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Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping /AFP

Is Erdoğan Exchanging Religious Populism for Ties with China?

Is Erdoğan Exchanging Moral Standing for Better Ties with China? A new extradition treaty between Turkey and China could see the return of Uyghur refugees to China where

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Israeli bombing of Syrian sites (Photo: Said Khatib/AFP/Getty)

Israel Strikes Syria Four Times in Less Than Two Weeks

January 14th, 2021
According to regional experts, Tel-Aviv wants to limit Iran’s efficiency in the region by attacking territories in Syria. The Israeli air force reportedly struck Syrian neighbourhoods of Albu-Kamal and Deir ...
Vladimir G. Dedkov (C), a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) team investigating the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, boards a bus following the team's arrival at a cordoned-off section in the international arrivals area at the airport in Wuhan on January 14, 2021. NICOLAS ASFOURI / AFP

WHO Team Starts Coronavirus Probe in Wuhan

January 14th, 2021
A World Health Organization (WHO) team of international experts arrived in China on Thursday for an investigation aimed at ascertaining the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team, which will ...

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Back to Future: Iran, Normalization & Biden's Middle East

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Broken City: The Modern Decimation of Beirut

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A family use mobile phone to take a selfie as they ride sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

A family use mobile phone to take a selfie as they ride sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

A family uses a sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

A family uses a sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

A man and a child use a sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

A man and a child use a sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

People use sleds on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

People use sleds on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

A man and a woman use a mobile phone to take a selfie as they ride sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

A man and a woman use a mobile phone to take a selfie as they ride sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

An ice swimmer swims in a frozen lake on a cold winter day in Beijing on January 6, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

An ice swimmer swims in a frozen lake on a cold winter day in Beijing on January 6, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP

People gather on the frozen Lake Houhai in Beijing on January 7, 2021, after China's meteorological authority recently issued a severe weather warning across large parts of the country. NOEL CELIS / AFP

People gather on the frozen Lake Houhai in Beijing on January 7, 2021, after China's meteorological authority recently issued a severe weather warning across large parts of the country. NOEL CELIS / AFP

A worker installs a lantern by the icy Lake Houhai in Beijing on January 7, 2021, after China's meteorological authority recently issued a severe weather warning across large parts of the country. NOEL CELIS / AFP

A worker installs a lantern by the icy Lake Houhai in Beijing on January 7, 2021, after China's meteorological authority recently issued a severe weather warning across large parts of the country. NOEL CELIS / AFP

A family use mobile phone to take a selfie as they ride sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP
A family uses a sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP
A man and a child use a sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP
People use sleds on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP
A man and a woman use a mobile phone to take a selfie as they ride sled on a frozen lake in Beijing on January 12, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP
An ice swimmer swims in a frozen lake on a cold winter day in Beijing on January 6, 2021. WANG Zhao / AFP
People gather on the frozen Lake Houhai in Beijing on January 7, 2021, after China's meteorological authority recently issued a severe weather warning across large parts of the country. NOEL CELIS / AFP
A worker installs a lantern by the icy Lake Houhai in Beijing on January 7, 2021, after China's meteorological authority recently issued a severe weather warning across large parts of the country. NOEL CELIS / AFP
Hindu devotees arrive to take a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, during the annual 'Magh Mela' festival in Allahabad on January 14, 2021. Sanjay KANOJIA / AFP

Hindu devotees arrive to take a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, during the annual 'Magh Mela' festival in Allahabad on January 14, 2021. Sanjay KANOJIA / AFP

A Sadhu or a Hindu holyman takes a dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

A Sadhu or a Hindu holyman takes a dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

A Hindu pilgrim holds a picture of herself with late husband as she takes a holy dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

A Hindu pilgrim holds a picture of herself with late husband as she takes a holy dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Hindu pilgrims pray after taking a holy dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Hindu pilgrims pray after taking a holy dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Facemasks of Hindu pilgrims kept for drying are pictured at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Facemasks of Hindu pilgrims kept for drying are pictured at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Members of local village panchayat wearing face shields and masks inspect the sanitization on the beach as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus as Hindu pilgrims perform rituals at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Members of local village panchayat wearing face shields and masks inspect the sanitization on the beach as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus as Hindu pilgrims perform rituals at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Members of local village panchayat wearing face shields and masks inspect the sanitization on the beach as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Members of local village panchayat wearing face shields and masks inspect the sanitization on the beach as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Hindu pilgrims offer prayers at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

Hindu pilgrims offer prayers at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

A Hindu devotee prepares to take a holy dip in the waters of river Ganges during Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, on the first day of the religious Kumbh Mela festival in Haridwar on January 14, 2021. Money SHARMA / AFP

A Hindu devotee prepares to take a holy dip in the waters of river Ganges during Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, on the first day of the religious Kumbh Mela festival in Haridwar on January 14, 2021. Money SHARMA / AFP

