From South Asia to MENA: Can Pakistan Now Become the Gulf's Back Office?
The World Bank has quietly reclassified Pakistan from being part of South Asia to being part of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. What seems like a bureaucratic tweak actually opens the door to regional financing and investment mandates.Pakistani start-ups and IT companies gain formal»»»
Cryptocurrency Emerges as Weapon Against Western 'Data Colonialism'
Western big tech has the ability to track the movement of resources and finances on virtually every level, thanks to their unrestricted access to big data, Brazilian Institute of Data Science co-founder Caio Almendra tells Sputnik. Seeking to evade the watchful eye of this high-tech Big Brother, co»»»
Cuba sees short-term relief as Russian oil begins to flow
HAVANA: Cubans this week began to reap the benefits of a recent 100,000 metric ton delivery of Russian oil, a temporary lifeline for the energy-starved nation and the first major shipment of oil to the island since the United States moved to cut off its fuel early this year. The Russian-flagged Ana»»»
Gradual Escalation in South Lebanon Complicates Diplomatic Efforts
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in southern Lebanon are running up against a gradual escalation on the ground, as fighting expands beyond the border area following four days of Israeli violations, with Hezbollah beginning limited attacks on Israeli forces deeper inside Lebanon and along th»»»
Kuwait reopens airspace starting this evening
Kuwait: Director of the Public Authority of Civil Aviation of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, announced Thursday, April 23, 2026, the reopening of airspace at Kuwait International Airport starting this evening. He told KUNA that in coordination with relevant inte»»»
FM explores with ambassadors of Nordic countries strengthened cooperation in key strategic sectors
Tunis, April 23 (TAP) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti on Thursday held a working session at the Ministry’s headquarters with ambassadors of Nordic countries accredited to Tunisia, to discuss the...»»»
Audit Bureau hold 2nd Annual Auditors Forum
AMMAN — The Audit Bureau organised the second edition of the Auditors Alliance Forum (AB Auditors Alliance II) on Thursday, themed "Towards a More Effective and Secure Digital Audit", marking its 74th anniversary.The forum was held as part of the Audit Bureau's ongoing commitment»»»
JEDCO launches WEIDE fund to boost women-led digital exports
AMMAN — The Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), in collaboration with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), launched on Thursday the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund to support women-led businesses in digital trade.Speaking a»»»
USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier in Mideast region
The USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier has arrived in the Middle East, the U.S. military said Thursday, bringing the number of the massive American warships operating in the region to three. The Bush was sailing "in the Indian Ocean in the US Central Command area of responsibility, April 23," th»»»
Trump says US in no rush but 'clock is ticking' for Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States is under no pressure to end the war with Iran, but "the clock is ticking" for Tehran, as disruption from the conflict batters the world economy. "I have all the time in the World, but Iran doesn't -- The clock is ticking!" Trump said »»»
Pentagon removes top Navy official amid military shake-up
US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has left his post with immediate effect, the Pentagon said Wednesday, without providing an explanation. His departure comes amid a broader clear-out of senior military figures under President Donald Trump, as the United States remains locked in an unresolved con»»»
In win for GOP, Virginia court blocks redistricting approved by voters
A Virginia court blocked a voter-approved congressional map on Wednesday that Democrats hoped could win them seats in midterm elections, with the state attorney general vowing to appeal. US President Donald Trump launched a redistricting battle last year, pushing Republicans to redraw the maps in T»»»
Washington uses Iraq's own oil money to bend Baghdad to its will
The Trump administration has blocked a shipment of nearly $500 million in cash to Iraq, pressing Baghdad to dismantle powerful Iranian-backed armed groups. Analysts say the blockage risks destabilising an already fragile economy. The US government blocked a cargo plane delivery of nearly »»»
Shadow of failed 1983 agreement haunts new Israeli-Lebanon talks
As Lebanon prepares to resume direct discussions with Israel, the ghost of the May 17 Agreement of 1983 – a deal that was signed but never implemented – is haunting the new round of negotiations. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are facing a smear c»»»
The Debate - Truce without talks: What room for diplomacy between US and Iran?
How to mediate between Iran and the United States when one side wants revenge for the killing of its leader and the other’s erratic messaging seems ratings driven?Donald Trump’s unilateral ceasefire declaration bringing neither side back to the bargaining table, what with more ships seized in Strai»»»
Trump orders Iran mine-layers sunk, as Iran tolls tankers
President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy on Thursday to destroy any Iranian boat caught laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, putting more pressure on a fraying ceasefire as disruption from the Gulf stand-off battered the world economy. FRANCE 24's Carys Garland reports.»»»
