Macron, Putin discuss Iran, Ukraine in first talks since 2022
One week after a ceasefire ended Israel's 12-day war with Iran, the two men also discussed Tehran's nuclear programme, with...Geostrategy
Gaza rescuers say Israeli forces kill 48 as ceasefire calls mount
The swift resolution of Israel's 12-day war with Iran has revived hopes for a halt to the fighting in Gaza,...Geostrategy
IMF approves US$820m as part of Egypt bailout
The IMF action, repeatedly postponed and eagerly awaited by the Egyptian government, arrives at a time of mounting difficulties for...The IMF validated the payment as part of a $3 billion aid program granted at the end of 2022
The board also approved a $5 billion extension announced at the beginning of the month
US pushes back against claims it eased West Bank settler sanctions
Washington, US--The US Treasury Department pushed back on Friday against claims it had eased sanctions against West Bank settlers after...In response to a surge in violence, the US recently sanctioned seven Israeli settlers and two farming outposts in the West Bank
An Israeli daily reported that the Biden administration had "dramatically" softened its sanctions against these individuals
Israel’s Netanyahu approves new Gaza ceasefire talks
The go-ahead for a new round of talks on a Gaza ceasefire came a day after the world's top court...Talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release will take place in Doha and Cairo
Dozens of people were killed overnight, according to the health ministry in Gaza
GCC unveils strategic vision for regional stability
For the first time in its 43-year history, the bloc has set a strategic vision that prioritizes diplomacy and dialogue...For the first time in its 43-year history, the bloc has set a strategic vision that prioritizes diplomacy and dialogue over force to boost regional security and stability.
This landmark initiative marks a significant departure from previous strategies, setting a new precedent for peaceful dispute resolution and cooperation in the region.
Turkey says Erdogan to meet Joe Biden at White House on May 9
Istanbul, Turkey - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet with US counterpart Joe Biden at the White House on May...The Biden administration in January approved $23 billion in F-16 warplanes for Turkey swiftly after it ratified Sweden's stalled NATO membership bib
Some analysts additionally linked Turkey's continued delays to Erdogan's anger at Washington for its support of how Israel is pursuing its war against Hamas
Turkish Airlines restarts Libya flights after almost a decade
Istanbul, Turkey - Turkey's flagship carrier, Turkish Airlines, has resumed flights to Libya's capital, almost 10 years after they were suspended...The airlines's chief executive, Bilal Eksi, attended a ceremony at Mitiga International Airport on Thursday to mark its first flight to Libya since 2015.
A company spokesman told AFP on Friday that Turkish Airlines will operate flights to Tripoli three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
US census to include Middle Eastern or North African category
The next US census and federal government forms will include new options for race and ethnicity including a category for..."These updated standards will help create more useful, accurate and up-to-date federal data on race and ethnicity," US Chief Statistician Karin Orvis said.
These revisions will enhance the ability to compare data across federal agencies, and to understand how federal programs serve a diverse America.
US Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge ticks up as fuel costs rise
WASHINGTON, US – The US central bank's favored measure of inflation edged higher last month on the back of rising fuel...The personal consumption expenditures price index rose at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in February.
Much of the February increase in the cost of goods came from energy prices, which rose 2.3 percent from January.
Israeli strikes kill dozens in Syria and Lebanon, rile Russia and Iran
In Syria, "Israeli strikes" targeted a Hizbollah "rockets depot" in Aleppo province, killing 36 Syrian soldiers, seven Hezbollah members and...Moscow said they were "categorically unacceptable" while Iran said they were a "violation of Syria's sovereignty" and "a serious threat to peace and security".
In Lebanon, Hizbollah has exchanged near-daily fire with the Israeli army across the country's southern border since October, saying it is in support of Gazans and Hamas.
Restoration project for Jeddah district’s old buildings completed
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Ministry of Culture, represented by the Jeddah Historic District Program, has announced the completion of...The project comes within the context of the Crown Prince's keenness to preserve and rehabilitate historical sites.
The project aimed to highlight the heritage landmarks that Jeddah District is abundant in as a site containing over 600 heritage buildings.
In Brief
Antony Blinken said there was "clear interest" in pursuing relations with Israel after talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday, the latest stop in a tour to calm a region inflamed by the Israel-Hamas war. . Blinken discusses Israel normalization in tented Saudi talks