Hindu devotees arrive to take a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, during the annual 'Magh Mela' festival in Allahabad on January 14, 2021. Sanjay KANOJIA / AFP
A Sadhu or a Hindu holyman takes a dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
A Hindu pilgrim holds a picture of herself with late husband as she takes a holy dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
Hindu pilgrims pray after taking a holy dip at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
Facemasks of Hindu pilgrims kept for drying are pictured at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
Members of local village panchayat wearing face shields and masks inspect the sanitization on the beach as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus as Hindu pilgrims perform rituals at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
Members of local village panchayat wearing face shields and masks inspect the sanitization on the beach as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
Hindu pilgrims offer prayers at the confluence of Ganges and the Bay of Bengal during the Gangasagar Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, at Sagar Island, around 150 kms south of Kolkata on January 14, 2021. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
A Hindu devotee prepares to take a holy dip in the waters of river Ganges during Makar Sankranti, a day considered to be of great religious significance in Hindu mythology, on the first day of the religious Kumbh Mela festival in Haridwar on January 14, 2021. Money SHARMA / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump arrives for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, July 3, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump arrives for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, July 3, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump participates in a ceremony commemorating the 200th mile of border wall at the international border with Mexico in San Luis, Arizona, June 23, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump participates in a ceremony commemorating the 200th mile of border wall at the international border with Mexico in San Luis, Arizona, June 23, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump disembarks from Air Force One as lightning splits the sky during a storm at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, August 28, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump disembarks from Air Force One as lightning splits the sky during a storm at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, August 28, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP

US President Donald Trump holds up a newspaper that displays a headline "Acquitted" as he arrives to speak at the 68th annual National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020 in Washington,DC. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he suffered a "terrible ordeal" during his impeachment. In his first public comments since being acquitted by the Senate of abuse of office, he said he had been "put through a terrible ordeal by some very dishonest and corrupt people." "They have done everything possible to destr

US President Donald Trump holds up a newspaper that displays a headline "Acquitted" as he arrives to speak at the 68th annual National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020 in Washington,DC. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he suffered a "terrible ordeal" during his impeachment. In his first public comments since being acquitted by the Senate of abuse of office, he said he had been "put through a terrible ordeal by some very dishonest and corrupt people." "They have done everything possible to destroy us and by so doing very badly hurt our nation," he said at a televised prayer breakfast with a Who's Who of Washington power brokers. Nicholas Kamm / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump arrives for a "Keep America Great" rally at Sudduth Coliseum at the Lake Charles Civic Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on October 11, 2019. SAUL LOEB / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump arrives for a "Keep America Great" rally at Sudduth Coliseum at the Lake Charles Civic Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on October 11, 2019. SAUL LOEB / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump steps into the northern side of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, as North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un looks on, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019. Brendan Smialowski / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump steps into the northern side of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, as North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un looks on, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019. Brendan Smialowski / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017. MANDEL NGAN / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017. MANDEL NGAN / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. L-R: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump,former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama at the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies at the in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017. JIM WATSON / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. L-R: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump,former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama at the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies at the in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017. JIM WATSON / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President elect Donald Trump (C) arrives for the swearing-in ceremony on in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2017. Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President elect Donald Trump (C) arrives for the swearing-in ceremony on in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2017. Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President-elect Donald Trump boards the elevator after escorting Martin Luther King III to the lobby after meetings at Trump Tower in New York City on January 16, 2017. DOMINICK REUTER / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President-elect Donald Trump boards the elevator after escorting Martin Luther King III to the lobby after meetings at Trump Tower in New York City on January 16, 2017. DOMINICK REUTER / AFP

AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump arrives for the Independence Day events at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, July 3, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump participates in a ceremony commemorating the 200th mile of border wall at the international border with Mexico in San Luis, Arizona, June 23, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump disembarks from Air Force One as lightning splits the sky during a storm at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, August 28, 2020. SAUL LOEB / AFP
US President Donald Trump holds up a newspaper that displays a headline "Acquitted" as he arrives to speak at the 68th annual National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020 in Washington,DC. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he suffered a "terrible ordeal" during his impeachment. In his first public comments since being acquitted by the Senate of abuse of office, he said he had been "put through a terrible ordeal by some very dishonest and corrupt people." "They have done everything possible to destr
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump arrives for a "Keep America Great" rally at Sudduth Coliseum at the Lake Charles Civic Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on October 11, 2019. SAUL LOEB / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump steps into the northern side of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, as North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un looks on, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019. Brendan Smialowski / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City on May 22, 2017. MANDEL NGAN / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. L-R: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump,former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama at the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies at the in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017. JIM WATSON / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President elect Donald Trump (C) arrives for the swearing-in ceremony on in front of the Capitol in Washington on January 20, 2017. Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP
AFP presents a retrospective photo package of 60 pictures marking the 4-year presidency of President Trump. US President-elect Donald Trump boards the elevator after escorting Martin Luther King III to the lobby after meetings at Trump Tower in New York City on January 16, 2017. DOMINICK REUTER / AFP
Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant of Wadi al-Murr, stands next to his abandoned house in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant of Wadi al-Murr, stands next to his abandoned house in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

