This Week in the Middle East: January 24, 2015

This week, Lebanon’s Health Ministry is going after smokers, gas prices spike after the Saudi king’s death, and Yemen’s going to Shiite. Here’s what you missed:

Saudi King Dead at 90

(Image via Annahar)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud passed away at 1 a.m. on Friday. The new king, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz ,was appointed after the Isha Prayer later that day. Lebanon announced three days of mourning for the death of the Saudi King who was described by Lebanese officials and religious leaders as Lebanon’s greatest friend and biggest supporter.

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Israel and Hezbollah on the Kounaitera Attack

(Image via Annahar)

Last Friday Hezbollah and Iranian troops had a convoy passing through the Kounaitera area of Syria, an area that has been under Israel’s reign for over 40 years now. The convoy was attacked by Israel and several military leaders of Hezbollah died. This incident kept everyone on their toes waiting to see how Hezbollah might strike back. Fortunately, both parties seem to be keeping it cool.

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Abu Faour to Go After Smokers Next

(Image via Annahar)

After his food campaign, Minister Wael Abu Faour wants to resurrect the anti-smoking law that bans smoking in all restaurants, public transportation systems, and buildings. Abu Faour said that he would raid restaurants to make sure they’re abiding by the smoking ban. Several ministers openly opposed the plan and recommended an anti-smoking campaign before instating the ban.

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Yemen President Steps Down

(Image via Daily Star)

In his letter of resignation, Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, a key US ally in the fight against Al-Qaeda, said that he could no longer stay in office as the country was in total deadlock. “I believe I have not been able to achieve the goals for which I took up my duties,” he said, adding that Yemen’s political leaders had failed “to lead the country to calmer waters.” Prime Minister Khalid Bahah also tendered his resignation, saying he did not want to be part of the collapse of the country.

A senior official told AFP that Yemen’s parliament had rejected Hadi’s resignation. “Parliament … refused to accept the president’s resignation and decided to call an extraordinary session for Friday morning,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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Bombings Kill 14 Soldiers in Iraq

(Image via WikiMedia)

A suicide car bomb and an explosive device hidden in a booby-trapped house killed 14 soldiers and Shiite militiamen north of Baghdad Thursday, Iraqi officials said.

The suicide bomber slammed a car packed with explosives into the gate of a military base in Taji, some 20 kilometers north of Baghdad, killing at least eight soldiers, police officials said. The attack took place as dozens of soldiers were departing the facility for weekend leave. The officials said 21 troops were wounded in the bombing.

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