The New Arab • 9th December 2024

What the fall of Assad means for Iran's regional influence

A coalition of Syrian rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched an unprecedented 12-day offensive that on 8 December put an end to Bashar Al-Assad’s 24-year rule in Syria. Launched on 27 November, the ‘Deterrence of Aggression’ operation rapidly seized significant portions of northern and southern Syria, facing little to no resistance from the Syrian army. Rebels took control of strategic highways, military assets, and key cities such as Aleppo, Hama, Daraa, and Homs, ultimately...

The New Arab • 2nd December 2024

Will Lebanon's army be able to uphold the ceasefire with Israel?

Since the early hours of 27 November, when the US-brokered ceasefire ended one of the fiercest wars between Israel and Hezbollah in decades, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) began to move troops to southern Lebanon. The ceasefire is the result of months-long indirect negotiations that ended a 13-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah linked to Israel's war in Gaza following Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023. In Lebanon, Israel killed nearly 4,000 people, injured almost 16,000, displaced ove...

Forbes • 29th November 2024

Denmark’s Medical Cannabis Trial Program Set To Become Permanent

The Danish government has reached an agreement with opposition parties to make Denmark’s medical cannabis trial program as permanent. Minister of the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde announced on Thursday that this decision follows a new evaluation showing a significant increase in the number of prescriptions filled, now at its highest level since the trial began in 2018. The move represents a significant shift in Denmark, where recreational cannabis remains illegal, and the tolerated policy on...

Forbes • 26th November 2024

Texas AG Sues Dallas Over Marijuana Decriminalization Measure

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas and local officials, targeting a ballot measure that decriminalizes marijuana-related offenses and bars police from enforcing state drug laws. The announcement of this legal action, made last week, is related to Proposition R, also known as the "Dallas Freedom Act," which was passed in November with nearly 67% approval. The measure decriminalizes possession of less than four ounces of marijuana and restricts the Dal...

The New Arab • 25th November 2024

Will the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu stop Israel's wars?

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza has deepened Israel’s global isolation. While criticised by Tel Aviv and its allies, including the United States, the ICC’s decision could pave the way for further investigations into war crimes and fuel diplomatic tensions that could shape the outcome of Israel’s wars in Gaza...

Forbes • 23rd November 2024

Senate Farm Bill Draft Seeks To Close Loopholes For Intoxicating Hemp

The Senate has revealed its much-awaited version of the Farm Bill, reflecting significant changes in federal hemp regulations. Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee revealed a version of the Farm Bill earlier this week, featuring updated hemp regulations. The most significant change in the proposed amendments to federal hemp policy is aimed at closing loopholes used by some hemp businesses to produce and sell intoxicating hemp products. Thes...

The New Arab • 19th November 2024

What Trump's 'Israel first' cabinet means for the Middle East

US President-elect Donald J. Trump announced his cabinet nominees last week ahead of the 20 January inauguration following his November election victory. Across roles like secretary of state, Middle East envoy, secretary of defence, US ambassador to Israel, and United Nations ambassador, Trump signalled a resolutely pro-Israel position. Marco Rubio, nominated for secretary of state, has long been a staunch Israel supporter, even attacking Trump in 2016 as ‘anti-Israeli’ for his stance on peace...

Forbes • 18th November 2024

What Can We Expect From Trump On Cannabis Reform?

Donald J. Trump’s victory in November’s Presidential election coincides with a pivotal moment for the U.S. cannabis reform, as efforts to reschedule the substance could significantly reshape the future of the industry, with him potentially having a say. During his campaign, Trump expressed support for rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would acknowledge its medical value and ease the business tax burden. He also supported providing banki...

Forbes • 15th November 2024

Inside Attorney General Nominee Matt Gaetz's Complicated Pro-Cannabis Stance

President-elect Donald J. Trump has nominated Matt Gaetz, one of the most vocal, marijuana-friendly Republican congressmen, for U.S. Attorney General. Trump announced on Wednesday his nomination of Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as U.S. Attorney General, set to join his cabinet after the presidential inauguration on January 20. The U.S. Attorney General is the nation’s top lawyer, overseeing the Department of Justice, enforcing federal laws, and advising the President on legal issues. This role...

