Al Awsat 22m

Saudi Arabia Allows Contracting Exceptions for Firms without Regional HQ

Saudi Arabia has introduced greater flexibility into its investment environment, allowing government entities, under strict controls to safeguard spending efficiency and ensure the delivery of critical projects, to seek exceptions to contract with international companies that do not have regional h»»»

english.aawsat.com
BBC 22m

Trump's Board of Peace members pledge $7bn in Gaza relief

Several countries which have signed up to Donald Trump's Board of Peace have contributed more than $7bn (£5.2bn) towards a Gaza "relief package", the US president has said. Trump made the announcement during the first meeting of the organisation that many of US's Western allies have refused to join»»»

bbc.com
BNE 23m

Peru heads to April election under legally embattled interim president

Peru’s Congress has appointed José María Balcázar Zelada, an 83-year-old legislator from Perú Libre, as interim president of the Republic until July 28 2026, following the censure of former head of state José Jerí. The decision, adopted in an extraordinary plenary session on February 18, places Bal»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

US thwarts escape of 6,000 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq

US officials have said that a potential prison break involving thousands of Islamic State detainees in northern Syria could have “changed the region, and possibly the world, overnight”, describing a behind-the-scenes operation to transfer the inmates to Iraq as a race against time. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

How self-drilling “e-seeds” dropped by drones can mitigate Aral Sea disaster

Climate change is largely driven by human activity – industrial emissions and the overuse of natural resources. Those who study the field know that one of the most striking examples of environmental mismanagement is the drying of the Aral Sea. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

US thwarts escape of 6,000 IS detainees from Syria to Iraq

US officials have said that a potential prison break involving thousands of Islamic State detainees in northern Syria could have “changed the region, and possibly the world, overnight”, describing a behind-the-scenes operation to transfer the inmates to Iraq as a race against time. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

COMMENT: Why UK-Kazakhstan economic cooperation matters today

Economic relationships that endure are those anchored in substance: trade, investment, production, skills and shared standards. The partnership between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom increasingly reflects this practical foundation. More than three decades after the establishment of diplomatic re»»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»

intellinews.com
BNE 23m

European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»

intellinews.com
Gulf News 26m

Egypt road crash kills 18 near Port Said

At least 18 people were killed and three injured in a road accident south of Port Said on Thursday after a heavy lorry collided with a pickup truck carrying workers, Egyptian authorities said. The crash occurred on a highway within Port Said governorate, according to an official statement. The pick»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 29m

Korman Ismailov Takes Charge of Transport and Communications Ministry

The caretaker Minister of Transport and Communications, Korman Ismailov, formally assumed leadership of the ministry from Grozdan Karadjov on Thursday. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ismailov said he would work to increase public trust in the institution and accelerate work at all levels. "Ensu»»»

bta.bg
BNE 35m

European Commission steps up support for regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission on February 18 adopted what it described as a “comprehensive strategy” to step up support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, saying bolstering their resilience was both a matter of solidarity and a strategic investment in Europe’s security. »»»

intellinews.com
Gulf News 40m

Abu Dhabi police win 19 awards at minister of interior excellence ceremony

The General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police won 19 awards at the 7th edition of the Minister of Interior Excellence Award 2026, held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony took place in the presence of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of»»»

gulfnews.com
RT 46m

European leaders told to ‘keep their mouth shut’ on nukes

European leaders should keep their “mouth shut” on nuclear deterrence, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken said on Wednesday, calling out their public statements on the issue as particularly ill-timed and inappropriate. Talk of Europe developing its own nuclear deterrent has intensified since Was»»»

rt.com
RT 46m

CIA knew about Kiev plot to blow up Nord Stream – Der Spiegel

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) discussed a plan to blow up the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea with Ukrainian saboteurs, German outlet Der Spiegel has reported, citing sources in Kiev. Berlin apparently believes the September 2022 blasts that crippled the key connectors that deliv»»»

rt.com
BBC 46m

US-Iran tension: Why Tehran may choose confrontation over 'surrender'

The continued build-up of US military in the Gulf region now points less to signalling and more to preparation. The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group near Iranian waters is already a significant move. Another aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, was last seen near the Stra»»»

bbc.com
Kathimerini 53m

Two police officers on Rhodes investigated for moneylending and drug dealing

The police’s internal affairs unit are investigating the suspected involvement of two officers in moneylending and drug dealing on the Dodecanese island of Rhodes. A team from the unit carried out raids and seizures on the island, focusing on the two officers, who held key posts at the Dodecanese p»»»

ekathimerini.com
Bulgarian News Agency 53m

Sofia Mayor Terziev: Honouring Levski Is Not Merely Act of Historical Remembrance, It Is Moral Compass

