Andreeva comes of age with Roland Garros triumph over surprise package Chwalinska
PARIS: Mirra Andreeva became the youngest French Open champion in over three decades on Saturday as she swept aside surprise finalist Maja Chwalinska 6-3 6-2 on a blustery Court Philippe Chatrier, where the Pole seemed frozen by the magnitude of the occasion. The 19-year-old Russian, the youngest »»»
Egyptian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Syria Nominates New Ambassador Instead of Al-Ahmad, Approval Under Way
The crisis surrounding Syria's nomination of Mohammad Taha Al-Ahmad as its ambassador to Egypt, first revealed in an Asharq Al-Awsat report published on June 1, appears to be heading toward a resolution. An Egyptian official source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Cairo has received the name of a new nomi»»»
Becerra takes top spot in Calif. governor primary; feds send in election observer - UPI.com
Xavier Becerra, who was once Health and Human Services Secretary, is the top vote-getter in the California governor's race. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 6 (UPI) -- Democrat Xavier Becerra is advancing to the November election in the California governor's race, while Republican»»»
Startup wrap: Post-Eid dealmaking heats up across MENA’s startup ecosystem
RIYADH: A series of venture capital, funding, acquisition, and leadership announcements marked the post-Eid week across the Middle East and North Africa’s startup and technology ecosystem. Deals spanned impact investing, telecom-backed venture capital, autonomous logistics, artificial intelligence,»»»
The World This Week - Ukraine: Dear Putin, Lebanon: A Crude Call, Colombia's 'Tiger'
In a week where a renewed ceasefire was proclaimed between Israel and Lebanon, a deal that hinges on the complete cessation of attacks from the Iranian backed militants Hezbollah and withdrawal from the south of the country. 24 hours later however, Hezbollah rejected the agreement that is closely t»»»
France probes judicial 'dysfunction' after murder of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna shocks nation
The French government is set to probe what President Emmanuel Macron on Friday described as "dysfunction" in the judicial system following the killing of an 11-year-old girl named Lyhanna in southwest France. The main suspect in the case had twice been formally accused of raping a child, with »»»
Influential Nigerian monarch asks residents to arm up against bandits
KANO, Nigeria: An influential traditional ruler in northwestern Nigeria’s Kebbi state Friday urged residents to pool funds and buy weapons to defend themselves against attacks by criminal gangs. Parts of Kebbi state have seen sporadic attacks from jihadists and criminal gangs in recent years, with »»»
The cash-in-the-sofa saga that just won't go away for South Africa's president
The cash-in-the-sofa saga that just won't go away for South Africa's president 11 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKhanyisile NgcoboJohannesburg Getty ImagesPresident Cyril Ramaphosa faces renewed scrutiny over a theft at his private farm in 2020 Just like Watergate in the US, South Af»»»
Putin rejects Zelenskyy's offer to meet, saying he sees 'no point' in it
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a face-to-face meeting on the 4-year-old conflict, saying he sees "no point" in it. Thursday's letter, the first public message Zelenskyy has written directly to Putin since Russia sent tro»»»
New US sanctions target Iran LPG and shadow banking system
The United States has imposed new sanctions on a network of individuals, companies and vessels accused of facilitating the shipment of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian-origin liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to South and East Asia by disguising its origin as Omani fuel. The US Departm»»»
Putin Rejects Zelenskyy’s Offer to Meet, Saying He Sees ‘No Point’ in It
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a face-to-face meeting on the 4-year-old conflict, saying he sees “no point” in it. Thursday's letter, the first public message Zelenskyy has written directly to Putin since Russia sent tro»»»
Sicily braces for post-wedding blowout of Dua Lipa, Callum Turner
Palermo, Italy: The yacht is docked, the paparazzi have arrived, and Dua Lipa and Callum Turner -- the celebrity newlyweds set to party in Sicily this weekend -- have been spotted at their five-star hotel. The city of Palermo and neighbouring Bagheria on Sicily's northwest coast are poised for a tw»»»
IAEA: UAE nuclear plant attack 'serious compromise of nuclear safety'
