In skies, as on land, European forces face gaps if US pulls back
Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Fighter jets from the United States, France, Finland and Germany roar into the skies from a Dutch...Geostrategy
US reiterates support for Morocco on Western Sahara
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday renewed US support for Morocco's sovereignty and political plan for Western Sahara, a...Geostrategy
US exhorts Tunisia to agree to IMF reforms after EU offer
The EU offered a 900-billion-euro aid package -- contingent on Tunisia reaching an IMF deal. But Tunisian President Kais Saied...It's clear that Tunisia needs additional assistance if it is going to avoid falling off the proverbial economic cliff, US Secretary of State said during a press conference
Italian foreign minister voiced support for IMF package and said that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government wanted to offer money as "the first step" toward reforms
Palestinian president visits Beijing as China offers mediation in conflict with Israel
Beijing has sought to boost its ties to the Middle East, challenging long-standing US influence there -- efforts that have...Official Palestinian news agency reported that Abbas will meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during the trip
The two are expected to "exchange opinions... on the latest developments on the Palestinian arena," Wafa reported
Sweden to deport pro-Kurdish PKK supporter to Turkey
The decision comes after the Supreme Court in May cleared his repatriation to Turkey, where he is expected to serve...The Swedish government has decided to "grant an extradition from Sweden regarding a 35-year-old Turkish citizen," an official said.
Turkey has accused Sweden of being a haven for "terrorists," especially members of the the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party.
Global nuclear investments increase as tensions rise, say reports
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The world's nuclear powers, and China in particular, increased investment in their arsenals for a third consecutive year...World's nine nuclear-armed states jointly spent $82.9 billion on their arsenals last year, with the US accounting for more than half.
Washington spent $43.7 billion, which was slightly less than a year earlier but was still far ahead of all other countries, the report showed.
Gulf nations stress on cementing unity, pledge support for Palestine
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has stressed the need for coordination, integration...The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council approved the foreign action plan in the field of human rights for the years 2023-2026.
It emphasized on the completion of the requirements for finalizing the Customs Union and ensuring equal treatment for citizens within the GCC Common Market.
Former Israeli PM testifies in Benjamin Netanyahu graft trial
JERUSALEM - Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Monday testified at a Jerusalem court in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing...According to prosecutors, between 2007 and 2016 Netanyahu allegedly received gifts valued at US$195,000.
Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, saying gifts were only accepted from friends and without him having asked for them.
Indirect talks with US ongoing via Oman, says Iran
Iran said it has continued indirect negotiations with the Unites States through the Sultanate of Oman over its nuclear deal...A 2015 deal granted Tehran much-needed sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
The two countries recently denied media reports that they were close to reaching an interim deal to replace the 2015 accord.
Iraq approves budget granting Baghdad upper hand over Kurdish oil
The new bill earmarked 12.7 percent of the budget to the oil-rich autonomous Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. It follows...The 198.9 trillion dinar ($153 billion) budget -- valid for three years though subject to future amendments -- also sets out record spending on public wages
Lawmakers approved the bill after days of voting and months of wrangling over its articles in a country long accustomed to budget delays
SEWA, US delegation explore collaboration in innovation, sustainability
Sharjah, UAE - Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, Director-General of SEWA Sunday discussed the authority's initiatives to reduce emissions and...The two discussed the authority's initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change and its vision for the upcoming COP28 conference.
They also explored potential collaborations between the authority and American companies in innovation and sustainable development.
Kuwait urges Europe to facilitate Schengen visas for its citizens
Kuwait-- Kuwait has urged European states to facilitate the granting of Schengen visas for Kuwaiti citizens.The call was made by...The call was made by Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who received at a luncheon several European ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions.
The Schengen area is a group of European countries that have agreed to allow passport-holders from one country to travel freely within the area without border controls.
