Here’s why the Iran talks were doomed to fail
The US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended exactly as they were bound to end under the current balance of power – without a deal, without a handshake, without even the faintest sense that the two sides have moved closer to a durable peace. Nearly 21 hours of talks, an unprecedented level of representatio»»»
Colombia to cull up to 80 hippos tied to late drug lord Pablo Escobar - UPI.com
According to official data, the population in Colombia could reach 500 hippos by 2030 if control measures are not implemented. A scientific study cited by the government recommends removing at least 33 animals per year to achieve a significant reduction. File Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA April 13 (UP»»»
No one has the right to close Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic: IMO
Paris, France: Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez, said Monday that no country has the right to close the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. During a press conference, Dominguez added, "Under international law, no country has the right to prohibi»»»
UN warns Middle East conflict could push 32 million more into poverty
New York: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that more than 32 million people worldwide could be pushed into poverty due to the economic fallout of the conflict in the Middle East, with developing countries expected to bear the brunt. In a report issued on Monday, the agency sai»»»
Magyar beats Orban in battle for Hungary: What happens now?
Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has pulled off a stunning victory in the country’s parliamentary election, with his Tisza party beating Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz by more than 16 points. The result is set to dramatically change Hungary’s relations with the EU, Russia, and Ukraine»»»
UN Maritime Chief Says No Country Has Right to Close Hormuz
The head of the UN maritime agency said Monday no country had a legal right to block shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a trade passage paralysed by the US-Iran war. The International Maritime Organization's Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez addressed a news conference as access to the strait rema»»»
UN: Iran War Could Plunge 32 million into Poverty
More than 32 million people worldwide could be plunged into poverty by the economic fallout from the Iran war, with developing countries expected to be hit hardest, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) warned. In a report issued amid doubts over a fragile ceasefire, the UNDP said the world»»»
NATO Allies Refuse to Join Trump's Strait of Hormuz Blockade
The United States' NATO allies said on Monday they would not get involved in President Donald Trump's plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, further ratcheting up tensions within the increasingly fragile alliance. Trump said the US military would work with other countries to block all maritime traf»»»
Mideast war could push 30m people into poverty: UNDP
Ongoing military escalation in the Middle East puts tens of millions of people at risk of falling into poverty across 162 countries, according to new projections released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). While the impacts are concentrated in countries directly affected by t»»»
Trump’s Hormuz gamble: Showdown for control of the key strait
Dubai: President Donald Trump has escalated the battle for the Strait of Hormuz, ordering a US naval blockade targeting ships linked to Iran — a move that risks sending global oil prices higher even as Washington says it wants the vital artery reopened. The contradiction is only apparent. Trump isn»»»
Russian FM to Visit China April 14-15
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit China this week, Beijing said on Monday, as the two sides hope to boost cooperation. "Russia's foreign minister Lavrov will pay an official visit to China from April 14 to 15," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference. Lavrov wil»»»
Australian Prime Minister calls for resumption of US-Iran peace talks
Canberra, Australia: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday called for the resumption of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, and for an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The call by Albanese came during a television interview with the Australian Broadc»»»
Masoud Barzani’s Party Rejects Result of Iraqi Presidential Vote
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Masoud Barzani, has rejected the election of Nizar Amidi as Iraq’s president, worsening political tensions in the Kurdistan Region and across the country. The party has instructed its representatives in the federal government and parliament to return to »»»
Japan calls for swift US-Iran agreement, stresses Strait of Hormuz security
Tokyo: Japan hopes a "final agreement" will be concluded swiftly between the US and Iran to de-escalate the Middle East situation, after Washington-Tehran weekend peace talks failed to reach a deal. "What is most important is that de-escalation, including securing the safety of navigation through t»»»