VIENNA: Last month’s drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant was a “serious compromise of nuclear safety, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Friday, adding any such attack “is unacceptable, a no-go, taboo.” The UAE blamed pro-Iran militants in Iraq for the incide»»»
Justice Department investigating several who have clashed with Trump - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Journalist E. Jean Carroll departs from the courthouse after the conclusion of the damages trial against Donald Trump at Manhattan Federal Court on Jan. 26, 2024. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 5 (UPI) -- The Justice Department has opened investigations into multiple»»»
Putin Speaks at SPIEF: Economy, Geopolitics, Energy and More
The Russian president is participating in the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum for the 20th time. SPIEF has been Russia's flagship business and economic forum since 2006, attracting billions in investments annually. It's been dubbed the "Russian Davos" by some obse»»»
UAE nuclear plant attack 'serious compromise of nuclear safety': IAEA
Vienna: Last month's drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant was a "serious compromise of nuclear safety, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Friday, adding any such attack "is unacceptable, a no-go, taboo." The United Arab Emirates blamed pro-Iran militants in Ir»»»
Media Review: June 5
POLITICS 24 Chasa reports that the ruling Progressive Bulgaria (PB) has taken control of 15 of the National Assembly’s 24 standing committees, while also securing deputy chair positions in all committees. GERB received three committee chairmanships, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and De»»»
US Employers Likely Added 105,000 Jobs in May with Labor Market Stable Despite Costly Iran War
The American job market has climbed out of a rut. But it's still trudging along tepidly, frustrating young people and others out of work. The Labor Department is expected to report Friday that companies, non-profits and government agencies added 105,000 jobs last month, according to a survey of for»»»
Putin to Confront Weak Economy at 'Russian Davos', under Threat of Ukrainian Drones
Russia's Vladimir Putin will address a flagship investment forum in Saint Petersburg on Friday, as the war in Ukraine drags the economy into stagnation and days after brazen Ukrainian drone strikes rocked his home city. Russia's offensive has led to rising prices, tax hikes, two-decade-high borrowi»»»
Iran oil exports collapse: Down 89% as US blockade, sanctions pressure intensify — what happens next
Iran's crude oil exports fell to their lowest level in at least six years in May, according to industry tracking firms. This comes amid tighter US sanctions enforcement and blockade — shipping restrictions sharply reduced the flow of Iranian barrels to international markets. 'Dual blockade'The US C»»»
Mali Offers $3.5 Million Reward for Sahel Al-Qaeda Chief
Mali's military government on Thursday offered a $3.5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or killing of the leader of Al-Qaeda's Sahel branch. Iyad Ag Ghaly, head of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), is the region's most wanted man as the leader of the biggest »»»
SpaceX eyes $75 billion IPO, valuing company at $1.77 trillion
SpaceX, Elon Musk’s rocket and satellite company, said on Wednesday it plans to raise about $75 billion in an initial public offering, valuing the company at $1.765 trillion. The company will offer 555.6 million shares at $135 each, surpassing Saudi Aramco’s record $25.6 billion IPO in 2019. SpaceX»»»
In open letter to Putin, Zelensky calls for meeting and ceasefire
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a face-to-face meeting with Vladimir Putin in a rare open letter to the Russian leader Thursday, shortly after the Kremlin chief had conceded Moscow needed to strengthen its air defences following a spate of Ukrainian attacks. US President Donald Trump, who has»»»
Trump announces $700 million support for US coal projects
US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced he was using Cold War era legislation to tap $700 million in funding for a slew of coal projects -- his latest push to increase use of the most-polluting fossil fuel. Trump said the money would be used to keep more than a dozen coal plants in ten stat»»»
Jury awards $176M to family of boys killed by LA socialite in crash - UPI.com
A Los Angeles County jury has awarded $176 million to the family of two young brothers killed in a 2020 car crash involving socialite Rebecca Grossman and baseball pitcher Scott Erickson. File photo by Mariakray/Pixabay June 4 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles County jury has awarded $176 million to the famil»»»
