US hails Mexico after cartel drug lord killed
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has praised Mexico’s security forces for eliminating one of the country’s most wanted drug lords, calling it a major victory for the region and the world. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, was wounded during a joint operation led »»»
Nineteen countries, along with Arab League and OIC, condemn in a joint statement Israeli decisions that introduce wide-ranging expansions to Israel's illegal control over West Bank
Doha: We, the Foreign Ministers of the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the French Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Republic of Indonesia, Ireland, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom»»»
UK police arrest ex-envoy Peter Mandelson in Epstein case
London police on Monday arrested former ambassador Peter Mandelson in a probe into allegations over his ties to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein, only days after ex-prince Andrew was detained. Mandelson, a pivotal figure in British politics and the UK's former envoy to Washington, was arreste»»»
UAE warns of fog and low horizontal visibility
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast a chance of fog formation with a deterioration in horizontal visibility. In its weather update on Monday, the NCM said horizontal visibility may drop even further at times over some coastal, internal areas and islands from 10pm on Feb 23 until 10am »»»
Federal judge blocks release of Jack Smith's classified documents report - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith testifies at a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on January 22. A federal judge on Monday blocked Smith's report on his investigation into President Donald Trump's handling of classified doc»»»
Risk of ‘Escalation’ if Iran Attacked, Warns Deputy Foreign Minister
Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned of a wider escalation if his country was attacked, after US President Donald Trump raised the threat of strikes. Trump has sent a major deployment of air and sea power to the Middle East and has threatened to strike Iran if it does not reach a»»»
Battles between the cartels and security officials broke out in Mexico following the killing of a drug kingpin
Battles between cartel gunmen and security forces have broken out in multiple cities across Mexico after a top drug kingpin was killed by the military. Airports were locked down and thousands of tourists confined to their hotels and resorts as gunmen ran rampage over city streets, burning cars, sho»»»
Bulgaria Not Asked to Provide Territory for Hypothetical Future US Operation, Defence Minister Zapryanov Clarifies
Caretaker Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov stated on Monday that Bulgaria has not been asked to provide territory or any military participation in a hypothetical future operation of the US armed forces against Iran. He made this statement at a briefing in the Council of Ministers in connection »»»
Jetten sworn in as youngest ever Dutch PM
The Hague: A new Dutch government took power on Monday, with 38-year-old centrist Rob Jetten sworn in as the country's youngest-ever prime minister and the first openly gay one. "Sworn in. We're going to get started. Let's get to work," Jetten posted on X, formerly Twitter, with a picture of his ca»»»
Australia backs removal of ex-Prince Andrew from line of succession - UPI.com
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday became the first head of a Commonwealth realm nation to back calls to strip Andew Mountbatten-Windsor of his birthright to inherit the throne. File Photo Bianca de Marchi/EPA Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote his B»»»
EU Parliament set to adopt tougher asylum laws amid far-right pressure
New anti-asylum laws are likely to be rubber-stamped by the European Parliament amid further alarm over the far-right influence on migration. The Strasbourg assembly on Tuesday (10 February) will most likely adopt two new laws that will make it legally easier to deport asylum-seeker hopefuls to cou»»»
Gibraltar to regain freedom of movement within days, in post-Brexit legal tidy-up
Gibraltar will finally obtain free movement into Spain within the coming days, after the European Commission confirmed it had published the draft law that will govern the UK territory. In a statement on Tuesday (17 February), the EU Commission said that it had finalised the legal text of an agreeme»»»
EU top court new search tool dubbed a ‘disaster’ by lawyers
Hailed as a “new gateway to European justice”, the redesign of the main portal to access EU case law, InfoCuria, has drawn the ire of legal scholars from around Europe. “It’s a disaster,” one law professor wrote to EUobserver. A letter seen by EUobserver, dated 9 February, and signed by law practit»»»
From a digital Wild West to strict age limits: do social-media bans actually protect teens?
