Media Review: May 18
HEADLINES Bulgarian media on Monday are dominated by the victory of Dara at the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, with newspapers and broadcasters extensively covering the singer’s success and public reactions in Bulgaria. Among the leading front-page headlines, Telegraph »»»
Katz Enforces “Execution Law” for Palestinian Prisoners in West Bank - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Katz Enforces “Execution Law” for Palestinian Prisoners in West Bank 18-05-2026 12:23 PM Israeli DM Yisrael Katz with Israeli military and »»»
Cabinet allocates additional 680 million soms to support SMEs - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers allocated additional funds to support small and medium-sized businesses and the garment industry. The First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Daniyar Amangeldiev, told journalists as part of the Open Cabinet project. According to him, suppo»»»
Indonesia boosts defences with new fighter jets
Jakarta, Indonesia: Indonesia will continue boosting its defence capabilities, President Prabowo Subianto said Monday, citing uncertain times as he presented new military hardware, including six French-made Rafale jets, to the air force. The Southeast Asian nation, which pursues a policy of diploma»»»
China, Russia Plan to Further Promote Relations to Higher Level - Chinese Foreign Ministry
BEIJING (Sputnik) - Beijing and Moscow intend to continue to promote bilateral relations to an even higher level, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Monday. "Taking this opportunity, the parties intend to further advance bilateral relations to a deeper and higher level, bringing »»»
Iran’s World Cup football team leaves for Turkiye: media
TEHRAN: Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkiye on Monday to play a final friendly match and apply for visas to fly to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, Iranian media reported.The team plan to participate in the tournament despite co-host Washington having launched a war against»»»
Iran Conveys Position to US Following New Adjustments to Resolution Plan
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran has conveyed its comments to the United States in response to Washington's adjustments to the conflict resolution plan, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Monday. "Despite the fact that the United States has explicitly stated that it rejects this [Iran»»»
Syria to join G7 finance talks in Paris in sign of growing status
RIYADH: Syria will take part in a closed-door session with G7 finance ministers and central bank governors in Paris on Monday, a person familiar with the matter said, in a sign of its growing status less than two years after the ousting of Bashar Assad. Syrian Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh is expe»»»
Philippines swears in senators for VP Duterte’s impeachment trial
MANILA: Philippine lawmakers were on Monday sworn in to serve as judges in the trial of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, the second attempt since last year to force her from office. Sixteen votes in the 24-seat Senate would be needed to convict the daughter of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, an»»»
Russian Drone Hit Chinese Cargo Ship Overnight in Black Sea, Says Ukraine
A Russian drone hit a Chinese cargo ship in the Black Sea overnight, Ukraine said Monday, a day before Russian President Vladimir Putin heads to Beijing to meet Xi Jinping. Kyiv routinely announces Russian attacks on civilian vessels near the port of Odesa -- a vital maritime hub for Ukrainian agri»»»
Belarus Holds Nuclear Weapons Drills, Defense Ministry Says
Belarus, which hosts Russian nuclear weapons, said on Monday it was conducting training in their use. "The aim of the exercise is to improve the personnel's level of training, to test the Airborne Forces' readiness to carry out their tasks, and to organize combat operations from unplanned ar»»»
Texas Children’s Hospital to launch ‘detransition clinic’
Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) will become the first American medical institution to open a clinic for adolescents seeking to reverse gender-related medical treatments, the US Department of Justice said. The move comes as part of a settlement of a years-long probe by the DOJ and Texas Attorney Gen»»»
Unification white paper pivots to peaceful 'two-state' coexistence with N. Korea - UPI.com
South Korea's Unification Ministry on Monday released a new white paper focusing on peaceful coexistence with North Korea. This photo shows the Unification Bridge in Paju, across the border from the North, on Oct. 26, 2025. File Photo by Yonhap The Lee Jae Myung government has shifted its focus to »»»
Nigeria, US Carry Out New Strikes on ISIS in Nigeria
Nigeria and the United States have carried out fresh strikes against ISIS extremist militants in northwest Nigeria, the US military said on Monday. The strikes were conducted on Sunday, US Africa Command (Africom) said in a statement. "Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants. Complet»»»
The Spoiled Prince of Kiev: Zelensky has deceived and ruined his country with Western help
Rudyard Kipling, a modern classic of the Western literary canon, was both a champion of British imperialism and too honest not to know its very sordid underpinnings of greed, lies, and sheer selfishness. That’s why the same man who extolled the “white man’s burden” also wrote ‘The Man Who Would Be »»»
G7 Finance Chiefs Meet to Seek Common Stance on Unstable Ground
Finance chiefs from the G7 industrialized nations gather in Paris on Monday for two days of talks aimed at forging a united front as the Middle East war roils economic prospects worldwide. France, which currently chairs the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven, faces the tricky task of keeping»»»
Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon reports Israeli air strike on the town of Harouf - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon reports Israeli air strike on the town of Harouf 18-05-2026 11:13 AM Latest News Urgent News Israel»»»
