNECTED [fb_icon_footer]( [twitter_icon_footer]( [instagram_icon_footer]( [rss_icon_footer]( CONTACT US [Support & Contact]( [Advertise](mailto:advertise@al-monitor.com) NEWSLETTERS [Subscribe]( TERMS OF USE [Visitor Agreement]( [Privacy Policy]( © 2020 Al-Monitor. All Rights Reserved. If you no longer wish to receive these emails you may [unsubscribe or manage your preferences]( at any time. Al-Monitor · 1850 K St NW · Suite 1225 · Washington, DC 20006 · USA