Citizens and residents mark Eid with resilience and unity amid regional crisis
Doha, Qatar: Eid celebrations across Qatar are unfolding in a spirit of resilience and unity, as citizens and residents come together to observe the festive occasion despite the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. Eid prayers, held indoors yesterday at designated venues such as the Education Cit»»»
Far from war, global fuel frustrations mount
LAGOS — Far from the Middle East war, fallout from oil disruptions is reverberating across the world, unsettling lives from Lagos to Manila as people adjust to fuel price hikes and gas shortages.Benchmark oil prices are hovering around $100, a surge of around 40 to 50 per cent since the war against»»»
The global economy is paying the price for Epic Fury
Three weeks after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the world has entered an exceptionally dangerous phase. The confrontation has expanded far beyond the bounds of a conventional military conflict. It has developed into a multi-layered war in which military fronts converge with immense ec»»»
Why modern-day wars can easily go regional
The world is now passing through an era of ‘strategic unravelling’, and its proportions are catastrophic. Conflicts no longer remain confined to their immediate geographies. With grim persistence, they expand into regional wars. Their prevalence stems from the breakdown of the post-1945 internation»»»
No, Iran didn't publish a 'list' of 11 American cities to target
A video claiming that Iran published a list of 11 American cities it plans to target has gone viral since it was first posted on Instagram on March 3. We found the origin of this list, and it turns out that it has nothing to do with Iran. Instagram user truecrimewithbella posted a video on Ma»»»
French jihadist sentenced to life in jail over IS group genocide of Iraq's Yazidis
A court in France has sentenced jihadist Sabri Essid for his part in "the genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State group" against Iraq's Yazidi minority, in the first French trial of its kind. Essid is presumed to have been killed in 2018, but without proof of his death he was tried and convicted »»»
Tête à tête - 'Trump could be ready to stop the war at almost any moment,' ex-adviser John Bolton says
In an interview with FRANCE 24, former US national security adviser John Bolton said US President Donald Trump "could be ready to stop the war at almost any moment". Bolton also said he remains mystified by Trump's reversal on regime change in Iran and warned that the Iranian opposition is not rece»»»
Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon dies aged 54
US actor Nicholas Brendon, renowned for his starring role in the cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died aged 54. Brendon's family confirmed in a statement on social media "he passed in his sleep of natural causes". His family added: "He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to »»»
Democracy fading as autocractic rulers gain ground – Statista
Released on March 19, the latest Freedom in the World 2026 report finds that global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025, with more countries experiencing a deterioration in political rights and civil liberties than improvements, Statista reports. »»»
Iran's supreme leader issues Nowruz message, says unity has 'broken the enemy'
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a message marking the Persian New Year on March 20,in a written message following his appointment earlier in the month, following the death of his father. The younger K»»»
Iran's supreme leader issues Nowruz message, says unity has 'broken the enemy'
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a message marking the Persian New Year on March 20,in a written message following his appointment earlier in the month, following the death of his father. The younger K»»»
Iran's supreme leader issues Nowruz message, says unity has 'broken the enemy'
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a message marking the Persian New Year on March 20,in a written message following his appointment earlier in the month, following the death of his father. The younger K»»»
Georgians continue fight for democracy after almost 500 days of protest
It's Saturday night in Tbilisi. A crowd is gathering outside the city's State Concert Hall, chatting among themselves. For some, the gathering offers a brief respite from the exhaustion of prolonged demonstration. For others, it is an act of defiance against a government that opposition figures, We»»»
Belarus frees another 250 political prisoners as US eases sanctions
Belarus has released another 250 political prisoners, the largest single release to date, after cutting a new sanctions relief deal with the US, Associated Press reported on March 19. President Alexander Lukashenko ordered»»»
Ukraine risks aid shortfall as reform delays and EU divisions test financial lifeline
Ukraine faces a growing risk of losing critical international support in 2026-2027 as reform delays at home coincide with mounting political divisions within the EU over future financing for Kyiv, reported Ukraine Business News. »»»
Abu Dhabi Police warn of begging scams after 118 arrests
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police said they had apprehended 118 beggars during the holy month of Ramadan as part of ongoing efforts to combat begging, enhance community safety and preserve the emirate’s public image. Authorities said the intensified inspection campaigns are part of proactive plans to cur»»»
Socialists battle to hold Paris in key mayoral elections across France
Mayors for France's major towns and cities will be chosen on Sunday, in the last vote before next year's presidential elections. Excitement is especially high in Paris and Nice. The capital could shift to the right after 25 years under a Socialist-led coalition, if Rachida Dati comes from behind in»»»
APIA approves 56 agricultural investments in Sousse
Tunis, March 20 (TAP) - The Regional Benefits-Granting Committee under the Agricultural Investment Promotion Agency (French: APIA) in Sousse, approved 56 agricultural investment operations this week, worth TND 1.939 million. Tthe committee approved...»»»
