Russia frees American Stephen Hubbard after over 4 years behind bars
Russia on Wednesday freed an American who had been jailed for more than four years on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine, a deal completed during a visit by a top US envoy and at a time when President Donald Trump has taken a series of actions meant to benefit Moscow. Trump told reporter»»»
Why Ilhan Omar’s case gives US Somalis a bad name
CHICAGO: A federal investigation into how Ilhan Omar, a member of Congress from Minnesota, obtained US citizenship has raised questions about whether she, or her late father, misrepresented her age on immigration documents. If proven, the allegations could expose her to criminal charges, denaturali»»»
800,000 Somalis threatened by flooding displacement: UN
GENEVA, Switzerland: More than 800,000 people in Somalia could be forced to leave their homes over the next three months due to flooding, the UN migration agency warned Wednesday. Somalia is entering a rainy season expected to bring above-average rainfall, worsened by the strengthening El Nino weat»»»
US Democrats accuse Trump administration of election ‘intimidation’
WASHINGTON, United States: Democratic Party leaders have sued US President Donald Trump and members of his administration, accusing them of aiming “threats and intimidation” at state and local officials in the run-up to the November 3 midterm election. Democratic governors, Congressional leaders an»»»
800,000 Somalis threatened by flooding displacement: UN
Geneva, Switzerland: More than 800,000 people in Somalia could be forced to leave their homes over the next three months due to flooding, the UN migration agency warned Wednesday. Somalia is entering a rainy season expected to bring above-average rainfall, worsened by the strengthening El Nino weat»»»
Palestinian Authority to repatriate bodies of migrant-drowning victims from Greek islands
LONDON: The Palestinian Authority will repatriate the bodies of five Palestinians who drowned when two boats capsized in separate incidents off the Greek islands of Lesvos and Samos on Monday. Palestine’s ambassador to Greece, Yusuf Dargham, said on Wednesday that the Hellenic Coast Guard Directora»»»
Philippines probes illegal recruitment of nationals in Russia
MANILA: The Philippines is probing the possible illegal recruitment of its nationals in Russia, the Department of Migrant Workers said on Wednesday, after the Ukrainian military’s report on the killing of a Filipino mercenary. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the military intelligence agency of»»»
Trump envoy criticized for calling Putin ‘humanitarian’
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff faced criticism Wednesday for calling Vladimir Putin a “humanitarian” despite the Russian leader’s brutal war in Ukraine. Witkoff made the comments as he met Putin in Saint Petersburg to secure the release of Stephen Hubbard, an Am»»»
Joint statement between the State of Qatar and the French Republic on the occasion of President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Doha
Doha, Qatar: In light of the deep-rooted historical relations and ever-evolving cooperation between the State of Qatar and the French Republic, His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, paid a state visit to Doha from 20 to 21 October 2026. The in-depth discussions»»»
Israel opposition decries Netanyahu ‘circus’ after Iran threats
JERUSALEM: Israel’s opposition chief on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dangerously politicizing the country’s security ahead of elections, after he made a series of threats against Iran. “I’m just stunned at hearing Netanyahu recklessly hurling around security threats,” said»»»
El Salvador says Haiti gangs holding 4 force members hostage, announces new rescue mission
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday said that Haitian gangs were holding four Salvadaron members of an international UN-backed security force hostage, and that he had launched a military operation to being them back unharmed. El Salvador’s military and the Gang Suppression Force, man»»»
Lusail International Circuit prepares for landmark month of MotoGP and Formula 1
DOHA Lusail International Circuit is preparing to host the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2026 on November 6-8 and the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix on November 27-29. Preparations are progressing across the circuit, including grandstands, hospitality areas, fan zones and operational faciliti»»»
Qatar joins UN-backed talks in Geneva to advance peace efforts in Sudan
Geneva: The State of Qatar has participated in the Sixth Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination of Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, which opened in Geneva on Wednesday under the auspices of the United Nations. The meeting brought together 27 international and regional delegations to »»»
Hungary shuts down bank: What happens to customers’ money?
Hungary’s central bank has revoked Trive Bank’s operating licence and ordered its liquidation after finding that the lender no longer has sufficient capital to continue operating. Depositors are set to receive compensation within seven working days, up to the statutory limit. The Hungarian National»»»
Macron visits Riyadh to show solidarity amid Houthi attacks, ease tensions at home via fuel deal
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday paid an unannounced visit to Riyadh in a bid to underscore French support for the kingdom amid intensified attacks by Houthi rebels and an attempt to ease tensions at home by securing oil and diesel imports. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Riya»»»
Oman, Britain plan closer investment, security ties during sultan’s visit
LONDON: Britain and Oman are set to expand investment ties during Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s state visit, with a planned artificial intelligence data center in Oman expected to attract more than $1.3 billion in initial investment and create more than 100 highly skilled jobs in Britain, the UK’s gov»»»
Protests banned in parts of Paris as Macron swipes at Trump
PARIS: French police said Wednesday that protests would be banned in parts of Paris on Thursday, as France braced for more demonstrations just days after rallies degenerated into some of worst street unrest in years. The announcement came after President Emmanuel Macron took an apparent swipe at hi»»»
Kremlin says 'ready' to resume 3-way talks with US and Ukraine mid-November
Moscow is ready to resume trilateral US-Ukraine-Russia talks next month, the Kremlin said Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Russia. FRANCE 24's correspondent Gulliver Cragg has more.»»»