Teenagers’ access to social media has emerged as a topic of concern among politicians, not just parents, as more and more countries in Europe (and beyond) consider social media bans. Spain, France, Denmark, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Austria, and others have either initiated or announced plans, or »»»
The Caretaker Republic: How Bulgaria Learned to Govern Without Governing
Bulgaria has a constitution, a parliament, and a president. What it has struggled to maintain, with remarkable consistency over the past decade, is an actual functioning government. Since 2021 alone, the country has cycled through five caretaker cabinets, two of them led by the same man. By the tim»»»
Death Toll From Riots After El Mencho Arrest in Mexico Reaches 26 - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - At least 26 people died in Mexico during the operation targeting Jalisco New Generation cartel leader El Mencho and the ensuing riots, La Jornada newspaper reported. A pregnant woman and 17 security officers fell victim to the wave of armed violence, the newspaper reported. So fa»»»
Philippines boosts diaspora engagement amid shifting migration patterns in Europe
Dubai: As more Filipinos move to Europe for work and permanent residence, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has stepped up its efforts to deepen engagement with the diaspora, not just as remittance senders, but as long-term partners in nation-building. During a recent forum titled “The Eur»»»
Dubai Police warn motorists as dense fog raises accident risks
Dubai Police have urged motorists to exercise heightened caution and reduce speed while driving in foggy conditions, warning that dense fog significantly reduces horizontal visibility and increases the likelihood of serious multi-vehicle collisions that can result in injuries, fatalities and major »»»
FIFA seminar kicks off for elite referees shortlisted for 2026 World Cup
Doha, Qatar: A FIFA seminar for elite referees shortlisted to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Monday and will run through February 27. The seminar brings together 21 referees from three continents, including 10 from Asia, among them Qatari referees Abdulrahman Al Jassim and Salma»»»
Media Review: February 23
The topics of the newly appointed caretaker government and the Petrohan case dominate Monday’s press. POLITICS 24 Chasa presents the results of a Trend opinion poll, according to which if elections were held today, the coalition of former president Rumen Radev would win 32.7% of the votes, followed»»»
“How Will Radev Compete with Me?” Borissov Claims GERB Has Done More for Bulgaria Than Anyone
During a gathering in Stara Zagora with nearly 1,000 mayors from villages, municipalities, and regional cities, GERB leader Boyko Borissov spoke candidly about the party’s achievements and the upcoming electoral challenges. He questioned how President Rumen Radev could compete with him after ten ye»»»
Lee, Brazil's Lula agree to elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership - UPI.com
President Lee Jae Myung (R) and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva enter a state welcome dinner at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Monday. Photo by Yonhap President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to elevate bilateral ties during their summit Monday and e»»»
Foreign Outflows Cap Rate-Cut Rally as EGX Ends Volatile Week Lower
Egypt’s equity market swung sharply over the week of 15–19 February 2026, reversing an early breakout to close firmly in the red as foreign investors accelerated selling into geopolitical uncertainty. The EGX30 ended roughly 3.14% below Sunday’s level, underscoring the market’s sensitivity to exter»»»
Răzvan Pârvulescu appointed as Business Development Director of Hagag Energy’s natural gas division
International investor Hagag Development Europe has announced changes in its operations in the energy sector and its local management structure, including the appointment of Răzvan Pârvulescu as Business Development Director of the Natural Gas Division within Hagag Energy. Pârvulescu has been invol»»»
Thousands march in Lyon in tribute to murdered right-wing activist (VIDEOS)
More than 3,200 people marched through the French city of Lyon on Saturday to honor Quentin Deranque, a nationalist activist killed following a street brawl with alleged far-left militants. Deranque, a 23-year-old mathematics student and member of the identitarian group Audace Lyon, died on Februar»»»
On This Day, Feb. 23: Mexico begins assault on the Alamo - UPI.com