Israel defense minister says awaiting US green light to 'return Iran to Stone Age'
Defence minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that Israel was "prepared to resume the war against Iran", adding that his country was awaiting a green light from the United States to return Iran to "the Stone Age". FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Jerusalem.»»»
Bulgarian Community Centres Have Bright Future, President Says
The Bulgarian community centre [chitalishte], which has survived for 170 years, mostly thanks to Bulgarian patriots and cultural figures involved in the educational activities, has a bright future ahead even now, in the 21st century, said President Iliana Iotova at a meeting with the National Repre»»»
Prize-winning book 'Houris' brings prison term for French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud
French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud says he has been sentenced in Algeria to three years in prison and fined over his award-winning novel “Houris,” which revisits the country’s civil war. The ruling reflects the mounting pressure on authors confronting Algeria’s violent past and raises fresh concern»»»
US accuses China of 'intimidation campaign' to block Taiwan president’s Africa trip
The United States on Wednesday accused China of pressuring African nations to block a planned visit by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, after several countries revoked overflight permits. Beijing denied the claims while expressing "high appreciation" for the states in question as tensions over»»»
Reports: Riyadh presses for stability, Taif Accord as Berri says no peace with Israel before KSA
Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan met again Thursday evening with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, without media coverage, to discuss the details of implementing the Taif Agreement in its entirety, without any procrastination, LBCI television reported. Berri meanwhioe affirmed to Bin Farhan in their f»»»
Former police officer arrested for alleged mass shooting plot in New Orleans - UPI.com
Christopher Gillum faces charges of making terroristic threats. Photo courtesy the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office April 23 (UPI) -- Law enforcement in Louisiana announced Thursday that they arrested a former police officer from North Carolina on allegations he planned to carry out a mass shooting»»»
Eight Arab and Islamic countries condemn Israel’s repeated violations of historical and legal status quo at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, particularly the ongoing incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt condemned the repeated violations of the historic »»»
Qatar among eight Arab, Islamic countries that condemn Israel's repeated violations of status quo of Islamic, Christian holy sites in Jerusalem
DOHA: The Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of Turkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Arab Republic of Egypt condemned the repeated violations of the hi»»»
Spotlight - EU 'must' shift to renewables to end fossil fuel 'blackmail from war-driving authoritarian regimes'
François Picard is pleased to welcome Hannah Neumann, German MEP, Greens/EFA and Chair of the EU Parliament's Delegation for Iran. She offers analysis on the growing geopolitical instability surrounding Iran, energy security, and the EU’s strategic position in an increasingly fragmented global orde»»»
Radio outage cripples police operations
Police units across Attica have been coordinating operations through mobile phones in recent days after the encrypted Tetra Sepura communication system at the Athens Police Operations Center went offline. Multiple sources confirmed that officers responsible for directing units are often forced to r»»»
Iranian news agencies report activation of air defenses in Tehran - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iranian news agencies report activation of air defenses in Tehran 23-04-2026 20:48 PM Latest News Urgent News Iranian news agencies report »»»
Business - EU unveils plan to tackle energy crisis
The European Union has unveiled plans to shield households and businesses from the energy crisis triggered by the war with Iran. The bloc says it has spent an additional €24 billion on energy imports because of higher prices since the war began, and it urged more investment in r»»»
Business - Warner Bros. shareholders set to vote on Paramount takeover bid
Shareholders in Warner Brothers Discovery are voting this Thursday to approve or reject a $110 billion acquisition offer from Paramount Skydance in the face of widespread opposition from Hollywood workers. Also in this edition: the US considers currency swap deals with its Middle Eastern and Asian »»»
Press Review - AI robot beats elite table tennis players in 'pivotal breakthrough'
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, April 23: Le Parisien reports on an "unprecedented" criminal complaint filed against food delivery giants UberEats and Deliveroo for human trafficking in France. Le Monde looks at the important role of priests in the war in Ukraine and we also look at a suggestion to r»»»
Iran media report blasts over Tehran, air defense systems activated
Air defense systems were activated in parts of Tehran on Thursday evening amid reports of hostile aerial activity, Iranian state media said in the first such reports since a ceasefire began. The IRNA state news agency said the "sound of air defense firing" was heard in western Tehran, while the Meh»»»
French soldier dies of wounds after attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
A French soldier who was gravely wounded in an attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon last week has succumbed to his wounds, President Emmanuel Macron has said. Another French peacekeeper was killed in the incident and two more were injured; their patrol came under small-arms fire in the village of G»»»
Iran’s Mehr says air defenses heard ‘engaging hostile targets’ in Tehran
TEHRAN: Air defense systems were heard engaging what were described as “hostile targets” in parts of the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported, after earlier reports that air defense batteries had been activated in the city.»»»
