Lebanon, Syria seek reset on ties as FM visits Beirut
Lebanon and Syria on Friday committed to turning a new page on ties as Damascus's foreign minister visited Beirut, with...
Geostrategy
Israel, Hamas agree to first phase of peace plan: To include release of hostages, aid into Gaza
In a dramatic moment, AFP journalists saw US Secretary of State Marco Rubio interrupt an event at the White House...
Geostrategy
Business
Russia, Iran sign pact to build final stage of INSTC project
Tehran, Iran - Iran and Russia on Wednesday signed an agreement to construct the final part in the International North–South Transport...
- The INSTC, a freight network of ship, rail and road routes, covers some 7,200 kilometres (4,475 miles) between Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and India.
- Iranian Transport Minister Mehrdad Bazrpash said the "process of construction" of the Rasht-Astara railway -- the INSTC's only missing link.
Business
UAE court orders Briton to pay Denmark $1.2 bn for tax fraud
Sanjay Shah was arrested in the United Arab Emirates' financial hub in June upon request by Danish authorities who accuse...
- The total sum to be paid by Shah should be close to the losses incurred by the Danish tax authority as a result of the scam, estimated at 1.7 billion euro.
- Shah was arrested by Emirati authorities under an extradition treaty signed with Denmark in March 2022.
Economy
Europe, UK edge closer to signing deal on financial services
Once it is signed by Brussels and London, it will create a framework for voluntary regulatory cooperation in the area...
- The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, on Wednesday took the first step by adopting a draft agreement.
- The EU said the agreement does not deal with the access of UK-based companies to the single market or vice versa.
UAE receives wanted terrorist Humaid Al Rumaithi from Jordan
Abu Dhabi, UAE -- The UAE has received a terrorist named Khalaf Abd Al Rahman Humaid Al Rumaithi from the...
- The UAE Supreme Court in 2013 sentenced him in absentia to 15 years in prison on charges of establishing a secret organization
- The procedures for handing over the terrorist were carried out in accordance with the arrest warrant issued against him
Economy
Saudi Arabia and Algeria sign agreement to boost ties
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia--Saudi Arabia and Algeria have agreed to expand bilateral relations, boosting ties in all areas. In this regard,...
- Presided over by the ministers, the two sides signed the agreement during the meeting of the fourth session of the Saudi-Algerian Political Consultations Committee
- The two sides discussed enhancement of joint efforts on several issues in order to strengthen stability and prosperity for the two countries and their peoples
Geostrategy
Gulf investments fuel Turkey’s economic growth
The GCC is the third largest source of foreign investment in Turkey, with 1,973 Gulf companies currently operating in the...
- The GCC is the third largest source of foreign investment in Turkey, with 1,973 Gulf companies currently operating in the country
- Qatar has emerged as a significant investor in Turkey, with foreign direct investments reaching approximately $10.3bn by 2021 end
Geostrategy
Libya parliament suspends rival government chief Fathi Bashagha
Parliament also announced an investigation into Bashagha. The chamber, backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar, had picked Bashagha in February...
- In July, Bashagha had told AFP that he planned to take office in Tripoli "in the coming days." The reasons for Bashagha's suspension were not immediately known.
- Since his failed attempts to force Dbeibah out, Bashagha has been based in the central city of Sirte.
Geostrategy
France issues arrest warrant for Lebanese central bank chief
A French investigating magistrate issued an international arrest warrant for Lebanon's central bank chief Riad Salameh, a source close to...
- Investigators suspect Lebanese central bank chief Riad Salameh of building his network of assets with the help of a complex fraudulent financial system.
- Since the start of the year, magistrates from European countries have travelled to Lebanon on three occasions to interview the central banker and his entourage.
Geostrategy
Gazans amid the homes destroyed by Israel
In total, 103 homes were completely destroyed and 140 severely damaged in Israeli military strikes, the United Nations said.
- The ruins of past conflicts -- such as a three-day escalation in August which killed 49 Gazans -- are dotted across the densely populated Palestinian territory.
- With Gaza's poverty rate at 53 percent, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, few people can afford to rebuild their homes.
Business
Russian oil exports hit post-invasion high, says IEA
PARIS, FRANCE -  Russia's oil exports rose in April to the highest level since its invasion of Ukraine, boosting revenues by...
- The Paris-based organization said Russian exports increased by 50,000 barrels per day to 8.3 million bpd in April.
- Russia's tax receipts from its oil and gas sector were down by 64 percent year-on-year, the agency added.
Lebanon, Syria seek reset on ties as FM visits Beirut
Lebanon and Syria on Friday committed to turning a new page on ties as Damascus's foreign minister visited Beirut, with...
Geostrategy
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Clowns try to put smiles back on faces of Gaza children
Arts & Culture
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UN urges ‘free and fair’ elections in Syria post-Assad ouster amid ongoing challenges
Turkey's Foreign Minister warned Syria's new government to address Kurdish militancy, signaling potential intervention if unresolved with tensions rising with...
Geostrategy
UN envoy warns Syria conflict not over yet
United Nations' special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, referring to fighting between the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and...
UN envoy warns Syria conflict persists as rebels seek international ties post-Assad ouster
The UN migration chief expressed concerns about large-scale refugee returns destabilizing Syria further, particularly affecting religious minorities who fled violence...
Geostrategy
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Jolani vows to disband rebel factions, integrate fighters into Syria’s Defence Ministry for unity
Jolani emphasized unity in Syria, advocating a social contract among religions for justice, while urging diplomats to lift sanctions to...
- Assad fled Syria on December 8, as rebels led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) captured the capital Damascus, ending decades of dictatorship and years of civil war
- HTS leader Jolani has sought to reassure minorities at home and governments abroad that the country's interim leaders will protect all Syrians, as well as state institutions
Nations step up outreach to Syria’s post-Assad rulers
Governments worldwide are stepping up efforts to engage with Syria's new interim rulers, just over a week after Islamist-led rebels...
- Diplomats have urged an inclusive new administration focused on nation-building and justice
- The interim government insists they will protect the rights of all Syrians, and the rule of law
Geostrategy
Israel approves plan aiming to double annexed Golan population, Saudi calls it ‘sabotage’ of Syria
The occupied Golan is home to about 23,000 Druze Arabs, whose presence predates the occupation and most of whom retain...
- The government had "unanimously approved" the 40 million shekel ($11 million) "plan for the demographic development of the Golan., Netanyahu office said
- Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau, since 1967 and annexed that area in 1981 in a move recognised only by the United States