Türkiye condemns Israeli aggression on southern Syria as a “dangerous escalation”
Ankara, March 20 (SANA) The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation on Friday regarding the Israeli aggression that targeted military infrastructure in southern Syria earlier today, labeling the move a “dangerous escalation” in the region. In an official statement, the Turk»»»
White House releases AI laws framework to prevent state laws - UPI.com
The White House Friday released a legislative framework for artificial intelligence. File Photo by Fazry Ismail/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The White House released a new legislative framework for artificial intelligence creating a federal policy to prevent states from making their own laws about it. "Th»»»
‘Ending Soon’: Netanyahu Shifts Iran War Goals
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gradually scaling back his sweeping ambition to end the war with Iran by toppling its regime, bringing his rhetoric closer to that of US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu now speaks of “achieving tremendous gains” through three objectives: curbing Iran’s»»»
Israeli Army Advances into Lebanon on Four Axes
Israeli troops advanced from four directions on Friday into Lebanese territory, as attacks resumed along the Khiam and Taybeh axes, operations restarted on the Maroun al-Ras front, and a new axis was opened in the western sector toward the town of Naqoura. The push appears aimed at dispersing defen»»»
French foreign minister calls on Iran to make ‘major concessions’ – Ya Libnan
Share: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on a visit to Israel that Iran must make major concessions as part of any long-term political solution following the Middle East war. “Whatever the outcome of the ongoing military operations, it must be complemented by a political solution that p»»»
Italy in Talks with US, Azerbaijan, Algeria to Offset Loss of Gas from Qatar
Italy is talking to several countries, including the United States, Azerbaijan and Algeria, to secure gas supplies now that Iranian strikes on Qatar appear to have halted its exports for an extended period, Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said. Iranian attacks have knocked out 17% of Qatar»»»
Bulgarian President Highlights Country’s Strong French-Language Tradition
On the International Day of La Francophonie, March 20, Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova underscored the longstanding tradition of the French language in Bulgaria and the high standards of French-language teaching in the country. She made these remarks during a visit to the Simeon Radev Foreign Lan»»»
Iran to boycott US but not FIFA World Cup, football chief says
Iran intends to take part in this summer’s FIFA World Cup but only if the team’s matches are moved from the US to Mexico, the head of the country’s football federation has said. The announcement comes as the US and Israel continue their military campaign against Iran, now in its fourth week. The 20»»»
‘Resistance Economy in Light of National Unity, Security,’ Leader Announces Slogan of New Year
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a message on the occasion of the Persian calendar New Year. In a message on Friday, Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated both the Eid of Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, which have coincided this year, to the Iranian nation and to the»»»
There’s a heretic in the heart of the EU and he wants to talk to Putin
Ideally, policy debates should serve to bring together the fullest information, the brightest minds, and the sharpest arguments in order to find solutions. That is, the optimum combination between what is best and what is feasible. In the real world, shaped by ordinary human fallibility and the ext»»»
Spain to Spend 5 bn Euros to Ease Middle East War Fallout
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Friday a sweeping package worth five billion euros ($5.8 billion) aimed at cushioning the economic impact of the Middle East war, including a "drastic reduction" in energy-related taxes. Speaking after an emergency cabinet meeting, the Socialist leader»»»
British man accused of shooting partner in France
A British man has been detained on suspicion of murder by French police after allegedly shooting his partner with a hunting rifle. George Goodayle, 47, is accused of killing his British partner, 49-year-old Jayne Nicholson, at their home near Brillac in southwest France. Nicholson was discovered wi»»»
'Multiple factors' caused 2025 Spain and Portugal blackout, says report
A combination of factors triggered the unprecedented blackout that left Spain and Portugal without electricity for several hours last year, a new report has found. On 28 April 2025, shortly after midday, the Iberian peninsula's electricity supply was shut down, causing widespread chaos, cutting int»»»
Press Review - 'Online diplomacy': How Trump narrates war in Iran on Truth Social
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, March 20: Donald Trump is turning to "online diplomacy" to defend his actions in Iran and lambast his critics on Truth Social. The Times of London looks at how Monica Witt, a US servicewoman-turned-spy for Iran, could play a crucial role in the war. Also: a Belgian court»»»
French FM Calls on Iran to Make 'Major Concessions'
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Friday on a visit to Israel that Iran must make major concessions as part of any long-term political solution following the Middle East war. "Whatever the outcome of the ongoing military operations, it must be complemented by a political solution that p»»»
Officer reportedly leaks location of French aircraft carrier with Strava run
A French officer has reportedly revealed the location of an aircraft carrier deployed towards the Middle East after publicly registering a run on sports app Strava. French news outlet Le Monde first reported the officer, referred to as Arthur, logged a 35-minute run on the app while exercising on t»»»