Italy dismisses talk of replacing Iran at World Cup
PARIS: Italy has played down suggestions that its national team could replace Iran at the World Cup, following reports that an envoy to US President Donald Trump had asked FIFA to consider the move. US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times it would be a “dream” to see four-time Worl»»»
19 injured in head-on train crash in Denmark - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Two trains collided between Hilleroed and Kagerup at Isteroedvejen, Denmark, Thursday morning. At least 19 are injured. Photo by Steven Knap/EPA April 23 (UPI) -- Two passenger trains crashed head-on in Denmark on Thursday leaving 18 injured, five of them critically, law enforcement offici»»»
PriceSmart to open first Chilean stores in South America push - UPI.com
PriceSmart's expansion would make Chile the company's 14th market and introduce a membership warehouse club model that has not yet been developed in the country. Photo courtesy of PriceSmart SANTIAGO, Chile, April 23 (UPI) -- PriceSmart announced plans to expand in South America, opening its first »»»
US slaps sanctions on Cambodian senator and others over alleged scam network
WASHINGTON: The United States imposed sanctions Thursday on a Cambodian senator, alongside people and entities in his network, charging that they have been “defrauding Americans” at scam compounds across the Southeast Asian country. Senator Kok An and his affiliates were said to have operated “out »»»
Washington Tightens Conditions on Lebanese Army, Unconditional Aid Ends
As US-brokered direct talks between Lebanon and Israel unfold in Washington, Congress is stepping up pressure of a different kind, pushing the Lebanese army to act on pledges to disarm Hezbollah or face a freeze in annual US military aid. Senior congressional sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Repub»»»
More than 4 million tickets bought for 2028 LA Olympics
Los Angeles, United States: More than four million tickets were sold worldwide for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during this month's first window for purchases, organizers announced on Thursday. Ticket buyers were from 85 nations, with top global sales beyond the United States coming from the Unite»»»
Israel awaiting US green light to ‘return Iran to Stone Age’: defense minister
JERUSALEM: Defense minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that Israel was “prepared to resume the war against Iran,” adding that his country was awaiting a green light from the United States to return Iran to “the Stone Age.” “The IDF is ready both defensively and offensively, and the targets have b»»»
Customs and Qatar Aviation Services sign MoU to facilitate customs clearance for personal imports
Doha: The General Authority of Customs and Qatar Aviation Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two parties in the field of customs clearance for personal imports, contributing to the enhancement of service standards, simplification of pr»»»
Teen held in custody over Athens crash that seriously injured girl
A 16-year-old boy accused in a traffic accident on Liosion Street in Athens that seriously injured another 16-year-old was ordered held in custody on Thursday. In his testimony, the teenager reportedly accepted responsibility, saying he fled the scene after realizing he did not have a driving licen»»»
Qatar Tourism unveils Nami Beach as new upscale waterfront destination
Doha: Qatar Tourism has announced the opening of Nami Beach, a new leisure destination in central Doha designed to offer a high-end seaside experience within the city. In a statement released on Thursday, the authority said the development was created in partnership with Loft A Trading and Contract»»»
Lebanese Prime Minister Rejects Deal With Israel Unless All Troops Are Pulled - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Lebanese government will not sign any agreement with Israel as part of negotiations unless it includes a "full withdrawal" of the Israeli troops from its territory, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. "We cannot live with a so»»»
Relief agency warns global aid will drop due to Iran war fuel costs
OSLO: The Iran war is having a devastating humanitarian impact globally with higher energy prices making everything from filling the tank of an aid lorry to paying employees and buying food for displaced people costlier, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council said on Thursday.The NRC is one of »»»
Former Baseball United CEO takes on global amateur baseball at Perfect Game
HOUSTON: Kash Shaikh, the former chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Dubai-based Baseball United, has been appointed chief marketing officer and head of international at Perfect Game, the world’s largest platform for elite youth baseball and softball. Having built the region’s first professional baseb»»»
Carrick not chasing answer on Man Utd future
LONDON: Michael Carrick said he loves managing Manchester United but is not “chasing” an answer on his future as the club close in on a Champions League spot. United’s former midfielder was appointed as head coach until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit in January. Car»»»