Iran ends cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog after Israel, US strikes
It came after last month's 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which saw unprecedented Israeli and US strikes on Iran's...Geostrategy
Israel expands Gaza campaign ahead of Netanyahu’s US visit
The intensified operations came after days of mounting calls for a ceasefire, with US President Donald Trump -- whom Netanyahu...Geostrategy
WTO launches US$50m fund for women entrepreneurs in developing countries
ABU DHABI, UAE - The director general of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Sunday launched a $50 million fund...The director general of WTO said the "ground-breaking initiative... embodies our collective commitment to empower women".
The fund will help businesses run by women in developing countries to adopt digital technologies and increase their online presence.
Body of Israeli soldier killed in Hamas attack held in Gaza, say campaigners
JERUSALEM - An Israeli soldier seized by Hamas fighters during their October 7 attack was killed the same day and...During the October 7 attack, Palestinian fighters abducted around 250 Israelis and foreigners to the Gaza Strip.
Around 130 are still held captive there. This includes 31 who are believed dead, among them six soldiers.
Hawkish economic approach on China has bipartisan support in US, say analysts
WASHINGTON, US - In a shift from tit-for-tat tariffs and strong-arm tactics to tech restrictions and investment curbs, US policy towards...Despite differences between Democrats and Republicans, analysts expect Washington's approach to Beijing will only become tougher.
Biden has largely maintained Trump-era tariffs, rolled out export control restrictions to curtail China's ability to buy and make certain high-end chips.
Trump notches up another win in race for Republican nomination
Trump completed a sweep of the first four major nominating contests, converting a year of blockbuster polls into a likely...US president Joe Biden reacted to the South Carolina result with a brief written statement warning Americans of "the threat Donald Trump poses to US future"
Trump had won Iowa by 30 points and New Hampshire by 10, while a dispute in Nevada led to the real estate tycoon running unopposed in the first official contest in western US
G7 vows more Russia sanctions after virtual talks on Ukraine
In a statement after the meeting, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended, the leaders vowed to "raise the cost"...G7 expressed concern about the transfer by Chinese businesses of weapon components
The group demanded that Russia "fully clarify the circumstances" around the death of Alexei Navalny
US and UK launch fresh strikes against Houthis
The new wave of strikes "specifically targeted 18 Houthi targets across eight locations in Yemen" including weapons storage facilities, attack...The US also carried out unilateral strikes against Houthi positions and weaponry in Yemen
The operation comes after several merchant vessels were struck this week in the region
Israeli negotiators to arrive in Qatar for hostage talks
According to local media reports, the country's war cabinet endorsed the decision to dispatch negotiators to Qatar to continue talks...A top Israeli official said there is room to "move toward an agreement"
Nearly 250 hostages were taken by Hamas fighters, of whom 130 are still in Gaza
Jordan, Oman chambers eye enhancing trade ties, cooperation
AMMAN, JORDAN – Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday discussed enhanced cooperation...Participants stressed the need to seize economic opportunities in Jordan and Oman. .
The two sides agreed to forge robust commercial relations and remove hindrances.
British lawmaker suspended over ‘Islamophobic’ comments
London, UK - Britain's ruling Conservatives on Saturday suspended their former deputy chairman from the parliamentary party, after he refused to...Pressure had been growing on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Tories to act following lawmaker Lee Anderson's contentious remarks.
On the right-wing GB News channel, Anderson claimed Islamists had "got control" of Khan, who was the first Muslim mayor of London.
UAE to provide US$10m grant to support WTO initiatives, says foreign minister
ABU DHABI, UAE – Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced that the UAE...Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed pride that the UAE is hosting the WTO’s MC13, the organization’s highest decision-making body, from February 26-29.
He welcomed all leaders and representatives of the 166 member states to Abu Dhabi for crucial negotiations on key trade issues and discussions.