Forbes • 12th November 2024

Researcher Sues DEA Over Marijuana Rescheduling Process

A researcher has filed a lawsuit against the Drug Enforcement Administration, accusing the agency of multiple legal violations in its process of marijuana rescheduling. David Heldreth, researcher and CEO of psychedelic research and development company Panacea Plant Sciences, filed a complaint last week in the U.S. District Court for Western Washington against the Department of Justice, Attorney General Merrick Garland, the DEA, its Administrator Anne Milgram, and DEA Judge John J. Mulrooney II....

dw.com • 11th November 2024

War in Lebanon: Aid groups struggle to offer food, shelter – DW – 11/11/2024

Israel's bombing and ground invasion of Lebanon have displaced over a million people. Lebanese relief organizations are struggling to make ends meet and provide for the growing numbers of those in need.In a small kitchen in al-Fawar — a village near Sidon, about 40 kilometers (24 miles) south of Beirut, Lebanon — a dozen women of all ages are cooking rice and chicken in large, gas-fueled pots. Among them, and overseeing every detail to ensure everything runs smoothly, is 42-year-old Zainab Jumaa...

The New Arab • 11th November 2024

What could lame duck Biden still do in the Middle East?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first world leaders to congratulate Donald J. Trump before he was officially declared the winner of the 2024 US presidential election. In a post on X, Netanyahu hailed Trump's "huge victory" as "history's greatest comeback," sharing a photo of himself, his wife Sara, and Trump at Mar-a-Lago in July. Netanyahu's congratulations to Trump were echoed by other members of his far-right coalition, including newly appointed Defence Minister Isra...

The New Arab • 5th November 2024

Inside Israel's campaign to undermine the United Nations

Israel officially notified the United Nations on Monday of its decision to cut ties with the agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, after adopting two bills last week banning its operations. The new legislation will take effect in 90 days and the UN has warned of devastating consequences for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where it is the largest aid provider amid famine-threshold levels of malnutrition. Experts interviewed by The New Arab say that Israel’s ban on UNRWA is a political act...

Forbes • 29th October 2024

Teen Marijuana Use Drops, But Girls Now Outpace Boys, New Study Finds

Marijuana use among teens has declined over the past decade, but new research shows that girls are now using it more than boys. A recent study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University, published in Pediatric Reports, shows that despite concerns that state-level marijuana legalization in the U.S. might lead to increased use among teens, usage is actually decreasing. However, the study also notes that girls are now surpassing boys in marijuana consumption. The study analyzes marijuana use t...

Forbes • 25th October 2024

Accountants Group Urges Clarity On Cannabis Tax Amid Rescheduling

An association of accountants is urging the federal tax agency to update its guidance for cannabis businesses in light of the potential for rescheduling. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of the Treasury on Monday, urging them to update their guidance for cannabis businesses. This request comes as cannabis may soon be rescheduled to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow these business...

Forbes • 22nd October 2024

Arkansas Votes On Medical Marijuana Ballot Measure Won’t Be Counted, Court Says

Arkansas Supreme Court has ordered that votes for and against a proposal to expand access to medical marijuana should not count. In a 4-3 decision on Monday, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of Protect Arkansas Kids, a group that intervened in the legal dispute regarding Issue 3. At the same time, the Court dismissed Secretary of State John Thurston’s complaint that claimed the group did not collect enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. As a result, although Issue 3 will appear o...

The New Arab • 21st October 2024

What military options does Hezbollah still have against Israel?

After Israel announced the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on 17 October, Hezbollah said it was entering a new phase in its fight against Israeli forces. How Hezbollah's new escalatory phase will unfold, however, remains to be seen, especially after facing heavy setbacks since Israel's war on Lebanon was launched. In mid-September, a series of Israeli attacks broke the tacit rules of engagement established since the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began following Hamas' 7 Octo...

Forbes • 21st October 2024

U.S. Army Expands Drug Policy To Ban Delta-8 THC Hemp Products

The U.S. Army has updated its drug policy to explicitly ban the use of delta-8 THC hemp products, clarifying that soldiers are prohibited from using them. It is also warning servicemembers to avoid foods with poppy seeds, as they can cause false positives in opioid tests. The Army updated its substance abuse policies in early October to reduce drug and alcohol abuse among service members. The new policy has a “prohibited substances” list, as well as updated requirements for training and reportin...

Forbes • 15th October 2024

California Judge Rules Against Attempt To Block Hemp THC Ban

A California judge has denied a request from hemp businesses seeking to temporarily suspend the ban on intoxicating hemp product sales while they challenge the state’s ban in court. The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, several hemp companies, and a cannabis company co-owned by the comic duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong filed a lawsuit against a California public health agency to prevent the agency from enforcing the regulations, arguing that the new regulations could cost hemp businesses millions and poten...

The New Arab • 14th October 2024

The role of Lebanon's army as Israel wages war on Hezbollah

On 3 October, Israeli military forces struck a Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) post in Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, killing one soldier, as Israel pushed ahead with a ground invasion of the country. During the incident, and for the first time since hostilities began in October 2023, Lebanese soldiers returned fire at Israeli forces. That same day, another Lebanese soldier lost his life in separate Israeli strikes in the region. These Israeli attacks on Lebanon's army were not an isolated incide...