Senate Democrats' effort to kill Trump 'anti-weaponization fund' fails - UPI.com
Senate Republicans killed a Democratic effort to permanently ban President Donald Trump's anti-weaponization fund. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo June 4 (UPI) -- Senate Republicans killed an effort by Democrats to permanently prevent President Donald Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponizat»»»
Watch: Lufthansa Boeing 787 suddenly drops nose-first at Frankfurt Airport
Berlin: German airline Lufthansa said several employees were injured Thursday after the nose gear of a Boeing jet suddenly gave way while the aircraft was parked at a gate in Frankfurt, sending the front tip of the plane crashing down to the ground. Only crew members and ground staff were on board »»»
India appoints first non-Muslim ambassador to Saudi Arabia
For the first time since independence, India has appointed a non-Muslim diplomat as its ambassador to Saudi Arabia, ending a long-standing convention that reflected the unique religious and diplomatic significance of one of New Delhi’s most important overseas postings. The Ministry of External Affa»»»
John Bolton to plead guilty to retaining classified information - UPI.com
1 of 2 | President Donald Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton has agreed to plead guilty to retaining classified information. File Photo by Abir Sultan/UPI | License Photo June 4 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton has agreed to plead guil»»»
Ohio State settles with 279 students for $100M in sex abuse case - UPI.com
The Ohio State University settled for $100 million with 279 former students because the university failed to protect them from sexual abuse by a former campus doctor. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo June 4 (UPI) -- The Ohio State University agreed to pay $100 million to former studen»»»
Summer blockbuster: Why the French keep coming back to Charles de Gaulle
The release of a two-part summer blockbuster on General Charles de Gaulle’s fight to rally resistance to Nazi occupation is yet another sign that the once-divisive figure continues to fascinate the French public. And while his name risks being turned into an empty signifier of fading French glory o»»»
Elon Musk lauds Pakistan, says West should emulate its justice system
DUBAI: Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has praised Pakistan’s judiciary after the Lahore High Court upheld the death sentences of two men convicted in the 2020 motorway gang-rape case that shocked the country and triggered widespread debate over women’s safety. Reacting to the ruling on X, Musk »»»
Russian Economy Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Russia is a Reliable Partner for Saudi Arabia
Russia’s Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov affirmed his country’s satisfaction with the level of development in its strategic relations with Saudi Arabia, explaining that the Kingdom’s participation as the guest of honor at the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum this »»»
Ranking the chances of Arab nations to progress from World Cup group stages
LONDON: An unprecedented eight teams from the Arab region will participate at the 2026 World Cup. The expanded 48-nation tournament means that there are 32 places available in the knockout stages. Arab News tries to predict the unpredictable and rank their chances to get out of their groups. Morocc»»»
Germany fails to win UN Security Council seat for first time ever
Germany has failed to win a temporary seat on the UN Security Council for the first time, losing a General Assembly vote to Austria and Portugal. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the outcome “a real disappointment,” after Berlin had won all six of its previous bids. Portugal won 134 votes an»»»
Putin faces rival visions of war and peace at Russia’s ‘Davos’
ST PETERSBURG: President Vladimir Putin faced two rival outlines of Russia’s future as he hosted his premier annual investment conference with the war in Ukraine unabated. Some participants at the glitzy St. Petersburg International Economic Forum said Russia should fight on and gird for global co»»»
Ukrainian attacks kill several in Crimea after Kyiv targets St. Petersburg energy, military sites
At least four people have been killed in Crimea, Moscow-installed authorities said on Thursday, a day after Kyiv targeted energy and military facilities in Saint Petersburg during Russia's flagship economic forum. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a "real" risk of escalation, while Ukrain»»»
Commercial real estate investment platform SyndiFi obtains ASF authorization, opens to retail investors
