Defiant Khamenei insists ‘won’t back down’ in face of growing Iran protests
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday insisted the Islamic republic would "not back down" in the face of...
Geostrategy
US energy secretary says will control Venezuelan oil sales ‘indefinitely’
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that Washington will control sales of Venezuelan oil "indefinitely," a day after President...
Geostrategy
Economy
MENA faces economic turbulence due to Gaza conflict
The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.
- The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.
- Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan remain the most affected countries as the conflict will potentially disrupt oil markets and economic growth, it adds.
Geostrategy
Nearly 100 MPs barred from Indian parliament session
Nearly 100 opposition lawmakers have been temporarily barred from India's parliament for demanding a debate into last week's protest when...
- Six people were arrested after the December 13 protest, when one man jumped onto the floor of the lower house of parliament.
- Official footage from the session showed one man shouting slogans and vaulting over tables between stunned lawmakers.
Market Report
Oil prices rise following Red Sea attacks
Oil prices shot up three percent as more companies suspended shipping through the Red Sea following attacks on vessels by...
- Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Monday that they had attacked two "Israeli-linked" vessels in the Red Sea..
- Ships must travel through the Red Sea to use the Suez Canal, a key transit route for cargo and oil..
Geostrategy
UAE issues federal decree on regulating electronic, digital media
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE Government has issued a federal decree which aims to regulate and organize media in...
- The decree aims to promote the UAE as a global media hub and establish an enabling environment for the growth and prosperity of the sector.
- The provisions of the decree apply to individuals, organizations, media outlets, and free zones dedicated to the media in the UAE.
Geostrategy
South Africa threatens citizens fighting for Israel with prosecution
"Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making...
- The government has previously said the State Security Agency (SSA) was tracking them down. South Africans need prior government approval to legally fight in Israel.
- South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party often linking it to its own struggle against apartheid.
Geostrategy
Egypt’s Sisi wins third term despite painful economic crisis
The outcome of the December 10-12 poll was widely expected after the former army chief with a fondness for infrastructure...
- His victory comes despite a painful economic crisis, marked by a currency plunge and runaway household prices
- Sisi, a retired army field marshal, was first voted in as president after leading the overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi in 2013
Geostrategy
Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen suspends Israel cargo services
Due to "escalation of war situation in recent days, Evergreen will temporary suspend Israel import and export service due to rising...
- Several of the world's largest shipping companies, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, and energy giant BP have already suspended passage through the Red Sea.
- Yemeni rebels have said they were targeting vessels near the strait to pressure Israel over its devastating onslaught on Gaza.
Geostrategy
Israeli army shoot four Palestinians dead in West Bank
Israeli forces shot dead four Palestinians in a West Bank refugee camp, the Palestinian health ministry said. Mohammad Samir Milhem,...
- In a separate incident on Monday, a 27-year-old woman was wounded in "a shooting towards a car" north of Ramallah.
- Health officials say 301 Palestinians have now been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the war in Gaza erupted
Geostrategy
Algerian footballer to face trial in France over Gaza post
Nice, France - Algerian international footballer Youcef Atal goes on trial in France on Monday accused of inciting hatred after posting...
- The International League against Racism and anti-Semitism (Licra) and the Jewish Observatory of France have brought civil actions against the player.
- His club quickly suspended him "until further notice" after the post, while the professional football league banned him for seven matches.
Geostrategy
Maritime agencies report explosion off Yemen coast
Dubai, UAE - A "possible explosion" struck a key shipping lane off Yemen on Monday, two maritime agencies said, the latest...
- The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning of a potential explosion striking near a vessel passing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
- "The captain reported... the 'explosion' occurring two nautical miles off one of the vessel's quarters while it was transiting," said maritime security firm Ambrey.
Defiant Khamenei insists ‘won’t back down’ in face of growing Iran protests
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday insisted the Islamic republic would "not back down" in the face of...
Geostrategy
Company News
Israel not part of Gaza food aid plan: envoy
Geostrategy
Latest News
US says new foundation to spearhead Gaza aid
Geostrategy
Pro-Kurdish MPs to meet Erdogan after Ocalan talks
Lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish DEM party were to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday for talks described by...
Geostrategy
Hezbollah chief says won’t surrender under Israeli threats
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Sunday his group would not surrender or lay down its weapons in response to Israeli...
Geostrategy
Netanyahu says Trump meeting could ‘advance’ Gaza ceasefire deal ahead of Doha talks
Speaking before boarding Israel's state jet bound for Washington, Netanyahu said: "We are working to achieve this deal that we...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Economy
BRICS nations voice ‘serious concerns’ over Trump tariffs
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from Sunday are expected to decry US President...
- Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties.
- His latest salvo comes in the form of letters informing trading partners of new tariff rates that will soon enter into force.
Geostrategy
Britain reestablishes full Syria ties as FM David Lammy visits Damascus
In 2011, Britain was among the first countries to acknowledge rebel groups as the official Syrian government after then-president Bashar...
- In 2011, Britain was among the first countries to acknowledge rebel groups as the official Syrian government after then-president Assad's crushing of pro-democracy protests
- Assad was ultimately toppled in December after more than 13 years of fighting by a rebel offensive led by Sharaa, now Syria's interim president
Geostrategy
Hamas says ready to start Gaza ceasefire talks ‘immediately’ on US-sponsored proposal
"The movement is ready to engage immediately and seriously in a cycle of negotiations on the mechanism to put in...
- "The movement is ready to engage immediately in a cycle of negotiations on the mechanism to put in place" the US-backed truce proposal," Hamas said
- Trump has been making a renewed push to end nearly 21 months of war in Gaza, where the civil defence agency said 35 people were killed in Israeli military operations on Saturday