On Feb. 23, 1836, soldiers under the command of Mexican President General Antonio López de Santa Anna began their assault on the Alamo. 1 of 4 | On February 23, 1836, soldiers under the command of Mexican President General Antonio López de Santa Anna began their assault on the Alamo Mission near pr»»»
Bulgaria: Radev’s Formation Leads with 32.7%, Five Parties Certain to Enter Parliament, According to a Survey
Five political formations are firmly positioned to enter the next National Assembly, while two more remain just below the 4% threshold but retain tangible prospects of representation. These are the findings of a national representative survey conducted by Trend at the request of 24 Chasa in the per»»»
NATO Must Return to 1997 Borders for Peace in Ukraine - Finnish Politician
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO must revert to its 1997 borders to secure lasting peace in Ukraine, while European leaders pursue de-escalation and respect the alliance's pledge against eastward expansion "one inch" toward Russia, Armando Mema, member of the Finnish national-conservative party Freedom Alli»»»
US to Stop Collecting Tariffs Deemed Illegal by Supreme Court on Tuesday
The US Customs and Border Protection agency said it will halt collections of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act at 12:01 a.m. EST (0501 GMT) on Tuesday, more than three days after the Supreme Court declared the duties illegal. The agency said in a message to shipp»»»
Five Formations Certain to Enter Next Parliament, Survey Finds
Five formations are certain to enter the next National Assembly, while two others retain a realistic chance of representation, according to a survey, presented by Trend poll agency. The agency estimates that 3.1 million voters will go to the polls on April 19. The survey, commissioned by 24 Chasa, »»»
Saida claims Al Waab Cup with late surge
Doha, Qatar: Saida, owned by Time Form Syndicate and trained by Hamad Al Jehani, delivered a dramatic late surge in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap 50-70 over 1400m for horses aged three and above, to clinch the Al Waab Cup at Al Rayyan Racecourse on the turf on Saturday night. The five-year-old ma»»»
Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda officially confirm wedding, honour fans with ‘VIROSH’ name
Dubai: Celebrity power couple Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda have officially confirmed their wedding on social media, calling it “The Wedding of VIROSH”. The couple, who have been dating for nearly eight years but have never openly acknowledged their relationship in public, shared a heartf»»»
Hamas Official Says Group in Final Stage of Choosing New Chief
A senior Hamas official told AFP on Sunday that the Palestinian movement was in the final phase of selecting a new leader, with two prominent figures competing for the position. Hamas recently completed the formation of a new Shura Council of more than 80 members, a consultative body largely compos»»»
Brazil’s Zanotelli rides Charly Heart to CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix glory
Doha, Qatar: Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli topped a competitive field to win the CSI5* CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix presented by Longines, bringing four days of thrilling action at Al Shaqab to a close on Saturday night. At the Longines Outdoor Arena, Zanotelli and his 10-year-old mare Charly Heart »»»
Saudi Founding Day and the roots of political continuity
On 22 February of each year, Saudi Arabia celebrates Founding Day, commemorating the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1727 in Diriyah, northwest of present-day Riyadh. The date marks the emergence of a centralised political authority in a region long characterised by fragmentation. Today, »»»
Arab, Muslim nations slam ‘inflammatory’ remarks by US ambassador to Israel
Several members of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Sunday issued a joint statement condemning remarks by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, that it “would be fine” if Israel took over a huge swath of the Mid»»»
Syria empties al-Hol camp as final convoy departs for Aleppo
Syria's notorious al-Hol ISIS camp, which once held tens of thousands of women and children linked to the Islamic State group, has been fully cleared after the final convoy departed on February 22, officials said. Fadi al-»»»
Qatar Meteorology warns of rise in humidity levels, chances of mist to fog formation
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) has warned the public of a rise in relative humidity levels and the chances of mist to fog formation over some areas during the night hours and Monday morning, according to its daily weather updates. Earlier on Sunday, QMD announced that weather c»»»