The advance of the desert is not specific to the sultanate of Oman, and experts say climate change is one of the factors propelling the phenomenon in different parts of the world. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

The advance of the desert is not specific to the sultanate of Oman, and experts say climate change is one of the factors propelling the phenomenon in different parts of the world. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

This picture taken on December 31, 2020, shows the walls of an abandoned house in the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

This picture taken on December 31, 2020, shows the walls of an abandoned house in the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Former inhabitants of Wadi al-Murr, gather near abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Former inhabitants of Wadi al-Murr, gather near abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

The advance of the desert is not specific to the sultanate of Oman, and experts say climate change is one of the factors propelling the phenomenon in different parts of the world. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

The advance of the desert is not specific to the sultanate of Oman, and experts say climate change is one of the factors propelling the phenomenon in different parts of the world. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

This picture taken on December 31, 2020, shows abandoned houses in the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

This picture taken on December 31, 2020, shows abandoned houses in the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Former inhabitants of Wadi al-Murr, walk near abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Former inhabitants of Wadi al-Murr, walk near abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant of Wadi al-Murr, kneels to pray on a sand dune among abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant of Wadi al-Murr, kneels to pray on a sand dune among abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP

Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant of Wadi al-Murr, stands next to his abandoned house in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
The advance of the desert is not specific to the sultanate of Oman, and experts say climate change is one of the factors propelling the phenomenon in different parts of the world. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
This picture taken on December 31, 2020, shows the walls of an abandoned house in the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
Former inhabitants of Wadi al-Murr, gather near abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
The advance of the desert is not specific to the sultanate of Oman, and experts say climate change is one of the factors propelling the phenomenon in different parts of the world. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
This picture taken on December 31, 2020, shows abandoned houses in the Omani village of Wadi al-Murr, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
Former inhabitants of Wadi al-Murr, walk near abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. Encroaching desert sands have left little evidence that Wadi al-Murr ever existed, but former inhabitants, while resigned to its destruction, are trying to preserve its memory. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
Mohammed al-Ghanbousi, a former inhabitant of Wadi al-Murr, kneels to pray on a sand dune among abandoned houses in the Omani village, about 400 kms (250 miles) southwest of the capital Muscat, on December 31, 2020. MOHAMMED MAHJOUB / AFP
A man skis in Cibeles square amid a heavy snowfall in Madrid on January 9, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

A man skis in Cibeles square amid a heavy snowfall in Madrid on January 9, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

A snowman is built outside the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

A snowman is built outside the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

People take pictures in front of the Puerta de Alcala in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

People take pictures in front of the Puerta de Alcala in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

A woman slides down steps outside the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

A woman slides down steps outside the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

People walk amid a heavy snowfall in Madrid on January 9, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. Benjamin Cremel / AFP

People walk amid a heavy snowfall in Madrid on January 9, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. Benjamin Cremel / AFP

Firefighters push a vehicle stuck in the M30 ringroad in Madrid due to a heavy snow storm on January 8, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain today, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. The intense snow cut off Madrid's two ringroads, the M30 and the M40, and a red alert was declared in the city centre where police were struggling to help people stranded in vehicles. OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP

Firefighters push a vehicle stuck in the M30 ringroad in Madrid due to a heavy snow storm on January 8, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain today, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. The intense snow cut off Madrid's two ringroads, the M30 and the M40, and a red alert was declared in the city centre where police were struggling to help people stranded in vehicles. OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP

A man walks past the Prado Museum in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

A man walks past the Prado Museum in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

Snow covers the area outside the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

Snow covers the area outside the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

A man skis in Cibeles square amid a heavy snowfall in Madrid on January 9, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP
A snowman is built outside the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP
People take pictures in front of the Puerta de Alcala in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP
A woman slides down steps outside the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP
People walk amid a heavy snowfall in Madrid on January 9, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. Benjamin Cremel / AFP
Firefighters push a vehicle stuck in the M30 ringroad in Madrid due to a heavy snow storm on January 8, 2021. Heavy snow fell across much of Spain today, leaving huge areas blanketed in white as Storm Filomena brought wintry weather not seen in decades to the Iberian peninsula. The intense snow cut off Madrid's two ringroads, the M30 and the M40, and a red alert was declared in the city centre where police were struggling to help people stranded in vehicles. OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP
A man walks past the Prado Museum in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP
Snow covers the area outside the Las Ventas bullring in Madrid on January 10, 2021. Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital's air and rail links. Gabriel BOUYS / AFP

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