Israel seizes Gaza territory as Macron signals imminent French recognition of Palestinian statehood
French President Emmanuel Macron meanwhile said that France plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the "coming months", a move...Geostrategy
After Instagram restrictions, Meta to introduce teen accounts for Facebook
Paris, France -- Meta on Tuesday announced that it was extending its teen accounts to its social network Facebook, after...Technology Business Culture & Society Geostrategy Global Social Tech & Media
Qatar and Bahrain to restart flights in signs of improving relations
Dubai, UAE-- Qatar and Bahrain have agreed to restart flights toward the end of the month, in a sign of...The resumption of flights between the estranged countries, according to Bahrain News Agency, falls within "the framework of the brotherly relations between the two countries
In recent months, GCC countries have patched up differences with each other and begun to focus on their economies, taking advantage of high oil and gas prices
Tunisia sentences opposition chief to one year’s prison on terrorism charge
Ghannouchi, 81, a former speaker of parliament, was arrested last month over different accusations, part of what Human Rights Watch...Rached Ghannouchi is among more than 20 of Saied's political opponents, including former ministers and business figures, arrested since February
The United States said the arrests "represent a troubling escalation by the Tunisian government against perceived opponents"
UAE invites Syrian President to COP28 summit in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the UN climate summit in Dubai later this...Bashar al-Assad has received an invitation to an Arab summit in Saudi Arabia scheduled for Friday.
Since Syria's war broke out, President Assad has held onto power and clawed back lost territory.
Iraqi Kurds await oil export renewal deal with Turkey
ARBIL, IRAQ- Officials in Iraqi Kurdistan say Baghdad is still waiting to reach a "final agreement" with Ankara to resume...Crude sales were Kurdistan's economic lifeblood, with 475,000 barrels exported daily via the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
The suspension of exports represents a shortfall of around "one billion dollars", analyst Kovand Shirwani said.
Lebanese central bank chief likely to miss hearing in French probe
In March 2022, France, Germany and Luxembourg seized assets worth 120 million euros ($130 million) in a move linked to...Salameh, 72, has been the target of a series of judicial investigations both at home and abroad on allegations including fraud, money laundering.
European investigators looking into the fortune he has amassed during three decades in the job had scheduled a hearing in Paris for Tuesday.
Syria’s 11-year exile ends, attends first Arab League meeting
"I... take this opportunity to welcome the Syrian Arab Republic to the League of Arab States," Saudi finance minister Mohammed...Earlier this month, the pan-Arab body officially welcomed back Syria's government, securing President Bashar al-Assad's return to the Arab fold.
Qatar said this month it would not normalize relations with Assad's government but also noted this would not be "an obstacle" to Arab League reintegration.
France pledges more weapons to Ukraine after Zelensky’s Europe tour
In a visit to various European capitals to hold consultations with his allies, Zelensky dined with French President Emmanuel Macron...Macron's office said France will supply Ukraine with armour -- without specifying the number of vehicles -- but demurred on sending much-coveted fighter jets
Volodymyr Zelensky's arrival in Paris followed a visit to Rome on Friday, where he met with Italian leaders and Pope Francis, and a weekend stop in Germany
Thais reject army-backed govt, opposition considers coalition
Thais voted in large numbers after an election campaign pitting a young generation yearning for change against the conservative elite...With ballots counted from 97 percent of polling stations, Election Commission data showed MFP on 13.5 million in the popular vote followed by Pheu Thai on 10.3 million
The progressive Move Forward Party's leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, declared it had "closed the door" on any chance of army-backed parties forming a minority government
Turkey’s Erdogan and challenger appear headed for runoff election
Appearing before a large crowd of supporters, Erdogan proclaimed himself to be ready to lead the nation for another five...The voter turnout touched 90 percent in what is being seen as a referendum on Turkey's longest-serving leader and his Islamic-rooted party
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the opposition leader, trailed with 45.0 percent vote, an unlikely outcome for a leader who was shown in the lead in pre-election polls
Indo-Pacific needs comprehensive economic prosperity
"The UAE shares a vision with the European Union to achieve comprehensive economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," adds Al Kaabi...UAE’s Minister of State Noura Al Kaabi emphasizes global cooperation and growth opportunities at EU's Indo-Pacific Forum
UAE shares a vision with the European Union to achieve comprehensive economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, she adds