Cultural Diplomacy and Rising Tensions: Riyadh Book Fair Deepens Ties with China as Middle East Conflicts Escalate
Saudi Arabia fosters cultural ties with China at Riyadh Book Fair; US and Iran tensions escalate amid threats and military actions in the Middle East.
The Riyadh International Book Fair is strengthening cultural bonds between Saudi Arabia and China, as Saudi readers show a growing demand for Chinese literature. Bayt El-Hekma, a prominent participant, is bridging gaps by translating Chinese classics into Arabic. This initiative, alongside events like "The Writings of Today Are a Promise for Tomorrow," highlights Saudi efforts to deepen artistic ties with China.
On the diplomatic front, Saudi Arabia is also reinforcing its international relations. On October 1, 2024, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with Dominican ambassador Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh to discuss bilateral issues. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef held talks with Algerian ambassador Sherif Walid to address mutual consular matters.
In a more tense development, Iraqi Shiite militias have threatened US bases in Iraq and the surrounding region, warning of attacks if the US involves itself against Iran, especially allowing Israel to use Iraqi airspace. This warning follows increased tensions and a significant military parade in Baghdad on Al-Quds International Day, with the threat resurfacing on October 1, 2024.
The US has promptly reacted to these rising tensions, condemning Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called the attack a major escalation, with Israel preventing any loss of life. He assured severe US consequences for Iran and ongoing coordination with Israel, while also keeping an eye on the death of a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank.
Concurrently, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in 37 deaths, including women and children, targeting Hamas command centers and refugee camps. These strikes, which included civilian areas such as homes, schools, and camps, came as the US imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers tied to violence in the West Bank, particularly targeting the Hilltop Youth group and associated individuals.
Shifting to Africa, Johannesburg officials are stirring debate by proposing to rename a street in Sandton after controversial Palestinian figure Leila Khaled, known for a 1969 airline hijacking. This suggestion by the pro-Palestinian party Al Jamaah, supported by the African National Congress, has sparked criticism from various political factions and the Jewish community.
On the diplomatic front, Saudi Arabia is also reinforcing its international relations. On October 1, 2024, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati met with Dominican ambassador Andy Rodriguez Duran in Riyadh to discuss bilateral issues. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Ali Al-Yousef held talks with Algerian ambassador Sherif Walid to address mutual consular matters.
In a more tense development, Iraqi Shiite militias have threatened US bases in Iraq and the surrounding region, warning of attacks if the US involves itself against Iran, especially allowing Israel to use Iraqi airspace. This warning follows increased tensions and a significant military parade in Baghdad on Al-Quds International Day, with the threat resurfacing on October 1, 2024.
The US has promptly reacted to these rising tensions, condemning Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called the attack a major escalation, with Israel preventing any loss of life. He assured severe US consequences for Iran and ongoing coordination with Israel, while also keeping an eye on the death of a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank.
Concurrently, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in 37 deaths, including women and children, targeting Hamas command centers and refugee camps. These strikes, which included civilian areas such as homes, schools, and camps, came as the US imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers tied to violence in the West Bank, particularly targeting the Hilltop Youth group and associated individuals.
Shifting to Africa, Johannesburg officials are stirring debate by proposing to rename a street in Sandton after controversial Palestinian figure Leila Khaled, known for a 1969 airline hijacking. This suggestion by the pro-Palestinian party Al Jamaah, supported by the African National Congress, has sparked criticism from various political factions and the Jewish community.
