The King Fahad National Library in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has selected Face to Face with ISIS, authored by Lebanese journalist and researcher Rola Al Khatib, as its “Book of the Day”—a recognition highlighting works that contribute to knowledge and public awareness on issues of strategic importance.

The book draws on Al Khatib’s years of firsthand field reporting from the frontlines of the war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, combined with extensive academic research examining the international campaign against the terrorist organization.

One of the book’s central arguments is that military action, while necessary, is not sufficient on its own to defeat terrorism. Rather, it should serve as the first step in a broader strategy that must be followed by intellectual, educational, social, economic, and security measures aimed at addressing the root causes of extremism and preventing its resurgence.

The selection by King Fahad National Library reflects the growing recognition of research that bridges field experience and academic analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of terrorism and more comprehensive approaches to countering violent extremism.

Medica contact

Rola Al Khatib

Rola.alkhatib82@gmail.com

 Saudi Arabia has suspended travel by its citizens to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and halted the issuance of visas and entry for travellers arriving from the three countries as part of precautionary measures against the spread of the Ebola virus.

The measures also apply to travellers arriving through third countries if they have stayed in any of the three affected countries during the 21 days before entering the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said on Thursday.

The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) said Saudi Arabia’s health surveillance and epidemic response system was operating continuously in coordination with domestic and international authorities to protect public health and help prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.

Saudi Arabia has also stepped-up precautionary measures for travellers arriving from neighbouring countries affected by the outbreak, including Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo, by enhancing health screening at entry points, disease surveillance and early response procedures.

Weqaya said the overall public health situation in the kingdom remained stable and that no confirmed or suspected Ebola cases had been recorded since the preventive measures were introduced.

The authority said it would continue monitoring regional and international epidemiological developments around the clock and update its recommendations as the outbreak evolves, while maintaining all necessary health measures to strengthen preparedness and safeguard public health.

GN

Saudi Aramco resumed oil loading on Friday at its Ras ​Tanura terminal in the Gulf ‌after a near four-month halt, shipping data from LSEG showed.

Two Very Large Crude Carriers were ​seen loading crude at the ​terminal, while another waited nearby, the data ⁠showed. Each VLCC is capable of ​loading 2 million barrels of oil.

The Saudi energy major last loaded ​a cargo from the Ras Tanura ​port for China on March 8, the data ‌showed, ⁠and had to divert all its exports to the Red Sea port of Yanbu after an Iranian blockade of ​the Strait ​of Hormuz ⁠during its war with the U.S. and Israel prevented ships ​from entering the Gulf.

Middle Eastern ​producers ⁠have been ramping up output and exports after the United States and Iran ⁠struck ​an interim dealto ​halt the war.

(Reuters)