US imposes sanctions to curb Iran oil despite talks
The United States said Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on seven companies involved in selling Iranian oil, tightening pressure despite...
Geostrategy
UN ‘alarmed’ by US strikes in Yemen that Huthis say killed 68 migrants
The United Nations expressed deep alarm on Monday at reports that US strikes on Yemen killed scores of people at...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Under US takeover plan, Palestinians will have no right of return to Gaza: Trump
Trump told Fox News Channel’s Bret Baier that "I would own it" and that there could be as many as...
- Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Sunday that the thinking behind Netanyahu's remarks "is unacceptable and reflects a complete detachment from reality"
- The Saudi foreign ministry stressed its "categorical rejection to such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes in Gaza
Geostrategy
Egypt to host emergency Arab summit on Palestinians: foreign ministry
Cairo, Egypt -- Egypt will host a summit of Arab nations on February 27 to discuss "the latest serious developments" concerning...
- The "emergency Arab summit" comes as Egypt has been rallying regional support against US President Donald Trump's plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.
- The remarks have prompted global backlash, and Arab countries have firmly rejected the proposal, insisting on an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Geostrategy
Israel orders negotiators to Doha after fifth hostage-captive swap completed under truce deal
Hamas official Bassem Naim warned that Israel’s "procrastination" in implementing the agreement could jeopardize the ceasefire, as negotiations began on...
- Israel confirmed 73 hostages remain in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead
- Hamas defended the hostages' condition, calling it "acceptable" under Gaza’s crisis
Geostrategy
Israel to receive US-made bombs and Hellfire missiles worth $7.4 bn despite past curbs under Biden administration
The State Department has signed off on the sale of $6.75 billion in bombs, guidance kits and fuses, in addition...
- The proposed sale of the bombs "improves Israel's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serves as a deterrent to regional threats
- And the missile sale would "improve Israel's capability to meet current and future threats by improving the ability of the Israeli Air Force to defend Israel's borders
Geostrategy
Trump condemned for ICC sanctions over Israel, US probes
The United Nations and the European Union also urged Trump on Friday to reverse the decision ordering asset freezes and...
- The sanctions could impact the court's technical and IT operations, including evidence gathering. There are fears victims of alleged atrocities may hesitate to come forward.
- Antonio Costa, who heads the European Council representing the EU's 27 member states, wrote on X that the move "undermines the international criminal justice system".
World Economic Forum
Art and culture retain power to humanize the Intelligent Age, says WEF’s Fowler
Davos, Switzerland -- In an age where artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives, the World Economic Forum's Arts and Culture...
- I see talent emerging in the MENA region, UAE especially. Saudi Arabia is extremely exciting at the moment with the focus they're placing on culture, Fowler said.
- The UAE is extremely forward-thinking. They absolutely have a finger on the pulse when it comes to technology and how technology can be integrated into everyday life.
Geostrategy
UAE, France discuss bilateral ties, sign AI cooperation deal
Paris, UAE - UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron of France explored various...
- Both sides emphasized collaboration in AI, climate action, energy, and sustainable development initiatives
- They signed the UAE-France Framework for Cooperation in AI, including a 1GW AI Campus investment
Israel orders army to prepare Gaza exodus plan as Trump rules out US troop deployment in the territory
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to prepare a plan for voluntary" departures from Gaza, saying Palestinians could...
- Trump proposes U.S. control of Gaza but rules out deploying American troops
- UN warns forced displacement of Palestinians would amount to ‘ethnic cleansing
World Economic Forum
UNFPA and corporate partners drive reproductive justice in workplaces
Mariarosa Cutillo, UNFPA Chief of the Private Sector and Civil Society Branch, says businesses need to provide adequate maternal health...
- UNFPA emphasizes that corporate strategies can empower vulnerable communities, particularly women, by driving positive change in workplaces, Cutillo said
- UNFPA's presence in 150 countries allows us to work with women and implement these targeted initiatives effectively, she added.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia says no Israel normalization without Palestinian state
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia said Wednesday it will not formalize ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established,...
- Both US President Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden have backed Israel and Saudi Arabia having diplomatic relations
- Riyadh paused tentative talks on the matter early in the Gaza conflict and hardened its rhetoric as the war continued
US imposes sanctions to curb Iran oil despite talks
The United States said Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on seven companies involved in selling Iranian oil, tightening pressure despite...
Geostrategy
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Israel says 30% of Gaza now buffer zone, escalates offensive and maintains aid blockade
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also ordered security chiefs and negotiators to keep pressing for the release of hostages held by...
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WHO countries strike landmark agreement on tackling future pandemics
Geneva, Switzerland -- Years of negotiations culminated early Wednesday with countries agreeing the text of a landmark accord on how...
Geostrategy
US approves $825 mn Stinger missile sale to Morocco
The United States on Tuesday announced the approval of an $825 million sale of up to 600 Stinger anti-air missiles...
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Geostrategy
Trade war to cut global oil demand: International Energy Agency
Paris, France -- Global oil demand will be lower than previously forecast this year as rising trade tensions weigh on...
- It lowered its forecast for growth in oil demand by 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) -- down from just over one million bpd in its March report to 730,000.
- Trump imposed global tariffs of 10 percent this month but paused higher levies on scores of countries for 90 days.
Geostrategy
Syria, Lebanon leaders in Qatar for first official visits
Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha. Qatar has been a key backer...
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, accompanied by foreign minister Youssef Raggi, also touched down in Doha as delegations of two countries held talks.
- Beirut and Damascus have been seeking to improve relations since the overthrow of Assad, whose family dynasty exercised control over Lebanese affairs for decades.
Geostrategy
Disarming Lebanon’s Hezbollah no longer inconceivable: analysts
Beirut, Lebanon - The once unthinkable disarmament of Hezbollah could finally be within reach, as the United States pushes Lebanon...
- Hezbollah was left badly weakened by more than a year of hostilities with Israel, beginning with the group's campaign of rocket fire at its arch-foe in support of ally Hamas
- Israel was meant to withdraw its troops, but it still remains in five points it deems "strategic" and conducts regular strikes on what it says are mostly Hezbollah targets