Israeli Navy begins to intercept boats in Gaza-bound flotilla off Cyprus coast: Israeli media - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli Navy begins to intercept boats in Gaza-bound flotilla off Cyprus coast: Israeli media 18-05-2026 10:56 AM Latest News Urgent News I»»»
Taiwan’s President Defends US Arms Purchases That Trump Called ‘Bargaining Chip’
Taiwan’s president on Sunday stressed that arms purchases from the United States are “the most important deterrent” of regional conflict and instability, after President Donald Trump called into question continued US support of Taiwan following his visit to China. US arms sales to Taiwan and securi»»»
Kerala CM VD Satheesan holds first cabinet meeting after assuming office
Thiruvananthapuram: Shortly after taking charge as the Chief Minister of Keralam, VD Satheesan on Monday held the first meeting of his Cabinet. Congress leader VD Satheesan was sworn in as Chief Minister earlier in the day, officially bringing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) back to »»»
Israeli media: Israeli Navy arrests activists from boats leading Sumud Flotilla and transfers them to a naval vessel - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli media: Israeli Navy arrests activists from boats leading Sumud Flotilla and transfers them to a naval vessel 18-05-2026 11:05 AM La»»»
Iran’s Top Diplomat Holds Calls with Four Nations Amid US-Israeli Tensions
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations with his counterparts from France, Qatar, Turkey, and South Korea on Sunday, discussing bilateral issues, regional developments, and ongoing diplomatic processes amid heightened tensions with the United States and Israel. »»»
Dollar Steady as Oil Climbs, Bond Selloff Deepens
The dollar was on the defensive against most major currencies on Monday as fresh Middle East tensions lifted oil prices and a global bond selloff stoked rate-hike bets, while yen weakness kept traders on alert for a possible intervention. The euro was last at $1.1621 and sterling fetched $1.3320, b»»»
WHO Kicks off Annual Assembly Amid Hantavirus, Ebola Crises
World Health Organization member states gather for their annual meeting in Geneva Monday amid concern over deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks and uncertainty over announced US and Argentinian withdrawals. While the rare hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that has gripped global attention is no»»»
North Korea’s Kim calls for ‘impregnable fortress’ at southern border - UPI.com
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un convened a meeting with military officers and called for creating an "impregnable fortress" on the border with South Korea, state-run media reported Monday. In this March photo, Kim inspects troops at a military exercise. File Photo by KCNA/UPI | License Photo SEOUL,»»»
Trump warns Iran 'clock is ticking' amid negotiation stalemate - UPI.com
President Donald Trump, seen here at the White House on Tuesday, threatened Iran on Sunday, warning the Middle Eastern country that time was running out to make an agreement to end the war. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo May 18 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has renewed his threats of ma»»»
Emirates to create thousands of jobs with $5.1bn mega engineering hub in Dubai South
Dubai: Thousands of jobs — from mechanics and engineers to administrators and specialists — are set to be created as Emirates Airline on Monday broke ground on a $5.1 billion (Dh18.7 billion) engineering mega-complex at Dubai South. The airline's Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer Adel A»»»
European Shares Fall as Inflation Worries Grip Markets
European shares sank on Monday, with oil prices rising and bonds extending their sell-off, as inflation worries continued with no signs of a deal between the US and Iran. The pan-European STOXX 600 fell 0.7% to 602.52 points, as of 0703 GMT, after ending the previous week lower. Germany's DAX »»»
President rejects pressure to step down
There is currently no legal reason or constitutional basis that could justify his resignation, President Tamás Sulyok said in an interview published Monday on the Index news portal, commenting on Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s deadline of May 31 for the president and several other public office hold»»»
Al-Manar correspondent reports Israeli drone strike on the town of Tibnin in Bint Jbeil district - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Al-Manar correspondent reports Israeli drone strike on the town of Tibnin in Bint Jbeil district 18-05-2026 10:01 AM Latest News Urgent New»»»
Israeli Broadcasting Corporation: Netanyahu to hold security meeting today to approve takeover of flotilla heading to Gaza - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli Broadcasting Corporation: Netanyahu to hold security meeting today to approve takeover of flotilla heading to Gaza 18-05-2026 09:41»»»
Sharaa, Barrack Discuss Syrian, Regional Developments
US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack hailed on Sunday the “remarkable” progress that has been achieved in Syria over the past year. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received the envoy in Damascus on Sunday after which Barrack said: “Syria is now a laboratory for a new re»»»
On This Day, May 18: Wilson signs Selective Service Act amid WWI - UPI.com
On May 18, 1917, President Wilson signed the Selective Service Act of 1917 by which the United States raised an army for service in Europe during World War I. 1 of 5 | The DC War Memorial, which honors District residents who died in World War I, sits on the National Mall. On May 18, 1917, President»»»
How Barakah Nuclear Power Plant made the UAE a global clean energy leader