LuLu Hypermarket launches ‘Half Pay Back’ promotion
Doha, Qatar: LuLu Hypermarket announced the launch of its highly anticipated ‘Half Pay Back’ promotion, running until May 2, 2026. Crafted to deliver exceptional value, the campaign gives customers the opportunity to enjoy significant savings across selected fashion categories. Shoppers can explore»»»
Al Khelaifi wins Most Valuable Driver award as Qatar claim fourth place in ELMS season opener
Doha, Qatar: Team Qatar GT delivered a strong result at the opening round of the 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS), finishing fourth in the LMGT3 class while Abdulla Al Khelaifi was named Most Valuable Driver of the category at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, yesterday. The team controlled mu»»»
'Unconditional surrender' was never an option for Iran
US-Iran talks aimed at finding a permanent end to the war ended on Saturday night without any deal, leaving the fate of a two-week ceasefire hanging in the balance. The meeting in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad brought together Iranian and US officials, chief among them US Vice President JD Van»»»
Weather alert: UAE to see rain, mist and dust before winds intensify midweek
Dubai: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast changing weather conditions across the UAE from today to Friday, with rain, humidity and dust expected at different intervals. On Monday, partly cloudy to cloudy conditions are expected, with a chance of light to moderate rainfall over co»»»
Middle East war live: Iran navy chief calls Trump’s threat to blockade Hormuz Strait ‘ridiculous’
Iran's navy chief Shahram Irani on Sunday dismissed US President Donald Trump's threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz as "ridiculous and funny". Trump said the US navy would begin blocking ships from entering or leaving the crucial waterway –de facto controlled by Iran – after negotiations betwee»»»
Week in pictures: the Artemis II lunar mission, a key Hungarian election and Trump's coveted arch
Artemis II's astronauts closed out humanity's first lunar voyage in more than half a century, the run-up to Hungary's crucial election and artist drawings of US President Donald Trump's planned "triumphal" arch, which resembles Paris's Arc de Triomphe. Here's a look back at some of the week's »»»
Oil prices jump, WTI skyrockets to $104 after failed Iran talks
Oil prices jumped in early trading Monday, with US and global benchmarks climbing sharply amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and investor concern over potential supply disruptions through key shipping lanes. As of 7:19 a.m. (Asia time) on April 13, West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $»»»
A nation at the crossroads: Why the Hungarian election is so dramatic
Viktor Orban will most likely win the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary on April 12; however, for the ruling party, this will be an extremely difficult and hard-fought victory. The issue is not the loss of charisma by the bright and skillful long-standing leader of Fidesz, nor even the 25»»»
Increase in relative humidity levels with a decrease in horizontal visibility: Qatar Met
Doha: The Qatar Meteorology Department, in a weather update shared on social media, announced that there is an increase in relative humidity levels with a decrease in horizontal visibility due to the formation of mist to fog in some areas later. The Department advised the public to be careful.»»»
Napoli draw at Parma gives Inter chance to put one hand on Serie A title
Parma, Italy: Napoli's Serie A title defence suffered a blow with Sunday's 1-1 draw at Parma which gave league leaders Inter Milan the chance to move nine points clear. Napoli's Scottish midfielder #8 Scott McTominay reacts at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between Parma and Napoli a»»»
Sultan of Oman, UK PM hold phone talks on regional developments
Muscat: HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held a phone call on Sunday with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss the latest developments in the region and their implications for security and stability. During the call, the two sides reviewed developments following conclusion of talks held in Paki»»»
Pope says there is a 'moral obligation' to protect Lebanese people
Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness to the people of Lebanon on Sunday, saying there was a "moral obligation" to protect them while calling on warring parties to seek peace. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last month as Israel pursues Hezbollah, with Lebanese authorities reporting more »»»
Pope says he is 'closer than ever' to Lebanese people
Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV expressed his closeness to the people of Lebanon on Sunday, saying there was a "moral obligation" to protect them while calling on warring parties to seek peace. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last month as Israel pursues the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, with »»»