Barrack says meeting with President al-Sharaa was productive
Damascus, Oct. 21 (SANA) Tom Barrack, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Syria and Iraq , described his meeting with President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus on Wednesday as productive and constructive, stressing Syria’s central role in establishing regional stability. “Productive meeting today with »»»
Aldar and ADIB unveil co-branded cards with enhanced rewards across Abu Dhabi's lifestyle destinations
Visa Infinite and Visa Platinum cards offer a range of rewards and lifestyle benefits Aldar and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), two of Abu Dhabi’s leading institutions, announced today the launch of two co-branded covered cards, offering customers enhanced rewards and exclusive benefits across Aldar»»»
Hungarian university breaks into world’s Top 100 with international business master’s
Corvinus University of Budapest has secured a place among the world’s top 100 institutions in the 2027 QS International Trade Rankings, with its International Economy and Business Master’s programme ranking 99th globally. The university also achieved an impressive 32nd place in the Executive MBA ca»»»
How Arab investments can drive Syria’s economic recovery
Damascus, Oct. 21 (SANA) Arab investments are emerging as a key driver of Syria’s economic recovery following liberation, through strategic projects in energy, transport, real estate and telecommunications. These investments are expected to create jobs, support reconstruction and stimulate producti»»»
QBA, French Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness explore deeper investment and industrial partnerships
Doha, Qatar – The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) hosted H.E. Nicolas Forissier, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, and his accompanying economic delegation, as part of it’s efforts to strengthen economic and investment ties between Qatar and France and to »»»
UK-Oman partnership vital for safeguarding global trade: City’s lady mayor
LONDON: The partnership between the UK and Oman plays a vital role in securing global trade routes and freedom of navigation, the lady mayor of the City of London has said in an address for Haitham bin Tariq, the sultanate’s ruler. Speaking on Wednesday at a banquet in Guildhall attended by more th»»»
Ukraine Conflict Freeze Without Security Guarantees and Legitimacy Solutions is Pointless – Expert
Volodymyr Zelensky and his European backers may seek to freeze the conflict in Ukraine without a comprehensive settlement, but they have very few tools in their toolkit, retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Pentagon analyst Karen Kwiatkowski tells Sputnik. "Zelensky’s sponsors refuse »»»
Focus - Concerns mount over artificial intelligence as Silicon Valley sees AI boom
Tuesday, October 20 saw protests in more than 50 US cities against the rise of artificial intelligence. Demonstrators are calling for a moratorium on AI development, and the sentiment is shared by many: according to a recent study, 71 percent of Americans believe AI will lead to job losses.&nb»»»
Response rate to Audit Bureau findings hits record 71% in 2025
AMMAN — The response rate to Audit Bureau findings and recommendations rose to a record 71 per cent in 2025, up from 59 per cent in 2024 and 35 per cent in 2021, Audit Bureau President Radhi Al Hamadeen said on Wednesday.Al Hamadeen said the rate had increased by 36 percentage points since 2021, re»»»
Presidential Candidate Iotova in Haskovo: "Trust Is Most Important Thing, if You Want to Be Involved in Politics"
Presidential candidate Iliana Iotova said at a campaign rally on Wednesday in Haskovo, ahead of the October 25 election, that trust is "the most important thing, if you want to be involved in politics. But trust is neither inherited, nor demanded, nor commanded." "You can earn trust only through th»»»
No military solution in Sudan: UN envoy
GENEVA: There is no military solution to the civil war tearing Sudan apart, the United Nations envoy on the conflict insisted on Wednesday following international talks on peace efforts. A total of 21 countries and five international organizations gathered at the UN headquarters in Geneva for the s»»»
France braces for another weekend of protests amid nationwide riots
France is bracing for yet another weekend of protests by high school students and the "Yellow Vest" movement. The government says they're increasing security and personnel to trying to mitigate any violence or chaos. Story by Ophelie Jacobson and France 2.»»»
'I didn’t know it was theft': Trials begin in Paris following October 17 violence
Those arrested during the October 17 rallies filed into the dock at Paris’s Judicial Court on Tuesday, accused of a broad range of offences – from assault against police officers to resisting arrest and handling stolen goods. The courtroom’s charged atmosphere was palpable amid the justice minister»»»
Pain au Chocolat: The sweet story behind a French breakfast icon
Did you know French people eat 1.4 billion pain au chocolats a year. The sweet treat is a national treasure, but a debate rages on over what to call it.»»»