In his address at the ceremony marking the 153rd anniversary of the death of the Apostle of Freedom on Thursday, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said that "Today, honouring Levski is not merely an act of historical remembrance, it is a moral compass." "We commemorate 153 years since the death of Vasil L»»»

bta.bg
The Peninsula 1h

Ashghal announces partial closure at Souq Al Wakra Intersection

Doha, Qatar: The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) announces a partial nighttime closure at Souq Al Wakra Intersection for traffic coming from Al Jabal Street, while keeping the remaining directions at the intersection open to traffic. The closure will take place on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 3a»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Patriarch Daniil: Levski's Legacy Guides Bulgarians Amid New Social Divisions and Challenges

After officiating a memorial service marking the 153rd death anniversary of the revolutionary Vasil Levski (1837-1873) at the Saint Sophia Church in Sofia, Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia Daniil said in his address that the example and legacy of Vasil Levski are needed today, at a tim»»»

bta.bg
Al Awsat 1h

Rafah Crossing Traffic Lags Two Weeks after Reopening

Despite nearly two weeks since the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, the number of people and humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip falls short of what was agreed under the “Gaza ceasefire agreement,” according to an official from the Egyptian Red Crescent in North Sinai. The d»»»

english.aawsat.com
Sputnik 1h

Epstein, Ex-Prince Andrew and the Moral Bankruptcy of the Church of England

On February 19, British media reported that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, had been detained by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Recently-released Epstein files in the US reportedly contain compromising documents about former Prince Andrew's friendship w»»»

sputniknews.com
UPI 1h

Fine Arts Commission approves Trump's ballroom plan - UPI.com

1 of 5 | A tower crane is seen in the White House ballroom construction zone where the East wing previously stood at the White House in Washington, D.C.' on Jan. 13. Democrats are asking the nonprofit group that manages donations to the White House ballroom for details on how much has been raised a»»»

upi.com
Albanian Daily News 1h

Trump Meets Balkan Leaders After Peace Board Session in Washington

At the conclusion of a Peace Board meeting in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump met with participating leaders, including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani. The three exchanged brief remarks during the encounter, though details of their discussion were not imm»»»

albaniandailynews.com
UPI 1h

Genetic genealogy to be used in search for Nancy Guthrie - UPI.com

1 of 2 | Nancy Guthrie was last seen January 31 around 9:45 p.m. and was reported missing after failing to show up for church the next day. Photo courtesy Pima County Sheriff's Department Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Law enforcement said they're considering using genetic genealogy to test the DNA found at the »»»

upi.com
The Peninsula 1h

Mesaharaty and lanterns: a deep-rooted Ramadan tradition in Egypt

Cairo: With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, many seasonal professions associated for centuries with the blessed month re-emerge, bringing prosperity to those who practice them. Whether making lanterns, confectionery, and their supply brings to life a vibrant economy each year, providing a»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Bulgarian News Agency 1h

Caretaker Ministers Assume Posts

Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov and his cabinet took the oath of office before the National Assembly on Thursday, with President Iliana Iotova in attendance. After the swearing-in of the members of the caretaker cabinet, a handover ceremony took place in the Council of Ministers’ Granite Hall»»»

bta.bg
BBC 1h

Man jailed for causing unlawful termination of pregnancy

A man who caused the termination of a woman's pregnancy by forcing her to take abortion pills before locking her in a room, has been jailed for nine years in the Republic of Ireland. Adeleke Adelani, who is currently serving a seven year sentence for a separate offence, had previously admitted unla»»»

bbc.com
Kathimerini 1h

Priest in abuse case says he cannot pay €60,000 fine to avoid jail

The founder of a child charity sentenced to 9.5 years in jail for his role in a case involving the abuse of minors under his care has said he is unable to pay the €60,000 fine to avoid prison. In a statement issued after his sentencing, Father Antonios Papanikolaou, who established of Ark of the Wo»»»

ekathimerini.com
Gulf News 1h

US forces build up as Trump gives Iran 10 days

Dubai: US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that Iran must reach a “meaningful deal” with Washington within 10 days or face consequences, as American forces continued building up across the Middle East amid rising tensions. “It’s proven over the years not easy to make a meaningful deal with»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 1h

