Donald Trump ramps up transition moves with key appointments
President-elect Donald Trump is tapping loyalists for several key posts after signaling his desire to have his cabinet confirmed without...Geostrategy
Who will staff Trump’s Govt? A look at top contenders, with Elon Musk among the likely picks
Tesla CEO Elon Musk could head a new "Department of Government Efficiency," promising $2 trillion in federal budget cuts and...Geostrategy Politics
Brothers held in UAE on graft charges face extradition to S.Africa
Two Indian-born brothers who allegedly wove a web of corruption across South Africa have been arrested in Dubai and face...Dubai police confirmed the arrest of Atul and Rajesh Gupta after receiving a so-called red notice from Interpol
They were accused of paying bribes in exchange for massive and lucrative state contracts and influence over ministerial appointments
Tunisia expert drafting new constitution says no reference to Islam
Sadeq Belaid, the legal expert appointed last month to head the committee drafting the new constitution, told AFP that 80...Sadeq Belaid, the legal expert appointed last month to head the committee drafting the new constitution, told AFP that 80 percent of Tunisians are against extremism
The document is at the heart of Saied's unilaterally announced roadmap for rebuilding Tunisia's political system, after he sacked the government last July
Israel govt loses key vote in setback for coalition
Israel's government suffered a defeat at the hands of the opposition Monday which voted down a push to uphold Israeli...Two members of the broad coalition voted at first reading against the bill
Their rebellion, however, does not call into question the continuation of Israeli law in the West Bank
White House defends Biden plans for Saudi meeting
The White House on Monday defended plans for President Joe Biden to meet with Saudi Arabia's crown prince. "This trip...The thaw with Saudi Arabia comes shortly after the kingdom agreed to Biden's call for a production hike in oil
Biden is also widely expected to travel to Israel where, as in Saudi Arabia, he is sure to face pointed questions about US diplomacy with Iran
Iraq PM’s advisor gives reasons for no consent of final accounts
Iraq PM's advisor identified two main factors that contributed to stall the approval of the state's final accounts 10 years...Two main factors contributed to stall the approval of the state's final accounts 10 years ago
Government final account is one of the most important financial statements that is prepared annually
Lebanon seeks US intervention as Israel shifts gas production vessel
Lebanese officials said Sunday that any Israeli activity in disputed waters would constitute a "hostile act" and an "attack" on...The ship operated by London-listed Energean Plc arrived in the Karish gas field on Sunday and will immediately commence operations.
The move immediately drew condemnation from Lebanon's president and prime minister who held talks on Monday to discuss next steps.
Qatari businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Egypt
The Qatari Businessmen Association discussed investment cooperation with Mohamed Abdel-Wahab, CEO of Egypt’s General Authority for Investment and Free Zones....Chairman of the Qatar Businessmen Association's Board of Directors Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al-Thani stressed upon economic cooperation between the two countries.
He said there are multiple mutual economic opportunities between Qatar and Egypt to develop their cooperation in the trade and investment sectors.
Syria’s climate-scorched wheat fields produce little
The country is among the countries most vulnerable and poorly prepared for climate change, which is forecast to worsen.The trend is most evident in Syria's once-fertile northeast where wheat fields are drying to a crisp because of severe drought and low rainfall.
Before the war, Syria's wheat production was enough to meet local demand. Harvests then plunged to record lows, leading to increased dependence on imports.
Iraq to host tripartite meeting on water sharing in region
Dialogues with neighboring countries for water quotas are ongoing, says Iraq's Minister of Water ResourcesDialogues have been taking place with neighboring countries for water quotas, says Iraq's Minister of Water Resources
A special envoy of the Turkish president is supposed to visit Iraq but the date has not been finalized, the minister said
Saudi Arabia begins compensation for Jeddah clearance project
Saudi Arabia has begun compensating residents who lost property to a massive redevelopment project in the coastal city of Jeddah...The demolitions began last October and stand to displace up to half a million people.
So far, 20 neighbourhoods have been cleared and the process of clearing the remaining 12 will be completed by mid-November.
