Natasha Turak

Natasha Turak is a correspondent for CNBC, covering the Middle East from Dubai. She reports on a wide range of topics including geopolitics, wars and weapons sales; energy; emerging markets; and elections. Prior to joining CNBC, Turak worked as a reporter for Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.

76%

The Daily's Verdict

This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.

Bias

88%

Examples:

  • The author has a tendency to include quotes from Western leaders that criticize Putin and his actions in Ukraine.
  • There are instances where the author seems to have a pro-Israeli slant in their reporting, particularly when discussing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah or Palestinian militant groups.

Conflicts of Interest

75%

Examples:

  • In some cases, the author reports on topics where there may be a potential conflict of interest, such as Boeing aircraft orders by Emirates. However, it is not clear if the author or their family has any direct ties to the companies or subjects they report on.

Contradictions

88%

Examples:

  • In some articles, the author reports contradictory information regarding the number of votes received by Masoud Pezeshkian in the Iranian presidential election.
  • There are discrepancies in reporting about the scope and impact of alcohol sales in Saudi Arabia.

Deceptions

60%

Examples:

  • The article about Saudi Arabia's first-ever alcohol store contains deceptive information regarding age restrictions and quota systems.
  • There are instances where the author uses sensational language to describe events in Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.

Recent Articles

Iran's Surprising Election of Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian: A Potential Shift Towards Moderate Voices?

Iran's Surprising Election of Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian: A Potential Shift Towards Moderate Voices?

Broke On: Saturday, 06 July 2024 Iranians surprised the world by electing reformist Masoud Pezeshkian as their president with 49.8% of the votes, marking a potential shift towards moderate voices amid deep social discontent and economic hardship. Pezeshkian's victory signals a blow to conservative factions and could influence future leadership selection, but the Supreme Leader maintains tight control over policies.
Iran's Presidential Election Runoff: Pezeshkian vs Jalili - Low Turnout and Implications for Domestic and Foreign Policies

Iran's Presidential Election Runoff: Pezeshkian vs Jalili - Low Turnout and Implications for Domestic and Foreign Policies

Broke On: Tuesday, 02 July 2024 In Iran's presidential election runoff, reformist Masoud Pezeshkian faces ultra-conservative Saeed Jalili. With record low turnout of 39.9%, Pezeshkian aims to loosen social restrictions and improve relations with the West, while Jalili seeks strict adherence to Islamic laws and a hardline stance on foreign policy. Disillusionment with the political system has led many Iranians to stay away from the polls, raising concerns about election legitimacy and Iran's future direction.
Israel-Lebanon Tensions Escalate: Hezbollah's Thousands of Rockets and the Threat of All-Out War

Israel-Lebanon Tensions Escalate: Hezbollah's Thousands of Rockets and the Threat of All-Out War

Broke On: Wednesday, 26 June 2024 Tensions between Israel and Lebanon escalate, with daily border clashes and Hezbollah launching thousands of rockets into Israel since October 2023. The intensifying conflict raises concerns of a potential all-out war, which could have devastating consequences for both sides. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III urges diplomacy to prevent the escalation.
Israeli Military Urges Evacuation of Rafah Amid Upcoming Operation, Tensions with Hamas Escalate

Israeli Military Urges Evacuation of Rafah Amid Upcoming Operation, Tensions with Hamas Escalate

Broke On: Monday, 06 May 2024 Israeli Defense Force urges evacuation of Rafah due to imminent military operation, affecting over 1.2 million Palestinians; tensions between Israel and Hamas escalate as IDF prepares for offensive amid humanitarian concerns and potential hostages.
CHP Wins Stunning Victory in Istanbul, Dealing a Blow to Erdogan's AKP Party

CHP Wins Stunning Victory in Istanbul, Dealing a Blow to Erdogan's AKP Party

Broke On: Monday, 01 April 2024 In the March 31, 2024 local elections in Turkey, the main opposition party CHP won a stunning victory in several major cities including Istanbul by more than one million votes. This was a significant blow to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Despite using all state power at his disposal, Erdogan was unable to help his party win the elections. The election results showed that voters were not motivated by an affinity for Israel but rather economic strains such as high inflation and slow growth brought on by aggressive monetary-tightening regime.
Putin's Landslide Election Win Condemned as Illegitimate by Western Leaders, While Ukraine Faces Attacks from Pro-Russian Separatists

Putin's Landslide Election Win Condemned as Illegitimate by Western Leaders, While Ukraine Faces Attacks from Pro-Russian Separatists

Broke On: Tuesday, 19 March 2024 Putin wins landslide election with 75% of vote, condemned as illegitimate by Western leaders. Ukraine continues to face attacks from pro-Russian separatists.
Saudi Arabia Opens First Alcohol Store in Riyadh for Non-Muslim Diplomats Only

Saudi Arabia Opens First Alcohol Store in Riyadh for Non-Muslim Diplomats Only

Broke On: Wednesday, 31 January 2024 Saudi Arabia is set to open its first alcohol store in Riyadh, accessible only to a select group of non-Muslim diplomats. The shop will be located in the Diplomatic Quarter and purchases are subject to a monthly quota system per registered individual.

Emirates Places $52 Billion Order for 95 Boeing Aircraft at Dubai Airshow

Broke On: Monday, 13 November 2023 Emirates Airline has ordered 95 Boeing aircraft, valued at $52 billion. The order includes 55 additional Boeing 777-9s and 35 of its 777-8s, bringing Emirates' total orders for the 777X wide-body jets to 205 units. Emirates' sister airline, flydubai, also placed an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $11 billion.