UK has not given US permission to use RAF bases for Iran strikes

The British government has not given permission for the US to use UK military bases to support potential US strikes on Iran, the BBC understands. The US has in the past used RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, and the UK overseas territory of Diego Garcia, in the Indian Ocean, to carry out strikes in»»»

bbc.com
UPI 2h

Gas truck explosion leaves four dead, multiple injured in Chile - UPI.com

AHORA: el Cuerpo de Bomberos de Santiago responde con voluntarios y máquinas de 14 Compañías ante 3ª Alarma de #Incendio en fabrica, en Camino Lo Ruiz y Av. Eduardo Freí Montalva, en la comuna de #Renca. Video @chilevision@Comandantecbs @munirenca pic.twitter.com/IG1z98QGV3— Cuerpo de Bomberos de S»»»

upi.com
UPI 2h

Nearly 80% of Paraguay without electricity amid heat wave - UPI.com

A massive blackout left nearly five million people without electricity in Paraguay amid a heat wave that pushed temperatures above 108 degrees Fahrenheit. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo Feb. 19 (UPI) -- A massive blackout left nearly five million people without electricity in Paraguay »»»

upi.com
Gulf News 2h

Canada makes push to attract skilled migrants, including for defence

Canada has launched a new program to attract highly skilled immigrants, including specialized military recruits, as it moves to overhaul a system the government says had become unsustainable. Canada has for decades been a top destination for economic migrants from the developing world, but in 2024 »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 2h

Dubai Police's mobile Ramadan cannon begins emirate-wide tour

Dubai Police’s mobile Ramadan cannon, Al Rahal, has begun its annual journey across the emirate, bringing the spirit and traditions of the holy month closer to residents and visitors. The mobile cannon started its tour on the first and second days of Ramadan at Zabeel Park (February 18 and 19), bef»»»

gulfnews.com
Jordan Times 2h

Repsol says could boost Venezuela oil output over 50% in 12 months

MADRID — The boss of Spanish energy giant Repsol said Thursday that his company could boost oil production in Venezuela by more than half over the next year after Washington reauthorised its operations there.A new bonanza from the South American country's vast oil reserves has been touted after the»»»

jordantimes.com
Jordan Times 2h

Asian markets rally after Wall St tech-led gains

HONG KONG — Tech firms led gains across Asian equities Thursday following a positive lead from Wall Street, where traders also welcomed strong US data that suggested the world's top economy remained in rude health.The advances came even as the figures tempered expectations for more interest rate cu»»»

Jordan Times 2h

OpenAI's Altman says at India summit regulation 'urgently' needed

NEW DELHI — The world urgently needs to regulate artificial intelligence, OpenAI head Sam Altman said on Thursday at a summit in New Delhi on the risks and opportunities posed by the fast-evolving technology.Frenzied demand for generative AI has turbocharged profits for companies while fuelling anx»»»

jordantimes.com
Jordan Times 2h

82% of economic reform matrix completed

AMMAN — Jordan has completed around 82 per cent of the Economic Reform Matrix launched under the London Initiative, with 330 measures implemented out of 403, according to official data.Figures released on Thursday by the Economic Reforms Implementation Support Unit at the Ministry of Planning and I»»»

jordantimes.com
Gulf News 2h

Dubai Police win Intersec 2026 award for blockchain passport loss reporting system

Dubai Police has added a new international accolade to its record after its “Blockchain-Based Passport Loss Reporting” project won the Intersec Awards 2026 in the Best Security Project category, underscoring the force’s leadership in adopting advanced technologies to enhance digital security. The I»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 2h

US trade deficit hits fresh high despite Trump's tariffs

US goods imports continued to outpace its exports last year, sending the country's trade deficit to a new high despite sweeping tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump. The gap between the value of goods imported into the US and American products sold to other countries widened by 2.1% comp»»»

bbc.com
Sputnik 2h

Israel Pushing US Toward a Big and Damaging War With Iran – Ex-Pentagon Analyst

Israel was humiliated in the 12 day war with Iran and is seeking a return similar humiliation for its rival, retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski, a former Pentagon analyst, tells Sputnik. "Israeli demands for no nuclear capability, no enrichment, and no ballistic missiles for Iran is ov»»»

sputniknews.com
Sputnik 2h

Rubio at Board of Peace Meeting Says 'Plan B' for Gaza Would Mean Return to War

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Thursday that there is no such thing as "Plan B" for peace in Gaza, as it would mean going back to an armed conflict. "There is no plan B for Gaza. Plan B is going back to war. No one here wants that," Rubio said at the inaugural me»»»

sputniknews.com
Sputnik 2h

IAEA Upholds Iran-US Negotiations to Avoid Use of Force – Director General

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The current objective of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is to create conditions for a possible agreement between Iran and the United States in a bid to avoid the use of force, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said on Thursday. "Of course, the IAEA cannot be part»»»

sputniknews.com
Al Awsat 2h

US Slaps Sanctions on Sudan’s RSF Commanders over El-Fasher Killings

The United States announced sanctions on Thursday on three Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanders over their roles in the "horrific campaign" of the siege and capture of El-Fasher. The US Treasury said the RSF carried out "ethnic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence" in the op»»»

english.aawsat.com