Inside US–Iran talks: Why gaps persist and what comes next
Dubai: After 21 hours of negotiations stretching into the early hours, US–Iran talks did not so much fail as expose the scale of the challenge ahead — laying bare deep divisions over nuclear limits, regional power and control of the Strait of Hormuz. The outcome was not unexpected. Both sides enter»»»
Unsettled weather in UAE: Why you should avoid rainwater pools in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Authorities have urged the public to avoid approaching water pools formed by recent rainfall, warning of potential safety risks as unsettled weather continues across parts of the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre called on residents to refrain from engag»»»
Hungary election: which polls to trust and everything else you need to know
At 6AM, polling stations opened in Hungary and its high-stakes parliamentary elections began. Voters will decide whether, after 16 years of an increasingly authoritarian government, prime minister Viktor Orbán and his rightwing party, Fidesz, will stay in power, or the leader of the centre-right Ti»»»
Team Qatar on pole at ELMS season opener in Barcelona
Doha: Team Qatar GT made a strong start to its 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) campaign after securing pole position in the GT category during qualifying at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya yesterday. Running the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 in collaboration with Iron Lynx, Team Qatar GT features a dri»»»
Alsharbatly tops Diamond, Gohal wins Bronze Tour at Hathab
Doha, Qatar: Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alsharbatly delivered a commanding performance to secure victory in the Diamond Tour during the tenth round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s (QEF) main arena yesterday. Competing in the Accumulator with Joker clas»»»
Watch: 200kg UAE flag carried by 64 nationalities sets Guinness World Record in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: On a rain-swept evening at Hudayriyat Island, 153 people from 64 nationalities lifted a single banner weighing over 200kg and walked 100 metres together, setting a Guinness World Record and delivering one of the UAE's most quietly powerful moments of unity. They were not soldiers or athl»»»
Al Muraikhi, Peruvian FM discuss regional situation
Doha: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received on Friday a telephone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru, H E Hugo de Zela. The call addressed the latest developments in the region in light of the ceasefire agreement between the US and»»»
Mutamarrid wins Al Mamoura Cup as Sanna secures treble
Doha, Qatar: Injaaz Stud’s Mutamarrid produced a strong late surge to land the highly competitive Local Thoroughbred Handicap (55–80), claiming the Al Mamoura Cup as jockey Alberto Sanna completed a treble at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. The grey veteran, trained by Jihad El Ahmad, settled just »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
OPINION: Hungarian vote puts EU unity on the line
After 16 years in power, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is facing his most serious electoral challenge yet from opposition leader Péter Magyar. A new report by the Clingendael Institute frames the vote as “make-or-break” for EU-Hungary relations, warning that Brussels is “holding its breath”»»»
Pakistan’s Ghazab Lil-Haq operation and the prospect of regime change in Afghanistan
On February 26, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) against the Taliban regime in Kabul. The operation is seen by some as an attempt by Islamabad to pursue regime change in Afghanistan. »»»
Velayati is wrong: Hezbollah is not Lebanon’s shield—It is its Burden – Ya Libnan
Share: Iran’s Supreme leader adviser lectures Beirut on “resistance,” while Lebanon pays the price of a war that was never its own Former Iranian Foreign Minister and Supreme Leader advisor Ali Akbar Velayati recently warned Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam that ignoring Hezbollah’s “indispensa»»»
Suspect arrested after Molotov cocktail thrown at OpenAI CEO's home - UPI.com
A suspect has been arrested for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's house before fleeing three miles on foot to the company's offices, which police said he threatened to burn down. File Photo by Anna Rose Layden/UPI | License Photo April 11 (UPI) -- Police arrested a 20»»»
From loss to legacy: Filipina entrepreneur in Qatar turns setback into purpose
Darlene Regis She lost everything — but refused to lose herself. Today, Ruth Astley stands as a testament to resilience, proving that even the lowest in life can become the foundation for something greater. A Filipina entrepreneur based in Qatar, Astley transformed a painful financial setback into »»»
AL KHULAIFI MEETS US SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SYRIA
Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack in Doha on Saturday. During the meeting, they reviewed the latest developments in Syria and Lebanon and efforts to de-escalate tensions in the reg»»»