France: Far right leader Marine Le Pen gains popularity amid nationwide riots
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu met with union leaders today in France. His government admitted law enforcement officers had lost control this past weekend during protests which resulted in scenes of violence and looting. The country is bracing for more protests – the Yellow Vest movement called o»»»
Bulgaria Mayor Faces Prison Over EU-Funded Construction
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Sofia has indicted the mayor of Petrich over alleged fraud involving EU funding for a project to turn a former military site into a cultural heritage museum, the institution announced from Luxembourg. The announcement did not identify the defendant »»»
Zelensky proposes freezing front with Russia as first step to peace talks
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday called for the front line in Russia's war against to Ukraine to be frozen along current lines as a first step toward peace talks. His comments came as US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. Ukraine Pre»»»
Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed attends Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026
Sheikh Khaled toured the summit exhibition, exploring key solutions and technologies Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has attended Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit 2026, organised by the Department of »»»
Georgia’s top court hears lawsuit to ban main opposition parties in latest crackdown on dissent
BATUMI: The Constitutional Court in the South Caucasus nation of Georgia began hearings Wednesday on a lawsuit by the ruling Georgian Dream party seeking to ban five major opposition parties, a move critics say would effectively eliminate political competition. The lawsuit is the latest step in the»»»
Journalists and Experts Discuss Reporting on Violence in Media
Sofia hosted the conference "How Do We Tell Stories of Violence" on Wednesday night. The event was organized by the Association of European Journalists - Bulgaria and WakeUp Foundation. Preslava Fentham-Fletcher of the WakeUp Foundation said: "In Bulgaria, we learn about violence solely through the»»»
People’s Power Continues as Political Movement, Presidential Candidate Georgi Dimov Says
People’s Power continues as a political movement, presidential candidate Georgi Dimov said at a meeting with supporters in Sofia on Wednesday. The People’s Power nomination committee named Dimov, alongside Dimitar Shivikov, as their candidates for president and vice president in the upcoming Octobe»»»
Qatar, UN counter-terrorism office discuss human rights safeguards
DOHA Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has discussed ways to strengthen human rights protections in counter-terrorism policies and law enforcement with a senior official from the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). NHRC Chairperson HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah hel»»»
Qatar delegation celebrates swimming and athletics medalists at Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games
Nagoya: Qatar's delegation participating in the fifth Asian Para Games, Aichi–Nagoya 2026, held a celebration to honour Team Qatar's athletes following their success in winning three medals, comprising two silver and one bronze, in swimming and athletics. The achievements mark another milestone for»»»
UK approves long-delayed Jackdaw gas field on energy security grounds
LONDON: Britain on Wednesday approved the Jackdaw North Sea gas field, ending years of legal and political wrangling as the Labour government seeks to balance its climate goals with energy security concerns. Energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said the project would begin supplying gas by the end of»»»
After Syria war, Druze in Golan Heights warm to Israel
MAJDAL SHAMS: For many Druze in the Golan Heights, participating in an Israeli election used to be done in secret, but when Israel holds national polls next week, Fadi Damaqsi will be casting his ballot proudly. “It’s crucial for all Israeli citizens to vote,” said Damaqsi, from the Golan Heights t»»»
Iran:Pezeshkian Says US Threats Undermine Negotiations
By Staff, Agencies Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said negotiations with the US cannot proceed meaningfully while Washington continues to threaten Iran and maintain sanctions and economic pressure against the Islamic Republic. “Threats and sanctions must be removed in practice to create th»»»
Bodybuilder, 33, dies after collapsing on stage during UK championship
Mateusz Chmura fell unconscious during a bodybuilding championship in Telford, England Dubai: A 33-year-old bodybuilder has died after collapsing on stage during a national bodybuilding championship in Telford, England, the British Physical Culture Association (PCA) has confirmed. Mateusz Chmura wa»»»
US ambassador blasts Washington’s regime change operations in Middle East
Washington has been involved in nearly two dozen regime change operations across the Middle East, each ending in disaster, US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack has said. Barrack criticized American efforts to manipulate the region and impose change through military force during an interview at the »»»
Egyptian military support for Saudi Arabia will not include attacks on Yemen, President El-Sisi says
CAIRO: Any military support Egypt provides to Saudi Arabia would be limited to defending the Kingdom and not involve attacks on Yemen, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said on Wednesday. Cairo would be prepared to help defend the territory of other Arab countries if asked to do so, he added, but reit»»»
North Korea says it will restart border propaganda broadcasts as tensions rise with the South
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister said Wednesday her government will resume anti-Seoul propaganda broadcasts across the heavily armed border with South Korea this month, reviving a psychological warfare campaign as tensions rise after land mine blasts injured three South Korean frontl»»»
Top Cuban diplomat accuses US of threatening countries that vote with Cuba at United Nations
HAVANA: Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez accused the United States on Wednesday of threatening member states of the United Nations with sanctions should they side with Cuba in next week’s annual UN vote on a resolution calling for an end to a US embargo on the island. “The US State Department»»»
Dual Education Is Among Government's Top Priorities, Deputy Education Minister Says at DOMINO 2 Programme Conference Opening
At the opening of the DOMINO 2 programme’s annual conference, Deputy Education and Science Minister Tanya Pancheva said that dual education is one of the government’s top priorities, supported through various initiatives, the main one being the DOMINO 2 programme for the development and enhancement»»»