Romanian Parliament adopts 2026 budget after heated debates over spending priorities
Romania’s Parliament has adopted the 2026 state budget following several days of political tensions and negotiations, setting a deficit target of 6.2% of GDP and projecting modest economic growth. The budget was approved with 319 votes in favour and 104 against, while the social security budget pas»»»
Aoun calls for truce as French minister visits Lebanon and Israel
President Joseph Aoun said a proposed framework to halt fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah was "still on the table", as he hosted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday. Lebanon was pulled into the regional war on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets toward neighboring»»»
Hungary's Orbán accused of disloyalty and blackmail over Ukraine loan veto
European Union leaders have accused Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of disloyalty and blackmail after he blocked a €90bn (£77bn) loan for Ukraine. "No oil = no money," Orbán said in a post on X after Thursday's summit in Brussels during which he refused to lift his veto, citing a feud over a »»»
Vodafone Romania: Scaling connectivity through consolidation
At this year’s Business Review Awards, where over 15,000 votes shaped one of the most community-driven editions to date, Vodafone Romania stood out with two major distinctions. The company received Most Impactful Investment of the Year for the acquisition of Telekom Romania Mobile, while CEO Nedim »»»
Media Review: March 20
OVERVIEW The launch of the election campaign and the rising fuel prices are the dominant topics in the media on Friday. ELECTIONS In an interview for Bulgarian National Radio, Iva Lazarova, from the Institute for Public Environment Development, part of the Public Council of the Central Election Com»»»
Bulgaria Faces Uncertain Elections: Challenges in Forming a Stable Government
As Bulgaria approaches the parliamentary elections on April 19, the prospect of forming a stable government is looking increasingly complex. Political scientist Georgi Prodanov, speaking on the National Radio, emphasizes that the balance of power between former President Rumen Radev’s formation (Pr»»»
Deputy Foreign Minister, Italian Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Relations
Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Radi Naydenov and Italian Ambassador Marcello Apicella conducted a meeting at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday to discuss the bilateral relations, the Ministry reported on Friday. The two discussed the excellent bilateral relations, based on shared Euro»»»
How US Marines could reopen the Strait of Hormuz — and break the blockade
The Strait of Hormuz is not just an oil tanker passage. It’s a key waterway in global trade. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) uses a brutally simple playbook here: squeeze the world economy through this narrow gate — and control the gate. At just 39 km wide at its narrowest, shipping is»»»
Running App Reveals Location of France Aircraft Carrier in Mediterranean
A member of the French navy using an app to track his jogging performance broadcast the exact position of his country's flagship aircraft carrier, a newspaper has reported. France deployed the Charles de Gaulle -- and accompanying frigates -- to the Mediterranean in early March shortly after US-Isr»»»
Running app reveals location of France aircraft carrier in Mediterranean
Paris: A member of the French navy using an app to track his jogging performance broadcast the exact position of his country’s flagship aircraft carrier, a newspaper has reported. France deployed the Charles de Gaulle - and accompanying frigates - to the Mediterranean in early March shortly after U»»»
Allianz-Țiriac announces revenues of nearly RON 4 billion in 2025
In 2025, Allianz-Țiriac paid nearly RON 1.7 billion to insured clients and third-party claimants in compensation for covered events, 12.7% more than in 2024. On each working day of the past year, around 900 customers benefited from insurance coverage, with Allianz-Țiriac covering their costs. Total»»»
In ‘Solidarity’ Visit to Beirut, French FM Vows to Pursue Lebanon Truce Efforts
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Friday expressed solidarity with Lebanon and pledged to press ahead with diplomatic efforts to halt escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. Barrot’s visit came as Lebanon faces mounting security and humanitarian problems resulting from ongoing h»»»
PENELOPE project to protect posidonia seagrass beds launched
Tunis, March 20 (TAP) - The French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM)French Global Environment Facility and the World Wide Fund for Nature France launched a new project dedicated to protecting posidonia seagrass beds and developing blue carbon...»»»
Tunisian independence: Between political negotiations and armed resistance
Tunis, March 20 (TAP) - March 20, 1956 was not an ordinary date, but a decisive milestone in Tunisia's contemporary history. On that day, after 75 years of French colonial domination, Tunisia broke with a past of subjugation, following the...»»»
BR Analysis | How Romania’s new media art & technology industry is growing
Worldwide, prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Tate Modern are incorporating digital art into their exhibitions, recognising its cultural and financial significance. These museums are pioneering new ways to engage visitors through immersive digital experiences. Mea»»»
Italy, Germany and France Offer Help with Hormuz Only after Ceasefire
Six major international powers said Thursday they were ready "to contribute to" ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though three stressed that any initiative would take place post-ceasefire. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands said Thursday they were ready "to»»»