UAE: NCM issues fog, low visibility alert
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast a chance of fog formation with a deterioration in horizontal visibility. In its weather update on Sunday, the NCM said horizontal visibility may drop even further at times over some coastal and internal areas from 10pm Sunday until 10am Monday. The »»»
Saudi Arabia Revives Centuries of Heritage in Founding Day Celebrations
As streets across Saudi cities were adorned in green and traditional attire, a series of major cultural and entertainment events were under way on Sunday across the Kingdom to mark Founding Day. Riyadh and cities nationwide were transformed into cultural and tourism destinations, attracting thousan»»»
Somaliland Offers US Exclusive Mineral Access, Military Bases Following Israeli Recognition
Somaliland has offered the United States special privileges, including exclusive access to strategic minerals and the establishment of military bases, as it seeks broader international recognition after the Israeli occupation entity formally recognized its independence late last year. In remarks to»»»
Arab, Muslim countries slam US ambassador's remarks on Israel's right to Mideast land
Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint condemnation of remarks by U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who suggested Israel had a biblical right to a vast swath of the Middle East. Huckabee, a former Baptist minister and a fervent Israel supporter, was speaking on the podcast of far-right co»»»
Son's LAFC defeats Messi and Miami in MLS season opener
Los Angeles, United States: Son Heung-min bested Lionel Messi in the battle of Major League Soccer's global superstars, setting up a 3-0 win for Los Angeles FC over Inter Miami on the US league's opening weekend. The South Korean, already beloved in Los Angeles as he embarks on his first full seaso»»»
Devos clinches CSI5* feature triumph at CHI Al Shaqab
Doha, Qatar: Belgium’s Pieter Devos delivered a standout performance at Al Shaqab’s Longines Outdoor Arena, winning Friday’s CSI5* 1.50m Faults and Time feature on the third day of CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines. Aboard Jarina J, Devos produced a flawless round in 59.58 seconds to secure the t»»»
Team Qatar to make historic debut at 24 Hours of Le Mans with Iron Lynx
Doha, Qatar: Team Qatar is set to make history this June by participating for the first time ever in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a milestone moment for Qatari motorsport on the global endurance racing stage. Held annually at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, the 24-hour endurance race is regard»»»
How the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque became France’s ‘Charlie Kirk moment’
The fatal beating of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in the final moments of a street brawl between ultranationalist and anti-fascist militants in Lyon has become a rallying cry for right-wing forces in France and beyond. If police predictions come true, France’s third-largest city of Lyo»»»
France’s Michelon wins Olympic gold in women’s biatholon mass start, teammate Simon takes silver
France's Océane Michelon and Julia Simon won gold and silver respectively in the women's biathlon 12.5-kilometre mass start race the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Saturday. Czech biathlete Tereza Vobornikova had to settle for bronze after being overtaken by the French powerhouse team, »»»
Willie Colón, trombonist who pioneered salsa music, dies aged 75
Salsa music pioneer Willie Colón, the trombonist and orchestra leader behind songs like El Malo, Oh, Qué Será, Talento de Televisión and Gitana, has died aged 75, US media reports. The Grammy nominated singer-songwriter "passed away peacefully" on Saturday morning "surrounded by his loving family",»»»
Fog, rising humidity and shifting winds forecast across UAE in coming days
Dubai: The UAE is expected to experience generally fair to partly cloudy weather on Sunday, with a slight drop in temperatures and rising humidity overnight, increasing the likelihood of fog and mist in some coastal and inland areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. The Centre said »»»
NCM issues alert over dense fog and near-zero visibility in parts of UAE
Dubai: Low horizontal visibility is expected across parts of the UAE late Saturday night and into Sunday morning, with the National Centre of Meteorology warning that visibility could deteriorate sharply in some coastal and inland areas due to the formation of fog and mist. According to the Centre,»»»