In the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region stands the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant — one of the most strategic projects in the history of the United Arab Emirates. More than simply being the first peaceful nuclear power plant in the Arab world, Barakah represents a fundamental transformation in t»»»
QFC joins GCMA to advance Qatar’s asset management ecosystem
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre, has joined the Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA) as an associate member, marking an important step towards building a more structured and competitive financial ecosystem in Qatar. This development build»»»
Deputy Cabinet Chairman comments on Western sanctions against Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
A meeting of journalists with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Daniyar Amangeldiev, is taking place today, May, 18 at Yntymak Ordo as part of the Open Cabinet project. In response to a question from 24.kg news agency about whether Kyrgyzstan is currently facing pressure fr»»»
President Iotova Visits Plant in Azerbaijan Built with Bulgarian Investment
President Iliana Iotova visited a plant built entirely with Bulgarian investment in the industrial free economic zone of the city of Sumgait, 25 kilometres from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, the presidential press secretariat reported on Monday morning. The plant for recycling of used industrial»»»
Gulf Cup draw ceremony in Jeddah tomorrow
Doha, Qatar: Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation will host the draw ceremony for the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah tomorrow. The tournament will take place from September 23 to October 6. The ceremony is set to begin at 4:00 pm at the Culture Square - Arts Center Building, located»»»
President Dan : Defence investments have become a priority in the current global context with multiple military conflicts
President Nicusor Dan said on Friday, in a social media message, that it is Romania's responsibility to increase its defence spending given increasing security risks. He added that "only by ensuring peace can our societies remain free and prosper in the future."Dan participated in the Black Sea Def»»»
President Dan: There is no risk of the SAFE programme being blocked
President Nicusor Dan stated on Friday that there is no risk of the 'Security Action for Europe' (SAFE) programme being blocked for Romania.He was asked during a press conference whether there was any risk of the European defence industry programme being blocked, in the context of the latest govern»»»
Nicusor Dan: Romania-Ukraine agreement on countering drones will be finalised in two to three months
A Romania-Ukraine agreement on countering drones will be finalised in two to three months, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday at a news conference.The collaboration of the two countries has two components, he added.The first is the inclusion in the SAFE programme of a drone production component i»»»
President Dan: 2027 budget plan confirmed for autumn submission
President Nicusor Dan told a press conference on Friday that the budget for next year could be submitted by the Government this autumn in order to project financial stability."We already have an approved 2026 budget and there is agreement not to amend it. Thus, for 2026, this is the fiscal outlook.»»»
USR's Fritz, interim PM Bolojan agree not to support any governing formula involving PSD
The Mayor of Timisoara and Save Romania Union leader, Dominic Fritz, stated on Saturday, following a meeting with interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, that they had discussed Monday's consultations at Cotroceni Palace, convened by President Nicusor Dan, agreeing that both parties would not support »»»
Interim PM Bolojan: If the PSD is in government, the PNL will be in opposition
The president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, stated on Saturday in Timisoara that the party has two political objectives: in the short term, to find a governing formula in which the PNL assumes its responsibilities, and in the medium term, for 2028, to cre»»»
President Dan: Consultations to focus on majority proposed for forming Gov't
Monday consultations at the Cotroceni Palace with parliamentary parties will start from the question of what majority they are proposing, whether a "full", minority or technocratic Government, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday, mentioning that a pro-Western majority is needed."We will have talks»»»
WHO kicks off annual assembly amid hantavirus, Ebola crises
GENEVA: World Health Organization member states gather for their annual meeting in Geneva Monday amid concern over deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks and uncertainty over announced US and Argentinian withdrawals.While the rare hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that has gripped global attentio»»»
Hong Kong court hears final arguments in the trial of Tiananmen vigil organizers
HONG KONG: A Hong Kong court was hearing the final arguments Monday in the national security trial for two organizers of the large vigils remembering the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Hong Kong for decades was the only place in China where a large-scale public commemoration of the crackdown was »»»
Oil touches two-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant
NEW DELHI: Oil prices extended gains on Monday as efforts to end the Iran war appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the UAE came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran. Brent crude futures climbed $2.01, or 1.84 percent, to»»»
Qatar cross 100-medal mark as athletics end with 12 gold, Aya wins table tennis crown
Doha, Qatar: Mubarak Saeed and Zakaria Al-Alami secured a one-two finish in the men’s 1500m as Qatar’s athletics team claimed two more gold medals, while Aya Mohammed triumphed in table tennis to lift the hosts’ gold tally to 39 at the GCC Games Doha 2026 yesterday. Qatar crossed the 100-medal mark»»»