SyndiFi, an investment platform focused on commercial real estate, has received authorization as a crowdfunding service provider from the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), the public institution responsible for regulating and supervising non-banking financial markets in Romania. This authoriza»»»
Women are the first caregivers in this Ebola outbreak and the most at risk
BUNIA: Every day for the past week, Aline Kasiwa has fed her sick mother, helped her drink and washed her clothes, all while fearing she could catch the Ebola virus as eastern Congo is plagued by one of the fastest-spreading outbreaks of the disease on record. “She is the only family I have left. I»»»
Ukraine Strike Kills 3 in Russian-occupied Crimea
A Ukrainian strike killed at least three people in Crimea, the region's Moscow-installed authorities said Thursday, a day after Kyiv targeted energy and military sites in Saint Petersburg where Russia was hosting an economic forum. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a "real" risk of the Uk»»»
China’s BYD captures 35% of Africa EV market, as latecomer rival Tesla bets on Morocco
Chinese automaker BYD Company Ltd (SZSE:002594; HKEX:1211) has significantly strengthened its presence in Africa’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) market, increasing its market share to 35% in 2025 from just 4% two years prior, according to the Global EV Outlook 2026 report, published by the Interna»»»
Ukraine strike kills 3 in Russian-occupied Crimea
A Ukrainian strike killed at least three people in Crimea, the region's Moscow-installed authorities said Thursday, a day after Kyiv targeted energy and military sites in Saint Petersburg where Russia was hosting an economic forum. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned of a "real" risk of the Uk»»»
Aura Energy targets 2026 FID for Mauritania uranium mine following deal with "major" nuclear utility
Aura Energy (ASX: AEE, AIM: AURA) is targeting a final investment decision (FID) for its Tiris uranium project in Mauritania by the end of 2026 after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a “major international nuclear utility” and advancing multiple funding options. The Australian »»»
Ukrainian drones hit Saint Petersburg as 'Russian Davos' opens in the city
Ukrainian long-range drones hit an oil terminal in the Russian city of St Petersburg on June 3, setting the facility ablaze. It came hours before Vladimir Putin's showcase economic forum got under way in the city, apparently an attempt to embarrass the Kremlin chief. Moscow said it would keep strik»»»
Ukraine strikes St. Petersburg with drones ahead of 'Russian Davos'
Ukrainian drone attacks in St. Petersburg targeted military and energy infrastructure overnight into Wednesday, setting ablaze a Russian warship and oil depots on the Baltic coast. This attack deep in Russian territory came on the opening day of Putin's three-day economic forum held in the city and»»»
Bulgaria Unable to Meet Prescribed Deadline for Election of New European Prosecutor
Bulgaria is unable to meet the prescribed deadline for election of a European prosecutor, Justice Minister Nikolay Naydenov said Wednesday. "The indicative deadlines for selecting a new European Prosecutor from Bulgaria, as set out in Council of Ministers Decision No. 267 of April 9, 2026, cannot b»»»
Saudi Aramco: Oil Refining Has Been Underinvested
The current oil supply crisis shows there is underinvestment in oil refining as demand holds resilient, Saudi state-owned Aramco's vice president of market analysis and sustainability, Musaab Al Mulla, said on Tuesday. Around 3 million barrels per day of refining capacity closed between 2020 and »»»
EGX Rises, but Tax Reform and S&P Review Cast a Shadow
Cairo — Egypt’s capital markets are facing two potentially significant tests after the government moved to restore a stamp tax on stock-market transactions and S&P Dow Jones Indices launched a consultation on whether the country should retain its emerging-market status, developments that could infl»»»
Live: Ukrainian drone attack on St. Petersburg wounds several, damages infrastructure
Ukrainian drones on Wednesday hit buildings in several districts in Russia’s second city Saint Petersburg, injuring a number of people and damaging infrastructure, the region’s governor said. The attack comes as the city stands host for an economic conference known as the “Russian Davos” and which »»»
UAE PMI shows economic growth as Egypt and Kuwait stay in contraction
RIYADH: Non-oil private sector activity across the UAE, Egypt and Kuwait faced continued headwinds in May, as supply disruptions, regional geopolitical tensions and cost pressures weighed on business conditions. The UAE stayed in expansion territory, Egypt recorded another contraction, and Kuwait r»»»